Kathmandu: Nepal is the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha and Bhrikuti. Besides, Nepali people are famous in the world for their honesty, diligence and hospitality. “Atithi Devo Vawa” (guests are god and goddess) is the slogan every Nepali person seems to be adopting. So, visiting Nepal is a way of experiencing Nepal’s diverse culture, natural beauty, and hospitality. If you visit Nepal, you will feel like you are with your family. As you will be under caring guidance, all the family members will be equally enjoying the trip.
Family tour to famous destinations like the Shivapuri National Park, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Sarangkot, Nagarkot, would be really exciting and fun-filled. Bird watching, jungle safari, mountain biking etc. are other attractions. Numerous guest houses and hotels along the paths are there ready to welcome you.
In and around the Kathmandu Valley, there are many destinations for families to visit. Some of them are the most popular walk that goes down from Nagarkot to the temple of Changunarayan- with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Changunarayan temple is another addition on the list. The courtyard of Changunarayan is enriched by the priceless Vishnu’s stone images.
Around 32 km east of Kathmandu, it takes around 1.5 hours ride to reach Dhulikhel. The city is unique combination of Nature and culture. A pleasant day hike is around a Buddhist pilgrimage site where Lord Buddha is believed to have in his previous life sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress and her cubs.
Following are tour destinations for family
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, is home to more than 1000 temples. It has many UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Pashupatinath, Boudhnath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. It has many vibrant streets and bazaars like Thamel, Basantapur etc. There are other tourist destinations in Kathmandu. They are Garden of Dreams, Chandragiri Hills, Hanuman Dhoka, Kopan Monastery, Shivapuri National Park, and Basantapur Tower.
If you are looking for a family trip, Kathmandu can be a perfect destination. There are many places in Kathmandu where families can visit and enjoy.
Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. It is a sacred place and a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers. The UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts millions of followers of Buddhism, and non-Buddhists from all over the globe. the Maya Devi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar, and various monasteries add to its beauty.
You can enjoy the trip to Lumbini when you visit with your families. So, you can call the journey family friendly.
One can find peace of mind here from the hustle and bustle of city life. The place has a good weather conditions. It receives abundant sunlight during the summer and a chilly atmosphere during winter.
Adding to its beauty, there are several monasteries and shrines. It is a complete platform for spiritual purpose like Yoga and meditation. The different architectural designs and attractive paintings on the walls will surely attract visitors.
Janakpur
Situated in the southeast of Nepal, around 225 kilometres of Kathmandu, Janakpur is an important religious site for Hindus. It is believed to be the birthplace of Sita, the spouse of Lord Ram, one of the major deities of Hindu people.
Janakpur was the capital of the Mithila Kingdom where King Janak, Sita’s father ruled in ancient time. The city is regarded as an ancient historical place carrying bravery, spirituality and love as mentioned in the epic Ramayan. Janaki Temple is one of the major attractions of the city. The temple is dedicated to Sita. Many rituals and festivals are organised in the temple on various occasions adding to its allure.
Families in particular are attracted to the religious site. There are many other areas in Janakpur to visit offering pleasure to them.
Lord Rama, who was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, married Sita here in a grand ceremony. This important event is remembered every year as Bibaha Panchami. The event draws thousands of pilgrims and tourists from all over the world.
Gosaikunda
It is located in the Langtang National Park in Rasuwa district in Nepal. Gosaikunda is a holy alpine lake believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, one of major Hindu deities. Situated at an altitude of around 4,380 metres above sea level, the place, known for its stunning natural beauty, holds religious significance for followers of both Hinduism and Buddhism.
According to a legend, Shiva and goddess Parbati resided in the place. Gosaikunda Yatra is an annual religious festival and trekking event. The Yatra is a major attraction of the place. Hundreds of pilgrims take part in the Yatra. Pilgrims engage in prayers and rituals and take a ritual dip. They believe that doing so will cleanse their sins and provide them with blessings from gods and goddesses. The Yatra takes place in August during the full moon.
Gosainkunda is a religious site where families can visit and have salvation by dipping into the lake. The journey can be a perfect one for families.
The lake is surrounded by forests, alpine meadows and rugged mountain terrains. Visiting people take breathtaking views of mountains including Ganesh Himal and Langtang Lirung.
There are four four different trails to reach Gosaikunda. The four different trails are Gosaikunda from Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Sindhupalchok districts: Kathmandu-Dhunche-Gosaikunda; Melamchi-Kutumsang-Thadepati-Gosaikunda; Sundarijal-Kutumsang- Gosaikunda; and Ghyangphedi-Yarsa-Gosaikunda.
Gosaikunda offers a unique mix of natural beauty, trekking adventure, and cultural significance. The majestic site attracts thousands of tourists every year. The holy Gosaikunda Lake has equally importance for Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.
Muktinath Temple
Located in the Mustang region, Muktinath is a holy pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple is dedicated to Lord Bishnu. Muktinath is popularly known for its 108 water spouts, stunning mountain views and natural gas fires Thousand square meters of temples, shrines, burial stupas, prayer wheels, and natural springs the spiritual and religious site. There are other natural and man-made features filled with supernatural characteristics reflecting both Buddhist and Hindu principles.
Historically, Muktinath carries power with its association of Shaligram (holy stone). Pilgrims worship at the temple in the belief that they will get power, god’s blessings, purity and inner peace attracting spiritual tourists. Families can visit the temple where they can have a peace of mind. There are other places around the temple to visit giving pleasure to families in particular.
