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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Nepal [2025]
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Kathmandu Durbar Square
4.6
/5
561 reviews
6.0
>100 km from downtown
Phone +977-1-4268969
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
Highlights:
Experience traditional celebrations during Indra
Kumari's residence up close
Saved by 162 users192 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It has rich history, culture and natural landscapes. It is the political, economic and cultural center of Nepal. Kathmandu is a city with diverse religions. The main religions are Hinduism and Buddhism. For example, Pashupatinath Temple is one of the four major temples of Hinduism. It enshrines Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods of Hinduism, and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Swayambhunath Temple is one of the world's famous Buddhist holy sites. There is a huge pagoda in the temple. The tower body is white and the top of the tower is shining with gold. There are countless small pagodas and Buddha statues around it. It is a place for Buddhists to practice and worship. Kathmandu has a unique architectural style, which combines the architectural art of Hinduism and Buddhism. Durbar Square is one of the iconic buildings in Kathmandu. There are many ancient palaces, temples and statues on the square, such as Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which was the royal palace of the Malla Dynasty of Nepal. There are many exquisite murals and wood carvings in the palace.
Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the heart of Nepal’s capital, is is also home to numerous temples dedicated to Hindu deities, such as the towering Taleju Temple, accessible only to royalty during its prime, and the Kasthamandap, a three-story wooden pavilion believed to have been built from a single tree, which gave Kathmandu its name. The Kumari Ghar, a lavishly carved wooden mansion, houses the Kumari, a young girl revered as the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Durga. This blend of sacred and regal structures creates a spiritual ambiance, especially during festivals like Indra Jatra and Dashain, when the square comes alive with processions, dances, and rituals.
Chitwan National Park
4.6
/5
208 reviews
5.8
Based on 647 reviews
99.1 km from downtown
Phone +977 56-411024
Address: Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 days
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Nepal
Highlights:
Elephant rides & crocodile spotting
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Verified User Reviews
It's worth going. We rode elephants in Chitwan National Park and watched the world's rare unicorn rhinos, peacocks and other beautiful birds, elk and other animals. Also rafting in the small river in a canoe, close to see more than a dozen crocodiles, many birds and the virgin forests on both sides of the Straits. Also led by locals on foot in the jungle. Also visited the elephant breeding center. Also watched the sunset of the long river...
Home to rare species like the one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers, and diverse birdlife, the park offers an unforgettable jungle safari experience.Chitwan National Park in Nepal is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether you explore by jeep, canoe, or elephant-back, the rich biodiversity and lush landscapes are truly mesmerizing. If you love adventure and wildlife, Chitwan National Park is a must-visit destination for an authentic jungle escape.
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Phewa Lake
4.7
/5
477 reviews
5.3
26.5 km from downtown
Phone +977-985-1027024
Address: Pokhara 33700, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Nepal
Highlights:
Visit Talba Temple's unique fusion
Panoramic lake & snowy mountain views
109 positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Last year I visited - Phewa Lake in Pokhara, Nepal, is a breathtaking destination that perfectly blends natural beauty and tranquility. Its crystal-clear waters reflect the stunning landscape. Boating on the lake, especially at sunrise or sunset, is a mesmerizing experience. The Tal Barahi Temple, located on an island in the lake, adds a spiritual charm. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Phewa Lake is a must-visit spot for nature lovers and photographers
Phewa Lake in Pokhara is a breathtaking destination, offering serene waters, stunning mountain reflections, and vibrant lakeside activities. Boating on the lake is a must, with options to paddle yourself or hire a boatman. The view of the Annapurna range, especially at sunrise or sunset, is mesmerizing. The Tal Barahi Temple, situated on an island, adds a cultural touch. The lakeside area is lively with cafes, restaurants, and shops. Whether for relaxation or adventure.
No.
