Major Cities in Nepal and Their Must-Visit Attractions

Are you looking for some major cities in Nepal that you want to explore on your next trip here? Well, there are a lot of options and many attractions. Interestingly, each city has something different to offer. Kathmandu has colorful marketplaces and old temples while Pokhara is known for its lakes and mountains. At Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, or Lumbini beautiful architectural designs could be visited as well as sacred spaces.

Dhangadhi and Chitwan have amazing natural reserves where wildlife and nature can also be enjoyed. Other than the natural beauty, in cities like Dharan, Biratnagar & Janakpur, historic monuments, and cultural richness can be found. Here are some of the must-visit cities in Nepal that you should consider on your next trip to Nepal:

Kathmandu - One of the Major Cities In Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital and largest city in Nepal by population, is famous among tourists for its overflowing history and culture. With a total of 1.442 million population, 460 rural municipalities, and 753 local-level governments, this city surely serves some vibrant destinations and a cheerful atmosphere. Kathmandu is full of adventures, you should try river rafting at Triishuli. Other than that, here are some of Kathmandu's main attractions that can you explore yourself:

Swayambhunath

Popularly known as Monkey Temple, it is on the top list of Kathmandu's attraction area, known for its stunning panoramic view of the city. It is just 2.9 km away from the Thamel and you can reach there either by taking a local bus or by taking a taxi. The city bus will charge you NPR 30 per person whereas the cab will charge around 3-4 hundred.

Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most popular Nepal's major cities attractions. This holy place attracts millions of Hindu pilgrims worldwide, promoting the faith and devotion towards the Hindu god, lord Shiva. And not to forget, it is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a must-visit destination in Kathmandu and is just 4.2 km away from the tourist area (Thamel).

Boudhananth Stupa 

Situated in the capital of our country, this stupa acts as a holy place to celebrate Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. It is among the biggest stupas in the world, measuring 36 meters in height and 100 meters in diameter. Listed as a world heritage site, this place majorly attracts tourists with its unique mandala pattern and big eye design. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

If you love to enjoy ancient history and royal architecture, the Kathmandu Durbar Square is a must-visit place. Here, visitors can see different pagoda-style buildings holding some interesting backstories about the kings and dynasties of the medieval period. 

Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (the residence of the Living Goddess), and the Taleju Temple are some of the notable interests of this place.

Thamel 

Thamel is popular among foreign tourists for enjoyment and nightlife. It is also known as a tourist area because the place is filled with hotels, pubs, clubs, and eateries, with mainly foreigners residing. This place in Kathmandu is perfect for chilling and partying rather than viewing any scenic beauty.

Pokhara - Tourists' favourite 

Pokhara is one of the modern cities in Nepal that promotes adventure and nature. With a total coverage of 464.28 km2  area, it is the largest area covering the city of Nepal. Located 200 km west of the capital city, Pokhara is world famous for its high mountain scenic views and thrilling activities. Most of the Himalayan trekking routes start from Pokhara and the ABC helicopter tour is also one of them. Now let's talk about some of the Pokhara must-visit places:

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake is the focal point of Pokhara, ideal and well-known for boating and taking in the views of the neighboring mountains. The mysterious Tal Barahi temple situated in the middle of this lake which has no land passageways attracts the interest of visitors. You can easily find a taxi or local vehicle (rikshaw) from anywhere in the city, to reach the lakeside.

World Peace Pagoda

Another must-visit tourist attraction for one of the major cities in Nepal is the majestic World Peace Pagoda which offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the Himalayan region and the Phewa lake. It is situated on Anadu Hill, where you can reach either by taking a short ride to the base and enjoying the scenic hike or by booking a local taxi.

Davis Falls

You must take advantage of the unique underground waterfall, Davis Falls. It is popular among Nepal’s major cities’ attractions and is well-known for its unusual and striking descent into a profound underground gorge. The gorge is reported to be around 150 meters (490 feet) deep, and this waterfall is an amazing 30 meters (98 feet) high. The estimated depth of the gorge is around 150 meters (490 feet).

Sarangkot Viewpoint 

It is another tourist destination of Pokhara, known for its spectacular sunrises across the Himalayas. From 1,592 meters (5,223 feet) above sea level, it provides the most amazing view of beautiful mountains like Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. Hikers tend to love this trial for its never-ending views and natural beauty.

