21 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nepal for 2020

The Himalayan country of Nepal is bountifully endowed both with nature as well as culture and history. Snuggled in the foothills of the best Himalayas –the tallest mountain in the world, this beautiful nation is bestowed with the scenic beauty and exemplary serene environment making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Here is enlisted the 21 top tourist attractions in Nepal to make it a truly fulfilling travelling experience for those of you interested in trekking or mountaineering or a spiritual sojourn. 

For those of you who want to have a close brush with nature and revel in the natural surroundings, Nepal has few contenders! Make it count this 2020! 

We list below the top tourist places in Nepal for 2020 that you won’t avoid in a future trip. Take a trip for a lifetime experience!

21 Top Places to Visit in Nepal

Below, we have listed some of the famous tourist destinations that are visited by a large number of domestic as well as foreign tourist every year in Nepal:

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park extends over an area of 1,148 square kilometres of the Himalayan ecological zone in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Spread over the rugged terrains and gorges of the high Himalayas, this area is home for the famed Sherpa people, whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism. For its superlative natural characteristics, UNESCO has enlisted it as a World Heritage Site in 1979.

Distance from Kathmandu: About 135 km, and reachable by car or bus.

Major Attractions: Stunning natural sceneries, diverse species of flora and fauna.

Chitwan National Park

Chitwan National Park is a world heritage property in Nepal. It house for the rare species of mammals, birds and fishes of numerous varieties. This 3-decade old park is rich in the natural resources and is located in the Terai region – the subtropical area of Nepal. 

Distance from Kathmandu: It is at a distance of about 150 km from Kathmandu and is reachable by bus or car.

Main Attractions: The famed one-horned Rhinos, Royal Bengal Tiger.

See also: Jungle Safari

Rara Lake

If serene environment and scenic beauty is your choice and you love to spend good times then, don’t miss this rare spot in Nepal. Snuggled among the Sisne and Kanjirowa mountains and greenery all around, the Rara Lake is a must-visit place for all the lovers of nature. This lake is spread over an area of 10.8 square kilometres and houses the rare Asala species of fish. The diverse range of flowers adds beauty to this scenic spot that certainly makes it a top tourist attraction in Nepal. 

Distance from Kathmandu: It can be reached by flight and a trek of 3 hours from the airport.

Main Attractions: Serene atmosphere, multi-coloured flowers and lofty mountain ranges on either side of the lake.

See also: Rara Lake Helicopter Tour

Lumbini

Lumbini is the most revered place in Nepal. Considered to be the birthplace of Gautama Buddha, Lumbini is one of the top tourist attractions in Nepal for visitors from all over the world. This place is replete with numerous Buddhist temples and monuments besides countless monasteries. 

Distance from Kathmandu: 272 km by bus or car.

Major Attractions: The Ashokan Pillar, Bodhi Tree, Jain Temples, the Lumbini Museum. 

See more:   Cultural Tour of Nepal on Holiday Vacation

Gosaikunda

It is an enthralling lake situated at about 14,000 feet above the mean sea level. This holy lake is spread over an area of 13.8 hectares and is a designated as one of the popular World Heritage Sites in the region. This lake remains frozen for almost six months during winters spreading over October to June. It is a favourite trekking destination for the trekkers thus Nepal visitors with interests in adventure games find in it a best suitable place for exploration. Basic accommodation is quite easily available here. Tea houses offer a variety of food and snacks. 

Distance from Kathmandu: 118 km by bus or car.

Major Attractions: Trekking. 

Pokhara Valley

The second-largest valley in the hilly region of Nepal, the Pokhara Valley is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal. Nestled in the Annapurna Himalayan range of mountains, this valley is the tiara in the crown of Nepal. The cities of Lekhnath and Pokhara are within the valley. Visitors can have a glorious glimpse of the Himalayan ranges from here. This valley is a treasure house of numerous lakes and is among the top tourist attractions in Nepal which you must visit during a trip. 