4
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Buddha Stupa
4.6
/5
291 reviews
5.1
Based on 9,069 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +977-986-8863886
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Buddhist architecture & World Heritage
Circumambulate & pray for blessings
Saved by 108 users
Verified User Reviews
20240615 AM:
1. Boudhanath Stupa is a landmark building in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is the world's largest round stupa and one of the world cultural heritage sites. It is 38 meters high and 100 meters in diameter. It is said to have been built by King Shiva Deva of the Lichavi Dynasty in the 6th century BC. It is a cultural relic of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and an important spiritual totem of Mahayana Buddhists. It is said that there are relics of Kasyapa Buddha in the stupa, which is an important spiritual totem in Mahayana Buddhism. Because the top of the stupa is painted with wisdom eyes, it is also called the Big Eyes Stupa. It is also said that when the stupa was built, it was a drought, and the craftsmen took dewdrops and mud, so it is also called the Dewdrop Stupa. During the worship season, Buddhists from Bhutan, Sikkim, and Tibet in my country will gather here to worship, so Chinese signs are often seen. The scenic area is divided into three major parts: the stupa, the Padmasambhava Temple, and the shop area. It is a good place for sightseeing photography, humanities learning, worshiping Buddha, shopping, and parent-child strolls. When praying around the pagoda, you need to go around it three times in a clockwise direction.
①Address: Circle Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Nepal
②Transportation: Direct bus access, difficult to park by car
③Peak season: None
④Time: 2 hours
⑤Ticket price: 400 rupees (22.2 yuan)
2. The Great Pagoda consists of four-story pagoda base and five-story pagoda body, specifically:
①The first floor of the pagoda base: There are small Buddhist niches, prayer wheels, bells and other Buddhist instruments between the entrances and exits
②The second floor of the pagoda base: There is an incense burner standing at the worship area in front of the pagoda, which looks very much like the pagoda in Tibetan Buddhism (the instrument for storing the corpse of a monk). You need to take off your shoes on this floor, as the ground may be hot in summer. You can also walk around the tower on this floor, and enjoy the street view under the tower
③ The third and fourth floors of the tower base: It is forbidden to go up, and these two floors are blank and have no scenery
④ The four corners of the tower courtyard: Because the tower courtyard wall is circular and the tower base is similar to a cross (12 corners), there are four open spaces in the first floor of the tower base, which are respectively equipped with a painting pool (a pool for painting the white tower body with paint, and a small statue stands on the wellhead next to it), green plants (2 places, the edge of the green plants in one place is surrounded by dense stainless steel small bowls, each bowl contains 2 flowers, orange and yellow; the other place has a small Buddha statue under the green plants), and a small tower
⑤ The first floor of the tower body: The semi-circular tower base represents water, and it is also said to be the womb that creates life. There are golden niches on all four sides, and the five Tathagatas are enshrined inside. The ground is a circle of prayer wheels, and visitors can turn it clockwise to pray for blessings
⑥ The second floor of the tower: a square structure, representing the earth, four squares are painted with a pair of eyebrows and eyes, called "wisdom eyes", symbolizing omniscience
⑦ The third floor of the tower: a triangular structure, representing fire, divided into 13 levels, with a decreasing cross-sectional area layer by layer, in a cone shape, symbolizing the thirteen positions of the Bodhisattva from cause to effect
⑧ The fourth floor of the tower: an umbrella-shaped structure, representing the wind, with a small bell hanging below, and a gentle breeze will make bursts of sound, symbolizing nirvana
⑨ The fifth floor of the tower: a spiral structure, representing the essence of life, composed of all things composed of water, earth, fire, and wind, called "the harmony of the four elements" in Buddhism
⑩ Colorful ribbons: multiple, connecting the top of the tower to the ground, shaped like colorful prayer flags, in the order of blue, white, red, green, and yellow...
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Eerie but interesting place. Full of incense but worth the experience. Enjoyable walk!
No.
