1. Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, unlike any other city in the world. The dilapidated buildings in the city center are in sharp contrast with the lively atmosphere pervading the streets. When street vendors push their merchandise and people start their daily lives, the store smells of incense, all set against the background of historic temples and carved statues. For hundreds of years, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur were one of three competing royal cities. And Patan. The locations are very close to each other, and these three are running almost together today. The highlight of Kathmandu has always been Durbar Square, which is the largest palatial square of the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here you can find temples and monuments of different shapes, sizes, styles, and religions. Kathmandu Durbar Square was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake. Many buildings were destroyed and could not be repaired, but it is still a special visit. As Nepal's capital and largest city, it is different from any other city in the world. The dilapidated buildings in the city center are in sharp contrast with the lively atmosphere pervading the streets. When street vendors push their merchandise and people start their daily lives, the store smells of incense, all set against the background of historic temples and carved statues. For hundreds of years, Kathmandu and Bhaktapur were one of three competing royal cities. And Patan. The locations are very close to each other, and these three are running almost together today. The highlight of Kathmandu has always been Durbar Square, which is the largest palatial square of the three royal cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can find temples and monuments of different shapes, sizes, styles, and religions. Kathmandu Durbar Square was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquake. Many buildings were destroyed and could not be repaired, but it is still a special visit.
2. Boudhanath Stupa (Bodhnath)
Just outside of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world's largest stupas of its kind. Its history can be traced back to the 6th century or even earlier. Like Bhaktapur, it is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa is a symbol of enlightenment, but in Bodhi Temple, the symbolic meaning is self-evident. Each different form represents one of the five elements of earth, water, fire, wind, and ball, which are the five buddhas' attributes. They are assembled in the form of a stupa, which abstractly reflects the universe's structure. The pagoda was slightly damaged in the 2015 earthquake and has now been completely restored.
3.Pokhara
Located at the foot of the mountain, Pokhara is surrounded by some of the highest mountains in the world (Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, and Annapurna I), making it one of the most picturesque cities in Nepal. Pokhara is the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point for trekking to the Jomsom and Annapurna regions for hikers. It is also a great place to relax before or after a hiking trip. In terms of population, Nepal’s the second-largest city after Kathmandu, but it still doesn’t feel like a big city. When you travel from Kathmandu, 200 kilometers east, you will immediately notice cleaner air and pleasant weather. With numerous lakeside hotels, restaurants, and shops, Lake Phewa is perfect for those seeking relaxation.
4.Trekking in the Annapurna Region
The Annapurna area is one of Nepal's most popular trekking areas, and the trekking routes range from a few days to a few weeks. The 3 main routes in the Annapurna area intersect and combine in places, and you can choose a part or variant of the route. These routes are well signposted and easy to follow. The Annapurna Loop around Annapurna Mountain takes about 21 days to complete and is very popular with people who have plenty of time. This route is sometimes called the "Apple Pie Circuit" because most teahouses along the way serve their own fried apple pie. A popular hiking destination in the area, usually offered as a combination of hiking packages and the Annapurna Loop, is Poon Hill (3210 meters) near Ghorepani. Most hikers try to reach Poon Hill early to see the sunrise and magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, South Annapurna, Machapuchare, and Singa Chuli.
The Annapurna Reserve is located between the peaks of Annapurna, and it takes five days to reach it. Muktinath was on its way to Annapurna, but it has since become a destination in itself. The Muktinath route runs through the Kali Gandaki valley on the east side of Annapurna and takes 7 days. To the north of Muktinath is Mustang, a small area that only opened to tourists in 1992. This area has its own fascinating culture. In many ways, the Annapurna area north of Pokhara is an ideal pedestrian area. The dramatic contrasts in the Nepalese countryside are pronounced, from the subtropical vegetation of the Pokhara Valley to the dry rain and shady areas unique to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. People and cultures are also very different: facial features, food, houses, lifestyle, customs, and religion. The Annapurna area was declared a protected area in 1986. Most importantly, it has a good infrastructure that can support many hikers passing through the area. The roads are well maintained, with adequate food and lodging.
5.Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath is located on the top of a mountain west of Kathmandu. It is the second-largest shrine in the Kathmandu Valley after Boudhanath. The monkeys that live in parts of the temple are more affectionately called the Monkey Temple. The Swayambhu stupa is painted with the eyes of the omnipresent God and forms the core of the temple complex. The temple complex was originally a prehistoric place of worship, and its history can be traced back to the 5th century. Swayambhu plays an important role in the lives of Vajrayana Buddhists in northern Nepal and Tibet, especially the Newar Buddhists from the Kathmandu Valley. The 2015 earthquake caused some damage to the Swayambhunath temple complex; however, now the repairs have been completed, and the temple has been restored to its original state.
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