During the HTM 2017 Conference, we were fortunate to spend time being shown the gorgeous country of Nepal on organized trips before the meetings began.
During the talks, we learned that although many people focus on Everest as the jewel of Nepal, the country wants to showcase more of the region to encourage tourism after the devastating earthquakes that rocked the region in 2015.
After nearly a month touring the country, I present to you the highlights of Nepal (other than Everest).
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park is Nepal’s first national park and was designated as such in 1973. In 1984 the park was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park is famous as one of the few remaining places in the world where you can see Bengal Tigers in the wild.
Although we weren’t able to see any tigers during our visit, the park also is home to leopards, sloth bears, river otters, foxes, wild boar, honey badgers, hyenas, wild dogs, and numerous types of birds.
We were able to spot one of my favorites: rhinos.
We crept up as close as we safely could to get this photo. As the rhino spotted us and took interest, moving closer, our guide hurried us back to the Jeep. Apparently they move faster than you think!
Lumbini
Lumbini, which means “the lovely,” is the famous birthplace of Buddha. The site is commemorated with a gorgeous golden statue of Buddha as a child.
One of my favorite things about the site is that no hotels, shops or restaurants have been allowed to be built on the property.
Instead, temples and prayer flags permeate the area, making it very peaceful.
Pokhara
Pokhara is my favorite spot in all of Nepal. The town has the feel of a small, sleepy town but, area wise, it is actually the biggest town in the country. It is also known as the tourism capital of Nepal.
The main area of the town is centered around a gorgeous lake. You can rent boats and spend the day on the water.
Pokhara is also a base for many trekkers due to its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range. In fact, three of the ten highest mountains in the world are located near Pokhara.
Pokhara has also become famous for paragliding because of the ideal conditions and gorgeous views. During my most recent visit, I spent an hour soaring above the city before gently landing next to the lake.
Monkey Temple in Kathmandu
The Monkey Temple (local name: Swayambhunath) is one Kathmandu’s most famous attractions. The actual temple itself is nice, but not much different or more impressive than most other temples in the country.
What makes this temple unique is that there are hundreds of monkeys living at the site. As you make your way up the 365 stairs to the stupa located at the top, you’ll likely cross paths with many of the small temple residents.
You must be careful– the monkeys have been known to steal from temple visitors, and you don’t want to be in the middle when the monkeys start to fight!
Nepalese Food
Nepal is not known as a foodie destination, and in fact, most of their most popular items originated in surrounding countries.
But, during a recent walking food tour of Kathmandu, we tasted some really delicious Neapali food.
If you go with an open mind and an empty stomach, you’ll discover some great and authentic local dishes.
The People
During the conference, one of the presenters said that the jewel of Nepal is not Everest, but instead the people. I couldn’t agree more.
Every city we visited, every hotel we checked into, every guesthouse we stayed at, every restaurant we dined at– the people were always so nice, warm and genuinely interested in us and what we were doing.
Everest
Ok, I know this post is about what Nepal has to offer besides Everest, but you can hardly talk about Nepal without mentioning it.
My friend Steph took a mountain flight of Everest and captured this amazing shot:
She had initially asked me to join her, but it was a bit expensive, so I didn’t end up going. After seeing this shot, I regretted that decision!
This is a great read. It inspires me to go to Nepal! The images are awesome and I would definitely want to go to Lumbini and the monkey temple. I’m curious about the main ingredients in the two dishes you feature here.
Awww I was supposed to go on this trip but the timing didn’t work out in the end- now I really regret it as it looks like you made it to some amazing spots! I especially love the safari!
I had no idea Nepal was so varied! I’d love spot tigers in Chitwan National Park.
You had such an amazing experience in Nepal even though you didn’t see a Bengal tiger. I have not yet been there, though I hope to visit one day. It looks like such a colorful country from your photos!
That was really eye opening. Not many are aware of the culture and traditions of Nepal.
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I can see that it’s well worth visiting this part of the world even if you’re not interested in climbing Everest. I love your photographic introduction to the area’s attractions, especially the prayer flags and the golden statue of child Buddha!
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This post has made me want to go to Nepal! The flight over Everest would be incredible, but it looks like you got some pretty sweet views paragliding over Pokhara . I would definitely be into that! The food also looks really good. Saving this post for inspiration when we plan a trip to Nepal!
There certainly seems like there are alot of options and things to do here! Pokhara especially is at the top of the list for me! You had such a great experience
Such a great read but my favourite part was your stunning images! You’ve captured Nepal beautifully. My parents have been hiking here and I’ve always wanted to go myself and your post is just pushing me closer to getting there
What a beautiful post! I’m visiting Nepal this spring, mostly to do the APBC trek and take a couple of Buddhism classes, but this has made me even more excited to go! I have to see a rhino now! How cool is that?!
Good one Nathan! You really captured the essence of Nepal. Your Lumbini and Pokhra pics are so good. I am sure reading your article anyone would be excited to visit Nepal.
It’s so true that we think of a country by the one major attraction it holds within. I haven’t been to Nepal, but I have a few places to add to my list to visit when I do. Thanks for that.
So great to see more of Nepal than Everest (although it is very special). I can see why Pokhara was your favourite. It looks like a gorgeous lakeside town. So interesting see Nepalese food too. I haven’t tried it yet. Must get to Nepal for that!
Wow! Nepal is such a COLORFUL town; I love it! The Chitwan National Park is a must see for me. Love being amongst nature and getting to see wildlife!
I was in Nepal in 2013 and these photos are making me ache to go back! The country is so often overlooked by travelers, but it is so incredible!
Isn’t it funny how it works, you turn away from a country’s main attraction and find an entire country to discover. This must be the only article I’ve seen that has only one photo of the Himalayas (and even that is not the author’s)! Good stuff.
Such a beautiful country – I’m desperate to go! I’d love to spend some time in Pokhara – the boats on the lake are so pretty. I think I’d also take a trek in the Anapurnas from there too. And Chitwan park is definitely on my list, even if chances of seeing a tiger are low.
It is indeed what most people associate Nepal with and it is good that there are people trying to present more of this beautiful place. The mountain flight of Everest look spectacular though! The Pokhara lake truly is gorgeous!
Wonderful feeling of being there! So many photos and posts about Nepal are epic in scale. I long to visit but getting there is another thing!
Oooo, i’d love to try the food! I can’t believe you got so close to those rhinos. Exciting adventures 🙂
There is indeed so much to Nepal if one were able to take their glance away from the mighty Everest. I am especially interested in Lumbini, the birth place of the Buddha. I have visited Sarnath and Bodh Gaya and would love to visit Lumbini.
Awesome Post. As we all know that Nepal is famous around the world because of Mount Everest but there are many things to do in Nepal such as Paragliding, Rafting, Trekking to other famous mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Kanchenjunga etc.