The Most Instagrammable Places to Visit in Nepal

While the country is a trekker's paradise, it has also become a favourite destination for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the mighty peaks of the Himalayas. Nepal is also home to fascinating wildlife, colourful temples and monasteries, glacial lakes, and majestic waterfalls, giving you plenty of incredible places to feature on Instagram.

Here are some of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Nepal.

1. Pokhara and Phewa Lake

Sitting at an altitude of 827 metres above sea level, Pokhara is one of the most beautiful places in Nepal. The calm Phewa Lake is surrounded by the snowy peaks of the Annapurna Mountain Range.

Pokhara, dubbed "the Jewel of the Himalaya," is one of Nepal's largest cities, although it maintains a more serene vibe than the bustling capital, Kathmandu. What distinguishes Pokhara is its status as the entrance to the Himalayas, providing the ideal starting place for some of the most breathtaking scenic treks in Nepal with its awe-inspiring mountain range.

The Phewa Lake is one of Pokhara's top attractions. While there are eight lakes in Pokhara, Phewa Lake is the largest and the most photogenic. If you're looking for a backdrop for your Instagram shot, go to the lakeside. You will find colourful wooden boats around the lake, taking visitors on boating excursions. These boats are the perfect background for an Instagram-worthy shot.

Another Instagrammable site in Pokhara is Devi's Fall, a huge waterfall that looks as spectacular in real life as it does in photos. During the monsoon, the waterfall will be dense and look even more mesmerising. But be careful when getting your picture taken. It's deep and dangerous, and it's said to have been named after a woman who fell into it and died.

2. Boudhanath Stupa

No trip to Nepal is complete without a photo taken in a stupa, a dome-shaped structure that serves as a Buddhist shrine. One of the country's most popular stupas is the Boudhanath Stupa in Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. Considered one of the world's largest stupas, the Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular destination for locals and tourists.

Aside from getting your photo taken, take the time to explore and observe locals praying. Nepal is a sacred land for Buddhists, and the Boudhanath stupa is one of the country's most significant Buddhist pilgrimage sites. You'll also find monks performing their daily rituals.

As one of the most Instagrammable places in Nepal, you will find numerous photos of the Boudhanath stupa on Instagram. So, while there, take plenty of amazing shots. Surrounded by colourful prayer flags, the stupa looks even more magnificent when illuminated with lamps at night.

Being a popular destination in Nepal, the Boudhanath stupa can get crowded with tourists. If you want to avoid the crowd, venture further and explore the backstreets where some locals live. You might even stumble upon an interesting scene perfect for your Instagram.

3. Chitwan National Park

Not many people are aware, but Nepal is also a destination for wildlife safaris. It's home to Chitwan National Park, which has abundant wildlife, from Bengal tigers to one-horned rhinos and wild elephants. If you're into wildlife photography, Chitwan National Park offers the perfect place to take incredible wildlife shots for Instagram.

While the park is open all year round, the best time to visit for pleasant weather is from October to March. The skies are clear, and the temperature averages 77°F. January to March is an ideal time to take photos of the animals, as it's much easier to spot wildlife.

Getting to Chitwan National Park requires taking a bus. You can also take a flight if you prefer a shorter travel time. A more convenient option is to book a tour package with a travel agency in Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Most visitors to Chitwan National Park will stay a night or two in the nearby town of Sauraha, just outside the park. There are no accommodations inside the park. However, there are plenty of options in Sauraha, from homestays to luxury lodges. When visiting during the peak season, be sure to book accommodation ahead.

4. Swayambhunath Stupa

It's crucial to absorb the essence of the region when exploring Nepal's cultural riches and aesthetic delights, which often involve spending a lot of time on foot. One of these incredible experiences is available at the Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple because of its resident monkey population. This old Buddhist shrine in Kathmandu Valley's heart is a favourite Instagram destination and one of Nepal's most famous tourist attractions.

While the stupa is the main attraction of your trip, your Nepal walking adventure really begins when you climb the 365 steps to the stupa. Along the way, you'll see a plethora of animated monkeys, which will provide hours of fun and photo opportunities. However, be cautious with your camera and belongings, as these curious creatures have a taste for oddities.

As you climb the steps, you'll pass smaller shrines and shops selling souvenirs. Some shrines look beautiful and worthy of a spot on your Instagram. When you get to the top, you'll surely notice the eyes of Buddha on the stupa with the Nepalese number one on its nose. Take the opportunity to photograph the stupa while still on the stairs.

5. Durbar Square

Another popular attraction in Nepal is the Durbar Square in Kathmandu. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with buildings featuring traditional Newari architecture and lively bazaars, it's one of Nepal's most Instagrammable spots.

As you wander around the square, be sure to have your camera handy, as you'll find plenty of interesting things to capture and feature on Instagram. The bustling square is an active and living square full of locals worshipping in shrines and visitors touring around.

Durbar Square has gone under several renovations for years, especially after it was devastated by a massive earthquake in 1934. There is an entry fee for tourists, although locals can get in and out of the square as they please without paying anything.

One of the most fascinating things in Durbar Square is the Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess Kumari, a five-year-old child. While the living goddess will appear in the window for a few seconds, picture-taking is not allowed.