Cities in Nepal

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Do you have plans to travel to Nepal? Are you interested in learning about the major cities to travel in Nepal? Look no further as this article explains in deep about the most beautiful cities in Nepal. Whether you want a historical or cultural tour, trekking tour, adventure tour or nature tour, these cities cater to your all types of travel needs and preferences. Keep on reading the article to discover the best cities and the best they have to offer.

Nepal is a diverse country renowned as a popular travel destination for several reasons. The country is filled with majestic mountain peaks and jaw-dropping natural wonders. Nepal is also famous for its vibrant cities, captivating landscapes, rivers, national parks, historical monuments, temples and so on.

The stunning mountains lure most travelers as they seek to trek in the magnificent landscape of the Himalayan regions. At the same time, others are intrigued by the rich culture and tradition of the cities in Nepal in search of spiritual awakening. As a result, traveling to Nepal is regarded a life-changing and an eye-opening experience.

Travelers who visit Nepal often tend to spend their time in cities such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, immersing themselves in the rich historical and cultural heritage. Nepal boasts remarkable cultural and historical attractions, such as ancient monuments and temples, which testify to the country’s rich culture and history. Additionally, the scenic beauty surrounding the cities in Nepal and the pristine climate makes the country a favorite destination for travelers.

Besides, many travelers visit these cities believing in the presence of spiritual guidance and awakening. To learn more about the cities in Nepal, here are the nine best cities to explore during your visit to Nepal.

Kathmandu

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Beautiful hills and majestic mountains surround the magnificent city. The capital city is a popular destination for tourists to explore the natural beauty, fascinating settlements, golden pagodas and ancient temples. The city is located at an elevation of 1,400m and is home to UNESCO-listed heritage landmarks, Newari architecture and craftsmanship.

Among the cities in Nepal, Kathmandu is regarded as the gateway to exploring the true essence of Nepal. During your visit to Kathmandu city, you can explore religious heritage sites like Boudha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhunatth Stupa. Moreover, outdoor enthusiast travelers will have the option to hike in destinations such as Jamacho trail and Champadevil Hill.

Besides, you can enhance your travel experience by visiting monasteries, walking at Indra Chwok and trying out local foods. From glorious courtyards to national museums, bustling bazaars, and art galleries, Kathmandu offers a unique experience for every tourist, backpacker, devotee, foodie, and shopaholic.

Places To Visit In Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu Shrine in the world. The respective temple is stretched across the banks of the beautiful and sacred river Bagmati. The magnificent temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and attracts thousands of pilgrimage and devotees worldwide.

They visit the temple to offer their prayers and seek blessings and good fortunes. The Pashupatinath Temple is spread over a large area with numerous ashrams and smaller temples. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.

Swayambhunath Temple

The temple is on the top of a hill on the west side of the Kathmandu Valley. Swayambhunath Temple, also known as Monkey temple, is regarded as one of the important religious shrines in the city. The temple features a white dome stupa surrounded by an array of shrines, which draws hundreds of visitors daily. Travelers can visit the temple and navigate the temple in a clockwise direction. It is a common practice among Buddhist pilgrimage, which believes it washes all the sins from a person.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of three palaces in the country. The complex was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Until today, the historic site remains a remarkable destination for travelers to witness Kathmandu’s traditional architecture. Kathmandu Durbar Square is an active walkway for locals and travelers to explore the bustling streets of Basntapur and Asan. Further, thousands of travelers gather in the complex for festivals like Indra Jatra, Dashain, Gaijatra and Macchindranath Jatra.

Bhaktapur

It is one of the most popular cities in Nepal and is one of three medieval cities in the country. The respective city is often referred to as Khwopa and Bhadgaon and features primarily Buddhist and Hindu populations. Bhaktapur is located around 12 kilometers from Kathmandu. Besides, to visit the famous Bhaktapur Durbar Square international travelers have to pay an entree fee of Npr. 1500. It is part of an initiative to maintain the temples, shrines, and shrines affected by the April 2015 earthquake.

Despite the collateral damage the city has faced, Bhaktapur is steadily making progress over the past four years. As a result, it has been able to maintain some of the valuable historical sites and heritage in Nepal. The city is one of the country’s most significant and best tourist destinations for travelers to experience authentic Nepalese culture and heritage.

Places To Visit In Bhaktapur

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square

It is one of Nepal’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and was home to the royal family of Bhaktapur in ancient times. The complex is locally known as Khopa, and you can explore all for squares, including Pottery Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Durbar Square. During your visit, you can also explore the 55 window palace and other structures which dates back to the 17th century.

