Religious sites

Janaki Mandir, the temple where Nepalese goddess Sita wed Indian Prince Rama in Nepal.

World famous Pashupatinath Temple in Nepal.

The major religion in Nepal is Hinduism, and the Pashupatinath 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 Mandir in Janakpurdham inMithila region; Lake Gosainkunda nearDhunche; the temples at Devghat;Manakamana temple in the Gorkha District;Pathibhara near Phungling; and Mahamrityunjaya Shivasan Nepal in Palpa District where the biggest metallic idol of Lord Shiva is located.

Buddhism is the largest minority religion. TheWorld Heritage site at Lumbini, which is traditionally considered to be the birthplace ofGautama Buddha, is an important pilgrimage site. Another prominent Buddhist site isSwayambhunath, 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.

Wilderness tourism

Chitwan National Park
IUCN category II (national park)
Elephant safari with rhinos

According to Nepal's Ministry of Tourism, major tourist activities include wilderness and adventure activities such as mountain biking,bungee jumping, rock climbing and mountain climbing, trekking, hiking,^[11] 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.^[12]

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  Ilam, tea capital of Nepal and one of the tourism hotpots in eastern Nepal
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  The only international elephant polo in Chitwan National Park

Overview

Mount Everest, the highest mountain peak in the world, is located on Nepal's border.Mountaineering and other types of adventure tourism and ecotourism are important attractions for visitors. The world heritage siteLumbini, birthplace of Gautama 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.

Namche Bazaar, gateway to Mount Everest, under snow

Tourism in Nepal

Hotel Shanker, Kathmandu

Tourism is the largest industry in Nepal, and the 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 andBuddhist heritage of Nepal and its cool weather are also strong attractions.

Himalaya and Mount Everest as seen from space. Nepal has 8 of the 10 highest mountains in the world.