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The most visited places to visit near Nepal include India, China, and Bhutan. You don’t need much planning to get to these destinations, some are just a few hours by road, others have direct short flights. You could spend a weekend walking through ancient temples in Varanasi, or fly into Paro and hike up to Bhutan’s cliffside monasteries. In China, cities like Beijing or Xi’an show you a different pace and scale altogether. Every country listed here gives you the chance to see more of Asia without having to go far.
10 Best Places To Visit Near Nepal
From the mountain passes to the royal capital, there are amazing places to visit near Nepal that offer diversity and timeless memories.
1. India
Photo: Kirti Bhole / Shutterstock
India is one of the most stunning places to visit near Nepal, with Varanasi often the first stop. The streets are chaotic, the ghats are busy, and the river rituals go on as if nothing has changed in centuries. Pilgrims come to bathe, locals sell garlands, and priests chant by the water each evening. If you’re more interested in Buddhist sites, Bodh Gaya is a few hours away, where the Bodhi Tree still draws monks from all over the world. For something cooler, Darjeeling brings quiet hills and colonial-era buildings, while Sikkim offers peaceful monasteries and local village life.
Top Cities: Varanasi, Darjeeling, Bodh Gaya, Sikkim (Gangtok)
Major Attractions: Mahabodhi Temple, Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Rumtek Monastery
2. China
Among all places to see near Nepal, China offers the biggest contrast in scale, architecture, and pace. If you’re heading into Lhasa, the first thing that strikes you is the height. The air is thinner, the roads wider, and the silence inside the monasteries is complete. The Potala Palace sits above the city like a fortress from a different era. Further east, the experience changes. In Beijing, you’ll walk through courtyards that belonged to emperors and climb parts of the Great Wall that still stretch across mountains. Xi’an offers a different story with rows of buried soldiers frozen in clay, arranged in silent lines.
Top Cities: Lhasa, Shigatse
Major Attractions: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Mount Kailash, Yamdrok Lake
3. Bhutan
Photo: Framalicious / Shutterstock
Bhutan is one of the calmest tourist attractions near Nepal. As soon as you enter, things slow down. There are no massive billboards, no traffic noise, and the air feels cleaner. Thimphu is small but tidy, with traditional buildings, quiet streets, and government offices that still follow a dress code rooted in heritage. You’ll probably notice how few tourists are around as Bhutan keeps numbers low by design. Paro is even more scenic, especially when you begin the hike to Tiger’s Nest. That path winds through forest and mist, with prayer flags marking your way.
Top Cities: Thimphu, Paro, Punakha
Major Attractions: Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Punakha Dzong, Buddha Dordenma
4. Bangladesh
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If you’re looking for less crowded and more affordable attractions near Nepal, Bangladesh is worth your attention. From Kakarbhitta, you can reach the Banglabandha border and continue toward Dhaka. The road is long but straightforward, and once you reach the capital, it’s a different rhythm entirely. Dhaka moves fast with rickshaws weaving through lanes, food stalls lined with spicy street snacks, and rivers that never stop flowing. You can visit Lalbagh Fort for a glimpse of the Mughal past or take a boat on the Buriganga to see the old city from the water. For something slower, head to Sylhet.
Top Cities: Dhaka, Sylhet, Chittagong
Major Attractions: Ahsan Manzil, Cox’s Bazar, Ratargul Swamp Forest, Lalbagh Fort
5. Myanmar
Photo: Darunrat Wongsuvan / Shutterstock
Myanmar remains one of the most fascinating places to visit near Nepal. Colonial buildings sit alongside gold-covered pagodas, and the streets feel quieter than in neighbouring capitals. The Shwedagon Pagoda, especially at sunset, draws everyone in with monks, families, and tourists all barefoot on marble floors. If you want something ancient, Bagan is unmatched. You’ll see thousands of temples spread across flat, dusty land. You can explore by bike or hot air balloon, and the view never disappoints. Inle Lake brings a slower pace with floating farms and fishermen balancing on narrow boats.
