10 Not So Hot Destinations of Nepal

Do you want to visit Nepal but want a place that is solitude, out of the way, and away from noise and crowds? Well, you got your wish made true! We have a collection of a few not-so-hot destinations in Nepal for you to explore in 2025.

Often, people connect traveling to Nepal with mainstream places like Pokhara, Chitwan, or Kathmandu, if not the mountains. But this diverse landscape with rich natural, historical, and cultural diversity has so many hidden gems on its platter.

May it be the preserve community of Khokana, the centuries-old Baghbhairav temple, or the beautiful Rani Mahal of Palpa, there is so much more to explore in every corner of the country.

We will give you a list of some not-so-popular destinations in Nepal that you can visit in 2025. Let’s dive into the blog to find more!

1. Kirtipur: Baghbhairav Temple

Once a famous kingdom, this ancient Newar town has way too many histories to express. The Baghbhairav temple is a remarkable piece of heritage that holds historical and cultural significance in Kirtipur. Perched on the top of a hill in Kirtipur, it is a temple known for Lord Bhairava, a guardian deity in the form of a tiger.

The temple has a large terracotta mask of Bhairava, which is worshiped with the faith that Bhairava protects humankind. He is also known as “Aju Deu” in the local Newari language, which translates to “Grandfather God.” The mask is made of clay that deteriorates over time and changes every two to three decades.

Other Kumari, Bhramhayani, Ganesh, Vaishnavi, Barahi, Shiva, and Parvati idols are within the periphery. There is a statue of Kriti Mata, also known as the mother of Kirtipur. This unique iconography describes her giving birth to an unknown creature. The white temple of Narayan and the standing statue of Shiva, along with De Pukhu pond, are other attractions of the Bagbhairav temple.

This temple also records the victory of Kirtipur over Prithvi Narayan Shah’s first and second attacks in 1757 AD and 1759 AD. The topmost tier of the temple is ornamented with weapons of the defeated army of Gorkha.

2. Chandragiri: A Historic Hill

The Chandragiri Hill, located on the outskirts, is why the Kathmandu Valley is known as the city’s capital. Its history dates back to the reign of Prithvi Narayan Shah, king of Gorkha, who first observed the Kathmandu valley from this hill and considered conquering it for its safety and fertility.

Breaking through its name, the literal meaning of Chandra is the moon, and Giri means hill. There is a famous temple called Bhaleshwor Mahadeva, a sacred form of Lord Shiva. Since August 2016, one can enjoy the cable car ride to reach the top of Chandragiri Hills.

3. Bandipur: Rustic Old Town

At a height of 1050 m, Bandipur is undeniably off the beaten track. About a two-hour drive from Pokhara, it gives a taste of the natural landscape and Nepalese traditional architecture.

Bandipur is a famous weekend destination from Kathmandu and Pokhara. Away from the usual hectic life, one can enjoy the traditional Newari culture and cuisine. This town is known for its Newari traditions, culture, and traditional-style homes.

The panoramic town is famous for its countryside hiking, cycling, trekking, and capturing the picturesque view of the mountain range behind. Visiting the ancient temples to enjoy the food at cafes, restaurants, and lodges, this place is also suitable for family tours.

4. Bardiya: Home to Endangered Species

Nepal is not only about high mountains; the country is also blessed with jungles full of wildlife. Among the 12 national parks, Bardiya National Park is one of the favorite landscapes of the people who love the natural world of plainland.

The national park in the Bardiya district is a must-visit. Established in 1976 AD, it occupies an area of 968 square kilometers and has a thick Sal tree forest and grassland, providing an excellent habitat for rich flora and fauna. You can catch sight of rare animals like the royal Bengal tiger, musk deer, rhinoceros, wild elephant, and black buck, along with other inhabitants of the jungle.

Other than wildlife, you mustn’t miss the local life and cultural practices. The gateway to the park, “Thakurdwara,” is inhabited by the local Indigenous Tharu people. These aboriginal people of Terai are very resistant to heat and have developed their own culture, tradition, and language.

Bardiya is on the bucket list of travel destinations for 2025. Do you want to spot tigers, elephants, and rhinoceroses in the wild? Here we are to take you on the journey to the wild.

Activities to do in Bardiya:

• Visit Tharu Cultural Museum, which showcases traditional artifacts, tools, and a reflection of rural life.
• Explore the villages and biodiversity of Bardiya National Park while cycling.
• Take a Jeep Safari around the jungle while observing animals from the watchtowers called Machan.

⮚     Boating and rafting in the Karnali River

⮚     Visit the crocodile breeding center

⮚     Birdwatching at Bardiya National Park

⮚     Visit the Elephant breeding center: One can visit the center in the early morning or after 4 pm.

5. Bhotekoshi River: Bring the Adventure in You

The Bhotekoshi River flows down from the Lumi Chimi Lake in the plateau of Tibet. Whitewater rafting in the Bhotekoshi River is another thrilling and adventurous activity in Nepal. This adventurous trip begins with a 4-hour ride from Kathmandu to Baseri on private transport along the Araniko Highway.

Before you start the rafting, observe the mountains as the rafting initiates, as there is not much time to look at the scenery and surroundings. Bhote Koshi River Rafting is suitable for both beginners and experts as it comprises limited challenging rapids. There will be an orientation and briefing before the trip, providing you with the details, routes, rapids, and a chance to clarify any further doubts.

You will also have a cozy time interacting with fellow rafters and your guide. The Bhotekoshi rafting is one of the most thrilling rafting in the world, and it requires total commitment for an adrenaline-pumping experience.

6. Barun Valley: Heaven for Solitude Lovers

Nestled in northern Nepal, the Barun Valley is one of Nepal’s many unexplored yet iconic destinations. The entire Barun valley lies within the route to Makalu Base Camp, inside Makalu-Barun National Park, established in 1992 and home to Mt. Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak.

