Posted on by Jerome Anthony

Nepal hosts rainbow conference to attract LGBTQ travellers: Check 10 must-visit places in the country

Nepal recently played host to a groundbreaking rainbow conference, drawing a diverse array of supporters of the LGBTQ community from across the globe. With approximately 120 participants, including activists and writers from India, Sri Lanka, Germany, Spain, and the US, the conference served as a platform to champion inclusivity and diversity within the tourism industry. (Image: Reuters)
Nepal recently played host to a groundbreaking rainbow conference, drawing a diverse array of supporters of the LGBTQ community from across the globe. With approximately 120 participants, including activists and writers from India, Sri Lanka, Germany, Spain, and the US, the conference served as a platform to champion inclusivity and diversity within the tourism industry. (Image: Reuters)
Given Nepal's remarkable commitment to LGBTQ rights, highlighted by constitutional provisions and landmark Supreme Court decisions, the conference aimed to position Nepal as a leading LGBTQ-friendly tourism destination. By embracing rainbow tourism, Nepal seeks to drive economic growth and foster social empowerment within the community. Let’s take a look at 10 places you must visit in the country to enjoy a scenic summer vacation. (Image: Reuters)
Given Nepal’s remarkable commitment to LGBTQ rights, highlighted by constitutional provisions and landmark Supreme Court decisions, the conference aimed to position Nepal as a leading LGBTQ-friendly tourism destination. By embracing rainbow tourism, Nepal seeks to drive economic growth and foster social empowerment within the community. Let’s take a look at 10 places you must visit in the country to enjoy a scenic summer vacation.
No 1. Chitwan | renowned for its lush jungles and diverse wildlife, offers travelers a chance to embark on thrilling jungle safaris, where encounters with majestic Bengal tigers and rare one-horned rhinoceroses await. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Tharu culture, experiencing traditional dances and cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 1. Chitwan | Renowned for its lush jungles and diverse wildlife, Chitwan offers travellers a chance to embark on jungle safaris, where encounters with the majestic Bengal tiger and rare one-horned rhinoceroses await. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich Tharu culture, experiencing traditional dances and cuisine, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 2. Annapurna | home to some of the world's highest peaks and breathtaking trekking trails, beckons adventurers seeking awe-inspiring mountain vistas and challenging yet rewarding hiking experiences. From the iconic Annapurna Circuit to the serene Annapurna Base Camp, this region offers a plethora of trekking options amidst stunning Himalayan landscapes, making it an unforgettable destination for trekking enthusiasts and nature aficionados. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 2. Annapurna | Home to some of the world’s highest peaks and breathtaking trekking trails, Annapurna beckons adventurers seeking awe-inspiring mountain vistas and challenging yet rewarding hiking experiences. From the iconic Annapurna Circuit to the serene Annapurna Base Camp, this region offers a plethora of trekking options amidst stunning Himalayan landscapes, making it an unforgettable destination for trekking enthusiasts and nature aficionados. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 3. Kathmandu | Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal, entices travelers with its rich history, ancient temples, and bustling markets, providing a captivating blend of traditional and modern culture. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, or wander through the narrow alleys of the old town, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant atmosphere and timeless charm. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 3. Kathmandu | Kathmandu, the vibrant capital city of Nepal, entices travellers with its rich history, ancient temples, and bustling markets, providing a captivating blend of traditional and modern culture. Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, or wander through the narrow alleys of the old town, immersing yourself in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and timeless charm. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 4. Palpa | Palpa, nestled in the hills of western Nepal, captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes, ancient architecture, and serene ambiance, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore the well-preserved Newari architecture of Tansen, stroll through the charming streets lined with traditional houses, and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal destination for cultural immersion and relaxation. (Image: Reuters)
No 4. Palpa | Nestled in the hills of western Nepal, Palpa captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes, ancient architecture, and serene ambiance, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. Explore the well-preserved Newari architecture of Tansen, stroll through the charming streets lined with traditional houses, and soak in panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it an ideal destination for cultural immersion and relaxation. (Image: Reuters)
No 5. Pokhara |  known as the gateway to the Annapurna region, enchants travelers with its stunning lakes, serene valleys, and panoramic mountain views, offering a myriad of outdoor adventures and leisure activities. Whether boating on Phewa Lake, paragliding over the majestic Himalayas, or trekking to the nearby viewpoints, Pokhara promises unforgettable experiences amidst nature's splendor, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 5. Pokhara | Known as the gateway to the Annapurna region, enchants travellers with its stunning lakes, serene valleys, and panoramic mountain views, offering a myriad of outdoor adventures and leisure activities. Whether boating on Phewa Lake, paragliding over the majestic Himalayas, or trekking to the nearby viewpoints, Pokhara promises unforgettable experiences amidst nature’s splendor, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 6. Lumbini | Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, holds profound spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide, attracting pilgrims and travelers seeking solace and enlightenment. Explore the sacred Maya Devi Temple and the ancient ruins of monasteries and stupas, or meditate in the tranquil gardens surrounding the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, offering a transformative journey into Buddhist history and philosophy.
