Top 10 Best Cities In Nepal

You've probably heard of Kathmandu, but Nepal isn't just one city wrapped in traffic and temples. Across the country, there are places that surprise you with how lively, peaceful, chaotic, or just straight-up beautiful they can be. Some cities feel like a weekend escape. Others are more about everyday hustle. And a few? They somehow pull off both.

This list is your chance to show love for the cities you think stand out. Maybe it's the street food you can't stop thinking about. Maybe it's the clean roads, the friendly people, or how close everything feels. Or maybe you just had a really good momo there once and that was enough. That counts too.
The Top Ten
Pokhara Pokhara is located in central Nepal and is known for its proximity to the Annapurna mountain range. The city lies beside Phewa Lake, which is one of the largest lakes in the country. It serves as a starting point for many Himalayan treks.

Kathmandu is more well-known and historically more attractive with the Malla temples and whatnot. However, it has lost its appeal. It is crowded, dirty, and you can't see the mountains as much anymore.

Butwal, Chitwan, and Dharan are way too hot. Terai cities like Birgunj are just worse. The weather in Pokhara is more temperate, with 30°C being considered hot and temperatures rarely exceeding 35°C. Pokhara is right in front of Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) and within 50 aerial miles of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, and Manaslu, which are the 10th, 8th, and 7th tallest mountains in the world. Yet, it never drops below -2°C.

Absolutely everything about this city is appealing.

Kathmandu Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. It is situated in the Kathmandu Valley and is the political, cultural, and economic center of the country. The city hosts numerous historic temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The Kathmandu valley has many nicknames like "K-Town," "City of Event," and "Cherry on the Cake." It is the most developed and populated place in Nepal. The majority of offices and headquarters are located in the valley, making it the economic hub of Nepal.

It is popular with tourists for its unique, rich culture and architecture, including the highest number of jatras in Nepal. The valley itself was referred to as "Nepal Proper" by British historians.

Kathmandu is known as the city of temples. Different devotees visit Kathmandu from India to South Korea.

The city offers enormous opportunities for travel agents and hotels. It is one of the oldest and most important places in the world. It is the gateway to India and China.

Kathmandu is a place where tourists can enjoy its unique atmosphere.

Butwal Butwal is a sub-metropolitan city in the Rupandehi District of Lumbini Province. It lies at the base of the Siwalik Hills along the banks of the Tinau River. The city serves as a commercial and transportation hub for western Nepal.

Butwal is the first business center in Nepal and a significant business hub. It is safe from many natural disasters. It is more worthwhile to invest in Butwal rather than in other places.

Butwal is the number one place to live in Nepal. Siddha Baba Temple, Gitgadi Killa, Global Peace Park, etc., are also attractions of Butwal, which let the world know that Butwal is one of the finest cities across Nepal.

Butwal also became one of the points of contention leading to the Gurkha War.

Butwal is the number one city in Nepal to live in.

Bharatpur Bharatpur is located in the Chitwan District of Bagmati Province. It is near the Rapti and Narayani rivers and serves as a key medical and educational center. The city is adjacent to Chitwan National Park.

In Nepal, I think Bharatpur is the best in every way to live. It is also known as the medical city and an education center for all faculties. It's the heart of Nepal, gifted with the Narayani and Rapti Rivers.

There are good transport facilities and connections with major cities of Nepal by roadways and airways. Very soon, Nepal's first ship is going to start on the Narayani River. In the agriculture sector, Bharatpur in Chitwan is a supplier to all parts of Nepal.

In the future, it will definitely beat every other city in Nepal. There are many tourist places and holy places to visit.

Lalitpur Lalitpur, also known as Patan, is situated in the Kathmandu Valley, south of Kathmandu. It is known for its historic architecture and is one of the oldest cities in Nepal. The city houses many important Hindu and Buddhist monuments.

