20 Beautiful Villages in Nepal Himalayas

The true essence of Nepal lies in its beautiful villages that are untouched by modernity and still hold their simplicity and rustic charm. From Pangboche to Beding, there are several such hidden gems in the country that would make a perfect escape from bustling modern cities. 

By visiting these high-altitude beautiful Nepalese villages, you'll get a chance to know the true roots of the country and find the true essence of Nepal. These villages retained an authentic rural way of life, and you can be part of both natural beauty and rich cultural history. 

Here are some of the most beautiful villages in Nepal's Himalayas.

1. Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar is one of the beautiful Sherpa villages in solukhumbu, well-known for being the best acclimatization place during Everest Base Camp Trek. Located at an altitude of 3,440m, it is a gateway to the high mountains, including the world's highest peak Mt. Everest. After flying to Lukla and trekking for two days through different settlements such as Phakding, and Monjo, you'll get to Namche. 

Namche is a tourist hub, and here you can find the highest Irish pub in the world. You can even visit the Saturday market. From Namche, you can admire the mesmerizing view of Mt. Everest, Thamserku, Kusum Kangaru, Kongde Ri, and many more. Don't miss a steep hike up to Everest View Hotel if you visit Namche. Enjoying a hot Sherpa breakfast with a majestic view of Everest and surrounding mountains is worth it. 

2. Phortse Village

Nestled at the foot of a Taboche is a beautiful village called Phortse. Phortse, at 3,950 meters, is a tranquil village, popular for holding the highest number of Tahr, and Snow Leopard in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Crossing the Dudhkoshi River, an uphill walk for a few hours will lead to Phortse. This Sherpa village is only 5.7km away from the Sherpa town of Namche and 4km from Sagarmatha National Park. That means trekkers can easily reach this village from Namche. The Namche-Phortse trail is an easy walk pursued by trekkers. Autumn and spring are the best seasons to explore this beautiful village in the Everest region.

3. Pangboche Village

Pangboche is another beautiful village in Nepal's Khumjung valley of the Solukhumbu district. It lies at an altitude of 3,985 m in the high Himalayas of the Imja Khola Valley. It lies about 3 kilometers northeast of Tengboche. It used to be the highest permanent village in the Khumbu until there were lodges high up the valley near the base camp.

This lovely village offers astonishing mountain views and hosts an old Pangboche monastery worth visiting. The old monastery was home to yeti scalp and hand until it was stolen. You can even tour around the Pangboche school, built by Sir Edmund Hillary's Himalayan Trust in 1963. Sherpa people reside in this village and are also home to Sungdare Sherpa, who had the record for summitting Everest five times both in the Sherpa climbing history and the world history of mountaineering in 1989.

4. Thame Village

Thame is a traditional and beautiful Sherpa village in the Everest region of Nepal at an altitude of 3,800 m. This village receives fewer visitors than other villages in the Khumbu valley. A must-visit place in this village is the impressive Thame monastery. Also, Thame village used to be a route for salt trading between Nepal, India, and Tibet.

It is home of Tenzing Norgay, the first person to conquer Mt. Everest with Hillary, Ang Rita Sherpa, and Appa Sherpa. It is also the best place for acclimatization during the Rolwling Valley trek and Renjola Pass trek. You can explore Thame monastery, the oldest in the Khumbu region, and even experience local traditions.

5. Manang Village

Manang village is a beautiful village located in Nepal's most popular Annapurna circuit trekking route. It has two parts, the upper and lower village. After crossing the Pisang and Braga villages, you'll get to Manang at the height of 3,518 m. The desert-like barren landscape and the natural beauty of Manang village are stunning and marvelous.  

The idyllic village of Manang sits below the Gangapurna and Annapurna III mountains in the trans-Himalayan zone of the Manang district. It is a traditional ancient town with astonishing mountain views and beautiful traditions and culture. Manang lies in a rain shadow area comprising traditional temples, monasteries, mountains, and viewpoints with arid landscapes. Manang is a vital trading point between Nepal and Tibet.