International Mountain Museum

In 1998, this museum was founded to showcase Nepal's rich heritage of mountaineering. The main draws here are displays featuring climbing equipment, historical artifacts, and interactive exhibitions about the Himalayas and other mountain ranges. Plan your visit properly as the opening times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Nepali time).

Short Trek from Pokhara

There are two major short treks from Pokhara that have neighboring villages of Pokhara as the starting point.

Ghorepani Poon Hill trek is one of them which can be accomplished in 4 to 5 days. Vibrant traditional villages, eye-catching forests, and terraced fields are major factors attracting visitors to this trial. It has moderate difficulty so even beginners can try it once. 

Similarly, there is another widely popular trial that is loved by foreign as well as domestic tourists, the Mardi Himal Trek. The trek starts from a small village, Kenda, and ultimately ends at the base camp of Mardi Himal.  Youths mostly tend to love this trekking trial.

Lalitpur - Oldest City of Nepal 

Lalitpur, often called Patan, is the oldest city in Nepal holding some antique and exquisite architecture. It is one of the top 5 major cities in Nepal. Alongside, it is also the smallest city in Nepal, area-wise (36.12km2.). Lalitpur is a neighboring city to the south-central Kathmandu Valley, located at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). The city’s rich historical and cultural values make it a perfect destination for exploring major cities in Nepal. Here is what you can explore during your visit to Lalitpur:

Patan Durbar Square 

Patan Durbar Square acts as the center of charm alongside different historic palaces, temples, and courtyards. Mainly, people of the Newar community reside in this area which makes this place popular for local festivals like Jatra and bhoj. You can take a local bus from Kathmandu to reach here but booking a taxi might be a better option as it is much easier. 

Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar)

The magnificent Buddhist monastery, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) is another attraction of the city, well-known for its artistic carvings. The remarkable metal works, intense wood carvings, the monastery's courtyard and interior, and the environment make a perfect blend of religious and peaceful atmosphere here.

Kumbheshwar Temple

The city's oldest temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, also attracts pilgrims and visitors. Lord Shiva is the main deity worshiped here. It is a five-tiered pagoda-style temple, built by the ancient Malla King of Nepal. The local Newari craftsman and their ancestors are praised for the wooden architecture and detailed carvings of the Temple.

Patan Museum

Next, the Patan Museum offers an impressive collection of traditional Nepalese art. Sculptures, bronze, and religious artifacts are the pride of this museum. These national pride and jewels are displayed in such a way that attracts thousands of tourists yearly. The place opens from 10 Am to 5 pm every day, so make sure to explore Nepal’s rich history and visit this place in Patan.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar

The Rudra Varna Mahavihar is a Buddhist monastery located in the Patan area, noted for its wonderful monuments and antiques. This place holds great religious and cultural value for the locals there as different worship programs are frequently performed there. You can take a 10-to 15-minute walk from Patan Durbar Square, exploring the local Gallis (alley). 

Bhaktapur - A Cultural City 

Bhaktapur is another of Nepal's Major cities, with historical and architectural wonders of the medieval era. Alongside being one of the top 3 major cities of Nepal, it is also a tourist city in Nepal. This city was the capital of the country from the 12th century till the late 15th century. Because of this, the city holds great historic value that creates interest among the visitors. Other than that, Bhaktapur is also famous for its unique cuisine including chatamari (Nepali Pizza) and king of curd (Juju Dhau).

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Filled with royal temples and palaces with unique ancient structures, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, is the heart of the city. It is also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as it holds great history and culture. 

Artistic structures like the 55-window palace, Taleju Temple, and Vatsala Temple, add a charming and interesting curiosity to this place. Additionally, you can find amazing Newari street food in almost every alley.

Nyatapola Temple 

The tallest pagoda-style temple of Nepal, Nyatapola Temple, amazes tourists with its striking five-story design. It stands at 30 meters (98 feet) height. Other than the height, the detailed artwork on the structure and wood carvings makes the temple a stand-out destination of the major cities in Nepal. 

Taumadhi Square 

Taumadhi Square is another on the list of Bhaktapur Historical Sites. Located in the northern part of the city, this square is popular among the Newari community for its historical and cultural beliefs. You can find attractive newari buildings, merchant houses, mini-temples, and courtyards, in the surrounding area. Traditional crafts and artworks are made in this area, which mainly attracts foreigners.

55-Window Palace 

Locally known as the Pachpanna Jhyale Durbar, this palace resides 8 miles east of the capital city. The view of its 55 wooden carved windows with intricate artwork is a treat for the eyes. You can reach there by taking a local bus once you enter Bhaktapur City. Additionally, the palace is open to explore from 10 Am to 5 Pm, every day.