Patan is the third largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara. This city is known for its tradition, heritage, architectural monuments, Jatras, and the people who live there.

Lovely green environment, rich in culture, with different kinds of cultural heritage, and friendly people. The best place for trekking.

Biratnagar Biratnagar is the administrative center of Morang District in Province No. 1. It is a major industrial city and was the birthplace of several political movements in Nepal. The city is close to the Indian border at Jogbani.

It is the industrial city of Nepal. It has historical value from the age of Mahabharat, as the name comes from King Birat of that time.

You can find the remains of the palace that was built during his time, located in nearby Budanagar, Biratnagar. However, no government officials are interested in its exploration.

The city with pride, the city with historic value, and the city that has always been a symbol of positive change. Proud to be part of Biratnagar.

This city has tolerance among all religions, castes, and ethnicities. Biratnagar forever.

Birganj Birganj is located in Parsa District near the Raxaul border crossing with India. It is a major trade gateway for goods entering Nepal. The city has customs and dry port facilities.

Birganj is a sub-metropolitan municipality with a population of 285,011 (2011 AD). It is the biggest city in the Narayani zone and the headquarters of Parsa district.

More than 60% of the customs revenue of the country is collected from here, making it one of the biggest and most developed cities in Nepal.

It is the major destination for education, health facilities, trade, and business for the people living in the Terai region.

A city that's going to surpass all the cities of Nepal. Currently, it is the fourth largest city in Nepal.

Dharan Dharan lies in the Sunsari District in Province No. 1 and sits at the foot of the Mahabharat Range. It has been a center for recruitment into the British and Indian armies. The city is a gateway to several hill districts in eastern Nepal.

Honestly, Dharan should be right beside Kathmandu. Dharan is cleaner than all the cities in Nepal.

Dharan also has the famous Ghanta Ghar, where you can go on top and discover the beauty of bustling Dharan Bazaar. Dharan is also cooler than most of the cities on this list, making it ideal to visit in the summer as well.

Dharan is known as a fashion city as it has a lot of stylish and fashionable people.

Dharan was the first city to be modernized compared to other cities, with advancements in fashion, music, housing, public parks, education, healthcare, transport, etc.

As Dharan is a city mostly populated by ex-Gurkhas, they brought a huge change to Nepalese society. People from Dharan have a Western mentality and ideology, which still challenges the male-dominated society of Nepal. When it comes to modern lifestyle and gender equality, Dharan tops the list of cities in Nepal.

Bhim Datta Bhim Datta, formerly known as Mahendranagar, is located in Kanchanpur District in Sudurpashchim Province. It is the administrative center of the district and close to Shuklaphanta National Park. The city lies near the Indian border.

There are many good places to see around and nearby in India too. Tourist attractions include Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve, Mahakali Bridge, which was constructed during British rule in India, Dodhara Suspension Bridge, and Jhilmila Taal (lake).

For religious visitors, there are some famous temples too. Shidda Baba Temple comes under Nepal Heritage sites. Various ethnic groups live here, making the city more colorful and exciting. You should not miss this place if you visit Nepal.

Dhangadhi Dhangadhi is situated in Kailali District in Sudurpashchim Province. It is one of the largest cities in far-western Nepal and serves as a commercial gateway to the region. The city has road links with both Kathmandu and the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.

Dhangadhi is one of the booming cities of Nepal. Most of the people here are engaged in agriculture. Now, we can see many industries efficiently and effectively operating in Dhangadhi. The hotels Devoti and Rubos are examples of this growth.

Dhangadhi is the best and most beautiful city in Nepal. Dhangadhi is one of the economic hubs of far western Nepal.

It will be on top one day. It has all the potential to become the top city in Nepal. Good education and a business center for all Nepalese.

The Newcomers

? Lamjung Lamjung refers to both a district and its headquarters Besisahar in Gandaki Province. It is located in the mid-hills of central Nepal. The area is known for Gurung culture and as a starting point for the Annapurna Circuit trek.