5
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Swoyambhu Mahachaitya
4.6
/5
300 reviews
4.9
>100 km from downtown
Phone +977-986-5713743
Address: P77R+X52, BHAGANPAU 44600, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Night Attractions in Nepal
Highlights:
Golden pagoda & monkeys at sunset
Iconic landmark for distant views
27% positive reviews
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20240615pm:
1. Swayambhunath Stupa is a famous Buddhist temple in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is also called Monkey Temple because of the many wild monkeys in the temple. It is also called the Four-eyed God Temple. It is a world cultural heritage with a history of 2,500 years and one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Asia. It is an important spiritual totem for Mahayana Buddhists. It also has a Hindu shrine. It is the only temple in the world where Buddhism and Hinduism coexist. The shrines are lined with spires, incense is strong, solemn and sacred, and the mountain top has a wide view, overlooking the panoramic view of Kathmandu. The scenic area is divided into two major areas: the giant stupa and the mountain trail. It is a good place for viewing photography, humanities learning, worshiping Buddha, shopping, and parent-child walks. There will be celebrations every year on Buddha's Birthday (April or May) and Tibetan New Year (February or March). Due to the 8.1 magnitude earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015, the ancient buildings were severely damaged, and there are still buildings under repair.
①Address: Kathmandu, Kathmandu, Nepal
②Transportation: Direct bus access, difficult to park by car
③Peak season: None
④Duration: 2 hours
⑤Ticket price: 200 rupees (11.1 yuan)
2. The giant stupa is the core building of the temple. It is mainly white and more than 40 meters high. Its shape is very similar to the Boudhanath Stupa. It has five floors, specifically:
①The first floor of the tower: a semi-circular structure tower base, representing water, and also said to be the womb of life creation, with golden niches embedded on all four sides, and the five Tathagatas are enshrined inside. The ground is a circle of prayer wheels, and visitors can turn them three times clockwise to pray for blessings. ② The second floor of the tower: a square structure, representing the earth, with four squares painted with a pair of eyebrows and eyes, called "wisdom eyes", symbolizing omniscience. ③ The third floor of the tower: a triangular structure, representing fire, divided into 13 levels, with a decreasing cross-sectional area layer by layer, in a cone shape, symbolizing the thirteen positions of the Bodhisattva from cause to effect. ④ The fourth floor of the tower: an umbrella-shaped structure, representing the wind, with a small bell hanging below, and the breeze will make bursts of sound, symbolizing nirvana. ⑤ The fifth floor of the tower: a spiral structure, representing the essence of life, composed of all things composed of water, earth, fire, and wind, in the Buddha It is called "the harmony of the four elements" in Buddhism.
⑥ Five-color ribbons: multiple ribbons, connecting the top of the tower to the ground, shaped like five-color prayer flags, in the order of blue, white, red, green, and yellow, representing the blue sky, white clouds, flames, green water, and loess respectively.
3. The platform where the giant stupa is located is also the core area of the scenic area. There are many people and dense landscapes around the stupa. The ones that impressed me the most are:
① Stone pagoda matrix: neatly arranged small towers (cover photo), which contain relics such as relics and clothes left after the death of eminent monks of all generations
② Hindu goddess temple: two-story eaves Buddha niche, the only temple in the world where Buddhist and Hindu buildings coexist. There is a row of Hindu believers sitting on the ground eating hand-held rice in the doorless house next to the temple, which is very exotic
③ Small temples: none of them have names, and are named according to their characteristics. There is a single-story reclining Buddha temple (the main enshrines a reclining Buddha, and there are stone artifacts in the glass showcases around it)...
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Best place to visit during your stay in Kathmandu. Monkey temple also called Swayambhunath Stupa in local nepali language. It had became an important place for Buddhism. Mostly crowded by tourists. Its is one the highest point in Kathmandu valley surrounded by prayer and Monkey.
No.
6
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Thamel
4.5
/5
416 reviews
4.8
Based on 5,772 reviews
Thamel | >100 km from downtown
Address: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Kathmandu's top 3 must-sees
Himalayan adventurers' must-visit shops
Verified User Reviews
This little hub inside of Kathmandu is constantly hustling and bustling. You'll find shops and restaurants everywhere, and the people are always kind. Traffic can be a bit daunting at first, but you'll get the hand of it quickly.
A great city, the food is delicious, the people are friendly and approachable
No.