Dattatreya Square

The Dattatreya Square captivates visitors with its historic courtyards and temples, creating a lively mosaic of Bhaktapur's colorful past. It is also a part of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and is located on the east side of the city. Different temples, brass and bronze museums, beautifully sculpted peacock wooden windows (Mona Lisa of Nepal), and traditional colonies are the highlight points to visit. 

Chitwan - A Gem Among the Major Cities in Nepal

One of Nepal's big cities, Chitwan lies in the Terai region of Nepal, covering an area of 952.63 km2. For admirers of nature and culture, Chitwan is like a paradise! The nature and wildlife of this city make it a gem among the must-visit cities of Nepal. Tourists love to enjoy different outdoor and naturalistic activities like jungle safari, bird watching, canoeing, and visiting animal breeding centers. Visit the following places in this city to soak in its beauty and atmosphere:

Chitwan National Park

Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park expands its territory covering four districts; Chitwan, Nawalpaarasi, Parsa, and Makwanpur. You can enjoy various wildlife thrills such as encountering a rhino, sloth bear, elephant, or even a tiger! Visitors are welcomed to this world heritage site throughout the year. However, the best time with favorable weather is from October to March. Do not forget to experience a Jungle Safari inside Chitwan National Park.

Elephant Breeding Center

It is another exploration site of the city located in the Khorsor region of the city. It is 10 kilometers away from the entrance of Chitwan National Park in Sauraha, Chitwan. You can see how the gentle giants are preserved to conserve the diversified ecosystem of Nepal.

Tharu Cultural Museum

The next stop is the Tharu Cultural Museum which resembles the local Tharu community's rich traditions. With the Tharu community residing in most of the part of the city, this place highlights their lifestyle and cultural practices. Plan your visit here any day between 7 Am to 5:30 P.m.

Bish Hazari Taal

Similarly, you can also visit to relax and watch the migratory birds at the famous Bish Hazari Taal (20,000 Lakes). This lake has an extensive water area and dense forest surroundings, making it a home to various animal species. Alongside, you can enjoy serene boat rides to see the wildlife and peaceful environment.

Sauraha village

If you want to explore the local lifestyle of the city then you must visit the Sauraha village. It lies in the Ratnanagar Municipality where mostly the Tharu community resides. With many accommodation options like resorts, hotels, lodges, and guest houses, you can enjoy the Tahru cuisine here. Ghongi (snail) curry is one of the most popular dishes offered by the locals here. Give it a try! 

Lumbini - The religious City 

Lumbini is one of the biggest cities in Nepal recognized worldwide as the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. The city is enriched with the overflowing beauty of Buddhist history and art. The unique structures of Monasteries, the peaceful environment, historic museums, and the religious sites, make this city a perfect place for exploration and relaxation. You can consider a Lumbini pilgrimage tour package for a more historic experience. Here are some views that you should consider seeing inside this city.

Maya Devi Temple

Being a top choice among the Lumbini Pilgrimage Sites, it attracts many visitors from different corners of the world. It is believed that the temple stands exactly in the spot where lord buddha was born. Visitors can also witness the pond where Queen Maya Devi took a bath ahead of giving birth to the supreme lord. 

Ashoka Pillar 

Talking about the attraction points of Lumbini, there also lies the Ashoka Pillar. The pillar reminds us of the visit of The Great Emperor Ashok to promote and encourage Buddhism. The local pilgrims also believe that the pillar is primary evidence of having faith in Lord Buddha and Buddhism.

Lumbini monastic sites

The old monasteries and meditation centers at Lumbini monastic sites can't be unseen. Different monasteries including the Thai Monastery, the Japanese Monastery, and the Chinese Monastery, built by different nations are the main attraction here. Furthermore, the site contains two zones; the east zone (promoting Theravada Buddhism), and the west zone (featuring Mahayana).

Lumbini Museum 

Located near the monastic zone and the sacred garden, this historic place gives insights into the life and views of Buddha. You can easily enter the museum from the entrance of Lumbini as it is centrally located. This place features a collection of historic sculptures, artifacts, relics, manuscripts, and models of archaeological sites, related to Buddha and Buddhism.

