Ten Underrated beautiful places in Nepal to travel this Dashain

While Nepal has a rich history dating back centuries, it's truly astonishing to think that the inception of commercial tourism in Nepal is just 68 years old. Prior to 1955, Nepal remained largely undiscovered as a tourist destination. By 1950, there were only handful of people who had visited Nepal. Can you guess the number? The official count was a mere 300 individuals and that too included foreign officials, diplomats and some distinguished guests.  

The beginnings of 50s brought some wind of change after Nepal had become the member of United Nations (UN). From British mountaineer Maurice Herzog, climbing Annapurna for the first time to Boris Lissanevtich, setting up the first hotel in Kathmandu, commercial tourism started shaping up. One thing led to another and today, Nepal is one of the popular tourist destinations for both National and International tourists.  

Okay, that’s enough of the historical context for today. Let’s get right to the topic.  

We all are very much synced with the fact that Nepal’s biggest festival-Dashain is just around the corner. For travelers with a sense of adventure and a desire to immerse themselves in vibrant local cultures, Dashain offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Dashain is a time of celebration, and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the underrated and breathtakingly beautiful places that Nepal has to offer? These destinations, often overshadowed by their more famous counterparts, hold a special charm that's waiting for you to discover. 

Here’s are the list of five underrated yet beautiful places in Nepal that you can travel this Dashain. 

1. Badimalika Trek, Bajura

Although Balimalika trek has recently garnered some eyeballs through some TikTok videos and Instagram reels, we believe it’s still the underrated yet amazingly beautiful place to travel. This place is known for the Badimalika Temple and lush grassland, situated in Bajura District. You can enhance your Badimalika Trek experience by combining it with the Khaptad National Park Trek. And, while you are trekking, the stunning mountain ranges of Api & Saipal just add the perfect flavor to your trek. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight of Kathmandu to Dhangadi through your Mobile Banking app using Fonepay Bills Service. 

Step 2: You can opt for either Bus or Jeep from Dhangadi to Jagda.  

Step 3: Few days of walk from there on.  

2.Shree Antu, Illam

Been there in the Ilam region of Eastern Nepal, Shree Antu Danda is waiting to be discovered by many. Situated right on the border with Darjeeling, India, and to the south of the towering Kanchenjunga (standing at 8,586 meters), Shree Antu Danda captivates with its enchanting beauty.  

On the northern horizon, you'll find yourself looking out over the eastern Himalayas, their majestic peaks stretching as far as the eye can see. If you turn your attention to the south, the landscape transforms into the Terai plains, almost like a work of the greatest Painter. To the east, you'll be treated to the mind-boggling tea-growing regions of Darjeeling, an exquisite sight that seems almost plucked from a postcard. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight of Kathmandu to Bhadrapur through Mobile Banking App using Fonepay Bills Service. 

Step 2: You can opt for the Bus from Bhadrapur to Shree Antu. 

3. Guerrilla Trek, Rolpa 

This trekking trail has been a recently discovered trail. It is in a remote area of Western Nepal- Rukum & Rolpa regions. It may sound like a cliché thing to say but if you are an outdoor person, you'll love rushing rivers and cascading waterfalls. Imagine you are walking and there is a serene lake like Kamala Daha (Lotus Lake) on the way, dense jungles teeming with wildlife, mysterious caves, and much more. Within the area, you'll also find the Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve, which holds the distinction of being Nepal's sole hunting reserve. 

Each of these destinations holds its unique charm, offering travelers an opportunity to connect with nature, immerse themselves in rich cultural heritage, and create unforgettable memories of this Dashain.  

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take a Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Dang through Mobile Banking App using Fonepay Bills Services. 

Step 2: You can opt for the Bus from Dang to Rolpa.  

 

4. Sky lake- Jumla 

How frequently do you come across instances where yak herders, while diligently searching for their lost yaks in the remote mountainous terrains of Jumla stumble upon an unknown lake. That unknown lake is Sky Lake, also known as Akashe Taal. We can find that lake at the Guthichaur Rural Municipality in Jumla.  

The ascent to Danphe and Patmara can be challenging because of the steep, slick paths, many leeches, and severe weather. Still, it's an exciting adventure, and the breathtaking view from the peak is well worth the effort. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight from Kathmandu or Nepalgunj to Jumla through Mobile Banking App using Fonepay Bills Services. 

Step 2: You can walk through the beautiful villages of Choppa and reach the destination. 


 

5. Shuklaphanta National Park  

If there is one extremely underrated National Park in Nepal, it has to be the Shuklaphanta National Park. Within the park's boundaries, you'll find the largest herd of swamp deer, boasting a population of over 2,000, alongside an estimated 17 feral tigers and a diverse array of wildlife. 

This untouched gem is yet to make its mark as a bustling tourist destination, despite its incredible grasslands that provide a habitat for a wide range of creatures, including mammals, reptiles, birds, and amphibians. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Dhangadi through Mobile Banking App using Fonepay Bills Services. 

Step 2: You can take the bus from Dhangadi to Mahendranagar. 


 

6. Thulo Pathivara Temple- Taplegunj 

A visit to the Pathivara Temple is a dream come true for avid travelers, offering deep significance for Hindu devotees. Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or in a group, this destination promises an unforgettable experience. 

