Nepal is one of the most amazing countries I have been lucky enough to travel to. There are so many reasons you should make Nepal your next travel destination (not just climbing Mount Everest, you really don’t have to do that).
In 2022, Nepal became one of the first countries in Asia to reopen for tourism. Since then, many other nations have reopened- but Nepal remains at the top of my list of favorite destinations I’ve traveled to!
Here is a list of the top 10 reasons why you should travel to Nepal.
Why To Travel to Nepal:
1. Nature is one-of-a-kind sublime.
Yeah, you knew this was coming. I mean, come on, Nepal’s glorious wilderness is unprecedented no matter where you are from. Home to the Himalayas, Nepal boasts some of the most amazing scenic views that you will ever see. When I was flying into Kathmandu from China, I remember seeing those white-topped mountains from high above and being absolutely speechless.
It’s just as amazing on the ground, to look up into the skyline and see some of the largest, most beautiful mountains that humans can witness.
It’s not just the mountains, either- Nepal has many lakes and forests and national parks that are just as beautiful. Everywhere you go, there is something to see. Immerse yourself in the pure Nepal nature and you’ll return home feeling rejuvenated.
2. The food is absolutely incredible. (Momos!)
I was never a foodie before I started traveling, but my time in Asia turned me into one. Smack-dab between Indian and China, Nepalese food has an intriguing mix of both cultures. From curries to spices to momos (Nepal dumplings… I love this word so much), there are sooo many different varieties of delicious foods to try.
One of my favorite memories was when my friend and I road bikes through Kathmandu and came upon this little restaurant called Simply Momo. I remember so vividly how the restaurant staff were so kind and helped us find a place to park our bike. We wrote a little review for them in this physical journal they had in the shop. I took a photo and it read:
“Biking down the streets of Kathmandu, dirt in our eyes, tired and fatigued, we decided to take a rest and came upon our savior, Simply Momo. The employees were ever so gracious and assisted us in parking our bikes where they were visible. We were met with pure kindness and hospitality inside, lovely music, and delicious momos. This experience has really made our day a thousand times better. Thank you, Simply Momo. We will remember you forever.
Your friends, M+Z”
That’s how much we loved this place.
One of our favorite restaurants in Pokhara
3. The people are out of this world kind
As exemplified above, the locals we met in Nepal were insanely kind and helpful. We never felt unsafe in Nepal and all the locals were helpful and friendly. One time this guy even bought us a sandwich just because he wanted us to sit and chat with him. I’m always a fan of countries with lovely local people and this was truly a highlight.
4. It’s super cheap
This speaks for itself. My style of travel is mostly backpacker with little sprinkles of the next step up (but not very often). I love backpacking- I love the culture, the people, and the liveliness of it. I also love that it’s not very expensive and that your money can stretch for longer periods of time. If you’re looking for a country with a backpacker’s budget, Nepal for sure fits the bill. Prices can definitely go up if you’re staying in hotels or paying for pricier excursions, but even the excursions are moderately priced. You can go parasailing in Pokhara for just $40-$50 USD.
A cloth store in Kathmandu
5. It is a trekker’s paradise
This goes hand in hand with the whole incredible nature thing, but it’s a bit more specific. If you are an outdoorsy person that loves to hike, Nepal boasts some of the most amazing trails. You don’t have to pay thousands of dollars to do the Mount Everest Base Camp Trek (though you certainly can)- there’s so many cool circuits in some of the most beautiful parts of the Himalayas.
One very popular route is the Annapurna Circuit Trek. There is also Nar Phu Valley Trek, the Manaslu Circuit Trek, the Gokyo Lakes Trek, and so many more!
6. Touches of spirituality and culture will blow your mind
Nepal has an extensive spiritual and religious history- most of the population practices Hinduism, while others practice Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and more. Temples are riddles throughout the country, and monasteries sit in some of the most beautiful mountain-top perches. When visiting these ancient places there is almost a sense of stepping in a sacred place. I met multiple people who entered Nepal looking for a spiritual experience. One American man I met at the airport spent months at a Buddhist monastery studying their ways. It was so cool to talk to him and get his perspectives!
7. It’s safe to visit & solo travel
Unfortunately, this cannot be said of all countries. I heard many stories about female traveling alone in India that I am very hesitant to ever go. However, I never for one moment felt unsafe in Nepal. I never felt like I stood out more than usual as a female and I never received unwanted attention by males. All the locals I interacted with were respective and kind.
This being said, just because it is safe does not mean you should throw caution to the wind. Crime still happens everywhere in the world and it is important to keep your wits about you while traveling, especially when alone.
8. There are tons of volunteer opportunities
In 2015, Nepal was rocked by a devastating earthquake. To this day, people are still rebuilding their lives. There are so many opportunities to volunteer rebuilding infrastructure. And for those who really hate physical labor, there are also many English-teaching volunteer opportunities. Combine two weeks of trekking in nature with two weeks of teaching English to Nepalese youth- the perfect travel adventure for self improvement as well as contributing meaningfully to others lives.
9. Pokhara is a dream town
Pokhara is a town about 6 hours from Kathmandu if you drive. The road there is very rocky and a little sketchy, but completely worth it. Pokhara will forever be one of my favorite towns I’ve ever visited. It sits in the edge of a beautiful lake that’s bordered by mountains. The vibes are so serene here that I had trouble leaving. My friend and I would walk along the lake, place chess at the cute little restaurants bordering the water, and just relax.
If you are heading to the mountains, you will for sure be passing through Pokhara. While there isn’t so much to do, I definitely recommend staying a few days just to relax and enjoy the peace. It is also a base to launch yourself into some hikes, or even go parasailing above the mountains and lakes for a very unique and beautiful experience.
10. There is really nowhere like Nepal
Nepal is a unique, one-of-a-kind destination. I know that can be said about many countries, but Nepal is one of those places that just stands out in my mind. The culture, the food, the people, the nature, and the experiences- everything here totals a beautiful little package that is non-replicable anywhere else. If you decide to go to Nepal, it will be a trip that you will remember and think about for the rest of yourself. The spirit and the peace and the nature and the kindness and the adventure will capture your heart and soul. Even now, as I sit typing this out, I yearn to go back and experience more. One day, I do believe I will return.
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