Major Attraction of Seven Provinces of Nepal

‘a country bounded by the world’s highest peaks of the Himalayan range’

The major attraction of Nepal’s Seven Provinces all have exciting scenic to cultural places, where one can enjoy delightful moments. Depending upon the choice and interest of visitors, all these seven provinces offer beautiful historical and stunning mountain panorama. The seven provinces start from East to West and from North to South around low-land known as the Terai belt. 

The low Terai of warm sub-tropical temperatures with the lowest altitude of 60 meters, extending towards mid and high hills. Which stretches higher up towards the world’s highest peaks of the Eastern Himalayan range, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. 

Nepal is an amazing country with an area of 147, 181 sq. km, sandwiched between Tibet of China in the north. Borders with India towards the south, far west, and east where one can find all types of ethnic tribes.

Nepal has more than 60 ethnic groups and 70 native spoken languages, Nepali is the national language. Spoken by all citizens far and wide throughout the country, although every village in each province speaks their tribal languages.

The seven provinces start from State 1 to 7 covering the low warm south and colder northern Himalaya region. Where all provinces have their major headquarters in major cities, as well depending upon the size of the population.

All seven provinces have their charm and beauty as well as history and culture of age-old heritage customs. Where visitors can enjoy various festivals of different provinces which are equally fascinating to experience from religious to joyful national events.

Koshi Province / State 01

Koshi Province covers an area of 25,905 sq. k.m, about 17.5% of the country’s total area. The headquarters and major city is Biratnagar, the province covers other major eastern towns from the south, mid-hills to a higher mountainous region.

The main attractions of Province 1 are where the world’s highest peaks are located. Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga. One of the major trekking and adventure destinations to its base camps, as well as mountaineering expeditions. Where one can enjoy a trek to Everest, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga base camps, and immerse oneself within its beautiful scenic surroundings.

Visit the cooler green rolling mid-hills of Ilam town and its sea of Tea Gardens. Ilam tea is famous all over the world and grown in the shadow of high 

 Mt. Kanchenjunga. The other place of attraction besides trekking and mountaineering and cultural tour is a visit to Kosi Tappu Wild-Life Reserve.

Kosi Tappu Wild-Life Reserve, located in Far Southern Eastern Terai, is a great place for wildlife safari and exciting bird watching. Visitors can reach Provinces of State-1, either by overland or taking a flight from Kathmandu.  

Major Attractions

Around Southern Terai of Province 1, visit Kosi Tappu Wild-Life Reserves as well as the one and only bird sanctuary of Nepal. 

Tour of Ilam Tea Garden and Shree Antu at 2,328 m for stunning sunrise and sunset views over the eastern Himalayas. Situated at a distance of 3 hr. drive from Ilam Bazaar. Visit Maipokhari, another attraction popularly recognized as a religious and historical spot, Maipokhari at 2,121 m, a pristine lake surrounded by a dense forest of fir, juniper, birch, pine, and a variety of flora and fauna is considered as the sacred abode of Goddess Bhagawati.

Trekking Destinations

Mt. Kanchenjunga world 3rd highest peaks base camp, as well world 5th high Mt. Makalu base camp. Further higher areas of Solu-Khumbu to Mt. Everest base camp and various exciting adventure destinations around Eastern Himalaya within Koshi Province-1.

Trekking in Koshi Province- State 01

• Everest base camp trek
• Kanchenjunga circuit trek
• Everest three passes trek
• Pikey peak trek
• Gokyo valley trek
• Island peak climbing
• Mera peak climbing

Madhesh Province / State 02

Madhesh Province and State 02 located Mid-South Nepal, borders Province No. 1 to the east and Bagmati Province-3 to the north. As well borders India to the south with an area of 9,661 km2 (3,730 sq mi)-about 6.5% of the country’s total area. The province as it is close to the Indian border of Bihar, with much Indian influence. Of the strong heritage background and culture of the Hindu religion, the main city is Janakpurdham or Janakpur.

