Located in South Asia between India and China, it is a charming country filled with rich culture, traditions, and natural wonders. Driving here would prove to be an adventure, with the country’s flora and fauna surrounding you along your drive. From mountains, glaciers, and lakes to historical sites heralded by the world, the country has a lot to offer to those wanting to visit the country. Here’s a list of the top destinations for your next adventure. Get your international driving license and start exploring!

Pokhara

Pokhara is a city frequented by tourists who want to get their blood pumping. Pokhara offers many extreme activities like bungee jumping, paragliding, mountain biking, and river rafting that will surely leave you breathless and wanting for more. Pokhara is also home to famous trails that leads to Mount Everest, often making the city the starting point for hikers.

Although Pokhara is known for extreme activities, the city also offers more laid-back and scenic activities. You can enjoy a guided paddle boat tour on Pokhara’s Phewa Lake or watch the beautiful sunrise from Sarangkot Viewpoint. If you want to go on a more easy-going hike, you can go a 3-day hike on Poon Hill Ghorepani Trek. This trail stretches up to 3,200 m and passes through little villages and jungles, giving you the perfect uninterrupted view of the Himalayan Mountains.

Visit Pokhara during autumn, from September to November for pleasant weather conditions.

Driving directions:

From the airport, follow Ring Road.
Continue to stay on Ring Road until you reach Madan Bhandari Road.
Stay on Madan Bhandari Road until you see a roundabout.
At the roundabout, take the 1st exit to Thapathali Road.
Turn right to Tripura Marg and stay on the road until you reach Kalimati Road.
Stay on Kalimati Road until you reach Ganeshman Singh Road.
Follow Ganeshman Singh Road until you reach Ganeshman Singh Path.
Stay on Ganeshman Singh Path until you reach Kalankisthan Road.
Follow Kalanskithan Road until you reach Pokhar.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest and largest Hindu temple complex in Nepal and is one of the most important sites for devotees of Shiva. Pashupatinath Temple plays an important role in Nepal’s culture, with hundreds of rituals being performed every day. In some of the rituals performed, tourists are allowed to participate, giving you the chance to be part of Nepal’s culture.

Pashupatinath Temple is part of UNESCO’s World Heritage list and comprises 518 temples inside the complex. There you can see not only the magnificent temples but traditional paintings and sculptures as well. Of course, despite being a tourist attraction, Pashupatinath Temple is still a sacred place for the Hindus. Certain areas are restricted to non-Hindus and Hindus of Western descent. Visit the temple from September to November, to experience clear skies and plenty of cultural events.

Driving directions:

From the airport, follow Ring Road
At Gaushala Chwok Road, take the 3rd exit and stay on Ring Road
Turn right at Jayabageshwori Marg
Turn left at Pashupati Nath Road and follow it until you reach your destination

Mount Everest

Most travelers go to Nepal to climb the highest peak in the world, Mount Everest. Reaching 29,029 feet, Mount Everest is the ultimate climb for seasoned mountain climbers and trekkers. Be warned, climbing Mount Everest is not an easy feat and should be done with caution. It would take days before you will reach the summit, with you being exposed to the harsh cold and altitude.

While you are busy climbing, be on the lookout for wild animals roaming the surroundings like the cute red panda, wolves, and bears. It is also said that the abominable snowman or Yeti roam the Himalayas. Although no one has seen the Yeti clearly, it said that you can sometimes find its footprints littering the area. Climb the mountain from April to May to better enjoy its peak.

To get to Mount Everest Base Camp, you have the option to fly to Lukla city or drive to the town of Jiri. The difference would be the acclimatization days, when flying to Lukla, your chance of acclimatization would be shorter, making you more prone to altitude sickness.

Flying to Lukla

From Kathmandu Airport, fly to Lukla
From Lukla, trek to the Mount Everest Base Camp for 11 to 14 days

Driving from Jiri

From the airport, follow Araniko Highway
Follow Araniko Highway until you reach Lamosangu-Ramechhap Highway
Continue to follow Lamosangu-Ramecchap Highway until you reach Jiri
From Jiri, trek. To the Mount Everest Base Camp for 24 days

Sagarmatha National Park

Sagarmatha National Park is home to some of the country's most beautiful, endangered, and rare wildlife. Here, you can also see the peak of Mount Everest while you navigate on different terrains like gorges, glaciers, and rocky trails. Keep an eye out on the variety of wildlife present like musk deers, wolves, Himalayan black bears, and 118 types of birds.

Sagarmatha National Park is also home to the red panda, snow leopard, and marmots. The best time to visit this national park is during autumn, between October and November. As another place in this country that’s part of UNESCO’s World Heritage List, Sagarmatha National Park will not disappoint you.

Driving directions:

From the airport, follow Ring Road.
Continue to follow the road until you reach Gyaneshwor Marg.
Turn left to Bhagawati Marg.
Once you reach Narayanhiti Path, turn right and follow Nagpokhari Marg until you reach Kathmandu.

Patan

Step back in time and visit Patan, one of its cities. Patan is known for keeping its old-city charm through its architecture, arts, and customs. Also known as the Handicraft City, Patan is home to the best craftsmen and artists. Here you can take short wood carving, pottery, and even painting classes. Even the monasteries and temples are filled with art, both traditional and modern, making the city a must-visit site for art historians and connoisseurs.

Your trip to Patan would not be complete if you don’t visit Patan Durbar Square, another place that is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. Here you can see the old palace, with its original throne, art, and carvings being preserved and protected. While you are at Durbar Square, don’t forget to drop by Krishna Temple, a Hindu temple made completely out of stone. Visit Patan from October to April to experience pleasant weather.

Driving directions:

From the airport, follow Ring Road
Continue straight on Ring Road until you reach Araniko Highway
On Araniko highway, turn right when you reach an exit to Ring Road
Follow Ring Road until you reach Patan