A hub for the adventure-lovers and home to Mt. Everest, the world’s tallest peak, Nepal is a Himalayan country sandwiched between India and China. The mighty snow-capped mountains here such as Annapurna, Mount Everest, Manaslu, and Kanchenjunga are home to some of the best trekking trails in the world. Nepal is also a major religious hub with its many pilgrimage sites for the followers of Buddhism and Hinduism like the Pashupatinath Temple and the Boudhanath Stupa. Lumbini, a small Buddhist hub in Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The best time to visit Nepal is from October to December. However, it also depends a lot on the kind of activity or the places within the country that one hopes to explore. The autumn months of October and November is touted as the best time for trekkers who are rewarded with clear skies and breathtaking views.

The next best time to visit Nepal is in the spring season from March-April. The rhododendrons are in bloom, and the temperatures are warm, yet not scorching hot. For those wishing a vacation in Kathmandu and low-lying areas, the winter months are ideal.

Nepalese cuisine takes influence from its neighbours India, Tibet and China. Nepalese cuisine is supposed to be healthy and cooked in less fat. The common dishes involve soups, lean curries, vegetables, salads, lean meat, pickles, and curd. The ingredients include tomatoes, chillies, coriander, garlic and mustard oil.

People in this region eat dhido (millet or barley cooked dough), potato curry, momo (dumplings), yak or goat or sheep meat, milk, thukpa, laping or strong alcohol like tongba (millet juice) for their regular diet.

The markets in Kathmandu and Pokhara sell a variety of interesting, colourful products at very cheap rates, which makes shopping way more fun. Not to mention, Indian Rupee notes of 50 and 100 are easily accepted in Nepal. Almost all the markets are opened all days 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Here’s a list of things you should buy, so that you can pick your favourite souvenirs easily and take them with you as your tangible Nepal memories.

Pashmina shawls, Singing Bowls, Khukuri (The Gurkha knife), Rice Paper Products, Beads and jewellery, Handicrafts, Thangka Paintings

The official language of Nepal is Nepali, with almost 45% of the population speaking it. The second most spoken language in Nepal is Maithili, while Bhojpuri is the third most spoken language in Nepal. According to the 2011 census, there are over 123 languages of Nepal, most of these belonging to the Indo-Aryan and Sino-Tibetan language families. Most of the languages are written in the Devanagari script.

1. POKHARA

Pokhara, the ‘Tourist Capital of Nepal,’ is the second-largest city in this Himalayan country, after Kathmandu. At an altitude of more than 900m, it is one of the highest cities, making it the base for many world-famous treks. The highlight of the town is its Lakeside, which is a boating paradise flanked with charming shops, dreamy cafés, restaurants and pubs that make up this postcard-perfect town.

For adventure enthusiasts, Pokhara is a popular starting point for many treks in the Annapurna Range as well as many paragliding and river rafting opportunities. You can take solo or tandem rides, depending on your expertise. River rafting and white water rafting are offered on Seti Gandaki and her tributaries.

2. KATHMANDU

Anyone who takes a trip to Nepal is known to the capital city of Kathmandu, which occupies the only international airport in the country and essentially connects Nepal to the rest of the world. It is home to a wide range of Hindu and Buddhist religious sites, but is also the most commercially viable destination for tourists in the country. One can easily observe the intermingling of ancient traditions with modern engagements, which makes it the perfect holiday spot for people who want to plan a vacation without actually getting away from the comforts of a typical urban life.

3. LUMBINI

Lumbini, located in Rupandehi district of Nepal is claimed to be the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, better known as Buddha, and needs no introduction to the world today. Needless to say, the native land of Buddhism makes it one of the most religiously significant places with thousands of devotees flocking to the pilgrimage site every year.

While in Lumbini, the most notable place to visit first is the Mayadevi Temple, which according to historians, is the actual site of Lord Budhha’s birth, dating back more than 2000 years. Throughout Lumbini are scattered numerous monasteries and temples built by various Buddhist countries, forming the monastic zone, which does not allow the construction of any commercial building in the area. Regardless of religion, this region witnesses the influx of people from all walks of life, architecture lovers and spirituality seekers.

4. NAGARKOT

Located at a mere 28-kilometre drive away from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers one of the best views of the Himalayas in the entire region as it has an altitude of 7000 feet (2000 metres)! Perched at the edge of Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot gives you one of the widest panoramas of the Himalayan ranges – you can spot 8 out of the 13 Himalayan ranges from the comfort of your hotel. The mighty Annapurna, Manaslu, Langtang, Jugal, Everest, Numbur, Ganesh Himal and the Rolwaling ranges can be seen from Nagarkot on a clear day!

An erstwhile summer retreat of Nepali, Indian and British royalty, this village rose to fame after tourists thronged the area in recent years. The idyllic village sits serenely in the midst of nature – the only sounds you can hear are the birds chirping and the breeze whistling through the pines.

5. JANAKPUR

Janakpur is a revered religious site for Hindu pilgrims from all over the world, known historically to be the birth place of the Hindu goddess, Sita, and her nuptial spot with Lord Ram. You will get the opportunity to visit sacred locations mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana, and witness history come alive right before your very eyes.

Also known as the ‘City of Ponds’, this is the perfect spot to discover the Nepali Terai culture, and visit religiously and historically noteworthy sites like Janaki Mandir, the Ram Sita Vivah Mandap, the Ram Mandir and the Rajdevi Mandir.

6. BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur is one of three medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley, the other two being Kathmandu and Patan. It is often referred to as Bhadgaon and Khwopa and has a mix of Hindu and Buddhist population. This city is located around 12 kilometres from the capital city of Kathmandu and is divided into three squares, each of them filled with temples and other religious structures. Entry to this town, however, is not free and visitors need to pay a town entry fee of NPR 1500. This goes into the maintenance of the temples in Bhaktapur.

7. SAGARMATHA NATIONAL PARK

Being one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites, this wildlife reserve located in the Himalayan region of north-eastern Nepal is the actual dwelling place of Mount Everest. While its importance for housing numerous peaks, valleys and glaciers can’t be overlooked, consider yourself among the lucky few if you get to check out the rare snow leopards and pandas that reside here.

8. DHULIKHEL

When it comes to breathtaking views of the Himalayas, Dhulikhel can give quite a good competition to Nagarkot. A small scenic village lined by temples, it is best explored on foot; do pay a visit to the various temples like Kali Temple, Narayan Temple and the Shiva Temple, and the sacred stupa at Namobuddha. For your stay, you will find a wide range of mountain resorts and lodges to choose from; spread as they are throughout the town.

9. PATAN

Patan is the third-largest city in Nepal right after Kathmandu and Pokhara. It is presently known as Lalitpur. Both names are derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Lalitapattan’. The city is located just across the river Bagmati from Kathmandu. Patan has a Durbar Square that is full of statues, temples, and palaces. In addition, Durbar Square also has the ‘Patan museum’ which is a must-see attraction. It is a traditional centre for handicrafts and is also a place to purchase traditional jewellery, Buddha statues and masks.

10. CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

Chitwan is one of the main tourist attractions of Nepal, and the first of many national parks in the country. While it boasts an abundant plethora of flora and fauna, it has also been granted the status of a World Heritage Site. It is mostly known for being the home of one of the last populations of one-horned rhinos and the Bengal tigers.

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