It's such a beautiful place, and the people there are so humble. There are many places to visit, and you'll get the best hospitality and enjoyment.

? Ghorahi Ghorahi is located in Dang District in Lumbini Province. It is the largest city in the Rapti Zone and an emerging urban center. The city serves as an access point to several mid-western hill districts.

Ghorahi still needs central focus and coverage. I think the municipality is working well. I was amazed by the paved roads throughout the city. Quite impressed by the roads.

I visited Ghorahi once. I think it is the best city in terms of climate. Still, it needs to progress, though.

Ghorahi is the best city to visit once in your life with friendly people and natural beauty.

The Contenders
Hetauda Hetauda is located in Makwanpur District in Bagmati Province. The city is a major industrial center with a planned industrial estate. It lies at the intersection of important highways linking eastern and western Nepal.

The cleanest and greenest city in Nepal. It is the main junction of all trade routes and highways, an economic powerhouse, and has a perfect climate to live in.

The center for industrial revolution, the cleanest city, and being the junction of all Nepal, Hetauda is emerging to become the best city in Nepal.

Winter is the best time to visit the far western city Bhimdatta. Cheap hotels, food and beverages, casinos, and clubs.

Birtamod Birtamod is in Jhapa District in Province No. 1. It is an emerging trade center in eastern Nepal due to its location along the East-West Highway. The town connects with nearby Indian markets and tea estates.

Slow development but has the potential to be one of the best cities in the coming ten years.

Birtamod is an upcoming biggest city.

Itahari Itahari is located in Sunsari District at the junction of the Mahendra and Koshi highways. It has experienced rapid urban growth and functions as a transportation hub. The city connects hilly and Terai regions in the east.

Itahari is the hub station of eastern Nepal, connecting major cities like Biratnagar, Dharan, Damak, and many more.

Itahari is a clean city providing everyday services like education, drinking water, health services, shopping malls, department stores, multiplexes, pubs, bars, etc.

Itahari is the most beautiful and green city of Nepal. It is the major city of the eastern region after Biratnagar.

Itahari is a junction point and road link to major towns of Nepal like Dharan, Biratnagar, Damak, and Inaruwa.

Janakpur Janakpur lies in Dhanusha District in Madhesh Province. It is a religious center associated with the Hindu epic Ramayana. The city is known for the Janaki Mandir and Mithila culture.

Being the capital city of Mithila, Janakpur carries a unique identity with its Mithila culture, heritage, and hundreds of ponds. It is also moving towards modern development. Janakpur is known globally for the Janaki Temple and as the birthplace of Sita.

A religious city that invites about half a million pilgrims in just a few days.

Damak Damak is a municipality in Jhapa District in Province No. 1. It has been a host community for Bhutanese refugees for decades. The city lies along the East-West Highway and supports regional trade.

Damak is a beautiful place to live. It is a place where locals experience the happiness of living in their hometown.

Even if it is not as developed as Kathmandu and Pokhara, it provides enough services to keep locals happy.

Damak is growing fast and doing the best trade in the eastern region because of Bhutanese refugees. Credit goes to them, salute.

Damak is the biggest trade center in Nepal. It is a clean city and has the highest literacy rate.

Tulsipur Tulsipur is in Dang District in Lumbini Province. It serves as a transportation link to Rolpa and Salyan districts in the mid-western hills. The city is growing as an administrative and commercial center.
Nepalgunj Nepalgunj lies in Banke District in Lumbini Province near the Indian border. It functions as a transit point to remote regions like Jumla and Dolpa. The city includes Nepalgunj Airport with domestic flights.

It is the biggest city in the Mid-Far West part of the country. Strongly developing.

Syangja Syangja is located in the Gandaki Province of central Nepal. It is surrounded by hills and is an important point on the Siddhartha Highway. The area is known for agriculture and remittance-based income.