Barun Valley is commonly known as “Chukchuwa Upatyaka” in the Limbu language. Similarly, other ethnic groups like “Yakkha” and “Limbu” reside in the valley. However, in search of a warmer and sophisticated place, they shift and migrate to lower places like Dharan. This spiritual valley has religious value for both Hindus and Buddhists.

According to Tripitak, this valley is one of the Beyul, the evergreen valley in the Himalayas where no one gets old. It is believed that during the apocalypse, those inside Beyul will remain safe and sound. In addition, the valley is also significant for biodiversity. It also inhabits 3,000 flowering plants, including exotic varieties of 25 types of rhododendrons, 47 orchids, and 56 rare plants.

The valley is home to 440 species of leaves, including the “Spiny Babbler,” a bird only found in Nepal. The valley also provides habitat to endangered species such as the Snow Leopard, wild boar, Musk Deer, Red Panda, wild yak, Himalayan thar, and 75 other mammals.

Getting into the valley is not easy and might require extra trekking effort. The Makalu Trek starts from a 3-hour drive from Tumlingtar to Chichila, passing the beautiful Barun River Valley.

7. Bungmati

Bungmati is a small town in the Kathmandu Valley, located 10 km south of the center. The ancient village existed as early as the 7th century when the city was an autonomous province in the valley. The culture and tradition of Bungmati have remained untouched by modern life, settled by the Newa people.

Bungmati is derived from the word “bonga,” as many bongas are in this area. A bonga is a place where water naturally collects from underground or on the surface. The Bagmati River flows through the Bungamati area, as this town is the lowest part of the Kathmandu Valley.

The temple of the deity Rato Machindranath (the God of Rain) is a Shikhar-style temple located in the central part of the town. The chariot festival of Rato Machindranath was initiated during the reign of King Narendra Dev in the Lichchhavi period and is the longest-celebrated festival of Nepal for six months of the year.

Outside the temple of Machhindranath is an inscription carved on a stone tablet. It shows images of two deer and a chariot wheel in the middle and is dated to the year 29.

In this inscription, Anshuvarma greets the residents of Bungmati and praises them for caring for chickens, pigs, buffalo, and fish. He also invites them to the opening ceremony of the Kailashkut Palace, which signifies the development of agriculture in this place centuries ago.

8. Lumbini

Another iconic yet less explored gem is the divine lands of Lumbini, where the light of Asia, Gautam Buddha, was born. The famous garden where Gautam Buddha was born in 623 BC soon became a place of pilgrimage after his “maha-Parinirvan.”

The iconic pillar erected by Mauryan Emperor Ashok in 249 BC has a Pali inscription written in Brahmi script that reads as….

Devānaṃpiyena Piyadasina lājina vīsati-vasābhisitena
atana āgāca mahīyite hida Budhe jāte Sakyamuni ti
silā vigaḍabhī cā kālāpita silā-thabhe ca usapāpite
hida Bhagavaṃ jāte ti Luṃmini-gāme ubalike kaṭe
aṭha-bhāgiye cha

This translates, “King Priyadarsin himself visited the spot where Buddha Shakyamuni was born and made a stone pillar to celebrate the twentieth year of his kingship. He set the village of Lumbini free of taxes and paid only an eighth of it.”

Along with some amazing monasteries, gardens, and heritage sites beholding stories, you will get to observe some iconic artifacts to observe.

Some iconic artifacts to observe in the Lumbini are:

The Marker Stone: This Conglomerate stone pinpoints the exact birth spot of Buddha. This stone belongs to the 6th century BCE and was discovered during the excavation of the old Maya Devi temple excavation.

• The Nativity Sculpture: This sculpture is apart from the 4th century CE
• The peace stupa
• The ever-glowing peace torch
• The sacred pond
• The holy Bodhi tree

9. Chitlang: Oldest Known Settlement of Kathmandu

Chitlang is a beautiful village in Makawanpur, 22 km southwest of Kathmandu. It offers a rich cultural experience and adventurous activities like hiking, trekking, cycling, bird watching, organic farm visits, and dining.

The Kulekhani Lake, or “Indra Sarovar,” provides a soothing boating experience. The small town offers visitors a unique experience of homestays and well-facilitated guest houses and lodges, providing a complete escape from the busy urban life.

Chitlang was once an important commercial route between Kathmandu and India. Exploring the remains of this historical route, which used to transport car parts on people’s backs and deliver them to Kathmandu before the Tribhuvan Highway was constructed, enhances a visit to Chitlang.

A chaitya was installed at Chilanche of Chitrapur of Chitlang village by Emperor Ashok when he visited Kathmandu Village. The ancient settlement of Newar dates to the Lichchhavi period. An inscription of King Amashuvarma was discovered in Toukhel of Chitlang VDC.

10. Rani Mahal: Jewel of Palpa

More than a tourist destination, the Jewel of Palpa, Ranimahal, is a beautiful portrayal of a general’s love for his beloved wife. The iconic Rani Mahal is situated at Ranighat on the bank of the Kali Gandaki River.

The story goes as follows: General Khadga Samsher Rana was sent to Palpa as the Western Commander in Chief of Nepal. He then constructed this palace as a token of love for his beloved youngest wife, Tej Kumari Devi. But she died within a year after the palace’s completion, and hence, he named it Rani Mahal. He also renamed the nearby forest Rani Ban and the riverbank Rani Ghat.

In 1902, Khadga Samsher Rana and his family fled from Nepal to India, abandoning Rani Mahal, which resulted in the negligence of Rani Mahal, and eventually, this palace structure started crumbling. After the renovation by Nepal’s local and central government, it has become a wonderful travel destination for Nepal tourists.