Nepal is a landlocked country between India and China and is now becoming the favorite international vacation spot for couples and family travelers because it is super affordable to travel. One can tour the tourist's attractions in Nepal and unlock the best experiences in the local Indian budget. Nepal is diverse and will awe with its glorious Himalayas and heaps of ancient shrines.
After the earthquake hit Nepal, half of Nepal got affected, but it’s amazing to see that this small nation somehow managed to stand up again after the massive destruction of the earthquake. From the avid backpackers to the luxury and romance seeking couples, all types of tourists find Nepal nostalgic. If you’re planning your honeymoon and in doubt where to visit, Nepal could be your best call.
What’s so special about Nepal that no tourist couldn’t resist themselves for not touring it? In comparison to the other destinations, exploring Nepal is difficult because the roads are not oh-so-developed, which is the reason accidents happen on the road. But with the right knowledge, you can avoid the mishap and feel the romance in the air of Nepal.
You can board the express buses for touring the Nepal attractions which are far from each other with more than 50 km to 100 km. The local buses in Nepal are not comfortable to travel if you’re visiting Nepal on your honeymoon. Although renting a bike and car is still an option for those tourists who want to explore Nepal at their own pace.
You can explore the capital of Nepal, Kathmandu and the beautiful destination, Pokhara by picking taxi rides.
Here’s what you can do in Nepal on family or honeymoon holidays. Here I will mention some of the best places to visit in Nepal.
1. Panauti
Reward your inner spiritual devotee with a peaceful and calm visit to Namo Buddha. Located about 40 km southeast from Kathmandu valley, Namo Buddha is beautiful hilltop location which hosts the spectacular panorama of Himalayas. If you are planning to visit Namo Buddha, you can take a public vehicle from Ratnapark to Banepa. From Banepa, you may hike up to Namo Buddha via Panauti, or opt to take a local bus that takes you to Namo Buddha.
2. Jiri
If you want to see the wide range of Mountain in Everest range in a very short time, Dolakha is a best and nearest place from Kathmandu. There are many places to visit in Dolakha for a short time.
The kalinchwok Bhagawati Temple (altitude 3,842 m), Dolakha Bhimsen Temple, Charikot, Shailung Hills, beautiful Jiri, Gaurishankar conservation Area for wild life, Upper Tamakoshi Hydro-power Plant and the most beautiful beauty of Dolakha and the best place to visit is Tsho Rolpa.
And it is the best trek which takes around 8 to 15 days depend upon your speed. If you are very experienced climber or trekker you can even enter to Solukhumbu from Dolakha by passing (Drolumbau Glacier - Tashi Laptsa pass (5755 m) Tashi Laptsa pass to Thame and continue your trek to Everest base camp via Renzola, Gokyo and Chola pass. Rowling valley is very beautiful you can explore the different culture too.
If you want to make a pilgrimage and also enjoy nature at the same time, visit the roofless temple of Bhimsen (one of the Pancha Pandavas from the Mahabharat) in Charikot. Located 133 km east of Kathmandu in Dolakha district, the Dolakha Bhimsen Temple houses a triangle shaped stone statue of Bhimsen that is believed to represent three incarnations (Bhimsen, Bhagawati, and Shiva).
It is believed that sweat beads appear on the statue as a warning sign of any imminent disaster in the country. If you are planning to visit this unique temple, you can take a bus from Old Bus Park or Koteshwar in Kathmandu. You can observe typical Newari culture during your journey and enjoy splendid views of Mt. Gaurishankar and other mountains from the temple premises.
3. Langtang
Searching for your next adventure destination? Located about 120 km north of Kathmandu, Rasuwa district is one of the popular tourist destinations in Nepal. It is well-known for its untouched Tamang/Tibetan culture and magnificent vistas of the Himalayas. Langtang National Park, Gosaikunda Lake, and Rasuwagadhi are some of the major attractions in the district.
4. Langtang National Park
The Gaurishankar Conservation Area may just be what you've been looking for. The conservation area offers some of the most breathtaking views of mountains such as Mt. Gaurishankar. However, it is also popular for outdoor activities like trekking, hiking, rafting, and mountain climbing.