7
Lumbini
4.8
/5
27 reviews
4.8
>100 km from downtown
Address: 32900, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Diverse architectural styles & temples
Ashoka Pillar & Bodhi Tree
Verified User Reviews
Lumbini is a remarkable destination that offers a deep connection to history and spirituality. As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the peaceful surroundings, ancient ruins, and the Maya Devi Temple create a sense of tranquility that is hard to match. The gardens are beautifully maintained, perfect for reflection and meditation. Walking through the sacred grounds, you can almost feel the wisdom and serenity in the air. While the area is spiritually enriching, more modern amenities.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is a serene and spiritual destination in Nepal. It offers a peaceful atmosphere with monasteries, the sacred Maya Devi Temple, and the Ashoka Pillar. Pilgrims and travelers find solace in its meditative surroundings, reflecting on its deep historical and cultural significance. The well-preserved archaeological ruins and beautiful gardens make it a must-visit for those seeking tranquility and enlightenment. Lumbini truly embodies peace, history.
No.
8
Everest Base Camp Trek
4.8
/5
9 reviews
4.5
>100 km from downtown
Address: HGXX+528, Dudhakunda 56000, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 10-12 days
Highlights:
360° view of world-class peaks
Explore alpine ecosystems & heritage
Verified User Reviews
有高反可能，但基本能控制，起初要放慢速度，让自己慢慢适应，别人走三小时，自己走四小时五小时就行，时间足够宽裕。景色绝对没得说，震撼，心灵的洗礼。想想世界各国的人趋之若鹜，不是没有道理的。走在5000多海拔，听着自己一口口呼气的声音，看着眼前有压迫感的雪山，任何烦恼都会烟消云散，能够感知人的渺小，增添一些平和淡定，以及对当下的珍惜
Just as we were about to leave, we found that the fog had dissipated and the entire Mount Everest was exposed. I'll post a few more beautiful photos. It was really quite nice to hike up there. It is really beautiful here, except that the journey is a bit difficult.
No.
9
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Bhaktapur Durbar Square
4.6
/5
273 reviews
4.4
Based on 1,709 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +977-984-1620757
Address: Durbar square, Bhaktapur 44800, Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
Highlights:
1520 Torado Temple spring festival
15th-century palace: Hindu & Buddhist
Verified User Reviews
Walking into Bhaktapur Durbar Square is like entering a long scroll of Nepal's history. Located in the Kathmandu Valley, it is a culmination of medieval Nepalese art and architecture, a UNESCO-certified world cultural heritage, and can be called an "open-air museum".
In the square, red brick ancient buildings are closely arranged, and wood carvings and stone carvings can be seen everywhere. The patterns on the window lattices and columns are exquisite and complex, and the images of people, animals, gods, etc. are lifelike, quietly telling stories of the past.
The Nyatapola Temple is the symbol of the square. This five-story pagoda reaches the sky, and statues of mythical beasts and strong men stand majestically beside nearly a thousand steps.
This is also a portrayal of Nepalese life. Women draw water from the ancient well, children laugh on the stone road, and the elderly rest and chat on the steps. The handicraft shops on the street are full of thangkas, wood carvings, and pottery, which makes people can't help but choose.
The 2015 earthquake hit the square hard, and many buildings were seriously damaged. Although some have been repaired, the ruins are still telling the story of the disaster. This also makes people cherish these historical sites more and more, and reminds people of the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a visual enjoyment, spiritual baptism, and a dialogue with history. It is worth every tourist to slow down and savor it carefully.
20240615 AM:
1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, also known as Bhaktapur Palace Square, is an ancient building complex in Bhaktapur Village, 15 kilometers from the suburbs of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is known as the "open-air museum" and "the essence and treasure house of medieval Nepalese art". In the 13th century, the Malla Kings established their capital here and built palaces, temples and other buildings. Before the 18th century, it was the political and economic center of Nepal. The scenic area is divided into three parts: the palace, the outer area of the palace, and the street area. It is a good place for viewing photography, humanities learning, worshiping Buddha, and shopping. Due to the 8.1-magnitude earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015, the ancient buildings were severely damaged, and many buildings are currently under repair. There are three Durbar (meaning palace, reception room) squares in Nepal, which were built by the three sons of King VI of the Malla Dynasty, and the other two are in Kathmandu and Patan.
