Nepal offers lovely villages tucked away over the Himalayas, unlike many high-altitude regions of the world. Up to 4500 meters, there is a lovely village in Nepal. Hours of sweating, gasping for air, and dragging your feet uphill later, you arrive in an open valley with vibrant homes tucked between mountains and friendly locals welcoming you into their tea shops. Some of the most stunning high-altitude mountain villages, which might easily compete with those in Europe, can be found in Nepal’s Himalayas. Not only are these towns perched high in the mountains, surrounded by dizzying white peaks, but they are also well connected and provide a wealth of amenities for trekkers, including hot showers, delectable food, sweets, even bars, excellent coffee, and a pool.
While many travelers may stick to the popular tourist spots like Kathmandu or Pokhara, if you don’t also travel to some of the smaller villages, you’ll miss out on what makes Nepal so endearing.
Some of Nepal’s most picturesque villages are listed below:
Manang:
After around 5–7 days into the Annapurna Circuit hike, you reach Manang. You reach this genuinely alpine community, surrounded by mountains, with the Gangapurna glacier hanging above it, after spending time hiking through lush, tropical forests in the lower portions of the circuit. Before proceeding to the Thorong-La pass, you should make a stop here to acclimatize. There are numerous treks nearby, including the hikes to Ice Lake, Gangapurna Lake, and Tilicho Lake. Don’t miss the amazing Yak Burger at the Mountain View Lodge while you’re here. Two trekker’s shops and a movie theater are also nearby.
Barpak:
Barpak is a picturesque town surrounded by nature. It has a rich historical and touristic legacy. Barpak is 2,000 meters above sea level and situated in a beautiful area. In addition to the remaining 50% of the castes of Ghale Tharka Dange, Sami, Dhyalsang, Rilang, and Gurung, it is home to 40 Dalit homes. On the hill above the settlement, you can view Manaslu, Buddha, and Ganesh Himal. After 10 o’clock, noise and singing are prohibited. It is customary to forbid guests from moving in front of Angeno. At Barpak, there is a strict code of behavior that applies, such as avoiding drinking more than one or two glasses of wine when living in a homestay.
Dhampus:
In just a few kilometers’ drive from Pokhara Valley, the picturesque village of Dhampus can be found (1650m). Due to its enriched golden paddy field view and the expansive mountain view, it is a popular tourist destination. The village of Dhampus is a good place to go hiking, see the mountains, watch birds, and learn about the Gurung lifestyle. People who are far from the influence of the west still practice traditional culture. The area has a number of lodges and guesthouses, so there is also the accommodation option. While learning about the Gurung culture, try some of the distinctive and genuine Gurung cuisine.
Kyanjin Gompa:
Beautiful Kyanjin Gompa is a settlement nestled in the shadow of majestic Mt. Langtang Lirung (7,227 m). It is about 3,800 meters above sea level. The monastery that is close by inspired the naming of this settlement. The 2015 earthquake had the greatest impact in Langtang Valley. The disaster had largely devastated the settlement and the old gompa. If you complete the Langtang Valley Trek, you have adapted to the climate in this community. You may travel to Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri peak from Kyanjin Gompa. Along with seeing the cheese plant, you may also explore the valley and these peaks.
Namche Bazaar:
A little Himalayan settlement called Namche Bazar can be found in Nepal’s Solukhumbu District. It is situated 3,440 meters above sea level in the Khumbu region. Because it serves as the entrance to Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, Namche Bazar is well known to practically everyone. In comparison to other Himalayan towns, there are a lot of amenities. The weekly Saturday market is where you may discover the Highest Irish Pub in the World, incredible coffee shops, delicious yak cheese, and some other high-quality goods. You can get a beautiful glimpse of Mount Everest by ascending a bit higher. If you wish to learn more about the sherpa people, you may also visit the Sherpa Heritage Museum.
Kagbeni:
Another lovely village in the Himalayas of Nepal is Kagbeni, which is situated in the valley of the Kali Gandaki. At a height of 3,700 meters, Kagbeni village, often known as the Gateway of Upper Mustang, is situated. You will come to an oasis of green in the dry Mustang as you wander about Kagbeni. The Kali Gandaki river can be seen flowing in a wide, tranquil fashion. Kagbeni, which is far from Sprint City and the Dance Festival, welcomes you with its brave beauty. Your trek will be remembered for the simple stone cottages, stunning scenery, delectable apple pies, and Kangbenii’s Yak Burger.
Ghandruk:
Ghandruk, a popular homestay location in the Annapurna region, is located there. This village is located 32 KM to the north-west of Pokhara in the Kaski District. Ghandruk is located at a height of 2,012 meters. The stone-paved settlement and breathtaking views of Annapurna South (7,200 m), Hiunchuli (6,400 m), and Machhapuchre are this village’s main attractions (6,993 m). Additionally, you may watch the magnificent sunrise above those mountains. His village’s houses still have slate and thatch roofs, as well as traditional agricultural practices, which is another appealing feature.
Ringmo Village:
The Ringmo village is a rural settlement situated within the stunning Dolpo district. The Ringmo settlement is located close to a hill’s edge and faces the stunning Phoksundo Lake. An experienced trekker can thrive on the unique thrill of hiking to the Ringmo village, which is located at an elevation of 3660m. You must proceed around the cliff on the walkway. The majority of the homes are compact and made of stone. However, they warmly invite visitors to their traditional home where they can immerse themselves in their culture. A well-known monastery in the Dolpo area is Bon Gompa. The interior of the monastery is decorated with wonderful architecture. You are constantly surrounded by views of the snow-covered mountains, and the vista from the Gompa is breathtaking.