Top Places in Nepal for Non-Adventure Travellers
With eight of the world’s top ten highest summits in Nepal including Mount Everest, it is no wonder that this small country is often associated with adventure-seeking travellers. But what non-adventure travellers – what can they do in Nepal? 😊
Many are not aware that Nepal is a diverse country. Apart from the Himalayan snow-capped peaks, this land is also packed with amazing sights such as ancient temples, tropical jungles and picturesque valleys, many of which are accessible within a couple of hours’ drive from Kathmandu.
I’m neither a mountain climber nor a hiker but I had travelled to Nepal twice. Both times were magical and amazing, and best of all, those experiences were all on “low-altitude levels”, lol!
Should you wish to experience travelling that doesn’t involve long, arduous treks at high-altitude levels, here are top places in Nepal for non-adventure travellers:
Explore Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley
There are three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. These historical grounds consist of palaces, quadrangles, courtyards and ancient temples that date back to 17th and 18th centuries (some even older).
The attraction of the Durbar Squares is mainly the traditional Newari architecture – magnificently carved wooden windows and balconies and timeless stone carvings of Hindu and Tibetan deities.
Have a communion with God in ancient temples
Sitting atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu is Swayambhunath, a Tibetan-Buddhist temple complex consisting of a stupa, shrines and monasteries. The stupa has a dome with a structure painted with eyes of the Buddha looking in all four directions of Kathmandu,
Swayambhunath is also called the Monkey Temple as there are many monkeys roaming around the complex. Because of its hilltop location, Swayambhunath is the best place to watch the sun set over the sprawling city.
As for the Hindu faith, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the sacred temples dedicated to Pashupati, a form of Lord Shiva. Situated on the banks of Bagmati River, the main sanctum is open to Hindus only whilst non-Hindus are allowed to explore the surrounding complex. One of the interesting things to observe at Pashupatinath is the open cremation for Hindus and Buddhists at the funeral ghats along the river.
Located outside of the city centre is Boudhanath, the largest spherical Tibetan-Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Scores of devotees and pilgrims converged at the dome of the stupa to do the kora (circumambulation ritual, clockwise) and chant mantras. Personally, Boudhanath is my favourite place in Kathmandu!
Spot wildlife in Chitwan National Park
Covering 932 sq.km of jungle and grasslands, Chitwan National Park is a World Heritage-listed reserve and one of the best wildlife national parks in Asia to spot deers, monkeys, a variety of bird species, one-horned rhinos and the elusive Bengal tigers.
Chitwan has had embarked on successful campaigns in increasing awareness, protecting and preserving the animals in the wild. Anti-poaching patrols have led to an increase in the population of the one-horned rhinos. And elephants are now used as walking guides in the jungle rather than as rides for tourists.
Relax and chill-out in Pokhara
After all the sight-seeing and driving in Kathmandu Valley, there’s no better place to recharge your batteries than in Pokhara.
Surrounded by the Annapurna mountain range and just a half-hour flight from Kathmandu, Pokhara lies on the banks of the tranquil Lake Phewa. While in Pokhara, you can go boating on the lake and walk up to Shanti Stupa for beautiful views of the city, lake and the surrounding mountains.
Should you wish to experience something different with a little bit of adventure (but not too crazy), you can go paragliding and/or hot air ballooning in Pokhara or glamping at Begnas Lake located just outside of the city.
*****
Have you been to Nepal? What were some of your best experiences in Nepal? Do share in the comments below!
