Despite being a small landlocked nation, Nepal is endowed with many stunning locations. It boasts plenty of other magnificent locations, such as valleys, woods, lakes, caverns, temples, monasteries, and palaces that give jaw-dropping sights, in addition to being home to eight of the world’s fourteen eight-thousander mountain peaks. These stunning locations in Nepal each stand out in their own special way. Here is a list of the top 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal that you simply must see.

Everest Base Camp

We are all aware that Nepal is home to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Despite the fact that the majority of us are unable to reach the summit, many people (more than 30,000 annually) travel to the Everest South Base Camp in Nepal’s Khumbu region. Although the path is treacherous, it gives breathtaking views of the beautiful Mount Everest and all the nearby mountains until the Base Camp, at a height of 5,364 meters, is reached. Despite being one of the most challenging, it is without a doubt one of the most popular treks among hikers worldwide. Near the base camp is another well-known viewpoint with comparable views, Kala Patthar. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal.

Chitwan National Park

A visit to Chitwan National Park, located in the southern Terai plains, is advised for everyone, not just animal lovers. This lovely location in Nepal is home to hundreds of different types of animals and birds, as well as lush green woods, lakes, and other natural features. The Royal Bengal Tiger, one-horned rhinoceros, and gharial crocodiles are just a few of the critically endangered species that may be found there. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal. It is even a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With activities like elephant rides, bird watching, canoeing, and vehicle safaris that take you deep into the jungle, you can expect to get closer to nature.

Phewa Lake, Nepal’s second-largest freshwater lake, is quite popular with visitors. The Tal Barahi Temple is located within the lake, and it is enormous and spectacular, surrounded by the Annapurna, Machhapuchhre, and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges, as well as woods on one side. One of the must-do activities in Nepal is boating on Phewa Lake, particularly at sunset, to see the evening sky’s color play, the mountains’ reflections in the water, and the lights of the many cafes and entertainment venues that line the lake. These scenes make for beautiful photos. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal.

Sarangkot

Without seeing the dawn at Sarangkot, a village at 1600 meters above sea level, a trip to Nepal is not complete. It boasts a viewpoint that provides picture-perfect views of the surrounding mountains, including the Annapurna, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri, and Lamjung, as well as the city of Pokhara and Phewa Lake. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal. Paragliding options are also available here, which is great news for thrill seekers!

Sagarmatha National Park

In Nepal’s northeastern region is where Sagarmatha National Park is located. The park’s main characteristic is its size, with elevations ranging from almost 3000m to as high as 8000m. As a result, this lovely park offers a variety of plant life, including lush forests in the lower parts, mosses and lichens in the higher elevations, and no vegetation at all at the highest points. The tallest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest, can be found in this stunning region of Nepal. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal.

Both Hindus and Buddhists visit the Gokyo Lakes, which are located inside the park at an elevation of around 5000 meters and are thought to be the residence of the Hindu god “Nag Devata.” The park is home to several animal and bird species. A must-see because of its beautiful topography.

Boudhanath

Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world, has a unique air and allure. Both Hindus and Buddhists revere the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the colourful interiors filled with Thangka paintings and housing substantial golden statues of the Lord Buddha and other Bodhisattvas, the exterior of the building, which features a sturdy white dome, a golden spire, and countless prayer flags, paints a lovely picture. Both its aesthetic value and its spiritual importance make it worth visiting.

Barun Valley

If you are in the Barun Valley, you will witness wide green meadows covered with a variety of colorful flowers on the one hand and towering mountain peaks with many waterfalls on the other. You’ll be spellbound and think you’re in heaven because the location is so breathtaking! Barun Valley has a National Park with a wide variety of fauna and also has significance in Tibetan Buddhist doctrine. The amazing alley’s surroundings are uninhabited, and the few trekkers traveling to Makalu Base Camp are the only ones to visit them.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

A trip to one of Nepal’s Durbar Squares is essential while you are there. These are the open spaces that once housed Nepal’s three different kingdoms’ ancient royal palaces, along with nearby temples, gardens, and other monuments. Although the majority of these historical locations have unfortunately sustained significant damage from earthquakes, thanks to rehabilitation efforts, they are still worthwhile visiting.

This stunning location If you enjoy history, Nepal is a wonderful place to visit. The entire area is divided into four main squares where you can find temples for various Hindu deities like Bhairava, Pashupatinath, Krishna, and Shiv-Parvati, gates like the Lion Gate and Golden Gate, the 55 Window Palace, a statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, and many other stunning buildings showcasing the intricate craftsmanship of the time. The saying goes, “Old is gold.” Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal.

Panch Pokhari

The name Panch Pokhari refers to a collection of five lakes that are adjacent to one another and situated at a height of 4100 meters. Both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims who swarm the lakes during Janai Purnima regard it as a hallowed location (Raksha Bandhan). The location is lovely and provides a tranquil refuge from the neighboring busy streets of Kathmandu city.

Annapurna Base Camp

At a height of 4130 meters, the Annapurna Base Camp allows you to get near enough views of the Annapurna Massif, Manaslu, Gangapurna, Machhapuchhre, and many more high peaks without having to climb to their summits. It is not an easy trek to the Annapurna Base Camp. Even so, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of everything along the way, including villages, paddy fields, lovely rhododendron trees, deep subtropical to alpine forests, rivers and waterfalls, and enormous snow-covered mountains. The path traverses the Annapurna Sanctuary, home to countless animal species. A once in a lifetime opportunity!

