Exploring Nepal’s Cultural Destinations

Blessed with immense natural beauty, Nepal attracts a large number of diverse people every year. Travelers here are naturally drawn to the recreational and adventure activities the country has in store for them, such as

Blessed with immense natural beauty, Nepal attracts a large number of diverse people every year. Travelers here are naturally drawn to the recreational and adventure activities the country has in store for them, such as bungee jumping, mountain climbing, rafting, and so on. But Nepal is more than just an adventurous country full of pure beauty! Where the alleyways and monuments reveal archaeological stories and where the locals portray the rich culture they inherited from their ancestors centuries ago, the sovereign country certainly has a lot of deep-rooted history engraved in golden pages that are yet to be shared around the world.

Nepal’s ancient history is sure to amaze visitors, and if you are fascinated to discover some of Nepal’s best cultural destinations, here are some places you should not forget to include on your itinerary:

Lumbini:

Image result for Lumbini

A massive population follows Buddhism and the teachings of Buddha to live a healthy and happy life. Lumbini, the birthplace and main hub of Buddha’s life, is not overlooked while in Nepal. Here you will discover several monasteries and museums that exhibit the roots and beliefs of Buddhism. The Mayadevi Temple is one of the oldest temples, while the Ashoka Pillars are among the earliest sculptural remains. Lumbini was included in the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1997 for its great significance. Considered an oasis of peace, Lumbini is a great place to meditate and reflect on life.

Janakpur:

Image result for Janakpur

The Janaki Temple stands here as a symbol of love where couples tie the knot, guided by the belief that couples who receive the blessing of the temple will remain eternally happy. The palace was built seven hundred years ago and is distinguished by its unique Mughal-style architecture. The place itself is the Hindu goddess Sita’s birthplace and the house where she married the Hindu Lord Ram. Nevertheless, Janakpur is a great place to visit traditional Mithila villages and indulge in Mithila culture. Many languages are spoken, and it is a living example of religious harmony among the Nepalese.

Kathmandu:

Image result for Kathmandu

Kathmandu is indeed on the list because it contains a dense concentration of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. Because it is the capital, many Nepalis migrate and settle there. Therefore, a visit to Kathmandu is an excellent opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures and traditions of the population. The Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, built by the Malla kings, attracts worshippers from far and wide. In contrast, the magnificent Durbar Squares (former palaces) are revered for depicting Nepal’s rich history. If you have a hectic schedule, a visit to the Swayambhunath Stupa can give you a glimpse of what Lumbini has to offer about Buddha’s teachings. The hilltop stupa is undoubtedly a bonus because you can see the entire valley from above.

Muktinath:

Image result for Muktinath

Known as one of the world’s highest temples, Muktinath is undoubtedly a great place to observe a mix between nature and culture. The exotic landscapes of Muktinath are home to Lord Vishnu, who is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. Although it is freezing, people taking a bath in the 108 water pipes around the temple are common, as it is believed to bring salvation to the devotees. Muktinath Temple is also considered the place where the essential elements of life, namely fire, water, air, space, and earth, exist in pure harmony and perfect balance.

Besides these four, Nepal has a handful of other religious destinations to visit. However, these four handpicked destinations, stretching from the north in the mountains to the south in the plains, have a great value and are also a great place to wander around when visiting.

 

Check out the next post for more destination tips on Nepal!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *