Nepal is a multiethnic, multilingual, multi-religious landlocked country situated between India and China. It is a country rich in mystic mountains, holy temples, scenic mountains, glaciers, majestic monasteries, mouthwatering cuisines, diverse cultures, traditions, and festivals. Travelers are mostly lured by the call of the mountains to trek or opt for mountain climbing, and some are intrigued by cultural and historic images of the nation. Mostly, Nepal is famous for adrenaline adventure. However, Nepal isn’t only about adrenaline sports - it can also be regarded as a cultural and architectural eye-opener. Full of breath-taking scenery and lavish experiences, Nepal also has the charm of cultural heritage, natural heritage, and mighty mountains.

Here are 7 things to do specifically in Nepal - new experiences, made even better by the exuberance of local people.

1. Exploring the lush Kathmandu valley

Built in 723 AD, Kathmandu is the epitome of an accumulation of over a thousand years’ mind-boggling architecture and history - and more than a hundred ethnic cultures. Intricate wood carvings in the doors, pillars, and windows can be seen in beautiful palaces and temples built in the medieval period by the Malla rulers. Among the ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal, this valley holds seven of them. This city is widely known as the city of temples, as it is enriched with mind-blowing temples and monasteries. Kathmandu is filled with a rich culture where people of every religion attend various festivals around the year. The Kathmandu valley is a must-see spot while visiting Nepal.

2. Trekking in the Himalayas

Trekking in Nepal can be regarded as an exhilarating experience for all you adventure junkies out there. Nepal is blessed with pristine landscapes, rugged mountain trekking trails, and culturally rich villages which provide mesmerizing views of spectacular, lofty mountains. The various trekking routes here test your mental and physical abilities, which will, in turn, boost your endurance power.

The major trekking trails here in Nepal are Everest Region, Annapurna Region (including the Annapurna Circuit Trek), Langtang Region Trek, Manaslu Region Trek, Mustang Region Trek, Kanchenjunga Trek, etc., which will definitely push your limit of strength. Trekkers will encounter various local villagers and fellow trekkers along the route of the trek, and there is only a slight chance of anyone being alone.

3. Hiking in the hills

Exploring the diverse cultural aspects and true sights of the hilly region of Nepal within a few days is possible when you hike. One of the best ways to explore the welcoming beauty of the country is by enjoying the local scenery. The system of homestays provides you ample time to mingle and associate with local Nepalese people. Furthermore, the hills surrounding the Kathmandu valley, with their regularly spaced tea houses, offer a good resting place to regain energy after hiking.

4. Mountaineering

Mountaineering in Nepal started gaining global popularity in May 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay scaled the highest peak in the world - ‘Mt. Everest’. As Nepal is blessed with eight out of the ten highest peaks in the world, mountaineering has become one of the major attractions for trekkers. This challenging and persevering sport is available to do on about 175 peaks out of the 326 peaks that are found in Nepal. Moreover, local veteran mountain and trekking guides of Nepal facilitate the expeditions of the mountaineers. 

5. White Water Rafting

In addition to the other adventurous sports this country has to offer you, Nepal is also the second richest country in water resources. All the rivers originated by monsoon rain and melting snows on the way to the plains provide some nerve-wracking and jaw-dropping rapids for rafting. Ready? Choose from six difficulty levels, ranging from class one to six; class one is the easiest to raft and the difficulty level goes on, increasing as you level up to sixth class. The most popular White River Rafting Rivers in Nepal are Trishuli River and Bhotekoshi River.

6. Wildlife tours

23% of the landmass area of Nepal is government protected area in the form of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and reserves. The protected areas help with the conservation of exotic floras and faunas. As the protected areas in the Southern Plains of Nepal are easily accessible, they are well suited for jungle safaris and tours. These safaris provide spotting of endangered animals amidst the core regions of the forests, while riding on either domesticated elephants or jeeps. Nepal also is home to various migratory birds, Bengal tigers, one horned rhino, and more, which will be a treat for animal lovers and nature observers as they provides a closer view of animals in their natural habitats.

7. Enjoy traditional cuisines

Along with rich traditions and culture, Nepal offers you delicious traditional cuisines of various castes, cultures, and religions. Foodies can enjoy rice, lentils, pickles, different varieties of meat, sel roti (made of rice flour), bara (made of lentil flour), yomari (made of rice flour stuffed with molasses), homemade wine and beer, momos (especial dumplings), King curd of Bhaktapur, Newar’s feast with 84 items, and many more delicious meals which are pleasing to the taste buds, as well as nutritional to the body.

Nepal has declared 2018 as “Visit Nepal Year” in order to promote tourism sectors of the country. Nepal is embellished with majestic mountains, clean and warm water bodies, green forests, diverse culture, ancient art and architecture, and cordial people living in harmony. Nepal is a country one must visit in his/her lifetime, because exploring Nepal is like exploring yourself.

Don’t miss out on this exceptionally marvelous trip of your lifetime and do… Visit Nepal.