The city is the center of religious and cultural tourism. Janakpur is the capital and headquarters of the province where’s Birgunj is the largest city. Located on the southern lowland of the Terai belt within a sub-tropical climate where the main language is native Maithili, besides Nepali.

Major Attractions

Province or State 02, is an agricultural state and the gateway to all parts of Nepal’s main cities. The main attraction is Janaki Mandir, as well as the palace of King Janak father of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. Where Sita was born and married to Lord Rama as mentioned Hindu epic Ramayana. A city of religious sites, and various Hindu color festivals, the arts, and paintings of Mithila cultures renowned around the country.    

Bagmati Province / State 03

Bagmati Province or State 03 of Nepal, with the main commercial hub Kathmandu city capital of the country. However, the province headquarters and capital is Hetauda towards the mid-south within the district of Makanpur. Which extends towards the southern Kathmandu valley around Lalitpur district, and the gateway to southern parts of Nepal. 

Bagmati Province and State-03, the main heart of Nepal with an area of 9, 428 sq. km. Extends west to Gandaki Province and South towards Province 2, where the north stretches to the border of Tibet/China.

Bagmati Province and State 03, the main center of the country and largely populated province. The Bagmati Province besides being the commercial hub is also a popular state for historical and cultural interest. 

Bagmati Province with most interesting places to visit from heritage, and cultural sites to scenic viewpoints and for various adventures.

Major Attractions

Bagmati Province and State-03, offer a wide range of exciting destinations for all types of visitors, with most UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Starting from Kathmandu with the country’s famous landmarks like the old Swayambhunath Stupa, and Bouddhanath Stupa with Hindu renowned Pashupatinath Temple. The major hub for Hindu pilgrimage is the Pashupatinath temple, and the Buddhist main center Bouddhanath and Swayambhunath Stupas.

Kathmandu is the seat of former Royals, with many historical Durbar / Palace Squares of Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur cities.

Various places that one can delight in around Kathmandu and its three adjoining historical and cultural cities. Similarly, visitors can enjoy a short day hike or more on the high hills of Kathmandu Valley offers stunning sunrise. Along with an array of Himalayan Snow-Mountain range from the scenic hills of Kathmandu of Nagarkot and Dhulikhel.

Trekking Destinations

Bagmati Province or State-03, provides exciting places from scenic trekking to various adventures, in harmony with the local immense culture.

Langtang & Ganesh Himal Range

 Langtang and Ganesh Himal are the closest mountain range from the main capital Kathmandu city and the valley. As well as for Himalayan pilgrimage sites to Gosainkund holy pond and many sacred sites.

Langtang Valley trekking is one of the most popular trekking destinations, after the Annapurna region and Everest region. Where one can enjoy trekking for a week or two weeks and more, visiting the high scenic valley of Langtang at Kyanjin. As well as heading towards Gosainkund holy glacial pond and continuing the walk via the high pass to reach back Kathmandu. 

Another interesting trek is to Ganesh Himal base camp and around, a great walk off the beaten tracks, away from main trails and villages for some days.

Nagarkot, Chisopani & Dhulikhel Mountain Resorts

Nagarkot & Dhulikhel is another scenic and cultural place to visit the closest scenic hills for sunrise and sunset views. Where one can enjoy a panorama of a Himalayan mountain range in the comfort of nice luxury hotels and resorts. Chisopani Nagarkot Trek is a short trek around the Kathmandu Valley.

Sightseeing Tour

Bagmati Province provides excellent cultural, religious, and scenic tours in and around Kathmandu Valley. Likewise around Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath / Bouddhanath Stupas, and Pashupatinath Temple.

Various cultural and scenic places, as well as around Patan and Bhaktapur steeped with Kathmandu UNESCO Heritage Sites.

Chitwan National Jungle Safari

From the high snow mountains of Central Himalaya to the low land of the Terai belt within the warm sub-tropical dense jungles of Chitwan. A famous and popular Chitwan National Park for various types of Jungle activities, where one can enjoy a safari on an elephant, nature walks, or jungle drive. Chitwan is famous for the Royal Bengal Tiger, Rhinoceros with various species of wildlife and birds. 