Nyatapola Temple

The 17th-century temple is the tallest building in Bhaktapur and the tallest temple in Nepal. The respective temple was built in the year 1703 and is dedicated to the incarnation of Goddess Parvati, Goddess Siddhi Laksmi. The idol of Goddess Siddhi Laksmi is located in the sanctorum and is regarded to be highly fearsome. So, visitors are not allowed to enter the sanctorum, but they can explore the rest of the areas of the temple.

Changu Narayan

The temple features Newari-style architecture. The two-story temple structure is located on a hilltop called Dolagiri or Changu. The temple is devoted to Lord Vishnu. Thus, it houses statues of several of his avatars along with other Hindu Gods and Goddesses.

Patan (Lalitpur)

Similar to Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Patan is one of the major tourist destinations in Nepal. Currently, the city is also known as Lalitpur. The name is derived from the Sanskrit word “Lalitapattan .”Patan or Lalitpur is located across the river Bagmati from the capital city of Kathmandu.

The city is renowned for its numerous temples, statues, and palaces. Aatan is also home to the “Patan Museum,” a must-visit for all travelers in Nepal. The city is also a center for traditional handicrafts, jewelry masks, and Buddha statues.

Patan was once a mighty kingdom and is currently a melting pot for religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism. For example, travelers can witness the magnificent Krishna temple in the town, whose architecture is renowned for being dedicated to the Buddhist Dharma-Chakra. Its influence is still molded in some temples and shrines in Patan, which has created a unique cultural experience compared to other cities in Nepal.

Places to visit in Patan

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Rato Machhendranath Temple

It is a common belief that Rato Macchendranath, the patron of God, spent most of his life in the temple. It is also said that the Rato Machhendranath was moved several times from Bungamati to Patan, which was a central place for famous rituals. Besides, the place where the Rato Macchendranath resided, Shikhara, was destroyed during the events of the 2015 earthquake. Nonetheless, Patan has been making progress in preserving its natural heritage since the unfortunate incident and strives to represent the culture of Bungamat.

Patan Durbar Square

The UNESCO World Heritage Site lies in the center of Patan city and is one of the popular destinations in Nepal. Travelers can witness the history and architecture of the city in the palaces, temples and even houses. A few kilometers from the capital city, Patan Durbar Square is one of three major Durbar Squares in Kathmandu.

So, it is a perfect destination for travelers to experience the ancient culture and history of the Newari community with modern influence. We recommend October to December as the best time to visit Patan to enjoy the best outdoor experience.

Patan Museum

Patan Museum offers travelers a perfect opportunity to learn about Nepal’s culture and history. Located in Keshav Narayan Chowk, Patan, the Museum resided with an ancient residential court. During your visit to the Museum, you will also have the opportunity to explore Patan Durbar, which was a royal palace of the Malla dynasty. Apart from the delicate Nepalese architecture, the Patan Museum also features antique pieces that reflect Nepal’s rich culture and history.

Pokhara

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Pokhara, also known as the “Tourist Capital of Nepal,” is one of the best-traveled destinations in Nepal. It is considered one of the best cities in Nepal, offering its visitors the best travel experience. The respective city has an elevation of 900m and is one of the highest cities in the country. Also, this makes it the base for several world-renowned treks.

One of the city’s highlights is the Lakeside area, a popular destination to explore dreamy cafes, charming shops, restaurants and pubs. Besides, Pokhara is also famous among adventure enthusiasts. The city is a starting point for treks in Annapurna region. You can enjoy Poonhill trek, Annapurna Base Camp trek and many other treks in this reason.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to indulge in outdoor activities such as river rafting and paragliding. White water rafting and river rafting are some of the best options available for those who want to experience the might of the Seti and Gandaki river.

Also, the city is home to several historical temples and lakes. The Phewa lake is magnificent and flawlessly reflects the mountains surrounding the valley. This makes it a top destination for travelers who indulge themselves in photography.

Places To Visit In Pokhara

Phewa Lake

It is the second-largest lake in Nepal. Lush green forests, glorious hills and stunning mountains of the Annapurna region surround the Phewa lake. This makes it the perfect place for travelers to experience the glorious Himalayan sunrise.

During your visit to Pokhara, you can rent a boat and sail through Phewa lake. It also has a religious significance as the lake is renowned for the Tal Barahi Temple, located in the middle of the lake on a small island. After you visit the temple, you can spend quality time enjoying the view of the surrounding mountains in the restaurants, cafes and lodges in the lakeside area.

Davis Falls

The Davis Falls is an extraordinary waterfall located in Pokhara. It creates a 500 feet long underground tunnel as it goes deeper into the Earth. The tunnel has also earned the waterfall its infamous name, Patale Chango, which translates to Underground Waterfall in English. The waterfall is fed by Phewa Lake Dam and is surrounded by lush green vegetation.

Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery

It is a famous monastery located on the outskirt of Pokhara city. The Shree Gaden Dhargay Ling Monastery was established to spread Tibetan influence and Buddhist teachings in Nepal. The monastery’s quiet, peaceful, and secluded environment is perfect for travelers looking for a peaceful retreat. You can also participate in prayer ceremonies, which is an awe-inspiring and enchanting experience.

Lumbini

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Lumbini is one of the religiously rich cities in Nepal, nestled near the Nepal-India border. The name Lumbini translates to “The Lovely” in Sanskrit. It is renowned as the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and features several ancient stupas dating back to 2000 years ago. Travelers worldwide visit Lumbini to experience Buddhism and learn about meditation, Buddhist scriptures, prayer ceremonies and yoga practices.

Further, the monasteries in the region are decked up with prayer flags that have incantations and blessings upon them. Each of these monasteries is architecturally distinctive, with intricate paintings and facades. Countries such as Japan, China, Myanmar, Germany and France are among the countries that have their monasteries built in Lumbini.

Moreover, you can visit the region’s 64 historical and archaeological sites. This will take you to the several amazing villages of Lumbini, which offer you an authentic experience of the local hospitality and culture.

Mayadevi Temple is the most important sacred site in Lumbini. It features the exact spot where Lord Gautam Buddha was born to Father King Suddhodana and mother Queen Mayadevi. The other significant attractions in the region are Pushkarini, Bodhi tree and Ashoka Stupa.

Places To Visit In Lumbini

World Peace Pagoda

The World Peace Stupa, or Japan Peace Stupa, is a monument that symbolizes peace. As a result, it is a popular tourist destination in Lumbini. The stupa is resided outside the main compound and features traditional pagoda-style architecture. It is open all days of the week, which enables travelers to learn and explore the Buddhist teaching of non-violence and to live a life of unity of mind, body and soul.

Mayadevi Pond

The Maya devi Pond is right before the Maya Devi Temple. The pond is also known as Puskarini, where Maya Devi, the mother of Gautam Buddha, used to bathe. Also, this is the pond where Lord Gautam Buddha took his first bath. On special occasions, such as the Buddha Jayanti, the steps around the pond are illuminated with oil lamps by devotees to worship the place.

Lumbini Museum

The Lumbini Museum lies inside the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sacred Garden Area. The establishment displays more than 12000 artifacts, which includes metal sculptures, religious manuscripts, Terra cottas and coins from Khusana and Maurya dynasty.

Architect Kris Yao built the Museum in Taiwan in the 1970s. Further, during your visit, you can explore the Lumbini International Research Institute, to learn about the research facilities that study Buddhism and its teachings.

Janakpur

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One of the most religious cities in Nepal, Janakur is the birthplace of Goddess Sita. It is believed to be the sacred place where the marriage between Goddess Sita and Lord Ram occurred. The city lies in the Terai region of Nepal. Also, Janapkur is the administrative headquarter of the Dhanusa district.

Janakpur is renowned as the City of Ponds, boasting more than seventy pounds. Further, one of the city’s main highlights is the Ram Janaki Temple. As a cultural hub, travelers can learn about the ancient Hindu epic, such as the Ramayana.

The pristine weather, the stunning architecture of the temple, and the grand and colorful festivals make Janakpur a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists alike.

Places To Visit In Janakpur

Janaki Mandir

Janaki Mandir is dedicated to Goddess Sita, and it is also one of the most prominent temples in Nepal. The structure was built at the exact location where Goddess Sita was born. The temple is revered as a religiously significant heritage and monument site for travelers and devotees.

The temple’s design is a marvelous example of Hindu-Koiri Nepali Architecture featuring a stunning white facade. The marvelous three-storied temple is built entirely from marble and stones, consists of 60 rooms and is adorned by paintings, engravings, and beautiful lattice windows.

Ram Mandir

One of the oldest temples in Janakpur, the Ram mandir, was built by Amar Singh Thapa, a Gorkha General, in the late 1700s. The temple was constructed in a traditional pagoda-style structure. Thousands of pilgrims flock to the temple on the occasion of Dashain and Ram Navami, sacred annual festivals dedicated to Lord Ram. The temple is a perfect attraction for travelers who seek to explore the ancient Hindu culture and experience its rich religious heritage.

Ram Sita Vivah Mandap

Ram Sita Vivah Mandap is the sacred place where Ram and Sita got married. The attraction is visited by thousands of religious travelers and pilgrims who want to pay homage to the Godess Sita during the occasion of Vivah Panchami.

The marriage between Ram and Sita is celebrated on the fifth day of Shukla Paksha. The gorgeous Vivah Mandap will be decorated with flowers and oil lamps during the occasion. You can visit the attraction and witness the depiction of the legendary wedding ceremony between Ram and Sita.

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