Nepal is always been on the top of the travel bucket list for most travellers. The home of the Himalayas, the cultural and geographical diversities are the greater aspects of this wonderful country. Every year, almost one million of travelers make their trip to Nepal.
However, the flow of the tourist was disturbed after the 2015 earthquake, as the mainstream media had promoted the country as an unsafe destination. But the country has again come back to it's feet. As a result, in 2017, the total number of tourists that visited Nepal was 9,40,238.
Tourism has always contributed as a major source of income in Nepal. With all the natural and cultural wonders that the country carries, it should definitely be a major source of income. To promote and to attract more tourists on this Holy land, Nepal government had organized 'Visit Nepal Years in 1998 and 2011' where the champagne was successful in bringing in 4,63,684 and 7,36,215 tourists, respectively. And now the Nepal government is promoting 2020 as 'Visit Nepal Year 2020', aiming to bring in 2 million tourists which seems absolutely doable.
Why to travel Nepal?
The home of eight of ten highest mountains including Mount Everest- the roof of the world, the birthplace of Shakya Muni Buddha, the diverse cultures and traditions, the friendly people, the history and lot's more. These are the reasons why Nepal has been enclosed in 'Best Valued Destinations'.
Trekking and Hiking
Nepal is probably the best place in the world for the trekking and hiking. Suitable for beginners to pro trekkers, the country offers different taste on the trekkers tongue. The easy trekking route of the hills to high passes of the Himalayas, it includes diverse nature trails. From the 2 nights 3 days trek of Chisapani Nagarkot Trek to 150 days trekking of The Great Himalayan Trails, Nepal is indeed a paradise for trekkers. The mountains, the cultures and the traditions of peoples, the uniqueness in every trail, Nepal is absolutely the best place for the trekkers.
For the hikers, within 3 hours of hike he/she can see the snow capped mountains plus explore the local life, their living style and more.
Expeditions and Mountaineering
Home of the high Himalayas, Nepal is the best place for the alpine lovers. The country offers easy peak climbing activities of Mera Peak, Island Peak and the true expeditions of Mount Everest, Manaslu Expedition and more. Therefore, Nepal would be the best place for any mountain adventure lover.
Bio diversity of animals and birds
Nepal is also home to more than 185 mammals which includes some of the endangered species such as the Snow Leopard, Royal Bengal Tiger, One-horned Rhinoceros, Asiatic Elephant, Red Panda and lot's more. It is also the home for more than 850 bird species as well. The fish-eating gharial with the long narrow snout and the marsh mugger and other reptiles are also found in Nepal.
Next, the Chitwan National Park is considered as the best place to see one-horned rhinoceros whereas Bardia National Park is regarded as the best place to spot Royal Bengal Tigers. Likewise, Koshi Tappu and Shukla Phanta National Park are regarded as best places for bird watching.
The Sacred Places
Nepal is also the birthplace of Lord Buddha who has spread the message of love and peace all over the world. Lumbini is one of the most sacred places where Lord Buddha was born. Next Pashupatinath- one of the most sacred places of Hindus. And there also so many places which carries the several meaning for the different religion and people.
Home for more than 123 ethnic groups, Nepal is culturally diverse country. Each tribe has their own cultures, the traditions and unique living style. Almost every day there used to be a festival in this country. And the most interesting fact of the country is every single respect other’s cultures and traditions and celebrated the festivals as their own. The cultural and the religious harmony is yet another dot which has connected the people and makes this country uniquely unique in the world.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the historical monuments
Nepal has four places listed of UNESCO World Heritage Sites List. Two are listed as the historical and cultural aspects and two are listed on natural aspects.
Kathmandu Valley
Lumbini- The birthplace of Lord Buddha
Sagarmatha National Park
Chitwan National Park
And Kathmandu Valley has seven different zones included on that list: –
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Soyambhunath
Pashupatinath
Boudhanath
Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Changu Narayan Temple
Is it safe to travel Nepal?
The answer is big “YES”. Nepal is absolutely safe to travel. After the 2015 earthquake, the negative message has been wide-spread. But the things have changed, the country has stand back to its feet moving forward again. These are not the major issues, and no major political issues either.
You can travel Nepal without any doubts. And also, in the case of people aspects, you will find one of the friendliest people who are willing to help you with a smile.