Distance from Kathmandu: Located in the Gandaki Zone, it is at a distance of 203 km from Kathmandu, and is reachable by bus or car.

Main Attractions: Underground caves, verdant waterfalls, glaciers, majestic view of the Himalayan range of mountains.

See more: 5 best places to visit in Pokhara

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is a freshwater lake, second largest in Nepal. It is one of the best places to visit in Nepal for tourists to explore. Located in the southern region of Pokhara, this lake is regulated by the waters of the nearby dam and reservoir. This lake is spread over 4 km in length and 2 km in width and is also the best source of generating electricity for the nearby places. 

Distance from Kathmandu: Approximately 250 km, reachable by car or bus.

Main Attractions: Watersports, boating, fishing.

Mahendra Gufa

Located to the north of Pokhara, Mahendra Gufa is a famous cavernous cave rich in the stalactites and stalagmites. This huge limestone cave sits at about 1100 meters above the mean sea level and thus attracts a large chunk of tourists from all over the world for its uniqueness. The cave corridors are completely dark with continuously dripping water overhead. Due to the over pervading darkness, artificial lighting is provided in this cave. 

Main Attractions: Cool limestone walls, a huge idol of Lord Shiva.

Davis Falls

Located at Pokhara in Kaski district, this waterfall is a top spot for recreation and enjoyment purpose. The water forms a tunnel approximately 1000 meters below the ground before passing through a cave known as the Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave. The tunnel is around 150 meters long. Tourists throw coins in the pond of water wishing for different things in their lives. 

Distance from Kathmandu: About 250 km by road, and reachable by car.

Main Attractions: Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, the long tunnel, the wishing pond. 

Begnas Lake

The Begnas Lake is a freshwater lake in Pokhara and is surrounded by the pristine Nature, with gurgling mountain springs forming natural boundaries on either side. The water level is regulated through a dam. It remains one of the most popular places to visit in Nepal. Those visiting Pokhara Valley would definitely love to spend a quiet day in these serene surroundings. 

Distance from Kathmandu: About 200 km. 

Major Attractions: Serene environment, diverse species of flora and fauna.

Poon Hill

Pitched at a dizzy altitude of 3,200 meters above the mean sea level, the Poon Hill is a connecting point between the Pokhara and Annapurna Base camp from where trekkers scale forward towards ABC. This hill provides a breathtaking view of popular Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre, Neelgiri and rest 15 mountains. One of the sure and most popular tourist attractions in Nepal, particularly for the trek enthusiasts, it is worth visiting at least once in the lifetime. 

Distance from Kathmandu: About 250 km. 

See more: Poon Hill Trek - 5 Days

Siddha Gufa

Siddha Gufa (Cave) is the largest cave in Nepal and also the second-largest one in South Asia. This 0.5 km cave is about 440 meters deep and is formed from stalactites and stalagmites. The steep path up to the cave on this hill indeed remains an experience in itself.

Distance from Kathmandu: About 200 km. 

Visiting Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM. 

Entry Fee: NPR 200/- per adult. 

Pashupatinath Temple and its Complexes

Dedicated to the God Shiva, the Pashupatinath Temple is located on the banks of Bagmati River on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a golden spire. It is a cubic construction with four main doors, and all covered with silver sheets. 

The two-storied roof is made from copper and is covered with gold. One of the most astonishing decorations of this temple is the huge golden statue of Nandi – Shiva’s bull. 

 Beware of the rampaging monkeys, though! Sadhus- ascetics meditating- abound this place. Take a selfie with them as a take-home memento!

 Main Attractions: The majestic Golden Spire, Doors covered with silver sheets, Golden roof and the Golden Nandi, the Panch Deval (Five temples) complex and other surrounding complexes.

