Although a small and remote country, tourists are not strangers to Nepal. A country heavy on tourism, it receives travelers from across the globe all around the year.

Part of Nepal’s appeal is its natural treasures. But Nepal is also widely visited for its wealth of adventure activities that beckon outdoor lovers from every corner of the world. On the whole, a trip to Nepal is a trip back to nature, an adrenalin adventure and a cultural exploration.

If Nepal’s always been in your travel bucket list, then Hungry Tourist has some inclusive and budget-friendly Nepal tour packages for you.

Now most travelers, when they plan a trip to Nepal set their eyes on the prize, that being Kathmandu, the capital city which is world-famous for its historic and cultural opulence. Now Kathmandu might be the bullseyes, but it’s only a fraction of the complete experience. In fact, most of the key places to visit are outside Kathmandu. Hence, to help you set an inclusive itinerary of Nepal that helps you get the most out of your Nepal trip, here are the top 10 must-visit places.

1 Kathmandu

Let’s start with the capital city, Kathmandu, which is also Nepal’s largest city. The city welcomes its tourists with a hearty ambience and a vibrant mood that is pervasive in all far and remote parts of Kathmandu. Take our Nepal city tour through the narrow streets of Kathmandu (the city is connected via a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and streets) lined with souvenir shops and temples on either side, to experience its lively atmosphere heavy with the smells of incense, chants of salespeople and colorful sights at shopfronts. The chorus of day to day life against the serene backdrop of historical remnants, carved monoliths and the omnipresent peaks in the distance is otherworldly.

2 Pokhara

If you are hard pressed for time and there are only five places you can pick, Pokhara has to be one of those. Set in the slopes of the great Himalayas, Pokhara is bordered by three of the highest peaks in the range, Annapurna I, Dhaulagiri and Manaslu. The reason Pokhara ranks so high on the list of Nepal’s attractions are its paradisiacal sceneries and its opportunities for adventure sports. Pokhara with its idyllic view of the smoky blue mountains in the backdrop and a bustling town life is an incredible place to cool your heels off and relax.

3 Chitwan National Park

If you are a park buff, you should not miss the Chitwan National Park in Chitwan. A rainy town at 1,400 meters from Kathmandu, this place is home to Nepal’s most visited national parks. Rich with wildlife, the Chitwan National Park is the place to be for wildlife viewing and jungle safaris. From Bengal tigers to freshwater dolphins, there is an interesting variety of species living in the park.

4 Langtang National Park

Langtang National Park is one of the must-sees in Nepal, but for different reasons. This national park that stretches over a vast expanse of land has spectacular views, high passes, monasteries and incredible hiking trails. Hikers, pull up your socks if you are in Nepal in the spring. Visitors are treated with wonderful Rhododendron forest blooms and 360-degree vistas along the hike.

5 Nagarkot

Admirers of nature flock to Nepal to soak in its visual treats, something Nagarkot has in abundance. This place offers some of the most breathtaking views of the bordering peaks. A scenic hill station, Nagarkot is a stop-over for all those who love mountains and enjoy stunning natural views. Aside from relaxing sunrises and sunsets, travelers can also engage in sports like trekking and paragliding.

6 Lumbini

You cannot be in the birthplace of Buddhism and not see the place where Buddha was born. A very significant religious site, Lumbini has a stunning number of temples and monastic sites. The place has a palpable kind of serenity and tranquility which accounts for the very different and relaxing experience of the travelers.

7 Bhaktapur

There are three ancient Royal Cities in Nepal, and Bhaktapur is one. Replete with historic shrines, Bhaktapur is a popular holiday destination for local and foreign tourists. The place sustained significant damages in 2015 when a disastrous earthquake shook the country. But most of the precincts have been restored since and opened to the public. Durbar Square, Nyatapola temple, Bhairavnath temple, a pilgrim will be spoilt for choice of places to go in Bhaktapur.

8 Ilam

A tea lover’s paradise, the district of Ilam boasts of many scenic tea gardens overlooking this sleepy and quaint town. Still virgin where tourism is concerned, this is one of the destinations in Nepal where few have set foot so far.

9 Annapurna Region

Nepal shares a part of Annapurna that offers beginners and expert trekkers the opportunity to trek in the lap of nature. The area features a host of beautiful trails that make it the best place to trek in all of Nepal.

10 Khumbu Valley

Not for the faint of hearts, this is the ultimate trekking spot for seasoned trekkers who are looking to achieve the next milestone in their trekking career. Hire a guide for your trek to stay on track.