Beyond Trekking a Beautiful Landscape: 8 Fascinating Things to Do in Nepal
Found nestled amongst the majestic Himalaya Mountains and the mystical Indian jungles, Nepal is a place where hidden monasteries, mountain peaks, yetis, and yaks are all commonplace. Since the country first opened the borders to foreigners, it has become a beacon for trekkers and hikers of all times.
Some venture to the well-known Everest Base Camp while others want to climb to the peak of Mount Everest. In the past few years, Nepal has also become an extremely popular travel destination.
If you are planning a trip to this land, you may be looking for a few things to do in Nepal beyond trekking and hiking. If that is the case, you are in the right place. Keep reading to learn about some fun and unique things to do while in Nepal.
1. Take a Panoramic Flight Across the Himalaya Mountains
If trekking through the great Himalayas isn’t in your wheelhouse, but you still want to experience the beauty of the mountains, then taking a flight across the mountain range is a good alternative.
A flight tour is an amazing way to see eye-level views of the breathtaking mountain peaks and to see the beauty of the Himalayans up close and personal. Some of the most popular peaks seen during these tours include mt. Pumori, Mt. Gauri-Shanker, Mt. Dorje Lhakpa, Mt. Gosaithan, and, of course, Mount Everest.
2. Visit the Temples of Kathmandu
Crowded and chaotic at times Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Some visitors treat this designation as a jumping-off point for their trek.
While this is true, there is much more to it. It’s a good idea to spend some time exploring this city. Even if you do nothing else, take time to visit some of the incredible temples.
Some of the most popular include:
Boudhanath
This is the most famous Buddhist temple in Kathmandu. It’s also one of the most impressive sights in the entire city.
The white and gold stupa is huge. The complex is always busy with fluttering prayer flags and devotees.
Swayambhunath
Also known as the Monkey Temple, this is a Buddhist temple that offers amazing (yet somewhat hazy) views of this city. This goes without saying, but there are also countless monkeys.
Pashupatinath
Dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, this is a sacred Hindu temple. Here you can witness cremations that are done on the banks of the Bagmati River. You also have the opportunity to explore the stone buildings at this Hindu site.
3. Pay a Visit to Chitwan National Park
This is the very first National Park designated in Nepal. It’s also thought to be a must-see destination in this country.
Over 500 species of migratory birds live in the park, along with the one-horned rhinos, Asian elephants, and Bengal tigers. The park is approximately 332 square miles and your best chance of getting to see the amazing animals in Nepal.
Some of the most common bird sightings in this park include Brahminy ducks, egrets, paradise flycatchers, and kingfishers.
4. Visit Pokhara for Paragliding
Are you looking for an adrenaline rush while in Nepal? If so, take to the skies in Pokhara. This location is considered one of the best places in the entire world for tandem paragliding.
Thanks to the decent weather all year, the relatively stable thermals and the safety net of the huge blue lake below, this is the perfect place for a paragliding adventure.
5. Take a Rafting Trip Down Bhote Koshi River
This river offers one of the most exciting rafting and kayaking adventures in the entire continent of Asia. It is very famous for providing visitors with some of the best short river tips in the entire world, and you can even enjoy a two-day rafting journey to see all the sights along the river.
6. Go Bungee Jumping
Along the line of adventures and extreme sports, why not consider bungee jumping. Nepal is home to the ninth highest bungee jump in the entire world.
The jump is 160-mph high, and you fall into a tropical gorge over a raging river. This definitely takes nerve.
7. Visit the Birthplace of Buddha
India may be famous due to the connections it has to Buddha, who lived there most of his life; however, Nepal is where he was born. Buddha’s birthplace in Lumbini, which lies in the southwestern lowlands.
During your visit, you can explore sprawling gardens, monasteries, and temples. At the heart of all this is a small white building, which holds the archaeological remains of the birthplace of Buddha.
The woodlands that are located behind the building are full of prayer flags and chains. The gardens are also beautiful.
8. Explore Patan
Located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, this city was once a completely independent city-state, and it still feels as though it is separate from the capital. Make sure to spend some time at Durbar Square, which is the best collection of palaces and temples in Nepal.
There are also several shopping opportunities, and you can visit the fair-trade craft stores to purchase some handmade goods from some of the neediest communities in Nepal.
Things to Do in Nepal: What’s Your Favorite?
If you are looking for things to do in Nepal, the list here should help you out. It doesn’t matter if you want an adventure-filled trip or one that’s more relaxing; this list has something for everyone.
If you are looking for more affordable destinations to visit, we have you covered. Check out our guide on visiting Chitwan.
