A traveller’s instinct is always to seek the next destination and push the boundaries of what’s already been seen and experienced. Recognizing that many identify Nepal with just a handful of destinations, we strive to stretch the bounds of a guest’s typical itinerary with a few lesser-visited towns and community homestays. The reward for stepping off the beaten path? Those experiences that truly capture the essence of Nepal.
So, where would your destinations be if you headed to Nepal in 2020? We’re sharing five of our favourite spots right here:
Nagarkot
Just 1.5 hours outside of Kathmandu, this village offers some of the best views of the Himalayas, Everest and Kathmandu Valley. Come for the opportunity to see the sun rise over the majestic mountains from the Nagarkot View Tower. Stay for the peaceful respite from the city bustle, and the chance to live (if only temporarily) with members of the extended Bastola family at the Nagarkot Community Homestay. Take a yoga class, hike to a waterfall or visit one of the oldest temples in Nepal, Changunarayan Temple, dating back to 464 B.C.
Bhaktapur
Once a Newar kingdom and Nepal’s capital for several centuries, the old town area of Bhaktapur is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Strolling is meant for the City of Devotees, with its red-brick buildings, medieval squares, and cobbled alleys. Visit Durbar Square, the 55-Window Palace (now a museum) and several temples, including the 100-foot-tall Nyatapola Temple, the tallest in Nepal. Look for artisans selling hand-thrown pottery; even better, look for signs of one of the many festivals celebrated here.
Nuwakot
While the 2015 earthquake badly damaged Nuwakot, this beautiful small town is in recovery mode, and its Kalika and Malika temples, Durbar Square, and the Saat Tale Durbar—an 18th-century fortress—are well worth the visit. Stay at the Nuwakot Community Homestay in a local farming village surrounded by green hills and terraced fields for an idyllic retreat. Profits from the homestay are used to support the local schools, and guests are encouraged to visit the schools and engage with the local community .
Panuati
One of Nepal's oldest towns, Panauti, is often considered a day-trip destination from Kathmandu. We suggest an overnight stay at the Panauti Community Homestay to settle into the region’s relaxed pace and to explore the historic medieval town better. The Indreshwar Mahadev Temple is believed to be the oldest surviving pagoda in Nepal. Additional temples, stupas and markets beg to be explored in town, but don’t miss a cooking class and lunch at the homestay or Namo Buddha, one of the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The lush countryside also provides a beautiful backdrop to a six-hour hike through farmland and Tamang villages.
Bardiya
The country’s largest national park is more remote than its popular counterpart, Chitwan, but it offers excellent wildlife viewing for the Royal Bengal tiger, the one-horned rhinoceros, elephants, and many other mammals and reptiles. Stay in the Bardiya Community Homestay with the Danguara Tharu people to learn about the Indigenous culture and explore the jungle through a local’s eyes.
Arranging alternative accommodations high in a forest watchtower for better wildlife viewing is also possible.
While all of Nepal’s destinations are worth visiting in 2020, we hope travelers will venture a little farther this year and support local people earning their living through tourism in these communities.