Gandaki Province / State-04

Gandaki Province and State 4, another province quite attached to Bagmati Province, is located Mid-West Nepal an area of 12,275 sq. km.

Gandaki Province with beautiful Pokhara, a famous international tourist destination, where the great rivers flow. The Kali Gandaki, Budhi Gandaki, Masrsyangdi and Modi with Seti Gandaki River. All these glacial rivers are famous for exciting rafting adventures also, an enjoyable holiday with a surge of adrenaline.

It is also a province of a historical site where the great legendary poet Bhanu Bhakta Acharya was born in the district of Tanu. The main headquarter is Pokhara city, a popular tourist spot, where most adventure around Annapurna Himalaya starts and ends. 

Gandaki Province is famous for its natural beauty where Manaslu, Lamjung, and Annapurna Himalaya range are located. Pokhara and its beautiful surroundings with serene lakes within the close shadow of Annapurna Himalaya and majestic Machhapuchare Himal.

Gandaki province is important for pilgrimage, where the famous Muktinath Chhetra is located North West of the province within the Mustang district. 

Major Attractions

The major attraction is its beautiful landscapes with high snow peaks of the Annapurna and Manaslu Himalaya range. Serene Begnas and Phewa Lakes, David’s Waterfalls or Pathelo Chango, and deep caves and mighty rivers.  

A leading tourist spot as well for adventure sports, Paragliding, Ultra-Light flight, Zip-Flyer, Bungee Jumping, and various outdoor sports.

Trekking is the main attraction offered from a day hike to a month of trekking in and around the massive Annapurna Himalaya.

Famous Trekking Destinations to and from Pokhara and Gandaki Province

Ghorepani & Poon Hill, a moderate short trek of less than a week duration offers a grand panorama of Western Himalaya. Where one can enjoy stunning sunrise views amidst beautiful rhododendron forests and lively scenery.

Annapurna Base Camp, another popular trekking of a week or more takes you to the heart of the massive Annapurna Himalaya at a scenic sanctuary.

Annapurna Circuit takes you around Annapurna Himalaya and within Manang valley and over the high Thorang-La pass and down to holy Muktinath at Mustang area. Panchase Hill, Siklis trekking and around southern hills of Annapurna Himalaya, as well adventure around massive Dhaulagiri. 

Besides trekking and various adventure, one can enjoy rafting on Kaligandaki, Seti, and Masrsyangdi Rivers for a few days to a week duration. Great place for Kayaking, Mountain Biking, or just relaxing and enjoying the views. 

Lumbini Province / State-05

Located far down southwest around warmer areas of sub-tropical temperatures, an interesting place to visit. Where the world famous Buddhism religion site is situated, at the birthplace of Lord Buddha, known as the ‘Light of Asia’.

Lumbini Province-State 5 covers an area of 22,288 sq. km close to the southern border of the Indian state of UP (Utter Pradesh). Although a hub for Buddhist followers where villages and towns with strong Indian influence of similar cultures. 

Lumbini is a famous and leading Buddhist pilgrimage site situated in the district of Rupandehi within Lumbini Province. The official birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama before he reached Buddhahood around 563 BC. Lumbini is located in the Terai plains of southern west Nepal. Here one can witness a pillar erected by Emperor Asoka in 249 BC. Bhairawa is the closest city to a proposed international airport, where one can fly from Kathmandu within less than an hour. 

Major Attractions

Lumbini Province is famous as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the main pilgrimage for worldwide Buddhism. At Lumbini tour of the ancient historical site where once a palace of the Sakya Dynasty stood when Lord Buddha was Prince Siddhartha.

Various interesting places to visit are the Light and Flame of Peace, the main monument of Buddha’s birth site, and a bathing pool with many beautiful monasteries of various nations.   