Boudhanath Stupa

Also known as the Khasa Chaitya, the Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and also one of the most majestic ones to visit. It is located approximately 8 miles from Kathmandu and therefore remains one of the best and top-rated tourist attractions in Nepal for 2020. It is also popular for being one of the largest unique structure stupas in the world that has already been enlisted by the UNESCO as a world heritage site. The perfectly proportioned structure with a glistening white dome and a gilded tower is viewed as a three-dimensional path to enlightenment as envisaged by Buddha.

 Main Attractions: The 13-storied spire, the prayer wheel, the 29 Tibetan Gompas (institutes of learning and sadhana).

Visiting Hours: All through the day! However, to go up the spire, the entry point is closed by 7 PM. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This is the erstwhile seat of power of the ruling kings of Nepal. Located in front of the royal palace, the Durbar Square is one among the three such squares in Nepal and is famed for its stunning architecture and layout. All the three durbar squares of the royal family are enlisted as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and also one of the top tourist attractions in Nepal to visit at least once in your lifetime.

Main Attractions: Stunning architecture.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

More commonly referred to as the Swayambhunath Temple or the Muktinath Temple, this temple is believed to bestow nirvana and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. This mandir (temple) sits high on a conical hill and is also the house for ancient temple architecture. This place is considered to be the seat and stronghold of Buddhism in Nepal. And, most popular as Monkey Temple among foreigners.

Main Attractions: Its lofty golden spire, the 365 steps that lead to the temple Sanctorum, the numerous painted statues of Buddha et al. 

Entrance Fee: NPR 200/- per person.

Patan Durbar Square

Situated in the centre of the Lalitpur city of Nepal, the Patan Durbar Square is one of the three durbars in the Kathmandu valley. The Durbar Square stands out for its marvellous Newar architecture and its main attraction is the princely ancient royal palace that was once the home for the erstwhile Malla Kings of Lalitpur. The area is dotted with multiple temples all of which face east and towards the palace. The entire square if floored with the red bricks lending it a rich look. Don’t forget to visit the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, the Taleju Bhawani Temple and the Viswanath Temple in the Square. 

Bhaktapur

For all shopping enthusiasts, Bhaktapur is a must-visit spot in Nepal. You can buy genuine terracotta and handicraft products in this market. The city structures are predominantly of the red bricks thus make an exciting view. This 8th-century city was the capital of Nepal till the 12th century. 

Distance from Kathmandu: 8 km.  

Major Attractions: Terracotta and Handicraft items.

Nagarkot

Situated at an elevation of 2,395 meters above the mean sea level, the Nagarkot is a cluster of villages and is one of the most scenic spots in the region. It is known for the sunrise view of the Himalayas including Mount Everest(you may read: where is mount Everest located?) as well as other peaks of the Himalayan range of the eastern Nepal region. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Distance from Kathmandu: 32 km. 

Major Attractions: Stunning views of the Himalayas, mountaineering, trekking.

National Museum of Nepal

A single source of information about the enthralling state of Nepal is none other than the famous National Museum of Nepal. Located in the city of Kathmandu, it is an ideal place for the history buffs. This museum houses the rare artefacts of the yesteryears of Nepal thus provides a glimpse of its glorious past. 

You cannot round off your Nepal trip without visiting the Thamel Area. It is one of the best areas in Nepal to buy clothes, jewellery, accessories, and souvenirs. With its narrow lanes and bylanes, this place is ever buzzing with the tourists eager to grab a souvenir or two on their way back home.

Visiting Hours: 10.30 AM to 4.30 PM (Tuesdays closed). 

Thamel Area

You cannot round off your Nepal trip without visiting the Thamel Area. It is one of the best areas in Nepal to buy clothes, jewellery, accessories, and souvenirs. With its narrow lanes and bylanes, this place is ever buzzing with the tourists eager to grab a souvenir or two on their way back home.

It’s high time you explore Nepal in 2020 for a touring experience you won’t forget in life. Above mentioned 21 top tourist attractions in Nepal will help you a lot to make your Nepal tour a mesmerizing experience.

Do you’ve any suggestions regarding the most popular places to visit in Nepal? Please, leave your thoughts below!!