Top Cities: Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay
Major Attractions: Shwedagon Pagoda, Bagan temples, U Bein Bridge
6. Thailand
Photo: Visual Storyteller / Shutterstock
Thailand is one of the most popular places to visit near Nepal if you’re looking for a balance of city life, beaches, temples, and food. Bangkok is a mix of everything with grand royal buildings, street markets, temples tucked into busy alleys, and late-night food stalls that serve until dawn. You can walk through the Grand Palace, visit Wat Pho to see the Reclining Buddha, and hop on a river ferry to get across town. If you want a slower pace, Chiang Mai in the north gives you temples, night bazaars, and nearby elephant sanctuaries. Down south, places like Krabi and Phuket are perfect for island-hopping or just relaxing on the sand.
Top Cities: Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Pattaya
Major Attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Arun, Doi Suthep, Floating Markets
7. Vietnam
Photo: Huy Thoai / Shutterstock
Vietnam offers a mix of history, street food, and dramatic landscapes, making it one of the most rewarding places to visit near Nepal. You can start your day with strong coffee and a bowl of pho, then walk through the Old Quarter’s narrow lanes, lined with yellow walls and old signage. For something scenic, Ha Long Bay is only a few hours away. The limestone islands and caves look like something from a movie, and boat tours let you explore at your own pace. Down south, Ho Chi Minh City shows a different side of the country as it is faster, louder, and more modern.
Top Cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang
Major Attractions: Ha Long Bay, Cu Chi Tunnels, Hoi An Ancient Town
8. Pakistan
Pakistan is one of the most culturally layered places to visit near Nepal. The streets are packed with roadside chai shops, horse carts, colonial-era buildings, and loud markets. Inside the Walled City, you can visit the Badshahi Mosque, then walk straight into Lahore Fort without needing a taxi. Local food stands serve grilled kebabs, haleem, and fresh naan by the dozens. Islamabad feels completely different with wide streets, quiet neighbourhoods, and clean public parks. You can take a cab to Faisal Mosque or drive uphill to Daman-e-Koh for views across the city. Karachi, farther south, offers beaches, bazaars, and traces of the city’s British past in its architecture.
Top Cities: Lahore, Islamabad, Karachi
Major Attractions: Badshahi Mosque, Faisal Mosque, Mohenjo-Daro ruins
9. Laos
If you’re after slow-paced, scenic, and culturally rich places to visit near Nepal, Laos is a quiet contender. It’s not as busy as Vietnam or Thailand, but it leaves a strong impression. In Luang Prabang, mornings begin with alms-giving ceremonies, and the town itself is filled with wooden houses, riverside cafés, and golden rooftops. Kuang Si Falls is one of the most photographed spots in the country, and it’s easy to see. Blue-green water flows through tiers of forest pools you can swim in. Further south, Pakse and the Bolaven Plateau introduce coffee farms, waterfalls, and rural charm.
Top Cities: Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse
Major Attractions: Kuang Si Falls, That Luang, Vat Phou
10. Malaysia
Malaysia is one of the most well-connected places to visit near Nepal. You’ll find local food stalls under high-rise buildings and neighbourhoods where different communities live side by side. The Batu Caves, with their colourful steps and large golden statue, are around 30 minutes from the centre. If you enjoy street food, Penang is a good pick, especially George Town, where heritage buildings line narrow lanes and murals cover the walls. For beaches and quieter surroundings, Langkawi works well. Getting around is simple; public transport covers most areas, and taxis are easy to find.
Top Cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi
Major Attractions: Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, George Town heritage area
From riverfront rituals in India to peaceful mountain trails in Bhutan, and from vibrant Thai cities to ancient Chinese temples, the regions near Nepal offer diverse experiences. Each destination brings its charm—spiritual, cultural, or natural. Whether you’re extending your Nepal journey or crafting a cross-border route, these nearby spots are worth exploring. Ready for the next adventure? Plan your trip today with TripXL and uncover what’s just beyond Nepal.
Cover Photo: Efired / Shutterstock
