Discover the Other Side of Nepal
Nepal is a famous country for its big mountain peaks, like Mount Everest, and also other popular places such as Kathmandu, Chitwan, Nagarkot, Pokhara and many more other such places. But did you know that there are also beautiful places in Nepal that most travelers don't know about, places that are full of quietness with little to no visitors at all? These lesser-known places are just perfect places to visit if you want to see and experience the quieter, more peaceful side of Nepal.
In this article, we will explore such hidden less known places in Nepal, places that are full of natural beauty, local culture, and adventure, but without the big crowds you will see in popular places, thus providing you with peace and quiet during the visit. Whether you're staying at Taleju Boutique Hotel or anywhere else, you can use these travel tips that we will provide in this article to find places that are off the beaten path. These tips for travelers will help you see a different side of Nepal that many people miss out on.
Get yourself ready to discover Nepal’s less known places and explore new places that are far from the usual popular tourist spots and are rarely or not visited by visitors at all.
Place 1: Tansen
Tansen is a place that is located in the hills of Palpa district, and is a peaceful town that is full of history and charm. Unlike the popular tourist spots in Nepal that are full of people, Tansen provides a calm atmosphere with stunning views of the Himalayas and a true cultural experience with less or no visitors at all hence providing you with a relaxing, serene memorable memory to remember, visiting this place will also calm your restless mind with the peace and quiet this place provides.
● Historical Significance: Tansen is famous for its Newari architecture, which gives it an ancient feel, which you can admire and appreciate. The town is also home to several old temples and palaces, making it the perfect place for history lovers to visit, admire and take pictures of.
● Breathtaking Views: From Tansen, you can enjoy an overall 360 breathtaking views of the majestic Annapurna range and Dhaulagiri. The sunset and sunrise views from here are just simply unforgettably beautiful.
● Rich Culture: Tansen has a traditional vibe, where you can walk through narrow streets, explore local markets, and see people living much like they did centuries ago.
● Rani Mahal: It is also known as the “Nepali Taj Mahal,”. This beautiful palace is surrounded by nature and gives you a look into Nepal's royal past.
● Tansen Durbar: The palace is at the heart of the town, providing you with knowledge about the history of the region.
● Local Crafts: The town is known for its local crafts, including handmade carpets, woodwork, and traditional jewelry. These make up for perfect souvenirs to bring along with you when you return to give to your friends and families.
If you’re someone who loves exploring quieter places that don't have too much crowd and want to try experiencing the real culture of Nepal, Tansen is the place for you to be at. It’s an amazing place for anyone looking for a less known place in Nepal. Whether you’re staying at Taleju Boutique Hotel in Kathmandu or traveling around Nepal, Tansen provides a peaceful retreat that’s worth the visit.
Rara Lake is a place that is hidden in the far northwest of Nepal and is one of the country’s most breathtaking and peaceful spots. It’s a place that is known for its clear blue waters and surrounding mountains, it is also many times referred to as the “Jewel of Nepal”.
● Nepal’s Largest Lake: It covers an area of about 10.8 square kilometers, and is the biggest lake in Nepal. Its size and beauty make it a must-see for nature lovers and photo enthusiasts.
● Beauty: Since it is located in the remote Mugu district, Rara Lake remains quiet and untouched by large crowds. The lake is surrounded by lush forests, tall mountains, and fields making up for a stunning beautiful sight to admire and take pictures of , and also providing a peaceful escape from the noise of the city.
● Peacefulness: Rara Lake is perfect for travelers who seek calm and experience the natural beauty. It is the perfect place for doing meditation, photography, or simply relaxing while enjoying the stunning views of this place.
● Trek Around the Lake: The lake is surrounded by a beautiful trekking path that provides amazing views of the water and surrounding nature. It’s a great way for you to connect with nature.
● Visit Rara National Park: The lake is located inside Rara National Park, a protected area home to rare wildlife, including the Himalayan black bear and Nepal’s national bird, the Danphe (Himalayan Monal).
● Boating on Rara Lake: You can also try renting a boat and explore the lake's crystal-clear waters while taking in the view of the stunning landscape around you.
Rara Lake is located in a remote area, so getting there requires a bit of effort. You can take a flight to Nepalgunj and then take a small plane to Mugu. After that, a short trek will take you to the lake. The journey is long, but the natural beauty and peacefulness that this place provides makes it all worthwhile.
The best time to visit Rara Lake is between April–June or September–November, when the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear.
For travelers staying in places like Taleju Boutique Hotel, making a trip to Rara Lake might take some planning, but it’s a great option for those who love to explore hidden places in Nepal. This off-the-beaten-path destination is just a perfect place to visit for anyone looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature.
Place 3: Khaptad National Park
Located far away in far-western Nepal, Khaptad National Park is one of the country’s most peaceful and untouched places. It's not just a national park, it’s also a spiritual center and a hidden gem that provides you with calm forests, open meadows, and deep peace.
● Natural Beauty: Khaptad is a place that is full of green hills, flowers, forests, and rivers. You can walk for hours without seeing any crowds.
● Spiritual Place: This park is where Khaptad Baba, a holy man, meditated for many years. His small ashram (hermitage) is still there and is a peaceful place to visit and take pictures of.
● Hidden Gem: Not many tourists come here, so you can truly enjoy the quiet and beauty of nature alone or with your friends and families.
● Peaceful Hikes: There are many easy paths through meadows and forests. It’s perfect for enjoying slow, relaxing walks with beautiful views all around you.
