PEOPLESPEAK: Shangri-la’s delightful destinations Nepal is truly a Shangri-la of the east. And when I think about visiting beautiful destinations in Nepal, I cannot think of one place and be satisfied. But if my friend had just one day to explore Nepal’s beauty, then I would recommend him to visit Bandipur. The place is awesome in its pristine beauty and people are still untouched by modernisation. Overall, it is the ultimate paradise of our imagination. I will recommend my friend to visit Pokhara because it is very popular among local and international tourists. Besides that there are many mountains, rivers and forests in Pokhara as well as many beautiful lakes and restaurants, conservation areas and parks. Therefore, I will recommend him/her to visit Pokhara. I would recommend him to visit Khaptad. The world’s fastest biker Valentino Rossi said that if all Americans were not fools, they must have visited Khaptad, Nepal at least once in their lifetime. If any of my friends were to visit Nepal, then I would recommend him/her to visit Bandipur, a small hill station in western Nepal. Bandipur besides being famous for its biggest cave in the nation also offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. Bandipur is indeed a place where nature and culture blend together. Home is heaven. Therefore, I would recommend my friend to visit my sweet and lovely home. Apart from the splendour of natural beauty that one can savour here, it is in my opinion the most wonderful place. So I would recommend my friend to visit my home if he/she were to come to Nepal. It is not just the physical beauty that makes Nepal a haven for tourists, rather it’s the warmth and the hospitality of the Nepali people that lures them to visit this place. So, I would take my friend to a simple Nepali household where guests are considered God. It is very short time to visit such a beautiful country, but I’d recommend my friend to go for mountain flight through the Himalayan range. I would suggest my tourist friend to have a helicopter fly to my remote Himalayan home, Tsum. This helps to get a quick and close look at both the natural and cultural diversities of Nepal. And of course, the ancient Durbar squares, hundreds of temples and Swoyambu Nath Stupa. I find Pokhara the best tourist destination.  The fascinating sight of the snow capped mountains like Annapurna and Machapucchre automatically attract tourists once they reach Pokhara. Apart from the beautiful mountains Pokhara also has beautiful lakes caves and streams to get pleasure from. So I would recommend people to visit this place. — Ambika Pandey, Chitwan Nagarkot, which is located near the Valley, is popular for a lovely view of sunrise and sunset and the panoramic view of the beautiful Kathmandu Valley. I would like to   recommend my friends to visit Nagarkot. — Nabin Gurung, Nagarkot Pokhara is a city that offers the closest view of 70-km of the sprawling Himalayan range. We can view the mountains just wearing a flimsy T-shirt. The Himalayan range can be seen from the terrace of each and every house. The world famous Annapurna trekking range is also there which was once enlisted in world as the best trekking destination. Paragliding from Sarangkot is also among many other treats that the city has to offer. Therefore, I would recommend my friend to visit Pokhara. — Sujan Thapa, Shantinagar I think Pokhara is the best place one can recommend a friend to visit. The ravishing view of snow-capped peaks, the green forests, the rushing streams, the deep gorges, the roaring falls, the tranquil lakes, the antique and artistic temples, and mellifluous sound of birds whet the souls of viewers. When the rays of setting sun fall on the river, the water sparkles and dance. Indeed, there couldn’t be a better place to recommend a friend to visit. — Sushma Ghimire, Mhenpy If my friend were to visit Nepal for a day, I would like to take her to Nagarkot, one of the most scenic spots renowned for it’s breathtaking view of sunrise. Nagarkot has also acquired famous as one of the best spots to view Mt Everest. This is the place where beauty endures year around. I am sure this place will give her a taste, for all the remarkable features of this little country. — Pratima Poudel, Shantinagar I undoubtedly would recommend my friend to visit the mountains of Nepal including Mt Everest, Machapucchre a world heritage site, Annapurna, Amadablam, et cetera on a Mountain flight. — Pranav Dhakal, Battishputali Being a resident of Kathmandu, I wouldn’t recommend my friend to visit Kathmandu, as it doesn’t represent Nepal in its entirety. I’d rather recommend my friend to visit Pokhara. For if you are a lover of nature, there couldn’t be a better place to visit other than Pokhara. I have just visited Thabang VDC of Rolpa district for a study on a documentary film. This village was the starting point of Maoist insurgency in Nepal. There I found good possibilities of rural tourism. This place reminded me Ghandruk of the Annapurna circle. I have also taken pictures of the village and the villagers. I would definitely recommend my friend to visit the place. Of course Nepal is a beautiful country. When my friend comes here to visit, I would like to recommend that s/he visit the most beautiful place in the world — Nepali people’s love and trust. We have already proved that Nepali people’s trust is more beautiful than any other natural infrastructure. We may fight amongst ourselves, but our love for our guest is better one destination. I would recommend him/her to visit Tansen because this beautiful town offers an opportunity to experience genuine Nepali culture, away from westernised places like Kathmandu, Pokhara. The town offers breathtaking views of Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri in the west to Ganesh Himal in the east. Ranighat palace, Ramdi Ghat, Amargunj temple, Amar Narayan temples are the main attractions of this town. — Ashok Banjade, Koteshwor I would recommend my friend to visit Lumbini, as it is the birthplace of Buddha. It is one of the most sacred places in Nepal and moreover a peaceful place for visitors. — Nim Doma Tamang, Kathmandu