Get Close to The Mountains
The moment you first catch a glimpse of snow-capped mountains in Nepal is one of those travel moments that will stay with you forever. Picture this: trekking through lush forests, hearts pounding with excitement, and suddenly, through a gap in the trees, there it is – a close-up view of the mighty Himalayan mountain range. The air is much crisper, your jaw drops, and you’re left wondering, “Why visit Nepal? THIS is why!” It’s definitely an incredible moment that reminds you why you’re out exploring the world in the first place.
Nepal’s renowned for being home to some of the world’s most famous mountains. The Himalayas, which stretch across the northern part of the country, are dotted with iconic peaks that attract adventurers, climbers, & nature enthusiasts from all over the globe.
Out of the 4 highest peaks in the world, Nepal is home to 3 of them; Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga & Lhotse.
But don’t feel let down if you aren’t in the position to do a trek. There are thankfully other ways to get up close & personal with the Himalayas without embarking on a full-fledged trek.
Firstly, the flight to Kathmandu! If travelling during the day and the sky is clear, it’s very possible to get views of Mount Everest without even leaving your seat. Or book a scenic mountain flight that leaves from the domestic terminal at Tribhuvan Airport. Several airlines offer these flights from Kathmandu that take you on a breathtaking journey around the highest peaks, including Everest.
And, throughout your trip to Nepal visit locations such as Nagarkot (only a short drive from Kathmandu), Sarangkot, just outside the tourist hub of Pokhara, The Peace Pagoda in Pokhara. And, even the Nepal-India border crossing, might give you the chance to witness the Himalayas from a different perspective.
Pokhara
Along with Kathmandu, Pokhara is one of those cities in Nepal you can’t miss. Although Pokhara is much more of a chilled oasis, surrounded by the most epic mountain views. On a clear day, these snow-covered peaks can feel so close you’ll want to reach out and out them!
Picture yourself relaxing by Phewa Lake, with the Annapurna mountain range as your backdrop, shopping for local souvenirs, eating delicious food and partaking in rooftop yoga.
Or if adventure is more your style, Pokhara still has you covered. Here you can soar above the beautiful Phewa Lake while paragliding, paddle around the lake, hike to catch the sunrise from Sarangkot or take an Ultralight flight and take in the insane panoramic views.
The vibe in Pokhara is incredible and definitely one of the main reasons you should visit Nepal.
The Food in Nepal
Every year I visit Nepal the food scene gets better and better. A journey through Nepal should mean immersing yourself in a culinary kaleidoscope that reflects the country’s rich cultural tapestry, plus the geographical diversity.
Nepal’s national dish is Dal Bhat, which consists of lentil soup (dal) & steamed rice (Bhat) and can be served with a variety of side dishes like vegetable curries, achar, yogurt, and papadam. At the heart of Nepali cuisine lies a deep appreciation for locally sourced ingredients, so this is why I love Dal Bhat. Not one serving is ever exactly the same, a variety of different vegetables & pickles will be used depending on what’s in season.
As you travel through Nepal the air will be filled with the enticing aroma of Momos, Nepal’s beloved dumplings. These delicious parcels come stuffed with fillings, such as spiced meats or vegetables, and are served with tangy dipping sauces. Another one of my favourites is Pani Puri. A delicious and very cheap street snack. Pani Puri is a baked Pastry shell that is stuffed with a potato & vegetable mix, then if you dare, pour on a small amount of spicy broth.
A culinary journey in Nepal will also have you tasting dishes that originated in Tibet, such as the soul-warming noodle soup, Thukpa and a cold spicy noodle dish called Laphing.
It’s not only local dishes you can savour while visiting Nepal. Particularly in Thamel, you’ll find dishes from all over the world. And, these restaurants aren’t a sad attempt at perfecting foreign dishes. Restaurants such as Fire & Ice, this Pizzeria in Thamel will have you wondering if you’ve just been teleported to Italy.
The Rich Nepalese Culture
Nepal is a captivating destination where ancient traditions intertwine with breathtaking landscapes. Being a tourist in this Himalayan haven, you’ll find yourself surrounded by various customs and traditions that have thrived for centuries. From the vibrant city squares to the serene mountain villages. Nepal’s rich culture takes you on a captivating journey.
In the heart of bustling Kathmandu, the blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions is clearly noticeable. The ornate temples of Durbar Square stand as living testaments to the artistry and devotion that define Nepalese architecture.
Or while wandering through the labyrinthine alleyways in Thamel, the air is alive with the beats of traditional music, and be transported back in time as you explore centuries-old monasteries and stupas.
But the true allure of Nepal’s culture lies beyond its urban centres. Venture into the highland villages, where time seems to slow down and has almost stood still for decades. Here you can immerse yourself in the warmth of rural hospitality & traditions. Such as butter lamp lighting or farming practices, and witness firsthand the unwavering spirit that binds communities to their ancestral practices.
When people ask, why visit Nepal? I always highlight the cultural enlightenment people will experience, where every encounter and moment spent in this captivating country offers a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared heritage and the profound beauty of Nepal’s rich culture.