What is Nepal Famous For? 10 Unique Reasons to Visit Nepal
Is Nepal Worth Visiting?
Are you curious about Nepal and want to learn more about what this beautiful country is famous for? Or you may even be pondering a very-near-in-the future journey to the land of the Himalayas. This blog post will delve into the top unique things that Nepal is famous for.
Most people only know Nepal for Mt. Everest, but there are so many things to see and do in this relatively small country beyond just this insanely crazy bucket list trekking experience. Nepal is a well-rounded travel destination from its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage to its delicious cuisine and exciting adventure sports.
Read on to discover more about what Nepal is famous for before you embark on your journey!
Things Nepal Is Famous For
1. Feel Small Amongst The Himalayas Mountain Range
If you know anything about Nepal, it’s probably because that’s where Mount Everest sits, the world’s highest mountain. But did you know that Nepal is home to eight of the world’s ten highest peaks?!
Mount Everest is, of course, the tallest and most famous, attracting an annual influx of mountain climbers and trekkers from around the globe each year to witness its majestic peak.
Trekking in Nepal is unparalleled, and there are many trails for hikers of all levels. And the varied scenery is unbeatable—along the way, you’ll find gorgeous glaciers like Ngozumpa Glacier and Imja Tse Glacier, as well as some of the world’s deepest gorges and valleys.
Some of the most popular Nepal treks are:
- Everest Base Camp Trek (EBC) ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
- Annapurna Base Camp Trek (ABC) ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
- Gokyo Lakes (usually combined with EBC trek) ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
- Poon Hill ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
- Manaslu Circuit Trek ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
- Langtang National Park Trek
- Upper Mustang Trek ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
- Dhaulagiri Circuit Trek
- Nar Phu Valley Trek
- Khopra Ridge Trek ➡️ Check Tour Prices Here
Nepal is most famous for its trekking and mountaineering in the Himalayas. Still, for non-hikers, there are other ways to experience the mountains. Get Himalayan views from day trips around the Kathmandu Valley or take a helicopter or airplane tour.
👉 Helicopter Tours are…not the cheapest, but this 1 hour airplane flight is relatively affordable. If you can’t hike to Everest, this is the next best and cheapest option for seeing the world’s highest mountain.
2. Explore Nepal’s Rich Cultural Heritage
Nepal is well known for its vibrant cultural heritage and its unique mix of religions, from Buddhism and Hinduism to shamanism. Home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, many more captivating cultural sites and monuments are scattered throughout the country that narrates the story of this ancient land.
Most people start their journey in the touristy area of Thamel, Kathmandu. This capital city is built around some of the world’s most beautiful temples and shrines, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath Stupa. Other cities like Patan, Bhaktapur, and Lumbini are well-known for their old-world charm and architecture.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
- Kathmandu Valley (7 sites included): Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Lalitpur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Changu Narayan Temple
- Lumbini: Birthplace of Lord Buddha. Other notable sites nearby – Maya Devi Temple, World Peace Stupa, and the eternal flame.
- Sagarmatha National Park: Area includes the world’s tallest mountain, Mt. Everest, and other famous peaks like Lhotse, Pumori, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
- Chitwan National Park: Nepal’s first National Park, home to many endangered animals and the center of Tharu culture
3. Celebrate Nepal’s Many Festivals
Nepal is a land of festivals, and the local people celebrate a wide range of religious and cultural occasions with great fanfare…basically once a month.
Festival season in October and November consists of Dashain, the biggest festival of the year lasting two whole weeks, followed almost immediately by Diwali (Tihar), another 5-day long celebration. Other popular festivals include Holi, Buddha’s birthday, and Mahashivaratri (one of the weirdest festivals I’ve seen).
During these times, the people of Nepal come together to enjoy heartfelt family gatherings, lively traditional music and dances, overflowing delicious feasts, and colorful decorations.
Check this calender for the full list of Nepal’s vibrant festivals. Note that since Nepal uses a different calendar system, the dates for the celebrations are different every year.
4. Feel the Power of The Local Cuisine, 24 Hours
Nepali cuisine is an unusual mixture of Indian and Tibetan flavors. Nepalese food is well known for its yummy curries and dumplings, as well as the various spices used in typical dishes. But much less spicy than Indian Indian food.
The most popular dishes include dishes such as momos (dumplings), dal bhat (lentils and rice), and their famed dairy products, like Lassi (yogurt drink) and Juju Dhau (king curd).
Tip #1: Dal Bhat is typically served as an endless buffet option. Servers will come around occasionally to see if you would like to top up on any of the 5-10 dishes offered.
Tip #2: The best place to indulge on dairy products is Bhaktapur, which is famous for it.
Try the local version of a steak called “sukuti”, which is made from sun-dried buffalo meat. Or select from a wide variety of snacks, such as sel roti (rice doughnuts), chatamari (Nepali pizza), and bara (rice pancakes).
