Nepal is a small country surrounded by two giant neighbors, India and China.When it comes to beautiful and huge mountain ranges to see, 10 days holiday won’t be enough for you to see all of them. Moreover, going to Nepal just to see the Mt. Everest is just a jigsaw piece of the whole picture of this amazing country.
There are hundreds of natural attractions to see and here are 10 of them that you should jot down in your list.
1. Annapurna Trail
The Annapurna Mountain Range is located east of a great gorge cut through the Himalayas by the Kali Gandaki River. Annapurna Mountain Range is one of the most dangerous mountains in the World. This series of peaks in the Himalayas stretches for 55 kilometers with Annapurna I as its highest point, standing at 8091 meters. The Annapurna massif contains six major peaks over 7,200 meters, making it a tough hiking spot where the climber’s fitness and patience are at stake. Moreover, avalanches pose a great threat to those who want to venture through the summit for the natural occurrence has been known to have taken a lot of lives who dared to reach its highest point.
2. Sarangkot – Pokhara
If you’re curious enough to see the breathtaking Annapurna Mountain Range, you better head to Sarangkot. Be aware that the place is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Nepal so expect to join crowds. However, if you want a peaceful resting stop, you can head to Sarangkot’s grassy helicopter pad. From here, you can see the best Himalayan sunrise and sunset, dipping in and out of the peaks while changing the sky’s hues. If you had enough of the views of Pokhara and mountain peaks, you can do more and try paragliding for the best sceneries over temples, lakes, jungles, and villages.
3. Gosaikunda lake – Rasuwa
Located north of Kathmandu, Gosainkunda is a glacier lake that is mostly visited compared to the other glacier lakes connected to it. Hindu pilgrims visit the lake during an August full moon festival for they believe the lakes were created by the god Mahadev (Shiva) and his image can be seen on the middle surface of the water. Through the journey, you will encounter the stunning views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Annapurna massif. This is a sacred site for Buddhists too.
4. Kala Patthar – Everest Region
Kala Patthar is a small peak which literally means “black rock”. This 5570-meter high peak is located at the foot of Pumori and above Gorakshep on the way to Everest Base Camp. Kala Patthar is one of the most popular destinations for trekkers in Nepal because its highest point can be easily reached even without any mountaineering experience or equipment. From Kala Patthar, you can see views of Mount Everest, Nuptse Nup II, and Changtse with a bit of Lhotse’s summit peeking in the scenery.
5. Phoksundo Lake – Dolpo
Located in the remote area of Dolpo, you can view more of Nepal’s amazing natural attractions by visiting Phoksundo Lake. The lake is Nepal’s deepest lake storing crystal clear water without any signs of aquatic life living in it. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, the lake looks tempting to dip a foot or two but visitors should take note that it is a sacred site for Buddhists so swimming and bathing are prohibited in the area.
6. Poon Hill – Myagdi
Another viewpoint worth visiting besides Kala Patthar is Poon Hill. Throughout the journey, you’ll be able to visit several villages with different cultures. The trail isn’t difficult to trek on as you won’t need to ascend to steep heights. The way is suitable for beginners and children. It may sound too easy but it wouldn’t forget to give you the best mountain views.
7. Gokyo Lake – Everest Region
Gokyo Lakes is a hidden gem located in the Everest Area. If you plan to visit these lakes, better make sure that you have enough days to do the hike. Usually, treks going to the Gokyo Lakes include the Everest Base Camp and through the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar until it reaches the valley where you’d find the lakes. For the most popular hiking destinations, solidarity is sacrificed but not in the trail going to Gokyo Lakes. It will take you 3 days of trekking to reach the upper valley up to the lakes while watching the moving ice on the glacier lakes nearby.
8. Fewa Lake – Pokhara
The second largest lake in Nepal, Phewa Tal is rich in nature with its dense forest known as Rani Bani and the birdlife present in it. Phewa Tal clearly reflects the green lush forest making the water have an emerald tinge in it with the Annapurna mountains mirrored on its surface. You can either enjoy the boating tours offered or just walk around by the lakeside.
9. The Khaptad National Park
Khaptad region is the mid-mountain protected area in the Far-Western Region, Nepal. The seasons of spring and autumn are the best time to visit the park. From December to February winter brings snow and chilling winds. One can see a lake called Khaptad Daha from the north-eastern part of the park. To the north, one can see the Saipal Himalayan Ranges.
10. Barun Valley
The towering granite cliffs capped with glaciers in the upper reaches of the Barun Valley have been likened to those of Yosemite – on a bigger scale! As you walk up the river valleys, immense mountain vistas will unfold before you, including the massifs of Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse. You may well wonder why you have the views all to yourself – something to ask the indigenous groups of Rai, Limbu, Sherpa and Lhomi people you will encounter lower down.