5 Compelling Reasons Why We Love Visiting Nepal

Nepal on your mind? Here are five reasons why Poets And Pilgrims groups love this beautiful South Asian country and why you should consider visiting Nepal.

1. Rich Cultural Heritage

With a history that stretches back thousands of years, Nepal is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Kathmandu Valley’s UNESCO sites Pashupatinath Temple, Changu Narayan temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath as well as Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Patan immerse visitors in Hindu-Buddhist traditions amid ancient architecture.

Festivals like Indra Jatra, Bisket Jatra, Tihar, and Dashain are celebrated year-around, offering opportunities to experience the culture closely.

2. Abundance of Nature and Wildlife

While the Himalayas attract most visitors, Nepal boasts other stunning landscapes. Areas like Chitwan National Park and Bardia National Park are renowned for their subtropical jungles, home to Bengal tigers and one-horned rhinos. The serene beauty of Rara Lake, the largest lake in Nepal, offers a peaceful escape from the crowds.

Not everyone who visits Nepal is into hardcore trekking, of course. Our groups embark on day hikes to stay close to nature, connect with local communities, and enjoy the serenity we long for in busy city life.

3. Delicious Food and Variety of Local Drinks

We believe local cuisine is one of the best ways to connect to the country and its people. I love homecooked meals like dal-bhat-tarkari. Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or non-vegetarian, you will get plenty of options to relish upon. Not only this food is flavourful, it’s freshly prepared and since many families – especially in rural areas – grow their own vegetables and herbs, you are likely to be served organic food.

Cities like Kathmandu and Pokhara are full of small eateries, cafes, and restaurants offering food options from across the country. Vegan cafes and restaurants are popping up in both these cities, even though meat and dairy play a big role in Nepali staples.

Local breweries offer some good beer like Gorkha and Khukuri rum competes strongly with India’s Old Monk. It’s common for families to get together and enjoy drinks like tongba or raksi after dinner. A cup of masala chai or kalo chia (black tea) and locally grown coffee are great to begin your day with.

Do checkout our list of things we eat when visiting Nepal.

4. Unmatched Hospitality

People in Nepal are kind and hospitable and we believe it’s the people who make the places. I have experienced the Nepali hospitality on numerous occasions where families invited me to their homes, weddings, or other celebrations. I have dined and celebrated with them, and never felt like an ‘outsider’. I am not exaggerating when I say Nepal is my home.

People are generally helpful and empathetic – a quality I greatly admire. It is not uncommon to see locals go out of their way to offer help to those in need. You don’t go about your day wondering if someone will con you when they are being helpful. A broad, beautiful smile is usually seen on people’s face when I have asked for help.

5. Money Goes a Long Way Here

We don’t weigh our experiences with money but it is true that our money goes a long way in Nepal. There are inexpensive dormitories and private rooms, local buses are in abundance, fresh meals costs you between 100 and 500 rupees at a local eatery. Locally-brewed beer like Gorkha is available for 400 rupees a bottle if bought at a local shop directly.

With basics out of the way, your money can be spent on entry fees to historic sites that pay for their maintenance, shopping, , or taking up private transportation to reach somewhere when buses are not frequent.

Bonus Point: No Visa Required for Indian Travellers

Indian travellers to Nepal don’t pay anything for visa. In fact, they don’t need a visa at all or even a permit. This makes Nepal an even more lucrative destination for Indian passport holders. For travellers from other countries, getting a visa is super easy. Visa applications are done online or through an embassy, and processing is usually quick.

Whatever brings you to Nepal, the humble south Asian country is sure to reward you with memorable experiences. Checkout upcoming Poets And Pilgrims experiences in Nepal and get ready to experience the beauty Nepal has to offer.