● Visit the Ashram: The Khaptad Baba Ashram is simple but full of peaceful energy. Many people come here to pray, meditate, or just enjoy the calm of this place.
● Wildlife: You might get to see deer, birds, and even rare animals if you’re lucky.
Khaptad is remote, so getting there takes time:
● First, fly or take a bus to Dhangadhi or Silgadhi.
● Then you will need to trek for a few hours to enter the park.
● It’s a bit of an adventure, but is a place that is perfect for travelers who want something different.
● Visit during spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) when the weather is pleasant and the sky is clear.
● During these months, the meadows are full of flowers and the views are just phenomenal.
Whether you're staying in Kathmandu at Taleju Boutique Hotel or exploring Nepal long-term, a trip to Khaptad National Park is one of the best travel places to go for people who want to visit lesser-known places in Nepal that are full of peace, nature, and meaning. If you’re tired of crowds and want a true connection with Nepal’s land and spirit, Khaptad is the place to go.
Place 4: Patlekhet & Namo Buddha
If you want to escape the busy streets of Kathmandu but don’t want to travel far, Patlekhet and Namo Buddha are perfect countryside spots for you. These peaceful places are full of green hills, small villages, and beautiful views, and you get all these in just a short drive away from the city.
● Close to Kathmandu: These peaceful villages are just 1.5 to 2 hours from the city, making them great for a day trip or a relaxing weekend for you to try out.
● Quiet and Natural: You’ll find farms, forests, and terraced fields. It’s a great place to walk, breathe fresh air, and enjoy simple village life. It will lighten up your mind by quite a bit.
● Spiritual and Special: Namo Buddha is one of the most holy Buddhist sites in Nepal. It’s believed to be the place where a young prince gave his life to save a starving tiger.
● Visit Namo Buddha Monastery: This monastery is a beautiful and peaceful place where monks pray and meditate. You can also join a short prayer session or just enjoy the calm this place provides.
● Walk Through Patlekhet Village: This is a tiny village that is surrounded by nature and friendly locals. It’s perfect for gentle hikes and seeing how people live in rural Nepal.
● Picnic with a View: Bring some snacks with you and enjoy a quiet meal with amazing beautiful views of beautiful green hills and, on clear days, the snow-capped majestic Himalayas views.
● You can hire a private car or take a local bus from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel, then continue on to Patlekhet and Namo Buddha.
● If you're staying at Taleju Boutique Hotel, our staff can also help arrange you a ride or guide.
● Visit in spring or autumn when the weather is sunny and the views are clear.
● Try to go on a weekday if you want extra peace, as weekends may be slightly busier.
These less known places are perfect for travelers looking for a quiet break close to the city. With the help of travel tips from locals or from your hotel (like Taleju Boutique Hotel), it’s easy to enjoy the beautiful countryside of Nepal without going far.
Place 5: Ilam – Tea Gardens, Hills & Himalayan Views
Ilam is a beautiful hill town in eastern Nepal, that is best known for its lush green tea gardens, peaceful villages, and clear views of the Himalayas. It’s one of Nepal’s most charming lesser known places, which is perfect for travelers who love nature, quiet walks, and cool weather.
● Tea Capital of Nepal: Ilam’s green hills are covered with tea plants, which is a fascinating sight to see. You can walk through the gardens, visit tea factories, and even taste fresh local tea.
● Calm and Clean: The air is fresh, the roads are peaceful, and the views are beautiful. It’s a great break from the noisy environment of city life.
● Amazing Views: On clear days, you can even get to see the Kanchenjunga mountain range, which is the third-highest peak in the world.
● Visit Antu Danda: This is a hilltop with the best sunrise view over the tea gardens and distant mountains. You don’t want to miss it!
● Explore Mai Pokhari: This is a beautiful lake surrounded by forests. It’s a peaceful spot for nature walks and birdwatching.
● Enjoy Local Culture: Ilam is home to many Nepali ethnic groups like Rai, Limbu, and Gurung. Their traditions, food, and dress make your visit more colorful and memorable.
● From Kathmandu, you can fly to Bhadrapur and drive to Ilam (about 4–5 hours).
● Or take a long bus ride (14–16 hours) for a more budget-friendly adventure.
● If you're staying at Taleju Boutique Hotel, you can ask our staff for travel tips and help with transportation.
● Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit here. The weather is clear and perfect for walking, sightseeing, and enjoying tea while admiring the breathtaking view.
Whether you love taking pictures of nature, or just want peace, or just want to experience nature, Ilam is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal that many people don’t know about and is definitely worth visiting . Add it to your list of peaceful less known places to visit and enjoy the cool hills, warm smiles from the locals, and calming tea gardens.
Conclusion
Nepal is a place that is full of surprises beyond its famous mountains and busy cities. Places like Tansen, Rara Lake, Khaptad National Park, Patlekhet & Namo Buddha, and Ilam show a peaceful, beautiful side of the country that many travelers miss. These lesser-known places provide quiet nature, local culture, and a chance to relax away from big crowds that are in popular places.
With the right travel tips and a little planning, you can enjoy these lesser-known places and have a truly special adventure that very few have done. Whether you're getting help from friendly locals or from our staff at our Taleju Boutique Hotel, you’ll find many ways to explore Nepal’s best-kept secrets.
So pack your bags, follow your heart, and take the road less traveled. It may lead you to experience and create the most unforgettable moments of your journey.