Karnali Province / State 06

Karnali Province or State 06, located Far Mid-West region of Nepal, covering an area of 27, 984 sq. km. Extends from the low land of the Terai belt to mid hills and continues to the high Himalayas. Stretches to the border of South West Tibet / China, on route famous pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash and Lake Manasarover.

The main headquarter and capital of Karnali Province is situated on the low plain at Birendranagar city, within the Surkhet district. The Province covers 19 % of Nepal, from low warm plains to cooler green hills to high mountainous Himalayas range.

Karnali Province largest state of the country, close to Gandaki and Lumbini Province and Tibet / China towards the North. With the largest park in the country
Shey Phoksundo National Park an area of 3,555 Sq.Km. Located within high Dolpo and beautiful turquoise Shey Phoksundo or Ringmo Lake, one of the main adventure destinations. Where one can reach most parts of Karnali Province by overland and taking a panoramic flight to designated destinations.

Major Attractions

Karnali Province is the lowland en route to Bardiya National Park famous for wildlife safari. Dolpo and Humla areas are the main destinations for adventure trekking, as well as on route to Mt. Kailash in Tibet. As well as a major old Trans Himalaya Salt & Trade Caravan Route to Tibet, which still exists to the present.
The Upper and Lower Dolpo which is equally prime adventure destinations to Phoksundo Lake and higher to Shey Gompa. A fascinating trekking region, less ventured by a few groups of trekkers every season of the year.
As well Humla & Limi Valley is another hidden pocket of Karnali Province that is slowly getting popular for trekking. The local immense culture and amazing scenery of beautiful landscapes in the reason for adventure trekking.
Where one can enjoy the hike to Nepal’s largest and most beautiful Rara Lake, located within Mugu and Jumla districts.

Sudurpaschim Province / State-07

The last and the smallest state of Nepal is Sudurpaschim Province with an area of  19,515.52 sq. km. Covering 13.22 % of the country’s total area makes the State-7 of Nepal, located Far West of the country. The main headquarter and capital of the province is the city of Godawari, declared on 28^th September 2018.

Sudurpaschim Province is located close to the border of the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh in the North-West. South and West border UP (Utter Pradesh) and far north with Tibet / China, the province with ancient history.
Dates back to the 13th Century, an old empire during the period of Niranjan Malla Dev the founder of the Khas Doti kingdom. The royals of Doti were known as Raikas or Rainka Maharaj after defeating the Malla Khas of Karnali Zone.

Sudurpaschim Province can be reached from Kathmandu via a long overland drive or by air to land at Dhangadi. One of the main cities of the province and the gateway to various districts of Sudurpaschim Province.

Major Attractions

Due to its remote location towards Far West, few foreign visitors seldom venture around the scenic places of the Province Sudurpaschim. The province is famous for its historical background, where the Khas the present Nepali language originated.

As well as for the trek to the famous Mt. Api and Mt. Saipal and for beautiful and scenic Khaptad National Park. The park borders four districts Bajhang, Bajura, Achham, and Doti with an area of 225 sq. km. The altitude extends from 1,400 m to 3,300 m high, major interest visits the Godawari River a sacred place for Hindus.
Includes multiple Hindu temples, of Shiva Mandir and Hanuman Mandir; as well as a Buddhist Gompa.

Conclusion

The major attractions of Nepal are all seven provinces, an interesting country to visit for all types of interests. From culture, old heritage traditional customs, and colorful festivals in the backdrop of amazing and awesome scenery of high snow-capped peaks.

A country of great fascination for all types of exciting holidays takes you to exotic destinations. From leisure cultural and scenic tours around world heritage sites for a few days hike in the shade of Himalayan peaks.

One can enjoy adventurous trekking, climbing to white-water rafting, or biking in remote country villages. Truly a country full of charm and beauty of great bio-diversity from 60 m to high Mt. Everest 8,848.86 m. All within 7 provinces at a distance of 150 km resulting in climatic changes from the Sub-tropical-alpine to the Arctic zone.