Talking about foreign trips most of us generally choose Europe, America or Thailand but have you ever thought of visiting your neighbouring country Nepal? Nepal is not just confined to Mount Everest and Kathmandu; it’s rich in natural beauty and can be the perfect getaway destination for most of us living in North India. Here are a few places one must visit in Nepal to make the most out of their trip.
#1 Rara Lake
Rara lake falls in the Muga District of Nepal and is very famous among trekkers. Rara lake is the biggest and the deepest fresh water lake and lies at an altitude of 2,990 metres above sea level. The lake is surrounded by Rara National park that was established to preserve its rich flora and fauna. The park’s flora consists of 1074 species out of which 16 are found exclusively only in Nepal. The national park is home to 51 species of mammals and 214 species of birds. You will also spot the unique Rara lake frogs that are found only near the lake.
How to get there: If you live in Delhi you can plan a road trip to Jumla, the base to begin the trek. Alternatively, you also have an option of taking a direct bus to Jumla from Dhangadhi. The nearest border from Delhi is Dhangadhi (425kms) and Jumla is another 491 kilometres from Dhangadhi.
#2 Khaptad National Park
Khaptad National Park also known as Lord Shiva’s paradise is a four days trek. It covers an area of 225 kilometres and lies in the far west region of Nepal stretching over four districts. Khaptad is named after a sage who meditated there for 50 years. It is a Hindu pilgrimage and has devotees of lord Shiva paying homage to him mostly on full moon nights. This elevated plateau will remind you of the old wallpapers of your computer screens; the meadows and the green grass fields with a variety of flora and fauna is breathtaking.
How to get there: It is advisable to take a bus or a cab from Dhangadhi to Silgari, the base to start the trek.
#3 Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park is one of the largest national parks in the far west region of Nepal, spread over an area of 968 kilometres and has at least 53 mammals including Bengal tigers and rhinoceroses. The jungle is famous for reptiles like pythons and has a unique patch of land that has salty sand, eaten by the pregnant animals craving for sour food. Bardia National Park gained immense popularity after Leonardo Dicaprio paid a visit to Bardia.
How to get there: The most convenient way to get there is by road. It is 98.3 kilometres away from the Dhangadhi border.
#4 Tikapur
Tikapur is the most planned town in Nepal. The town originally belongs to the Tharu community of Nepal. The tribal Tharu community is one of the oldest tribes of Nepal. The town is rich in its culture and heritage and has been famous for its Tikapur park that has cottages of the previous kings and is quite different from the pictures that Google offers. The park is situated on the shore of the Karnali River. Tikapur is famous for its beach resorts and rafting. The town also has a wide spread of banana cultivation. If you visit Tikapur, you must visit the Dinesh banana resort, they serve almost 37 items of bananas starting from banana brandy to banana momos.
How to get there: Tikapur is 100.4 kilometers away from the Dhangadhi border, has direct buses going from Dhangadhi or you could drive. Indian cars do not require separate papers to enter Nepal. All you have to do is pay the fair for the number of days you wish to stay. The custom office at the border provides you with a receipts to let you enter.
#5 Chitwan National Park
Situated at the foot of Himalayas, this national park of the Terai Region is the very first national park of Nepal. Chitwan is rich in its flora and fauna and has a large population of the endemic single-horned Asiatic rhinoceroses. It is also one of the last refuges for the Bengal tigers.
How to get there: It’s not very difficult to get there, it falls in the southern central Terai of Nepal, that makes it convenient to get there from any part of Nepal. You can take a direct bus from Dhangadhi to Chitwan, or a flight from Delhi to Kathmandu and Kathmandu to Chitwan.
#6 Gokyo lakes
Sagarmatha national park alias Everest national park, is surrounded by world’s highest fresh water lakes. Gokyo lakes, that are located in the Sagarmatha national park, comprise six oligotrophic lakes. The month of August witnesses many travellers which makes it the best time to visit these lakes. The lakes also hold religious importance for the Buddhists and the Hindus. The Hindus take a holy bath in the lake as it is considered to be Nag Devata’s residence. The lakes also have temples of lord Shiva and lord Vishnu which has increased the relevance of the place. The inhabitants of this region consider it a bad omen to hunt or harm the birds and the wild, which has played a key role in protecting its fauna.
How to get there: Fly from Delhi to Kathmandu. Stay there for a day and take the next flight to Lukla and start the trek from Lukla.
#7 Mustang
It is next to impossible to describe the Mustang region of Nepal. This area is divided into two parts the upper Mustang region and the Mustang District and has everything that the mountains can offer. Mustang holds great relevance in the Tibetan history. It is the land of Sherpas and the Tibetan refugees,however foreigners need to pay to enter the upper Mustang region. The Mt Dhaulagiri , Muktinath Temple and Kali Gandaki Valley are the main attraction of this region. Mustang is also famous for its Apple orchids, marijuana , and Marpha brandy.
How to get there: Fly from Delhi to Kathmandu and Kathmandu and Pokhara have direct flights to Jomsom (the headquarter of Mustang district).
#8 Api Himal
Not many of us have heard of the Api Himal, a mountain range with an elevation of 7132 metres, that is located in the extreme northwest region of Nepal. Nearing the border of India and Tibet, Api is the highest peak in the Yoka Pahar section of Gurans Himalayas. The trek to Api is comparatively difficult than the other treks and it is a major mountain expedition. The best months to climb are April to May, and the most convenient centre to start the trek is Baitadi, Nepal.
How to get there: The driving distance from Delhi and Dharchula is 568 kilometres, the trek starts from Dharchula. There are no direct buses from Delhi to Dharchula but you can book cabs to ferry you. The cheapest way to reach Dharchula from New Delhi is to take State Transport Bus from New Delhi to Tanakpur then take a taxi from Tanakpur to Dharchula.