①Address: Bhaktapur Village, Kathmandu, Nepal
②Transportation: Direct bus access, easy parking by car
③Peak season: None
④Duration: 4 hours
⑤Ticket price: 500 rupees (27.8 yuan)
2. The palace is the core area of the main building complex, from the outside to the inside:
①Golden Gate: Also known as the Sun Gate, it is a gilded palace gate built by Tenajit, the last king of the Malla Dynasty. It is 8 meters high. Although small, it is exquisitely carved and incorporates totems of many ethnic groups, including the Chinese dragon. According to legend, in order to make this gate unique in the world, the king assassinated the builder of this gate after it was built. Nepal does not produce gold, and the gold used for this gate was purchased from Tibet with silver. There is a soldier guarding here. When tourists take pictures, he will hide at the door. I wanted to take a photo with him but was rejected. ②Yamadvar Chowk: The first courtyard after entering the main gate of the palace is where the king receives his subjects. There is a stone statue engraved with the guardian god Kshetrapala Chhwasa, and sacrificial offerings are scattered around. ③Talaju Goddess Temple: Built in 1553 (the 32nd year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty), it is the oldest building in this area. At that time, 99 courtyards were built, and only 6 remain, namely the Moorish Courtyard, Bailabu Courtyard, Igata Courtyard, Malati Courtyard, and Hidi Courtyard. Non-Hindus are prohibited from entering, and taking pictures is strictly prohibited. There are soldiers guarding the door. The wood carvings on the door are extremely exquisite, but unfortunately they cannot be photographed for display. Through the door, you can see that there is a large courtyard in the quadrangle style. The building enshrines the goddess Taleju Bhavani, the patron saint of the Malla dynasty, also known as the child goddess. She creates tragic scenes and horror scenes in front of several 4-7-year-old Sakya girls who have never shed blood or suffered from illness, have no birthmarks, and have neat teeth. The girl who is fearless and carefree will become the new living goddess and will be replaced after her menarche. Kumari means virgin in Hindi. The current incarnation of the living goddess is called Kumari...
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No.
10
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Kumari Chowk
4.0
/5
179 reviews
4.4
Based on 796 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Address: Durbar Square, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Unique courtyard-style temple architecture
Kumari's residence up close
Verified User Reviews
20240615pm:
1. Kumari Bahal
Located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a complex of ancient buildings in Kathmandu. It is the site of the royal palace of the Malla Kings and Shah Dynasty of Nepal, a world cultural heritage, and the political and cultural center of Nepal at that time. There are more than 50 ancient buildings from the 16th to 19th centuries. It is a holy place for Hindu believers, with a huge crowd and extraordinary bustle. The scenic area is divided into Hanuman Dhoka Palace and the square. It is a good place for viewing photography, humanities learning, worshiping Buddha and shopping. Due to the 8.1 magnitude earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015, the ancient buildings were severely damaged, and many buildings are currently under repair. There are three Durbar squares in Nepal, which were built by the three sons of King Mahal of the Malla Dynasty. The other two are in Bhaktapur and Patan.
①Address: J P Marg Digha Paheleja, Kathmandu, Nepal
②Transportation: Direct bus access, difficult to park by car
③Peak season: None
④Duration: 1 hour
⑤Ticket price: 1,000 rupees (55.6 yuan, free outside the palace)
2. Kumari Bahal: Also known as the Living Child Temple, the temple enshrines the Living Goddess - Kumari, the patron saint of the Malla Dynasty, also known as the Child Goddess. It is to create tragic scenes and horror scenes in front of several 4-7-year-old Sakya girls who have never bled or been sick, have no birthmarks, and have neat teeth. Among them, the girl with no fear, worry or joy will become the new Living Goddess to be worshipped, and will be replaced after her menarche. However, marrying an adult goddess is considered to be bad luck. Kumari means virgin in Hindi. The girl cannot be photographed, but you can visit the temple and take photos when she is not in the temple.
Nepal's living goddess Kumari is a symbol of the goddess of wisdom and power. Do your homework in advance. Every day at 4 pm, Kumari goddess accepts people to visit her. Calculate the time and you will be lucky enough to see the living goddess, although it is only a few minutes. Taking pictures is prohibited on site. The famous Durbar Square is not far from the goddess temple. It takes about a few minutes to walk and feel the strong local culture of Nepal...
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