6 Unmatched Destinations for Solo Travel in Nepal

Home to the highest peaks on the planet, the Himalayas offers a majestic landscape of mountains, deep valleys and glaciers in Nepal. Mount Everest (also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali) attracts tourists from all across the globe. Although the country is closely identified with this highest peak, it is also home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks.

Nepal has been one of the most touted places for the backpackers. Beguiling both men and women solo travellers, we bring you the list of the top 6 destinations of solo travel in Nepal:

1. Kathmandu - Captivating Capital of Nepal

Generally, the treks in Nepal start and end with Kathmandu. The capital is often just a stopover for the mountaineers and trekkers. You will repent if you miss this bustling cityscape if you do not visit the old alleys and monuments.

Kathmandu has a lot to offer when it comes to heritage tourism. The ancient alleyways will traverse through the markets of various kinds where you can explore the amazing hole-in-the-wall eateries. What the shutterbugs cannot miss is the intricate wooden architecture of the city’s close-quartered alleyways.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Swayambhunath Temple

The sweeping panoramic view of Swayambhunath Temple, also known as Monkey Temple is one of the finest destinations for solo travel in Nepal. Spend as much time as you want to be in awe of the view! Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world is one of the most serene places to pray. Remember to push the prayer wheels in a clockwise motion!

Kathmandu’s Durbar Square in the afternoon is yet another place reverence. The sacred heart and historic centre of the old city, is a must-see for every travellers.

• Explore the Thamel Market

• Go to Swayambhunath (the Monkey Temple)

• Pashupatinath Temple

• Boudhanath Stupa (Little Tibet)

2. Pokhara

For many travellers, Pokhara is the finishing point as they hike down the Annapurna region of the Himalayas. Nepal’s second biggest city offers a charming and quaint stay at Phewalaka. It is a lovely experience to walk around this second largest lake shore. Another interesting way to see to the lake is by a boat ride. You will cross a beautiful Peace Pagoda Temple while on the path.

Take a Relaxing Boat Trip on Phewa Lake

• Bindhabasini Temple & Old Bazaar

• Mahendra Gupha

• Davis Fall & Gupteshwor Cave

• Barahi Temple

• Rupa and Begnas lakes

• Phewa Lakes

3. Trisuli River

Stretching for more than 206km (128mi), it connects Kathmandu and Pokhara, Nepal’s two largest cities. It happens to be one of the ideal options for heritage tourism where you can see plenty of ancient temples and historic villages.

The adventure lovers can also enjoy a different angle of this city –white-water rafting trip down the Trisuli River. Plan for the new hiking trails, biking routes and raft tour and spend a day or two here to understand why Nepal will always remain one of the most favourite places for adventure lovers.

Manakamana is where you can enjoy a countryside topview. A cable car can reach the 17th century Manakamana Temple. On the way, you can find a temple dedicated to the Hindu God Bhagwati, who is believed to fulfil all the wishes.

4. Chitwan National Park

As you embark for solo travel Nepal, in the southern border, sits Chitwan National Park, one of the best places in the country to see the diverse range of fauna. Chitwan is the habitat for some of the best Asian wildlife, and is predominantly famous for Asian elephants. This World Heritage reserve is a 932 square kilometres (230302 acres) network comprising of marshland, grasslands, forests, and jungle.

Asian Elephant in Chitwan National Park

Try spotting a one-horned rhino as the Park has seen a healthy growth of tigers and rhinos in the past couple of year.

Monkeys, deer, sloth bears, hundreds of species of birds, and the magnificent royal Bengal tiger, even though it is a pretty rare sight.

• Pure wildness

• Hundreds of flora and fauna

5. Bhaktapur

Some parts of this increasingly modernising country seems to be freeze shot of sometime of centuries ago. One such ideal place is Bhaktapur, the best-preserved medieval town in Nepal. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is as old as centuries and is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Nepal, which is a great place for solo travel in Nepal. If you have a thing for history, the square’s pagodas and the remaining temples will leave you in awe. Some parts were devastated after 2015 earthquake, and restoration has been carried on.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The place is one of the loved choices for solo travel in Nepal where the iconic bricked streets with the roadside artisans busy at their work is one of the finest portraits Nepal offers as a signature lifestyle.

• Golden Gate

• Nyatapola Temple

• Garuda Bar

• Bhairabnath Temple

• National Art Gallery

6. Panauti

Yet another solo travel place in Nepal which best fits the description of a quaint town. Steeped in tradition and culture, it has about 10,000 inhabitants. As the place is located near the meeting point of Roshi Khola and Pungamati Khola, the town is considered a sacred place itself.
The serenity of the village is what makes the place most attractive and the finest time to explore the region is either during dusk or dawn. You can experience the most crowd during the religious Magh Sankranti festival. Religious tourists take a dip at the confluence of the two sacred rivers.

Mistakes to Avoid During Solo Travel in Nepal

• Etiquette - Know how to greet, what to wear, about public display of affection and more

• Food and hygiene - Carefully choose where to stay and what to eat from the bazillions of hotels, home stays, and restaurants in Nepal

• Tips for adventure sports – Beware of frostbite and altitude sickness; dress comfortably but accordingly; and, get a guide while travelling lesser-known place

• Communication – Get a shared taxi or transport and keep the emergency numbers in hand

• Safety – Make the most of the daylight and avoid navigating the streets during the dark nights