KATHMANDU: Nepal boasts of being the fifth most-visited countries among the top 10 countries in the world and number one in the Best Valued Destination.

Nepal is loaded with pristine natural beauty, the sky-high Himalayan range and endless culture and traditions spread out all over the country.

One of the main reasons to visit Nepal is for trekking and climbing mountains. One can climb to the top of the world by scaling Mt Everest, the world’s highest peak. Trekking is another event where one can view the country’s natural beauty of the majestic Himalayas, and understand the lifestyle of people living in altitudes above 4,000 meters.

Nepal is also rich in culture and traditions. There are countless ethnic groups each following their distinct art and religions. This diverse traditions and lifestyle is a prominent feature of Nepalese people.

Nepal boasts of its cultural diversity, and this vast tradition showcases the heritage and temples.

In Kathmandu alone, there are seven UNESCO World Heritage sites including Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Durbar Squares.

Nepal has 852 species of birds, and bird watching has evolved into a sought-out activity of tourists. Nepal is also home to several endangered species such as the Bengal Tiger, One Horned Rhinoceros, Bengal Fox, Red Panda, and the elusive Snow Leopard.

Here are the top 10 places to visit all-time favorites by the international and national tourists.

1. Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp trek has been ranking frequently as the best trekking region of the entire world. This trekking route lets you reach Kalapatthar too. After taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the trek begins and finishes roughly around 17 days. It’s everyone’s dream to step into the lap of Mt. Everest.

2. Annapurna Base Camp

The normal itinerary for the trek to Annapurna Base Camp ranges from 7 days to 11 days. This trip has been an attraction of all as it brings them in the laps of 7,000 to 8,000 m high mountains. The records show that each year 100,000 plus foreigners visit this place.

3. Poon Hill

Annapurna Base Camp Trek is one of the most-preferred trekking destinations in Nepal. Tourists, who enjoy experiencing the mountains, walking on the sloppy lands and feel the pleasant climate, choose this region as their ultimate trekking destination.

4. Rara Lake

The lake is the habitat of indigenous Asala (mountain) fish which is not found in the rest of the world. Reflection of Sisne and Kanjirowa Mountain is seen in crystal clear water of the lake.

5. Tilicho Lake

Tilicho Lake is situated 4,920 m above the sea level in the Manang district. The famous Marsyangdi River emerges from this lake. To make the visit to other popular destinations of Manang viz. Thorang pass, Muktinath temple, and Jomsom is an interesting and memorable one definitely have to reach here. The Sharad (autumn) season is the best time to roam around Tilicho Lake.

6. Chitwan National Park

The Chitwan National Park is not only second South Africa with regards to flora and fauna but also the habitat of the world-famous one-horned rhino. Jungle safari, elephant safari, elephant bathing, crocodile breeding center, elephant breeding center and nature walk are the major attractions of Chitwan National Park. Passing along the road from Tandi one can roam inside the Park. The pleasure of observing the sunset from the riverbank cannot be described in words.

7. Pokhara

The city of lakes is the mirror of snow-capped mountains as their image reflects on the lake water. For adventure lovers, there are different activities like Sky diving, Paragliding, Ultralight flight, Rafting, Zip flying, Hot air ballooning, etc. Near Pokhara, there are 18 short-trekking routes.

Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manaslu mountain ranges can be seen from here. The major places to visit in Pokhara are White Monastery, David’s Fall, Mahendra Cave, Gupteshwar Cave, Phewa Lake, Begnas Lake, Rupa Lake, Bindhyabasini Temple, World Peace Stupa, etc. There are eight different lakes in Pokhara and its periphery.

8. Lumbini

Not only for religious tourism Lumbini is also a must-visit place for those interested in archaeology. It is located in the Rupandehi district of Province No. 5 in Nepal. This birthplace of Gautam Buddha has many Stupas and Monasteries.

The Mayadevi temple of Lumbini is named after Lord Buddha’s mother Mayadevi. The attractions of Lumbini are Puskarini holy pond, Ashoka Pillar, Sacred Bodhi Tree, World Peace Pagoda, Myanmar Golden Temple, Lumbini Crane Sanctuary, Lumbini International Research Institute and many more. Lumbini is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site because of its historic importance.

9. Bandipur

Bandipur is a Newari cultural museum. Nepal’s biggest cave ‘the Siddha Cave’ is situated here. Bandipur offers scenic views of Jugal, Langtang, Ganesh, Manaslu, Hiunchuli, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Kanjirowa mountains. On June 24, species of Sunagabha flowers welcome the visitors. Paragliding has also been started here.

10. Lomanthang

Lomanthang is considered the most entertaining remote destination area of Mustang district. The geography of this place matches with Tibet region. The place is a hub of the Thakali tradition. Foreigners are required to get special permission to enter this area. The 700-year-old palace in Lomanthang is the major attraction of this place. The palace is made from mud that has 5-story and more than 100 rooms.

Apart from this, you can visit Se Phoksundo Lake, Khaptad National Park, Gosaikunda, Badimalika (Bajura), Khokana, Namobuddha, Swargadwari, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Palpa, Kakani, Tsho Rolpa Glacier Lake, Chisapani & Thakurdwara, Kakrebihar (Surkhet), Bhedetar, Barpak (Gorkha), Kalinchok (Dolakha), Pathibhara (Taplejung), Kanyam (Ilam), Panchpokhari (Sindhupalchowk).