World Peace Pagoda -Lumbini

Besides others, the World Peace Pagoda complements the spiritual quotient by offering sweeping views and a peaceful ambiance for self-contemplation. It is situated on a hilltop to the east of the main Lumbini complex, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and other attractions.

It was built by Japanese Buddhists under "The World Peace Pagodas" project which aims at constructing pagodas for world peace around various countries to spread messages of compassion and peace.

Dharan - A Crowded City of Nepal

A vibrant city in eastern Nepal, Dharan is another popular city in Nepal, rich in scenarios and heritages. The Buddha Stupa stands out here, and the Panchkanya Temple - is a historical structure that appeals to many visitors to this city where Hinduism mixes harmoniously with Buddhism. 

With a great deal of vegetation surrounding, there are also some wonderful walks on offer through the lush forested hills close by. These strolls afford chances to see interesting wildlife if you keep your eyes peeled while walking along them! 

Bhedetar Hill 

The Bhedetar hill is one of the notable destinations in the city that provides breathtaking sweeping vistas of theeastern Himalayas. To catch some mesmerizing views from the hill, you can take a local bus or hire a taxi from anywhere in the city. You can see the peak of Kanchenjunga and other snow-covered mountains from this hill on a clear day. This is one part about this hill, there are more interesting things in store for those who wish to know.

Pindeshwor Temple

This religious site is one of the Dharan cultural spots, that offers spiritual seekers a peaceful haven. Situated among green hills, valleys & rivers you will find Shiva’s Temple – which contains his holy Shiva linga (symbol). The view surrounding the structure would make any visitor feel spiritually uplifted not only because it stands alone but also due to its placement next to forest-covered hills.

Namaste Jharana (Waterfall)

This natural waterfall fascinates the explorers with its peaceful cascade. Also called Namaste Waterfall, it is located in the eastern city of Dharan. As it is about 10-15 kilometers away from the main part of town, this place appeals for a nice day trip destination. Additionally, it is famous for its beautiful cascading waters that drop down quite a ways.

Budha Subba Temple

The Budha Subba Temple can be found atop one hill or another with views around to see some good landscapes of Dharan. This temple honors Budha Subba, who is believed to be the protector of the place in ancient times. It's pretty interesting just as an unusual structure on top of a random little mountain of Nepal.

Dantakali Temple

Dantakali Temple is an important religious monument of Dharan that provides a calm location for prayer. The temple boasts an impressive structure that features a stunning pagoda style with intricate carvings and a sacred statue of the goddess. Dantakali Temple is distinctive for its religious importance as a major site of pilgrimage devoted to Goddess Kali.

Biratnagar - Industrial Jewel of Nepal

A beautiful city in the southeastern part of Nepal, Biratnagar offers a wide range of attractions. Biratnagar is the second-largest city in Nepal. This city contains different manufactural industries which is why it is also known as the Industrial City in Nepal. Other than that, it has also got some exceptional tourist destinations that are worth seeing. Religious Temples, local craft stores, and industrial sites are some of the Biratnagar Tourist Spots to delve into.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve

This tourist place of the city stands out the most mainly for those who love animals and bird watching. Koshi Tappu is very popular for its conservation of wildlife, especially the endangered water buffalo (Arna), and the bird Bengal florican. Besides, the Tappu is also home to different migratory birds in South Asia. 

Baraha Chhetra

Among the religious places in Biratnagar, the Baraha Chhetra stands out as a major Hindu pilgrimage site. This temple is dedicated to the Baraha avatar of lord Krishna. Surrounded by the beautiful Koka and Koshi rivers, this holy site offers a peaceful and spiritual environment. Every year, the Baraha Jayanti is prominently celebrated here.

Biratnagar Jute Mills

The city's industrial background is illustrated by the famous Biratnagar Jute Mills. This industrial site also happens to be the oldest jute mill in Nepalsince 1936 A.D. By producing jute fiber products like bags, and ropes, this mill has also contributed well to developing the Nepal Textile Industry.

Biratnagar Haat Bazaar

As the city is situated near the India-Nepal border, there is a wide variety of products in the Biratnagar Hatt Bazar at comparable low prices to the other cities of Nepal. The name refers to the weekly market (Hatt Bazar) that is traditionally very popular among the Nepalese. You can make some cherishable memories while roaming around here. 

Janakpur - A Historic City

Janakpur is another historic city in southeastern Nepal, holding some spiritual values and culture. This city in the Madesh province of Nepal is known worldwide as the birthplace of the great Hindu Goddess,Sita Mata. The city stands as a point to celebrate cultural and spiritual tourism. Mostly Madhesi community lives in this city making it the ultimate spot for different locally celebrated festivals like Chhath, Viaha Panchami, and Bat- Savitri Puja.