Lumbini

Queen Maya gave birth to Lord Buddha in Lumbini, making it a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site. A temple dedicated to Mayadevi, a sacred pond, a Bodhi tree, a museum with manuscripts from Buddha’s time, a pillar to mark Emperor Ashoka’s visit to the location, and other monasteries and temples are among the holy town’s top attractions. Every year, more than 100,000 tourists from all around the world come to Lumbini. Your mind will be refreshed by the magnificent location amid Nepal’s spiritual aura. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal.

Langtang National Park and Gosaikunda Lake

The region that appears to be most convenient for viewing the distinctive Himalayan biodiversity up close is Langtang National Park, which is located near Kathmandu. Within the park, elevations vary greatly, allowing you to see a wide variety of vegetation and fauna. Consider rhododendrons and other lovely blooms, luscious forests of oak, sal, and hemlock trees, grassy meadows, and animals like red pandas, leopards, and wild boars.

Hindus attach a great deal of religious value to the Gosaikunda Lake inside the park, so much so that dangerous monsoon routes do not discourage pilgrims from bathing in the lake in August during Janai Purnima. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal. Numerous myths and tales surround the lake, such as the one that claims Lord Shiva smote the mountain with his Trishul to get some water after ingesting the poison and changing into Neelkanth. You might be able to stroll on the lake since it stays mostly frozen for most of the year!

Upper Mustang

The culture of Upper Mustang, which is located north of the Himalayan mountain ranges, is very distinct from that of the rest of Nepal. This is due to the fact that up until the 18th century, the region was a separate kingdom from the rest of the nation. Even an ancient trade route linking Tibet and India passed through this location.

Upper Mustang is a beautiful region with snow-capped mountains, hills painted in hues of yellow, orange, and brown, a number of caves, the Gandaki River, and the revered Muktinath Temple. If you’re fortunate enough to have the chance to visit Upper Mustang (because the number of tourists is limited), you’ll get to experience it. If you don’t like the thought of trekking, you can get there by flight or jeep. However, only mountain bikes or on foot are permitted for kingdom exploring.

Pashupatinath Temple

A large number of visitors and residents who frequent Pashupatinath each day is proof that it is among the best and holiest temples in the nation. The temple, which houses Lord Pashupatinath, the national deity of Nepal and a manifestation of Lord Shiva, is a beautiful example of pagoda-style construction. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal. It is a collection of up to 518 temples, monuments, and ashrams rather than a single temple. However, only Hindus have access to the main temple.

Siddha Gufa

Siddha Gufa calls for you to travel underground, in contrast to the majority of the locations featured here that require you to walk and ascend to high altitudes! The largest cave in Nepal may be accessed from either Bandipur or Bimalnagar, with the former being the more well-liked by tourists. As soon as you enter the cave, you will notice its incredible topography, which is made up of stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone formations. You will need torches to see inside because it is gloomy with little to no sunlight penetration. You’ll feel like a true explorer after having this completely unique experience in this stunning location in Nepal!

Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake, another high-altitude lake in Nepal, is primarily visited by hikers heading to Muktinath or the Annapurna Base Camp. A sight to behold, the blue lake is surrounded by glaciers and mountains in shades of brown and white, including Muktinath Peak, Nilgiri, Khangsar, and Tilicho, and is located 4919 meters above sea level. Even though a high-altitude scuba dive was conducted at Tilicho Lake, no living things were found there. It is. At such a height is one of the biggest lakes the world has ever seen.

Kopan Monastery

There are several monasteries in Nepal, but Kopan monastery is regarded as one of the most stunning. The location, which is perched on a hilltop in front of a huge Bodhi tree, provides beautiful views of Kathmandu and the surrounding mountains. It is also a fantastic location for learning about Buddhism’s tenets and living in a monastery while engaging in meditation. Anyone can enroll in the courses, regardless of ethnicity, caste, or religion.

Rara Lake and National Park

The Rara Lake, which is the largest and deepest freshwater lake in the nation, is bordered by Rara National Park, which is the smallest in all of Nepal. It may be modest in comparison to other national parks, but it is home to over 1500 different plant and animal species, including native Himalayan species like snow leopards, red pandas, Himalayan Tahrs, and Himalayan black bears. Therefore, it is on the list of 20 Beautiful Places in Nepal. Since there aren’t many visitors, the area can continue to be in perfect condition.

Poon Hill

This one is for all of you inexperienced hikers because Poon Hill is also well-liked by people who are pressed for time because the trek only requires five to six days. The hill’s summit, at its highest elevation of 3210 meters, provides breathtaking views of some of the tallest Himalayan peaks, including Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Machhapuchhre. Along the way, you can anticipate seeing rhododendron trees, chirping birds, waterfalls, and traditional Nepali villages in addition to the mountains. The main advantages are the abundance of lodgings along the route and the absence of issues like altitude sickness caused by the low height.

Shey Phoksundo Lake

You’ll enter another planet if you visit Shey Phoksundo Lake, which is the second-deepest lake in Nepal. A Buddhist community called Ringmo is located on the alpine lake’s southern shore. The alpine lake is surrounded by white and green mountains, some of which are covered with snow and others in woods. The trail going to the location is just as magnificent as the site itself.

Consider the Shey Phoksundo National Park’s surroundings, which include rivers and rugged cliffs, steep waterfalls, juniper and pine forests, as well as wildlife like musk deer, blue sheep, Himalayan tahr, etc. Even better, you can get a room in the town from which to watch the magnificent dawn over the mountains every morning! Don’t forget to visit and explore the numerous monasteries and stupas nearby as well.

Conclusion

So, these are our picks for the top 20 beautiful places in Nepal, which include a mix of well-known and lesser-known national parks, lakes, temples, palaces, and other architectural gems. The nation has a lot more to offer, and this is not an exhaustive list. Make your selections based on your tastes and organize your trip; you’ll come home with treasured memories!