Sightseeing · Nepal
The Best Places to Visit in Nepal
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Nagarkot and Lumbini — where to go in Nepal and what each is best for.
Nepal is small on the map but huge in variety, climbing from steamy jungle to the highest peaks on Earth in a single day's drive. To help you plan, here are the best places to visit, ranked by how many travellers they suit and what each one does best.
The short answer
Start in Kathmandu for temples and old streets, add Pokhara for lakes and mountain views, and slot in Bhaktapur, Chitwan, Nagarkot and Lumbini according to your time and interests. With longer to spare, venture further to Mustang, Bandipur, Gorkha, Janakpur or Bardia. Most trips combine three or four of these into one loop.
Where to go and what each is best for
- Kathmandu — the capital and cultural heart, packed with temples, palaces and bustling old quarters. Best for: first arrivals, UNESCO sights and the top attractions.
- Pokhara — a laid-back lakeside town under the Annapurna range. Best for: mountain views, paragliding and boating on Phewa Lake.
- Bhaktapur — the best-preserved of the valley's medieval cities, almost car-free in its core. Best for: old architecture, pottery and slow wandering.
- Chitwan — subtropical jungle in the Terai lowlands. Best for: rhinos, tigers and jeep or canoe safaris.
- Nagarkot — a hilltop ridge on the valley rim. Best for: sunrise over the Himalaya and a quiet night away from the city.
- Lumbini — the birthplace of the Buddha and a major pilgrimage site. Best for: monasteries, gardens and reflective days.
- Mustang — the arid, Tibetan-influenced trans-Himalaya north of the Annapurnas. Best for: otherworldly desert landscapes, the Muktinath pilgrimage and the Upper Mustang trek.
- Bandipur — a preserved Newari hilltop bazaar town on the Kathmandu–Pokhara highway. Best for: a car-free old street and big mountain views.
- Gorkha — the cradle of modern Nepal. Best for: the hilltop Gorkha Durbar and the Manakamana cable-car temple.
- Janakpur — a Terai city at the heart of Mithila culture. Best for: the ornate Janaki Mandir and folk art.
- Bardia — Nepal's largest, wildest national park in the far west. Best for: the best chance of a wild tiger, far from the crowds.
How to combine them
For a one-week trip, base yourself in Kathmandu, take a day trip to Bhaktapur and an overnight at Nagarkot, then fly or drive to Pokhara. Add Chitwan and Lumbini if you have two weeks. Trekkers should also read our best treks in Nepal and pick a window using the best time to visit Nepal guide.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best places to visit in Nepal?+
The classic shortlist is Kathmandu for temples and old streets, Pokhara for lakes and mountain views, Bhaktapur for its preserved medieval centre, Chitwan for jungle wildlife, Nagarkot for sunrise over the Himalaya and Lumbini as the birthplace of the Buddha.
How many places can you visit in Nepal in one week?+
A comfortable week covers Kathmandu, a day trip to Bhaktapur and Nagarkot, and a few nights in Pokhara. If you would rather slow down, pair Kathmandu with just Pokhara and leave the lowland parks for a longer trip.
Which place in Nepal is best for first-time visitors?+
Most first-timers base themselves in Kathmandu, then add Pokhara for a gentler pace. The two are linked by a short flight or a scenic drive and together give you temples, culture, lakes and easy mountain views without long journeys.
What is the best place in Nepal to see the mountains?+
Pokhara offers the most accessible big-mountain views, with the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre rising over Phewa Lake. For a classic Himalayan sunrise close to the capital, head up to Nagarkot on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley.
