Nepal is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. And this goes without saying. Every year hundreds of thousands of travellers from around the world travel to Nepal to enjoy what the country has to offer. That said, the Majority of travellers visiting Nepal trek to the mountains and do climbing expeditions to some of the highest mountains in the world.
Apart from trek and peak climbing, there are lots of adventures you can do in Nepal. While are there many reason, we have narrowed down to top 7 reasons why you should visit Nepal in 2023.
1. UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Did you know Nepal is home to 10 UNESCO world heritage sites? Kathmandu valley houses 7 world-famous UNESCO sites making it a must-visit place while in Nepal. Chitwan National Park, Sagarmatha National Park and Lumbini are the other 3 sites outsides of Kathmandu valley. All these sites are prominent landmarks in Nepal drawing hundreds of travelers.
2. The festivals
Have you ever heard about Mani Ramdu Festival? If not, let me explain a bit about this festival. It is a 19-day festival celebrated in the Everest region of Nepal to mark the founding of Buddhism by Guru Rinpoche Padmasambhava. Similarly, have you ever heard about Shiva Ratri?
You definitely have heard, read or watched a vlog about this festival. The bottom line is there are many vibrant festivals in Nepal that are huge attractions for travellers. No doubt, many travellers schedule their visit to Nepal around the month of festivals and celebrations in Nepal to enjoy the authentic Nepali celebration and gain insight into Nepali culture and traditions.
3. The mountains
The mountains are the primary drawcard of Nepal luring thousands of trekkers, elite climbers and adventurers alike. You should know that there are 8 of 14 8-thousander peaks in the Himalayas of Nepal. The mighty Mount Everest and its base camp alone welcome more than 30,000 trekkers and climbers every year. From young kids to aged travellers, everyone loves to admire the sight of mountains, especially Everest.
Also, there are trekking peaks in Nepal for novice climbers to get a taste of mountaineering. They are usually peaks less than 7000m and serve as an introduction to peak climbing adventure.
4. The Hindu Culture
More than 80% of people in Nepal are Hindus. This means Nepal is predominantly a Hindu country. This has something for travellers: they can learn about Hindu culture and festivals. Hindu Nepalis worship the ancient Vedic gods. You may find Buddhism as well and it’s good to know that Hinduism and Buddhism co-exist in harmony in a small country like Nepal.
People here are devout Hindus and care for their guests. In fact, they take guests as god’s presence and hospitality is taken as an act of worship. Therefore, it won’t be wrong to consider the Hindu culture as one of the reasons to visit Nepal in 2023.
5. The food
One thing that many travellers love about Nepal is the local Nepali food. You can’t deny this fact if you have visited Nepal. Nepali Dal Bhat is the staple food of Nepal, also loved by many trekkers in the mountain. The adage ” Dal Bhat Power 24 Hours” is famous in the trekking region of Nepal.
The Newari food available in Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur deserve one try. Plus, the famous momo is one of the popular dishes in Nepal. Beyond this, there are more than 100 recipes and culinary delights ready for you.
6. The National Parks
This is something unique to add to the list of reasons to visit Nepal in 2023. From the jungles of the Terai (Chitwan National Park) to the High Himalayas (Sagarmatha National Park), Nepal has many protected areas as National Parks. Travellers are required to obtain the national parks in Nepal.
In Kathmandu, travellers can embark on a short hike through Shivapuri national park. Similarly, in mountain regions, like Everest region, there is Sagarmatha National Park, accessible only by days of trekking. These national parks house much distinct flora and fauna, including some endangered animals. Some national parks in Nepal have been deemed heaven for birdwatching as well.
7. The sunrise and sunset
This should not confuse you. You must be wondering Why should someone visit Nepal to see sunrise or sunset? Well, there is something special about sunrise and sunset in Nepal. This adds to the beauty of some of the highest mountains in the world. Imagine watching the sunrise or sunset over the towering peaks including Everest.
That’s why, many travellers visit Nepal, hike or drive to hill stations like Nagarkot only to witness magical sunrise or sunset. Similarly, other viewpoints are Sarankot, Kala Patthar, Jarsing Pauwa, Namo Buddha and many more.