Explore the rich natural beauty of the conservation area, where you may get a chance to see several species of animals and birds in their natural habitat, including endangered mammals like the red panda, snow leopard, and Himalayan black bear.
5. Khumjung
Not every trip to the Everest region has to end up on Mount Everest. The short hikes around the village of Namche is an experience in itself. The traditional Khunde and Khumjung villages are among the most popular and rewarding hiking destinations in the region with stony fields and rocky walls surrounded by traditional vistas which just adds more aesthetics to the already beautiful panoramic view of the mountains.
So, if you're looking for a short but unforgettable experience then head on over to Namche for a short hike up to these hidden gems.
6. Namche
Namche Bazaar, also known as the Sherpa capital, has facilities such as ATMs, bakeries and even the world’s highest bar.
7. Nagarkot
Although there’s no dearth of beautiful places in Nepal, Nagarkot is the place to witness the bewitching hill beauty to its fullest. It's a picturesque village where you can watch the best panoramic views of the country! Imagine watching snow-covered peaks all around you and your sweetheart sitting by your side. Nagarkot is the must visit place in Nepal for those who are landscape beauty lovers.
You can get an awe inspiring view of the snow capped mountains and beautiful landscape from the top of Nagarkot. 8 Himalayan ranges out of 13 Himalayan ranges of Nepal can be viewed through this place along with the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley. Besides these, this place also commands the view of Shivapuri National Park.
Budget places to stay in Nagarkot are Club Himalaya and Hotel Country Villa among others.
8. Jomsom
Mustang is a high-altitude desert of rich red and ocher land with deep gorges set against an infinite blue sky. A popular destination for tourists, Mustang is more than 400 km from Kathmandu. Mustang is home to the true mountain people, who for hundreds of years had very little contact with the rest of Nepal.
For centuries, travelling ascetics of the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism have wandered the valleys of Mustang, using its caves to perform advanced tantric yoga. Muktinath, a sacred Vishnu temple, significant to both Hindus and Buddhists, is located at the foot of the Thorang La mountain pass in Upper Mustang. Thousands of devotees hike to the Muktinath Temple every year to explore the solitary trails of its majestic valleys.
On the northern end of Mustang, beyond the vast mountain landscape lies the walled city of Lo Manthang. The capital of the ancient kingdom of Lo holds many secrets within its old walls. Experience a way of life surrounded by peace and color, and the mysteries of the forbidden kingdom that have stayed hidden for thousands of years.
You can reach Jomsom, the district headquarters, via scheduled flights from Kathmandu and daily flights from Pokhara. Alternatively, you can also drive to Mustang from Pokhara.
9. Janakpur
Bring out the joy in you as you explore Janakpur, the city where color comes alive. Experience the rich culture and sacred religions that have been preserved from generation to generation in an epic tale of history. Discover the culture and locations in Janakpur that make the city one of the most mystical and magical places in Nepal.
Koshi Tappu lies on the floodplain of the Sapta Koshi River, approximately 350 km away from Kathmandu. Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve was established to conserve the last remaining population of wild water buffalo, locally known as Arna. Koshi Tappu has an abundance of flora and fauna with more than 500 species of birds and endangered animals such as the gharial crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin.
Sitting on a junction of Sapta Koshi River and Kokaha River, Barahakshetra is one of the important Hindu pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The temple is situated 20 Km away from Dharan and is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. In Makar Sankranti (first day of Magha as per the Hindu lunar calendar), the temple welcomes a great number of devotees who wish to emancipate themselves from their sins at this very sacred site.
Dharan is one of the most beautiful cities in Nepal. It is famous for its temples and landmarks. It is also known for its cleanliness and scenic beauty. Dantakali, Budhasubba, Pindeshwori and Bishnu Paduka are some of the most popular shrines in Dharan that you don't want to miss.
The city is accessible by bus or micro-van from Kakarbhitta or Biratnagar. You can also travel to Dharan from Kathmandu overnight. Dandabazaar, Dhwaje Danda and Bhedetar are some destinations that let you take in some of the most breathtaking views of Dharan and the Himalayan range during sunrise. Food lovers will especially enjoy the sekuwa (barbeque) and the famous alu nimki in Dharan.
