The Ultimate Travel Guide to Nepal: History & Attractions

The rooftop of the world — home to eight of the world's ten highest peaks, ancient Buddhist monasteries and warm Himalayan hospitality.

A Glimpse into History

Nepal's history is intertwined with the two great religious and cultural systems of Asia — Hinduism and Buddhism — meeting in the Himalayan foothills where both were nurtured and spread. Lumbini, in Nepal's southern Terai plain, is the birthplace of Prince Siddhartha Gautama (circa 563 BC) — the Buddha — making Nepal one of Buddhism's holiest lands. The Kathmandu Valley was home to the sophisticated Lichhavi (300–879 AD) and later Malla dynasties (1200–1768), which created the exquisite cluster of Hindu and Buddhist temples, palace squares, and wood-carved architecture still standing in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur today. Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the disparate Himalayan kingdoms into the Kingdom of Nepal in 1768, making Nepal the only South Asian nation never colonised by Britain or any European power — though the Anglo-Nepal War of 1814–16 imposed treaties limiting Nepalese sovereignty. The Rana oligarchy ruled as hereditary prime ministers from 1846–1951, keeping Nepal isolated from the world. Democracy came in 1951, then again after the People's Movement of 1990. A brutal Maoist insurgency (1996–2006) killed 17,000 and ended with the abolition of the monarchy in 2008. Nepal became a federal democratic republic and continues rebuilding after the devastating 2015 earthquake (magnitude 7.8) that killed nearly 9,000. Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's first ascent of Everest in 1953 put Nepal on the world map permanently.

Top Attractions in Nepal

Everest Base Camp Trek

The 12–14 day trek from Lukla airport (2,860m) to Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is the world's most famous high-altitude trek, passing through Sherpa villages, ancient Buddhist monasteries, rhododendron forests, and moraine glaciers to reach the foot of the world's highest mountain. The views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam are among the most profound mountain vistas on earth.

Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world, Boudhanath's massive white dome and the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha painted on its golden tower dominate Kathmandu's eastern skyline. The surrounding ring of Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, prayer wheel corridors, and the circumambulation of devout monks and pilgrims at sunrise or sunset makes this the most atmospheric Buddhist site in Nepal.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit is one of the world's classic long-distance treks, circling the entire Annapurna massif over 15–20 days through subtropical forests, rice terraces, Hindu villages, Tibetan Buddhist settlements, and the highest trekking pass in the world — Thorong La (5,416m). The diversity of culture, landscape, and altitude within a single trek is unmatched anywhere on earth.

Chitwan National Park

The UNESCO-listed Chitwan is Nepal's premier wildlife sanctuary and one of Asia's best places to see one-horned rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers, gharial crocodiles, and wild elephants in their natural habitat. Jeep safaris, dugout canoe river trips through rhino country, and elephant-back rides through tall elephant grass provide unforgettable encounters with Nepal's wildlife heritage.