Kathmandu and Mustang Among Top Natural Destination in 2024

The renowned travel website, Tripadvisor, has named Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, as the top natural destination worldwide.

Tripadvisor disclosed their Traveler's Choice Awards 2024 across seven categories, with Kathmandu securing the prime spot among the list of natural destinations for that year.

Kathmandu holds the first place among the world's top 10 natural destinations. The esteemed travel site released its selection of the finest destinations in 2024 across seven distinct categories, including best overall destinations, natural sites, trending locations, cultural hubs, culinary experiences, honeymoon spots, and sustainable tourist options.

Furthermore, Tripadvisor positioned Kathmandu as the 24th on their list of the top 25 global destinations. As the world’s leading travel advice platform, Tripadvisor serves as an essential resource for travel bookings, destination choices, and trip planning.

Mani Raj Lamichhane, Director of the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), emphasized that this recognition would significantly boost Nepal's tourism sector. He stated that Tripadvisor ranks global destinations annually based on millions of users' reviews and feedback. This year’s inclusion of Kathmandu in their seven-category list will generate a positive impact on Nepal’s tourism industry as it recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Director Lamichhane expressed confidence that Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's plan to double foreign tourist arrivals in Nepal next year will aid in achieving success during the government's one-year mandate. According to NTB data, a total of 10,14,882 international tourists visited Nepal in 2023.

In other related news, The New York Times has listed Mustang as one of their top 37 tourist attractions to explore in 2024. This prominent American newspaper included Mustang—a quaint Himalayan location known for preserving its rustic charm and centuries-old culture—among their compilation of 52 must-see sites worldwide.

Previously in May, CNN also featured Mustang in its list of 23 must-visit locations globally, highlighting the area's acclaimed ancient mountain trekking trail.

Mustang offers spiritual, archaeological, and touristic experiences to visitors. The renowned Muktinath religious site in Mustang draws a steady influx of faith-based tourists, while the historical and mythical Lo Manthang provides another compelling attraction.