No 6. Lumbini | The birthplace of Lord Buddha holds profound spiritual significance for Buddhists worldwide, attracting pilgrims and travellers seeking solace and enlightenment. Explore the sacred Maya Devi Temple and the ancient ruins of monasteries and stupas, or meditate in the tranquil gardens surrounding the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, offering a transformative journey into Buddhist history and philosophy. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 7. Patan | Patan, known as the "City of Fine Arts," mesmerizes visitors with its exquisite architecture, intricate woodcarvings, and vibrant cultural heritage, showcasing the finest examples of Newari craftsmanship. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the old town, marvel at the ornate temples and palaces of Durbar Square, and visit the Patan Museum to admire its impressive collection of ancient artifacts and religious relics, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs. (Image: Reuters)
No 7. Patan | Known as the “City of Fine Arts”, Patan mesmerises visitors with its exquisite architecture, intricate woodcarvings, and vibrant cultural heritage, showcasing the finest examples of Newari craftsmanship. Wander through the narrow alleyways of the old town, marvel at the ornate temples and palaces of Durbar Square, and visit the Patan Museum to admire its impressive collection of ancient artifacts and religious relics, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and history buffs. (Image: Reuters)
No 8. Bhaktapur | Bhaktapur, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and traditional way of life, transports visitors back in time to the golden era of the Malla dynasty, offering a glimpse into Nepal's rich cultural heritage. Explore the narrow brick-paved streets of the ancient city, admire the intricately carved wooden facades of the historic buildings, and visit the iconic Nyatapola Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, making it an unforgettable destination for cultural immersion and architectural exploration.
No 8. Bhaktapur | Renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and traditional way of life, Bhaktapur transports visitors back in time to the golden era of the Malla dynasty, offering a glimpse into Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. Explore the narrow brick-paved streets of the ancient city, admire the intricately carved wooden facades of the historic buildings, and visit the iconic Nyatapola Temple and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, making it an unforgettable destination for cultural immersion and architectural exploration. (Image: Reuters)
No 9. Mustang | Mustang, nestled in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, entices adventurers with its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan culture, offering a journey into the heart of the Trans-Himalayan region. Trek through the arid valleys and windswept plateaus of Upper Mustang, visit the iconic Lo Manthang Palace and ancient cave dwellings, and witness the vibrant festivals and rituals of the local Tibetan communities, making it a must-visit destination for intrepid explorers and cultural enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. (Image: Shutterstock)
No 9. Mustang | Nestled in the rain shadow of the Himalayas, Mustang entices adventurers with its rugged landscapes, ancient monasteries, and unique Tibetan culture, offering a journey into the heart of the Trans-Himalayan region. Trek through the arid valleys and windswept plateaus of Upper Mustang, visit the iconic Lo Manthang Palace and ancient cave dwellings, and witness the vibrant festivals and rituals of the local Tibetan communities, making it a must-visit destination for intrepid explorers and cultural enthusiasts seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. (Image: Shutterstock)
Travellers should visit Janakpur, Nepal, to immerse themselves in its rich cultural heritage, including the revered Janaki Temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. Additionally, the city's vibrant festivals and colorful bazaars offer a unique insight into traditional Nepalese life. (Image: Reuters)
No 10. Janakpur | LGBTQ travellers can visit Janakpur in Nepal, to immerse in its rich cultural heritage, including the revered Janaki Temple dedicated to Goddess Sita. Additionally, the city’s vibrant festivals and colorful bazaars offer a unique insight into traditional Nepalese life. (Image: Reuters)