Located about 430 km east of Kathmandu, the picturesque hill station of Dhankuta in eastern Nepal is a perfect retreat from the fast-paced and stressful urban daily life. You can visit the Jalpadevi Temple (Chhintang Devi Temple), Nishan Bhagawati Temple and Shiva Panchayan Temple (Bishranti Temple) during your time in Dhankuta.
And if you are looking to spend some time in nature, we would also recommend stopovers at Bhedetar, Rajarani, Dhaje Hill, Hile, and Pakhribas.
Halesi Mahadev, also known as the Pashupatinath of eastern Nepal, is in the go-to list of probably all the followers of Lord Shiva. Believed to be more than 6,000 years old, this sacred temple is full of scenic beauty around its premises. The temple also inherits cultural and religious importance which makes it equally popular among Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirats all over the world.
There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar, from where you can take a vehicle and reach Koshi Tappu in a few hours. Alternatively, you can also take an 8-10 hour bus ride from Kathmandu.
10. Pisang
The six hundred-year-old Braga Gompa or Bhraka Gompa is hidden away in the mountains of Nepal in the village of Braga, also known as Braka, Baraka, or Bhraka, which lies just 3 km from Manang. The ancient monastery resting against a unique rocky backdrop is part of the Kagyu lineage.
Though locals worship at the monastery every day, the congregation is especially overwhelming during the Dashain puja in October and Nyung Ne Fasting in April. The gompa is filled with interesting attractions such as clay statues of different Buddhas and Lamas, as well as complete sets of Kangyur and Tengyur written on Tibetan and Nepali paper in gold.
11. Dhampus
The Baglung Kalika Temple or the Kalika Bhagawati Temple is located in the dense forests of the Baglung district above the northern side of Kali Gandaki. The mystical temple is dedicated to Kali, a powerful form of the Hindu goddess Durga, often associated with the power, Shakti.
The Baglung Kali temple which was renovated during the late 90s period was originally built by Pratap Narayan. Every year, thousands of devotees from normal Hindu devotees to Tantrics visit the temple in search of Siddhi, or knowledge, or to ward off evil spirits and magic. It is also believed that getting married at the temple will bring every kind of happiness and blessing in a marriage.
If you're ever in Baglung then do check out the temple of Baglung Kalika.
12. Besisahar
Lamjung, a part of the 77 districts of Nepal, lies in the mid-hills of Nepal. The district spans from the hilly tropical terrain to the trans-Himalayan geo-ecological belt of Nepal giving rise to spectacular views and an abundance of flora and fauna in the region. Meet the mixed ethnicities, especially the dominant Gurung population, and experience their unique rural culture and lifestyle in one of the most mystical parts of the country.
13. Shey Phoksundo Lake
Most travellers who pass through the Humla district are most likely headed to Mount Kailash in Tibet. However, it is also rich in culture and geography that a lot of people miss out on. The dry landscape is home to towering red rockscapes, Karnali river, the longest river in Nepal, and medieval stone villages populated by Hindus and Buddhists, some of whom practice polyandry, a rare practice even today.
Discover a fascinating world woven from the ancient Khasa kingdoms of the north which has a blend of Thakuri and Rajput cultures in one of the hidden tourist gold mines of Nepal.
If you’re off the beaten track and hiking, lodges are more popular, but definitely require a mosquito net. In more touristy spots, go for a guesthouse. Hot water, air con and wifi are all budget dependent, except in Kathmandu where every guesthouse tends to include them. Another bonus is the fact that you can choose to book ahead or not, so whether you prefer the piece of mind or the flexibility, you have both options.
A final reason for the big thumbs up for Nepalese accommodation is that you can also homestay in a traditional village like Tansen or Chisapani.
All you have to do is to call an expert Nepal trip planner and inquire about the low-cost Nepal tour packages and put on your travel shoes and head out with a sense of adventure, romance with your sweetheart in Nepal.