👉 Try Your Hand at Nepalese Momos or Dal Bhat During This Cooking Class
5. Experience the Rush of Adventure Adrenaline Sports
Nepal is a paradise for adventurers seeking an adrenaline rush. You can go paragliding, bungee jumping, or rafting in the raging rivers of Nepal. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are plenty of trails through the Himalayas to explore.
Nepal actually has the 10th largest bungee jumping location in the world, situated at The Last Resort. This luxury eco-resort is on the banks of the Bhote Kosi River, just a few hours’ drive from Kathmandu. The resort offers guests a range of activities and amenities, including white water rafting, Tarzan swing, rock climbing, and mountain biking.
Nepal is home to an abundance of water resources, including numerous rivers and lakes that offer a wide range of recreational activities, such as white water rafting and kayaking. The country’s rivers are fed by the melting snow and ice of the Himalayan mountain range, ranging in difficulty from gentle streams to wild and challenging rapids. Some of Nepal’s most popular rivers for white water rafting and kayaking include the Trishuli, Sun Koshi, and the Karnali River.
And if you’re looking for a more relaxed adventure, you can take a hot air balloon ride over Phewa Lake in Pokhara or go for a jungle safari in Chitwan.
With a cornucopia of activities to choose from, you’re bound to discover something that tickles your curiosity.
6. Understanding the Cultural Diversity
Nepal is a melting pot of cultures, with over 100 ethnic groups and 120 languages coexisting within its borders. Some of Nepal’s largest ethnic groups are the Brahmin-Chhetri, Magars, and Newars.
This diversity is showcased in its architecture, festivals, and customs, and can be seen in the colorful traditional attire worn by its people. Immerse yourself in the local scene by joining in on events that honor each group’s unique history and culture.
Fun Fact: Not so much cultural, but one very cool class of people is the Gurkhas, a renowned military force from Nepal known for their bravery, loyalty, and skill. They have a long history of serving in the British Army, dating back more than 200 years.
7. Spot Endangered Wildlife
Nepal is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including some of the world’s most endangered animals. You can find snow leopards in the high altitude of the Himalayas and red pandas in the temperate forests, while the jungles are home to the Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephants, one-horned rhinos, and other large mammals.
On safari in Africa, you might be able to see a rhino from afar. But in Chitwan National Park, rhinos are hanging out right on the side of the road!
Overall, Nepal is a paradise for nature lovers, with a wide variety of rare and unique animals living in its 12 national parks, 1 Wildlife Reserve, 1 Hunting Reserve, 6 Conservation Areas, and 13 Buffer Zones.
👉 👉 1 Night 2 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
👉 2 Nights 3 Days Chitwan Jungle Safari Tour
👉 3 Nights 4 Days Chitwan Safari Tour
8. Visit the Birthplace of Buddha
The birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, is located in southern Nepal. This sacred place is visited by pilgrims from all over the world, who come to pay their respects at the temple and meditate in the tranquil garden.
Lumbini is also a great place to learn more about Buddhism. You can visit the many Buddhist monasteries and temples in the area, or take a walk through the sacred garden where Lord Buddha was born.
9. Nepalese People are Extremely Hospitable
I’ve explored Nepal twice now, and both times I’ve been amazed by the kindness of its people. Everywhere I went, locals were more than happy to help me out, give advice, and show me around.
I was constantly offered tea, snacks, and even places to stay, (albeit sometimes under sort of sketchy situations). Nepalese hospitality is exceptional. And these adventures are something you won’t find in any guidebook!
Whether you’re trekking in the mountains or exploring a city, you’re bound to meet friendly and welcoming people who are eager to share their culture with you.
Scams to Be Wary Of:
With that being said, and although Nepal is a relatively safe place you should always exercise caution. Here are a few scams to be careful of:
- The scammer will tell you about a big celebration happening at a temple, and he offers to take you there for free. What he’s not telling you is that the temple is extremely far away, there will be little to nothing actually happening at the event, and it will be very expensive to come back from.
- Many stores use an affiliate system, where people get a kickback for referring customers. So if somebody starts following you and asking what you need, they may be incentivized to take you to places that charge more than necessary.
10. Shop Traditional Handicrafts
Nepal is home to a wide range of traditional handicrafts that reflect the country’s cultural diversity. These include hand-woven fabrics, intricate wood carvings, and beautiful jewelry. Fill up your luggage with a piece of the country’s culture and support local artisans.
What is Nepal famous for shopping:
- Singing Bowls
- Cashmere Textiles
- Thangka Paintings
- Hippie Style Clothing
- Hemp Textiles and Bags
- Knock-off Trekking Gear
- Tibetan Prayer Flags
- Mala Beads
Final Thoughts: What is Nepal Famous For?
Whether you’re interested in adventure sports, cultural experiences, or simply soaking up the beauty of nature, Nepal has it all. Some of the most famous things about Nepal include its mountain ranges, Mount Everest, diverse ethnicities and languages, and vibrant arts and crafts.
However, you may not know many other unique and interesting things about Nepal, such as its colorful festivals, unique cuisine, and rich spiritual traditions. So come explore this amazing country and discover why it is one of the world’s most beloved travel destinations.