In the backyard lies a temple called Muktidhara. Muktidhara has frozen water continuously flowing from the bullhead-shaped stone spout and two Kunda (ponds). Taking a bath in these 108 waterspouts and two Kunda (ponds) brings salvation, according to traditional beliefs.
Muktinath Temple carries the symbol of the religious significance between both Hindus and Buddhists. Hindu legend says Lord Bishnu got salvation from the curse of Brinda (wife of Jalandhar) here. Therefore, he is worshipped as Muktinath (the lord of salvation).
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is referred to as the city of devotees. It is also the city of pilgrimage and religion. Around eight miles away from Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal, the small city predominated by Newari people is adorned with historical and archaeological sites. Besides, it boasts many heritage sites.
The city gives you a taste of Newa culture. There are many cultural sightseeing areas in Bhaktapur. These places include the Gate to the Durbar Square, Golden Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, 55 Windows Palace, Vatsala Durga Temple, Bhairavnath temple, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatreya temple, Shiddhapokhari, Pottery square, etc. Families can visit, view and enjoy the cultural heritages and other historically important things. They can also enjoy traditional Newari dishes while visiting.
The city is also famous for local food and wine, Newari food, Juju Dhau yogurt, festivals and Jatras, pottery work.
Besides, cultural and archeological importance, the city offers hiking places including Pilot Baba, Ranikot, Ashapuri, Doleshwor temple, Kalamasi lake.
Wood carving museum, brass and bronze museum and the national art museum have added to its beauty.
Pokhara
Pokhara is the capital city of Nepal. The city has snowy peaks, blue lakes and surrounding greenery, Annapurna range in the backdrop. It has nine lakes, including Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. It also serves as a gateway to the Annapurna region.
Pokhara is best known for the stunning view of the Annapurna range, with mountains above 6,000 m in the backdrop.
Dominated by the tranquil Fewa Lake and framed by the looming Annapurna range, it presents a serene escape.
The city has a destination offering paragliding. Families can enjoy the sun sets, the lakeside buzzes with local music and cafes, and other recreational activities.
Chitwan National Park
Established in 1973, Chitwan National Park, Nepal’s first national park, is home to rich flora and fauna, and a variety of wildlife, including single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros. It formerly extended over the foothills, the property covers an area of 93,200 hectares, extends over four districts: Chitwan, Nawalparasi, Parsa and Makwanpur.
The park covers subtropical lowland, wedged between two east-west river valleys. The park is located between the Narayani and Rapti rivers to the north and the Reu River and Nepal-India international border in the south.
The UNESCO World Heritage site has wildlife including Royal Bengal Tiger and one-horned rhinoceros. The park offers jungle safaris where families can view wildlife, rich flora and fauna from a close distance. The park is home to grasslands, marshes, forests, and wildlife including one-horned rhinos, over 500 species of birds, wild elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and the majestic Bengal tiger. You can take a jeep tour, go on jungle treks and even hikes.
Lalitpur
Founded by King Varadeva in 299 CE, Lalitpur is one of three towns in the Kathmandu Valley. It is home to many heritage sites.
Vihars and Bahils were used to design Lalitpur. Lalitpur’s Patan is home to 56 per cent of the valley’s 295 Vihars and Bahils. The city is embellished with water conduits, stone spouts, Jaladroni, beautiful gateways, Hindu temples, and Buddhist Vihars.
The city is attractive and famous due to its architectural, and cultural history, such as the royal palace, which features elaborately carved doors and windows and lovely courtyards covered with beautiful symbols. Stone, metal, clay, ivory, and other materials have been used to build temples, vihars.
The town has an agricultural economy (barley, rice, wheat, millet, vegetables, and fruit). Lalitpur is known for its craftsmen, particularly metalworkers and wood-carvers with many Buddhist temples, including the Temple of Machendranath in Durbar Square.
Best places in Lalitpur include Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum, Krishna Temple, Oku Bahal Rudra Varna Mahavihar, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Mahabuddha Temple, Central Zoo etc.
Lalitpur is one of the best destinations in Nepal where families can visit and enjoy the beauty of the city. Families in particular can visit and enjoy historical sites, monuments and heritage sites. They can also savour traditional dishes.
Manakamana Temple
Located 12 km south of Gorkha district, Manakamana Temple is one of the famous destinations in Nepal. According to the belief that Manakamana Devi fulfils the wishes of her devotees. Thus, Manakamana Devi is called wish fulfilling deity.
Going by history, according to a legend, the Queen of Gorkha King Ram Shah possessed divine powers from the Manakamana Temple.
On one fateful day, the King found his Queen disguised as a goddess. Following the revelation, he mentioned it to his Queen and suddenly died. However, his Queen sacrificed her life by jumping into his funeral pure as per the custom.
Before she jumped into the funeral pyre, she consoled her lamenting devotee Lakhan saying she would reappear near his home. Six months later, a farmer ploughing hit a stone, and a mix of blood and milk run from the ditch. The flow of a mix of blood and milk stopped only when Lakhan worshiped it. The site later turned out to be Manakamana Temple.
Cable car is a recent addition of the area attracting devotees and tourists alike. The 10-minute cable-car ride takes the visitors to the temple of Goddess Manakamma. The temple is located around 125 km from Kathmandu, the federal capital of Nepal.
From the base station, one can get to Manakamana temple in 10 minutes on gondolas. Besides, there are other things like resorts and natural beauty that attract tourists. Also, Manakamana Temple can be a perfect place for families to visit.
