Destinations That Have Been Flourishing Cultural Tourism In Nepal
Nepal, a land of diverse landforms, has been flourishing in cultural tourism. Here are the major destinations to contribute in this:
Upper Mustang Trek
Upper Mustang, a very popular trekking destination in Nepal, is also known for its rich culture. This is why the region is gaining popularity among places for cultural tourism in Nepal. The Upper Mustang trek allows you to explore the Mustang region nestled between the Dhaulagiri and the Annapurna range.
Trekking through the Upper Mustang route, you’ll pass through many barren ridges. Also, deep canyons, bare cliffs, moraines, and the ancient kingdom of Mustang.
Cultural tourism flourishes in this region mainly to explore the old kingdom of Lo. This kingdom is mesmerized by the 16th-century monasteries full of vivid colors, ruins of old forts, caves, and a square-walled town.
Apart from the majestic scenery of the mountains, you will be thrilled by the ancient forts. Similarly, walled medieval villages and monasteries rich in Buddhist art. Since Mustang is surrounded by Tibet on three sides, you can feel the very rich traditional Tibetan culture in this region.
Also, Mustang was a separate kingdom within the boundaries of Nepal until 1950. The last king, the Raja of Mustang, still has his home in the ancient capital known as Lo Manthang.
During your Upper Mustang trek, you’ll also be able to encounter the way of life of the mountain people. These people have had very little contact with the rest of Nepal and thus have been able to retain their rich cultural heritage.
Everest Panorama Trek
Everest Panorama Trek is the most loved trekking destination among people traveling for trekking in Nepal. This route has been highly promoting cultural tourism in Nepal. Through the Everest Panorama Trek, one can view the wonderful Himalayan range of Mt. Everest, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse, and many more.
Everest cultural trekking involves about 8 days or 12 days of packages. It leads you to stunning panoramic views of high mountains and an observation of the culture. This trek is specially designed for those who do not have long holidays or for those who have problems walking at high altitudes.
The cultural tour to Everest View Trek starts with a beautiful flight from the capital to Lukla. From here, you need to trek up to Namche Bazar. Then, Tyangboche (famous for its monastery), and into the Khumjung village, a very nice settlement of Sherpa people. Cultural tourism in the Everest region introduces you to the Sherpa country and its culture with great mountain views.
The cultural tourism in this region is derived from the rich Sherpa culture. The Everest Panorama trek will take you to the wonderful Sherpa village, which is home to many Everest summiteers. The Sherpa culture and their lifestyle are the major attractions of this cultural tour. You will also see old monasteries, Sherpa traditional dance, Lama dance, etc.
Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek
This isolated valley in the Manaslu region combines two different trails that are a real form of adventure. The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek goes through the off-the-beaten trail. It will allow you to experience the living Buddhist culture and undisturbed wildlife.
The locals of this region are known as Tsumbas. Being isolated from the rest of Nepal, these people have been able to preserve their unique and distinct traditions and traditional lifestyles.
After exploring the Tsum Valley, the trek takes you to the Manaslu region through Larke Pass (5160m). The Manaslu Tsum Valley trek gets more challenging as you pass villages as Sama Gaun, Samdo, and others. From this point, you can enjoy the astounding panoramas of the Manaslu Peak, Buddha Himal, Himal Chuli, and the Ganesh Himal.
It descends to the Annapurna region, known as the Marshyangdi valley, and ends the trek. Vivid Gompa, like Rachen and Mu Lungdang, are some of the major highlights of this trek. Besides these, there are ancient carved stones, Mani walls, Himalayan views, and Tibetan culture
The Manaslu Tsum valley region is very famous for attracting cultural tourism. It is highly influenced by the Buddhist culture, which is reflected in their Buddhist tradition and the way of living of people. People in this region speak their own unique dialect. They wear their traditional warm dress, and usually eat their traditional meals.
Nar Phu Valley Trek
Equally rich in nature and culture, the Nar Phu valley trek is a challenging trek that is best suited to trekkers with a sound physical condition. Nar Phu valley is one of Nepal’s remote and beautiful, untouched regions in the Annapurna range.
The difficult trail of the Nar Phu Valley Trek comprises narrow canyons and pleasant, lush vegetation. There are amazing rock-strewn paths, yak-grazed lands, yaks, and sacred monasteries. You will further see the elevated Kang La Pass, and the authentic cultures of the natives of the Himalayas.
Nar Phu Valley was opened for tourists in the year 2003. And trekking in this region needs a special permit because it is listed as a restricted area by the Government of Nepal. Nar Phu is ethnically filled with Tibetan inhabitants in the high Himalayas.
The major attraction of the Nar Phu valley trek is the famous Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. Here trekkers seek blessings from Lama Karma Sonam Rimpoche. Similarly, cultural tourism in the Nar Phu trek also introduces you to the medieval Tibetan culture. This is intact in its undisturbed form.
From the top of Kangla pass, one can enjoy a magnificent view of Annapurna II. Also, Gangapurna, Tilicho peak, with many other snow-covered mountains.
Tamang Heritage Trek
One of the newly discovered trails for trekking in Nepal is the Tamang Heritage Trek. It takes you through the beautiful Tamang villages in Langtang. The Tamang Heritage Trek usually comprises 11 days route. It is a great introduction to the beautiful Langtang Valley Trek and the culture of the Tamang community.
On the route to this trek, you can enjoy the beautiful panoramic views of Mt. Ganesh and the Langtang range, which lies in the northern part of Kathmandu near Langtang National Park.
During the Tamang Heritage Trek, you’ll discover the Tibetan history and Tibetan culture deeply rooted in this region. Most of the Tamang settlements can be found in the Langtang region. This culture is also reflected in the attractive, colorful costumes of the locals and in the beautifully carved houses.
The cultural tourism in this region is flourishing through the stories of the trekkers. They share stories regarding the Syabru, Mane, and other thrilling local dances at Goljung, Brimdang, and Gatlang villages, located near the Tibetan border. Also, you can experience the famous Tamang Hospitality at Birddim.
Besides Tamang culture and festivals, the trekkers can also enjoy the natural beauty of the Langtang region. Get ready to be mesmerized by stunning glimpses of the beautiful mountains. Such as Langtang Lirung (7246 m), Gang Chhenpo (6388 m), Naya Kangri (5846 m.), Yala peak (5700 m.), and Dorje Lhakpa (6966 m.) during your Tamang Heritage trek.
Rolwaling Trek
TheRolwaling Trektakes you to the remote wilderness of the hidden Rolwaling valley. Actually located between the Everest range and the Langtang range. Rolwaling trek allows you to be mesmerized by the stunning views of Mt Everest. Also, you will see Langtang, Gaurishankar Himal, Dorje Lakpa, and Jugal Himal.
The cultural tourism in this region is also influenced by its rich culture and attractions. Such as the nunnery monastery called Bigu Gompa. It is the festival of Mani Rimdu in the Tengboche monastery, the Sherpa village, beautiful landscapes, the hidden valley of Rolwaling, Tso Rolpa Lake, etc.
The most exciting part of the Rolwaling trek is that this is a purely Camping trek where you do not find tea houses and lodges on the way. Since this is also one of the most difficult treks in Nepal, you must be physically fit for trekking in this region.
During the trek, you pass through pristine glaciers, high passes, and snow-fed lakes. Similarly, Tamang and Sherpa villages, monasteries, hidden valleys, rugged mountains, and more. As a part of cultural tourism, this trek also offers a unique opportunity to pass through traditional Sherpa and Brahmin villages.
Breeze Adventure, based in Kathmandu, Nepal, is one of the leading trek and tour operators in Nepal. It caters to various destinations in Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. The company is government-authorized. And also associated with TAAN (Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal).
Breeze Adventures provides excellent services to our clients with no hidden costs. Making sure that our partners and clients get the highest quality experience with our dedicated and compassionate team. The company also specializes in designing various cultural tourism-related packages. We include a package to explore various destinations popular for cultural tourism in Nepal. Do contact us if you are planning to trek in Nepal soon.
