According to internetsailors, Nepal is a landlocked country in South Asia. The capital of the country is Kathmandu. On May 28, 2008, the republic was proclaimed in the former Kingdom of Nepal. The country borders India to the south and China to the north. Nepal has around 30 million inhabitants. The landscape of Nepal is characterized by the highest mountains in the world, the Himalayas. On the national territory of Nepal, Mount Everest is not only the highest mountain in the world, but also 8 of the 14 highest mountains and over 40% of the country are over 3000 meters. This area is hardly populated but a dream destination for mountaineers and trekking fans. The Terai, on the other hand, is the Nepalese Ganges lowland area, where most of the people live next to the Kathmandu valley. Nepal is ethnically, culturally and linguistically shaped by many minorities. There are over 100 different ethnic groups and 124 languages and dialects. Hinduism and Buddhism shape the country with its countless temples, shrines and other sanctuaries, and everyday life is also determined by the two religions. Nepal is not only a paradise for hiking but also for rafting and other outdoor activities, cultural travelers will also get their money’s worth and the fascinating landscapes leave no one untouched. The incredible craftsmanship with its numerous products is also characteristic of the South Asian country. Of course you can also experience the special faith and spirituality of the people on a trip to Nepal. The best months for a trip to Nepal are October-November and February-April. In addition to the passport, you need a tourist visa,
Kathmandu Valley
With around 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is the most populous city and at the same time the capital of Nepal. An absolute must when visiting the city is the historic and well-known Durbar Square (in Nepali: Basantapur Darbar Kshetra). Here, in the heart of the city, the king was crowned and from here he also ruled. The magnificent royal palace still stands here. There are also 50 other pagodas, temples and monuments here. Most are handmade from wood, including the particularly pretty house of the Kumari, the incarnation of a Hindu goddess. Another temple that is also worth seeing is the Taleju Temple, which, however, cannot be visited from the inside. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was badly damaged and destroyed in the severe earthquake, but it has almost been rebuilt and little can be seen of the earthquake.
In a suburb of Kathmandu, in Bodnath, there is an impressive white stupa, one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan mountains.
Swayambhunath Temple is the landmark of Kathmandu and one of the oldest temples in the world. The biggest highlight is the white stupa on the hill to which several long stairs with over 300 steps lead. Because of the many monkeys in the temple complex, the place is also known as the monkey temple.
The Thamel district is the tourist center of the city with many cafes, restaurants and great places. From there you can take a taxi to Budhanilkantha. There you will find an approximately 2.5 m long, stone-carved statue of the “Sleeping Vishnu”.
The sister city of Lalitpur means something like “the city of beauty” and is also known under the name of Patan. The absolute highlight here is also the Patan Durbar Square and the Hiranya Varna Mahaa Vihar, the temple of a thousand Buddhas. The Kumbeshwar Temple, a five-story pagoda, is also impressive. The city is very Buddhist, which makes it unique in Nepal.
In the Kathmandu Valley, one should also visit the handicraft town of Bhaktapur. Just like the numerous temples and holy places that run through the valley. The small village of Nargarkot is the best viewpoint of the Himalayas. It is located on a mountain in the northeast of the Kathmandu Valley and can be reached by public transport as well as on guided day tours.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park was established in 1973 as the first national park in Nepal. The park is located in the Terai, the southern foothills of the Himalayas. The Parsa game reserve joins in to the east. The Rapti and Narayani Rivers also form a natural boundary. The king of the jungle, the Bengal tiger, is also at home here in the heart of the rainforest. You can also spot wild elephants and Indian rhinos. In the adjacent village of Sauraha there are accommodations and cafes with great views of the river and the national park. From there, jungle safaris can be organized – either by jeep, on foot or on elephants. The park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the country and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Phewa lake
Lake Phewa is located in the south of the Pokhara Valley. It is the second largest lake in Nepal and offers numerous opportunities to practice water sports. The lake lies at 742 m and is framed by a fascinating mountain landscape, which is reflected in the lake. The Nepalese metropolis of Pokhara is located on the lake. The colorful fishing boats are a popular photo opportunity. The city is not only a perfect starting point for trekking tours and boat trips, but also has some sights to offer.
Mobility
The larger cities are connected to the national flight network. On these flights you have a wonderful view over the mountain ranges. Private helicopters can also be rented. The condition of the roads varies and there is left-hand traffic. For those interested in rental car trips, it is possible to rent cars with and without a driver. In addition, on individual trips you can also take the long-distance buses to most destinations, but night drives should be avoided for safety reasons, speeds are three-wheeled vehicles with a taximeter and a little cheaper than normal taxis. Those who prefer to join an organized small group tour have various options to get to know Nepal as a travel destination. There are numerous round trip offers with different levels of difficulty that visit different regions of the country.