Janaki Mandir

The majestic Janaki Mandir is renowned worldwide as the birthplace of the Hindu goddess, Sita. Because of its great religious history, thousands of pilgrims visit this place yearly. Not only for the city but the temple is a precious jewel of Nepal and all the Hindus around the globe. The colorful design and Mughal-Nepali mixed architecture make the temple more appealing.

Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar 

These are two nearby peaceful water bodies in the city, perfect for unwinding and self-exploration. These two holy rivers hold great religious importance. Devotees from different parts of the world come here to take a bath in the river. The Dhanusa Sagar is named after the bow and arrow used by Lord Ram, whereas the Ganga Sagar is named after the goddess Gang(Parvati).

Ram Mandir

The Ram Mandir (Temple) features artistic construction and religious significance and expands the collection of remarkable Janakpur temples. This temple resides at the central point of the city, side-by-side with the Janaki Temple. So, you can either take a local bus from the city or stroll around. 

Janakpur Railway Station 

The Janakpur Railway serves as both the city's entrance and a historical landmark. This railway operates day and night regularly starting from Jayanagar(India) to Jankpur. The route goes back and forth. It is a successful project that connects Nepal and India.

Vivah Mandap 

This is another site that adds to Janakpur’s cultural attraction because of its association with the mythical union of Sita and Rama. The Mandap is an area located in the Janaki Temple Area that resembles the aisle where Lord Rama and Sita got married. Most duos visit this site to have a blessed life and relationship. 

Dhangadi - The Scenic City

Dhangadhi, a city of cultural legacy and scenic beauty is located in the remote western Nepal. It is among the  Major cities in Nepal, that offer places to visit with religious and natural environments. The area coverage of the city is 271.74 km2, including 19 wards and nearly 2 million population. In addition, this city has its cricket stadium known as the Falpa Cricket Ground. We can not forget about the diversified animal and plant species while talking about Dhangadi city.

Shuklaphanta National Park

The city is popular for natural reserves and among the Dhangadhi natural reserves, Shuklaphanta National Park is well-known for its abundant wildlife and uncommon species like the one-horned rhino. Other than that, endangered wildlife like Bengal Tiger and Swamp Deer are also conserved here along with 450 species of bird. You can visit this place by air or by road from Kathmandu- the capital city.

Jokhar Taal (Lake)

The breathtaking scenery and varied flora and wildlife of this lake, are adored by many tourists. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the Sudurpaschim area. Its greenery surrounding with calm environment attracts the visitors for mind relaxation and bird watching.

Api Nampa Conservation Area

This conservation area is a refuge for hikers and environment enthusiasts. The Api Nampa covers 1903 km2 of land including terrors like high mountains, valleys, forests, and rivers. 

Two of the most breathtaking locations are Api Peak (7,132 meters) and Nampa Peak (6,757 meters), which provide incredible views of wild landscapes and mountains topped with snow.

Dhangadhi Park

It is another place in Dhangadi City where visitors and locals enjoy their leisure time with walks, picnics, and informal gatherings. Dhangadhi Park is a green haven in a busy city that provides a peaceful environment for those seeking harmony and calmness.

Kailali District Museum

A popular destination exhibiting the area's history and culture is the District Museum of Kailali. You can take a taxi, local bus, or a rikshaw from Dhangadi to reach this place. The cultural heritage of the traditional Kailali district is displayed in the museum.

Final Thoughts

The pleasure of Nepal is its cities, where you can spend months discovering what makes them unique in the world.  From Kathmandu to Pokhara, every city offers new challenges in each area. While Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur are a treasury of historical architecture, Nepal's breathtaking natural reserves can be seen in Chitwan & Dhangadhi. 

Similarly, both the cities, Dharan and Lumbini are laced with a combination of cultural sites profiled by stunning natural beauty. Local flair in Biratnagar and religious landmarks in Janakpur are something unique to explore. Offering something for every traveler, these must-visit cities in Nepal, show what the country's diversified big cities offer.

Additionally, try visiting the following top best trek trials of Nepal to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of our country:

• Everest Base Camp Trek
• Manaslu Circuit Trek
• Kanchenjunga Circuit trek
• Upper Mustang Trek
• Langtang Valley Trek