Nepal: Top 13 Experiences according to Lonely Planet 12. Swayambhunath A site on a hill overlooking the city with a large stupa and other Buddhist and Hindu iconography, one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. Aside from the views over the city and the ancient carvings in every available space, it's crowded with monkeys mingling with the visitors. 11. Nepal's Fantastic Festivals Many notable festivals are celebrated in Nepal. As a predominantly Hindu and Buddhist nation, many of the festivals in Nepal are religious ones. Nepal has so many spectacular festivals that any visit is almost certain to coincide with at least one. Celebrations range from masked dances designed to exorcise bad demons to epic bouts of tug-of-war between rival sides of a town. 10. White-Water Rafting Nepal is one of the world's best rafting and kayaking destinations. Fuelled by water rushing down from the Himalayan peaks, day runs on the Bhote Kosi offer thrilling white water that comes straight from Tibet. Even better are the longer multiday adventures -- liquid journeys that take you down the Karnali, Tamur and Sun Kosi Rivers through some of Nepal's remotest corners. 9. Langtang Trekking Langtang is a region in Nepal to the north of Kathmandu and bordering Tibet. It is protected as Langtang National Park and has a number of high peaks including Langtang Lirung. The park contains a wide variety of climatic zones, from subtropical to alpine. Approximately 25% of the park is forested. 8. Lumbini, Buddha's Birthplace It was in Lumbini that the Buddha was born. A pillar now marks the spot of Asoka's visit to Lumbini. According to an inscription on the pillar, it was placed there by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate Asoka's visit and gifts. The park was previously known as Rummindei, two miles north of Bhagavanpura. 7. Views from Pokhara Pokhara is the third largest city in Nepal. It is the starting point for most of the treks in the Annapurna area. It is considered by some to be the most beautiful place in the world. Pokhara is the largest tourist city in the country, home to great Himalayan trails, residence of a large number of British Gurkha soldier. 6. Bodhnath Stupa The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath dominates the skyline. The ancient Stupa is one of the largest in the world. The influx of large populations of refugees from Tibet has seen the construction of over 50 Tibetan Gompas around Boudhanath. Along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area. 5. Elephant Safari, Chitwan National Park There are many species of birds, crocodiles, rhinos, sloth bears, tigers and monkeys. The elephants you will see walking through the village are domesticated and used for taking tourists on sightseeing excursions. Of course it would not be Nepal without the usual cows, goats, and stray dogs roaming the village as well. Rhino sightings less than a half-mile from the village are not uncommon. 4. Bhaktapur & Kathmandu Valley Bhaktapur is an ancient city and is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and indigenous lifestyle of the Newari community. It is just 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu, but gives the feeling of prehistoric times given the ambiance of traditional homes, lifestyles and environment. 3. Annapurna Circuit Trek This circuit is considered one of the best treks in the world though road construction is threatening its reputation and its future as a classic trek. Yet no one disputes that the scenery is outstanding: 17 to 21 days long, this trek takes you through distinct regional scenery of rivers, flora, fauna and above all - mountains. 2. Everest Base Camp Trek Famous for its spectacular mountain peaks and the loyalty and friendliness of its inhabitants (the Sherpas), the Everest region (Khumbu) is one of the most popular destinations for tourists in Nepal. While many of the routes through the mountains are arduous, there are ample places to rest and enjoy a meal along the way. 1. Kathmandu's Durbar Square This ancient square is crowded with palaces and temples, including the current incarnation of the Kasthamandap or "Wooden house" that gives the city its name. The square has been occupied since the construction of a palace around 1000AD. This site is the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. SUBSCRIBE http://www.youtube.com/videovoyagetv?sub_confirmation=1 CONNECT Website: http://videovoyage.tv Google+: http://google.com/+videovoyagetv Twitter: http://twitter.com/videovoyagetv Instagram: http://instagram.com/videovoyagetv Tumblr: http://videovoyagetv.tumblr.com Facebook: http://facebook.com/videovoyagetv YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/videovoyagetv

• published: 23 Sep 2014
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