Tourism Nepal

Tourism Nepal

 Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal and its largest source of foreign exchange and revenue. Possessing eight of the ten highest mountains in the world, Nepal is a hotspot destination for mountaineers, rock climbers and people seeking adventure. The Hindu and Buddhist heritage of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions. 

Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located in Nepal. Mounterring and other types of adveenture tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. The world heritage site Lumbini, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is located in the south of the West region of Nepal (which despite the name is located in the centre of the country) and there are other important religious pilgrimage sites throughout the country. The tourist industry is seen as a way to alleviate poverty and achieve greater social equity in the country. Tourism brings $471m a year to Nepal.

According to Nepal's Ministry of Tourism, major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as mountain biking, bungy jumping, rock climbing and mountain climbing, trekking,hiking,bird watching, flights, paragliding and hot air ballooning over the mountains of Himalaya, exploring the waterways by raft, kayak or canoe and jungle safaris especially in the Terai region.

The major religion in Nepal is Hindusm, and the Pasupati Temple, the world's largest temple of Shiva, located in Kathmandu, attracts many pilgrims and tourists. Other Hindu pilgrimage sites include the temple complex in Swargadwari in the Pyuthan district,janaki temple in janakpurdham in mithila region; Lake Gosaikunda near dhunchey; the temples at Devghat; Manakamana temple in the Gorkha district pathivara near Phungling and Mahamrityunjaya Shivasan Nepal in Palpa district where the biggest metallic idol of Lord shiva is located.

Buddism is the largest minority religion. The World heritage site at, which is traditionally considered to be the birthplace of Gautam buddha, is an important pilgrimage site. Another prominent Buddhist site is Swayambunath, the Monkey Temple, in Kathmandu.

Dang valley is a sacred place for Hindus as well as other religions. Kalika and Malika Devi in Chhillikot hill, Ambekeshawori temple, Krishna temple, Dharapani temple are among the sacred places in Dang district. Chillikot hill is also a good place for sightseeing and also an ancient palace of a king.

Muktinath is a sacred place for Hindus as well as Buddhists. The site is located in Muktinath Valley, Mustang district.