The surroundings of this temple are nothing short of heavenly. Situated at an altitude of 3,794 meters (12,444 feet), to the east of Phungling Municipality, the Pathivara Mata Temple is situated approximately 19.4 kilometers east of Phungling Bazar, the renowned market of Taplejung district. During your visit, you can also witness the awe-inspiring Sawa waterfall, tucked away behind the temple. Additionally, exploring Timbung, located in close proximity to the temple, is a highly recommended side excursion. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight from Kathmandu or Jhapa to Taplegunj.  

Step 2: You can walk through the trekking trail viewing the diverse wildlife, varieties of birds, beautiful flowers, and butterflies.


 

7. Dhorpatan- Baglung  

Getting to Dhorpatan was once a tedious journey, requiring a helicopter ride and a lengthy trek. Now, the region has become more accessible. Nevertheless, Dhorpatan remains a relatively unexplored gem. While trekkers need not possess superhuman fitness or extensive experience, a spirit of adventure is essential. 

Dhorpatan boasts an abundance of blue sheep, as well as the goat-like ghoral, the Himalayan tahr, partridges, and various species of pheasants, including Nepal's vibrant national bird, the Danphe. Moreover, elusive leopards, including snow and forest leopards, occasionally grace lucky observers with their presence. Along the trek, you'll meander through rhododendron and oak forests, all while reveling in breathtaking views of Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal, Churen Himal, and Putha Hiunchuli. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Pokhara through Mobile banking using Fonepay Bills service.  

Step 2: You can take the bus from Pokhara to Burtibang.  

Step 3: Now you can either opt for a jeep or walk the trail to your way to the beautiful Dhorpatan.


 

8. Mera Peak-Sankhuwasabha  

Mera Peak rests in the heart of the Sankhuwasabha district within the Sagarmatha Zone. Mera Peak boasts a storied history, having been first discovered by a British expedition team. Among its members were the legendary duo of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa, who had achieved the historic feat of conquering Mount Everest. 

What sets Mera Peak apart is its distinctive blend of high-altitude mountaineering and trekking, full of wilderness. It presents you with the thrilling opportunity to conquer a lofty summit while immersing yourself in the unspoiled beauty of remote landscapes.  

This journey is a test of your physical and mental boundaries, pushing you to reach new heights, both in the literal and metaphorical sense.  

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla through Mobile Banking app using Fonepay Bills service.  

Step 2: You can trek your way through Mera base camp and start your summit journey. 


 

9. Sailung Trek  

The Sailung region is positioned on the border of Ramechhap and Dolakha districts, and within it lie three charming villages: Pasiban, Tek Sing, and Solambu. This area offers a captivating visual feast, providing breathtaking panoramas of numerous mountain ranges, including Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Langtang Himal, Ghaurishankar, Numburchuli, and even Kanchenjunga. 

Exploring Sailung is not only a feast for the eyes but also a journey through history, as you'll have the opportunity to visit 600-year-old Buddhist monasteries. Additionally, as you traverse through forests adorned with rhododendron, oak, and pine trees, you'll find them to be home to rare wildlife such as barking deer, enhancing the allure of this scenic region. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take the bus from Kathmandu to Dolakha and walk your way through the destination.  

But if you want to opt for flight 

Step 1: You can take a domestic flight from Kathmandu to Manthali-Ramechap through Mobile Banking app using Fonepay Bills service.  

Step 2: Walk your way through the destination.   

 

10. Tansen, Palpa  

Tansen, a charming hill station situated high above the Kali Gandaki River, is in western Nepal and serves as the district headquarters of Palpa, a significant district within the Lumbini zone. Tansen boasts a rich cultural heritage and a storied history, having once been the capital of a potent Magar kingdom before becoming a key territory of the Gorkhali kingdom. 

This small town is renowned for its traditional weavers and artisans who specialize in crafting the traditional Dhaka fabric and 'karuwa,' a brass jug with a spout. The town was influenced by Newari traders and craftsmen who migrated from the Kathmandu Valley to Tansen, bringing with them the arts and crafts typical of the valley. The streets of Tansen are adorned with beautiful houses constructed in the Newari architectural style. 

Prominent attractions in Tansen include Palpa Durbar Square, Shreenagar Hill, Mul or Baggi Dhoka, and Dhaka shops at Makhan Tole, among others. 

Here’s how you can get there 

Step 1: You can take Domestic flight from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa through Mobile Banking app using Fonepay Bills service. 

Step 2: You can take the bus from Bhairahawa to Palpa. 



Therefore, in this Dashain, you can explore these hidden gems and create a memorable adventure. Enjoy the services of Fonepay Bills to make your journey convenient.  

Furthermore, this festive season, Fonepay have introduced their latest campaign “Superyatra” designed to make your travel super rewarding. If you book at least one airline ticket through a mobile banking app from October 4 to October 28, 2023, you could be the lucky winner of a brand-new MacBook Air.  

But it’s not just about MacBook Air. If you are new to Fonepay bills, Fonepay have got a special treat for you. New users can enjoy a Rs 200 cashback on their first airline ticket purchase. All you have to do is to purchase your airline ticket through a mobile banking app using Fonepay Bills service. 

To know more about the campaign, refer to the link: bit.ly/48HPMMr 

Happy Dashain/Tihar to you and your family.