Nepal

1. Rara National Park

If you’re planning a trip to Rara National Park, you’re in for a real treat. The park has a peaceful, alpine feel with pine and juniper forests that make it feel totally different from other parts of Nepal. One of the biggest highlights is Rara Lake—it’s the largest lake in the country and goes down as deep as 167 meters. It’s a great spot for boating or just relaxing by the water.

There are also lots of hiking trails and walking paths if you want to explore on foot. The park is full of wildlife and wildflowers—over 500 types of flowers, 20 kinds of mammals, and more than 200 bird species. If you’re up for a bit more adventure, many people enjoy trekking into the park from the Tibetan border, especially in the warmer months. It’s remote, but that’s part of the experience—and totally worth it.

2. Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is an unforgettable place to visit, especially with Mount Everest towering above it all. Starting from Namche Bazaar, you’ll find plenty of trekking routes that lead to incredible views of the Himalayas and some truly peaceful, tucked-away spots.

The terrain is rugged, so be ready for some real mountain hiking, but that’s part of the adventure. You’ll probably spot a mix of wildlife and birds along the way, and the scenery is amazing—pine and oak trees, plus rhododendrons if you're there when they're blooming. For the best weather and clear mountain views, plan your trip between October–November or March–May. Trekking and mountaineering are the main things to do here, and it’s a perfect place if you’re looking for a real Himalayan experience.

3. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must-see when you're in the city—it’s right in the center of Kathmandu and packed with history and charm. The detailed woodwork and vibrant atmosphere really stand out, especially compared to the plain concrete buildings just outside the square. This area used to be the royal family's palace complex, but now it's more of a cultural and historical hub. You’ll find over 50 temples scattered throughout, each with its own unique story and architecture. Some of them date all the way back to the 17th century, and the oldest one was built in 1549 AD. It’s a great place to walk around, take photos, and get a feel for the deep history of the city.

4. Aircrafts Museum

The Aircrafts Museum in Dhangadhi is a fun and unique stop, especially if you're even a little curious about planes. It’s actually set inside the old body of a 100-seater aircraft, which makes the whole experience feel pretty immersive right from the start. At the entrance, a guide dressed like a flight attendant welcomes you in and walks you through how airplanes work.

You’ll get to step into the cockpit and check out the controls, which is a cool hands-on way to understand how flights are operated. Inside, there are over 200 small model planes on display, many of them built by local kids. It’s the only aviation museum in Nepal, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.

5. Annapurna

The Annapurna region is one of the most breathtaking places you can explore in Nepal, especially if you’re into trekking. People from all over the world come here for backpacking trips that can last anywhere from a long weekend to several weeks. Along the way, you’ll get jaw-dropping mountain views, pass by clear alpine lakes, and walk through small villages where you can really get a feel for local life.

You can either go solo or join a guided tour—it just depends on how much planning you want to do. And it’s not just for trekkers! The area draws in mountaineers, skydivers, kayakers, mountain bikers, and canyoners too, so there’s a lot going on if you’re up for an adventure.

6. Bardiya National Park

Bardiya National Park in Nepal was established in the Terai area during 1988. Situated along the banks of the Karnali River, this park is bounded by Siwalik Hills, the Nepalgunj-Surkhet Highway, and the Babi River. More than 555 square miles of land are protected between Bardiya and a neighboring park called Banke. The park has been used for several important studies and conservation efforts, including a monsoon dolphin monitoring project, a bamboo plantation project, and rhino radio collaring efforts. The park is about 15 hours away from Kathmandu by bus.

7. Boudhanath Stupa

This impressive Buddhist structure is one of the largest stupas in the world. Although the massive complex was erected years ago, it didn’t play an extremely important role in Buddhism until the 1950s when refugees from China began traveling to Kathmandu. The Boudhanath Stupa is adorned with eyes on each of its sides to symbolize the omniscient nature of the Buddha. The structure itself is a giant dome topped by a Buddhist pyramid tower. Visitors and locals alike frequent this sacred place.

Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu, 44600, Nepal

8. Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is a world heritage site that has protected Nepalese flora and fauna for more than three decades. Located in Nepal’s subtropical southern region known as the Terai, the park houses close to 70 species of mammals, 550 species of birds, and nearly 130 species of fish. All of these creatures thrive in the unique climate that exists in the Terai. Chitwan National Park also protects a number of rhinoceros, crocodiles, and Royal Bengal Tigers. The park offers several lodging areas for visitors along with wildlife tours throughout the year.

9. Garden of Dreams

The Garden of Dreams is a welcome escape from busy city life in Kathmandu. Originally built in the early 20th century as a retreat for a high-ranking government official, this garden contains a museum as well as a lake covered in lily pads. The park was known as the Garden of Six Seasons when it was created in the 1920s. In 2007, the area was renovated and opened up to the public. Today it is a popular spot for cultural celebrations, meetings, concerts, special events, and parties. The Garden of Dreams also gets plenty of traffic everyday from locals and travelers.

Tridevi Sadak, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal, Phone: +977-14-42-53-40

10. Kapan Monastery

The Kapan Monastery is one of the most popular monasteries in the Buddhist faith. The impressive complex sits atop a hill north of Boudha. Every year thousands of foreigners pour into the monastery to learn the basic tenets of Buddhism and to enjoy the peace that this special area provides. The monastery has its own step-by-step program for people who want to learn about Buddhism, meditation, Buddhist medicine, Thangka painting, and more. The monastery has become such a popular place that the number of visitors is limited on a daily basis.