Syangja is a well-developed district of Nepal. Very clean and green.

Clean natural weather and peaceful people live in Syangja.

Syangja is a naturally ornate city with long riverside plains and is a hub of evergreen and fruit trees. If you travel along Siddhartha Highway in the fall and winter seasons, you will experience joy and happiness.

Siddharthanagar (formerly Bhairahawa) Siddharthanagar (formerly Bhairahawa) is situated in Rupandehi District close to the Indian border. It serves as the gateway to Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha. The city has an international airport.

Siddharthanagar is one of the major economic and trade centers of the country. The only international airport outside the capital is under construction in this rapidly growing city. The city has a lot of future prospects.

Big companies and entrepreneurs are eyeing this area for huge investments. Experts have assumed that if the development continues as expected without interruptions, the city might even overtake Kathmandu in the upcoming decade!

I was stationed there as a member of the USA Action Peace Corps in 1974-75. Our mission was to feed people in a manner acceptable to religious restrictions: we raised Common and Chinese Carps in ponds dug or in fallow rice fields. We developed many successful projects in the local area.

I enjoyed friendly villagers and spectacular scenery. The area appears ripe for expansions in culture, society, and business.

Bhaktapur Bhaktapur is one of the three major cities in the Kathmandu Valley. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and traditional culture. The city is home to several UNESCO-listed monuments.

Bhaktapur is old and silent, roaring with culture and the remains of our ancestors' masterpieces.

Bhaktapur should come first.

Tikapur Tikapur is a municipality in Kailali District in Sudurpashchim Province. It is located near the Karnali River and has access to fertile agricultural land. The area has seen development in education and health services.

Number one planned city in Nepal. All of the houses' doors are connected with huge roads. It will be a top city in the Far West region in the near future.

A city with broad roads and the most open spaces.

Better than others. Well-planned city.

Daman Daman is a village in Makwanpur District in Bagmati Province. It lies at a high altitude and offers panoramic views of the Himalayan range. The area is known for tourism and scenic viewpoints.
Tamghas Tamghas is the administrative center of Gulmi District in Lumbini Province. It lies in the mid-hill region and serves as the main town for surrounding rural areas. The town is linked by roads to nearby districts.

Most beautiful city ever for me. Just visit once, and you'll know it deserves to be on the top list of beautiful cities in Nepal.

Beautiful Resunga Hill. You can see the city of Tamghas and up to India on a clear day from the view tower.

Damauli Damauli is the headquarters of Tanahun District in Gandaki Province. It is situated near the confluence of the Madi and Seti rivers. The town acts as a hub for administrative and educational services.

The fastest growing city in Nepal (estimated population 2013: 55,000). Well-planned and very clean. Major problem: Lack of enough drinking water.

Damauli is one of the best-planned cities in Nepal. It was a dream city created by visionary Late Meghanath Kaini and Tarapati Bhattarai in the late 2020s BS when the headquarters of Tanahun were moved from Bandipur to Damauli.

It is well connected to major cities such as Pokhara (45km, 1hr+ drive), Kathmandu (155km, 4hr+ drive), and Narayanghat (70km, 2hrs+ drive). Damauli is also known as the birthplace of Vyas. It is well-equipped with small private hospitals and colleges.

Damauli is surrounded by hills, and the bridge over the Madi River is very unique. Additionally, two well-known and large rivers, Madi and Seti, provide a great sense of natural pleasure.

Baglung Baglung is the administrative center of Baglung District in Gandaki Province. It is located on a plateau overlooking the Kali Gandaki River. The town serves as a gateway to Dhaulagiri and Mustang regions.

Baglung is home to educated, civilized, and Nepal's richest people. It is one of the most expensive and attractive places in Nepal.

It has a beautiful landscape with some of the top ten highest mountains in Nepal. It is also very good for rafting in the Kaligandaki River.

Baglung is the most beautiful place in Nepal.

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