For the seekers of truth, Nepal is that place that has provided a haven for humanity who came in search of eastern mysticism and spirituality for a very long time. Located at the foothills of the Himalayas Nepal is situated in between the two largest countries in Asia- India and China. Nepal is known for its conglomeration of many cultures which include Tantric Hinduism, Vajrayana Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. It holds lots of Hindu temples and Buddhist Viharas. Apart from holding a cardinal site for the spirituality of the east, she has a natural aura around herself with the world’s highest mountain peaks. No wonder why trekkers are after this land. Here is a list of top 5 spots to visit.

1. Mt. Everest or Sagarmatha

For those Nepal adventurers who are looking for a trek in the mountains, Mt Everest or Sagarmatha stands high. In Sanskrit, Sagar-Matha means mother of the oceans (Sagar means ocean and matha means mother). This is the largest mountain peak in the whole world with whooping 8848 m and is considered to be still growing as per plate tectonics theory. These trekking in Nepal are usually done under tough supervision.

2. Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and biggest city and is located at the heart of Nepal. Rich with mysteries and enchantments of eastern mysticism, this place has a lot to tell culturally. Famous sites include Pashupatinath temple and Buddhist pagodas. Durbar square is at the center of the city, which holds the palace of erstwhile ruling Hindu Gurkha dynasties and was devastated during the 2015 Nepal earthquake. After 2015, Nepal became republic by the institution of the constitution and the last of the Hindu monarchy in the world ended. This is a UNESCO recognized heritage site.

3. Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is one of the great example or maybe a remnant of real eastern culture. It’s been said that Bhaktapur is created as a living ‘Tantric Yantra’ which means a machine (Sanskrit: Yantra) like a human body with temples been built at significant energy centers of human beings. Whichever way one looks, there is a temple of great aesthetics and architecture. It is said that the whole of Nepal is made like this. A must-visit for those who want to taste the essence of eastern culture in its pristine form.

4. A Circuit Trek at Annapurna

Annapurna round trekking is an array of mountain peaks with an altitude range of 6000 m – 8000 m. It’s a Himalayan massif located in north-central Nepal. Nepal’s second-largest city Pokhara is located 40 km away and is considered to be the gateway of this circuit trekking. This is considered one of the best long-distance trekking routes in Nepal with 160-280 km stretch. With a varying altitude above MSL along this trail, it offers a list of variety of flora and fauna to look up to. Historically Annapurna proved herself to be a treacherous mountain to climb with frequent avalanches and snowstorms. It is best to take the trail of a trained professional. At 4000 m towards the western basin, an oval-shaped plateau exists which is the protected Annapurna Sanctuary. It possesses an extraordinary variety of protected ecosystems and conserved human inhabitations.

5. Lumbini

Let’s talk about a little spiritual tours in Nepal here. The largest goal in one’s life, according to the east, is not wealth or otherworldly heaven but Liberation or Mukti. One of the greatest propounder of this concept, Siddhartha Gautama- the Buddha, was born in Lumbini. His disciples, the Buddhists, consider this place as a sacred point. This place consists of a lot of temples and Buddhist Viharas, with a large lake called Pushkarini at its center. It is said that Gautama’s mother Mayadevi took a dip in this lake before giving him birth and the first ceremonial bath of Gautama happened here. This UNESCO heritage site consists of many monuments, Buddhist monasteries, museums, and the Lumbini International Research Institute for learning more about Buddhist culture.