Located between two major cultural hubs, China and India, Nepal, though small, stands tall as a fascinating destination boasting magnificent natural landscapes, towering mountains, and noteworthy cultural treasures. Let's explore 12 captivating reasons that will make you want to head to Nepal immediately!
1. Explore the breathtaking Annapurna mountain range
Nepal is home to the Annapurna mountain range and hosts some of the best trekking routes in the world. Additionally, Pokhara city offers serene lakes along with shorter exploration trips in the area, equally enticing. Known as the wettest and windiest region in Nepal, Annapurna is a favorite choice for adventure enthusiasts seeking thrills.
2. Conquer the High Peaks of the Himalayas
An intriguing coincidence is that all seven of the world's highest peaks are within Nepal's borders, each towering above 20,000 feet. While you may not summit the tallest peak, you'll undoubtedly feel like you're achieving just that.
3. An ideal spot for birdwatching enthusiasts
With over 856 known bird species, Nepal truly serves as a paradise for birdwatchers. Accounting for nearly 10% of the world's total bird species, you're likely to spot some special avian friends during your time here.
4. A rendezvous point for countless thrilling adventures
Nepal is the perfect destination for those seeking exhilarating adventures. Here, you can indulge in activities like mountain climbing, boating, wildlife safaris, hot air ballooning, paragliding, bungee jumping, and a plethora of other unique experiences. Hopefully, you'll find an exciting choice that suits you.
5. Home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage sites
Nepal boasts numerous UNESCO-recognized sites of cultural significance. Before embarking on your exploration, make sure to delve into these sites such as temples and monasteries to ensure you fully immerse yourself in the rich traditional culture and not miss out on any heritage site.
6. A budget-friendly travel destination
Surprisingly, Nepal offers very affordable prices. This is especially true when comparing the trekking routes in Nepal to other places like Kilimanjaro or the Inca Trail. With such cheap food prices, you can live on just about 10 USD a day. And you can also find a clean, cool hotel room for only around 18.5 USD.
7. Stunning lakes
The lakes in Nepal are known not only for their outstanding beauty but also for their significant spiritual value to each individual. Nepal has over 200 lakes sourced from glaciers. Once you set foot in Nepal's land - home to some of the most beautiful lakes, you may no longer feel the need to go to the beach.
8. Sudden changes in altitude
Nepal is the only country in the world where altitude changes from 60 meters to over 8,000 meters above sea level. So, you'll have to learn a lot about altitude changes while traveling here.
9. A diverse cultural landscape
Nepal is a country with over 35 different ethnic groups and about 92 languages. This means there's diversity in religion, language, music, and cuisine in Nepal. It's a wonderful place to immerse yourself in various cultures, rejuvenate your spirit, and feel joyous. Nepal is also the only place in the world where people worship a living goddess (Kumari).
10. Delicious cuisine
Although Nepalese cuisine heavily influences from South Asian regions like China and India, the flavors are exceptionally unique, with relatively safe ingredients such as lean meats and vegetables. Common ingredients include lentils, tomatoes, cilantro, potatoes, yogurt, and garlic.
11. Explore the Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu Valley lies at the foothills of the Himalayas and comprises seven different 'monument zones.' These urban areas include palaces, temples, and the oldest Buddhist sites believed to have been built in the third century BCE.
12. The land of tranquility
Nepal has been considered a sacred destination for centuries. The serenity of this region will positively impact any traveler who experiences it. Here, the people, the buildings, the land, all symbolize tranquility. In Nepal, you can truly escape the pressures of life and live at a slower pace.
By San San (Source: BuzzFeed)
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Reference: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourJanuary 4th, 2016