6. Khangsar Village

Image: Luc Lauzon/flickr

Located in the Manang district, Khangsar is a beautiful village known as the "last village of Nepal." It is famous as a side trip for those staying in Manang village or lunch spot for those making their way to the magnificent Tilicho Lake. Passing through Manang village and walking along the bank of Marsyangdi river with the majestic view of Annapurna II, you'll get to Khangsar village (3,756 m). This Tibetan-style village offers a fabulous view of Tilicho Peak. Compared to other towns, this one still has a rustic charm. You can visit the oldest monastery in the region name Tahrap Monastery. It is also one of the best places in Manang to spot Snow Leopards. 

7. Kagbeni Village

Kagbeni is a Tibetan village that is the only gateway to Upper Mustang and lies in the Kali Gandaki Valley. Situated at an altitude of 2,810 m is one of the oldest beautiful villages in the Himalayas. It is about one hour drive from Jomsom over bumpy roads or a 3-4 hours trek. Every year, thousands of people visit Kagbeni, which lies along the route to the scared Muktinath temple. Being a small village, Kagbeni has its charm throughout the world for its natural beauty, unique culture, tradition, and landscape. There are some old monasteries which are worth a visit. Most people engaged in agriculture, animal husbandry, trading, apple harvesting, and local apple brandy and wine production.

8. Chhusang Village

Image: David Young/flickr

Chhusang is a pleasant village in the Upper Mustang that lies at 2,980 m of altitude. It lies in the rain-shadow area of the Annapurna range and has an arid desert-like landscape. A gigantic red cliff beautifully surrounds the village. You can get to Chhusang village by trekking or renting a jeep from Kagbeni village. You'll witness several ancient mysterious caves, Buddhist shrines, monasteries, and chortens that reflect unique Tibetan-Buddhist culture and traditions. You'll also get a chance to be part of the Tibetan mountainous lifestyle.

9. Lo Manthang

Lo Manthang is one of the beautiful villages hidden in the northern end of the Mustang district. Standing at an altitude of 3,800 m, it is the capital of the Kingdom of Lo or Mustang district. The rich Tibetan-Buddhist culture and unique geographical landscape, similar to Tibet, is the major highlight of the Lo Manthang village.

From Lo Manthang, you'll catch a beautiful glimpse of the massif Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range. You can explore several well-preserved ancient Buddhist monasteries. There are different mythological stories behind every monastery, which hold great historical and religious importance till now. Also, the royal palace is still worth visiting inside the walled city itself.

10. Samagaun

Located in the Gorkha district of the Manaslu region at an altitude of 3,520m, it is the starting point for the expeditions to the summit of Mt. Manaslu. During the Manaslu circuit trek, trekking through several beautiful villages such as Doban, Philim, Deng, Ghap, and Namrung, you'll make your way to Samagaun. This village offers one of the best astonishing views of Mt. Manaslu during the whole Manaslu Circuit trek. You can explore Birendra Lake, about two hours the walk from the village. Manaslu Base Camp is another popular side trip about 6 hours of trek from Samagaun.

11. Lho Village

Enclosed inside the Manaslu Conservation Area, Lho is another beautiful village that sits on the base of Mt. Manaslu at an altitude of 3,180 m in the Gorkha district. This small village offers a marvelous view of might Manaslu peak (8,163m). Sherpa people reside in Lho village, and they follow a unique Tibetan influenced culture and lifestyle. You'll witness traditional houses made of stone, while new homes built after an earthquake are concrete. You can also explore several old monasteries with some beautiful artistic structures of statues, sculptures, etc.

12. Bimthang Village

Bimthang is one of the beautiful villages of Nepal that lies along the route of Manaslu Circuit and Tsum Valley Trek. Located in the Manaslu region at an altitude of 3,590m, Bimthang village is a picturesque village rich in natural and cultural beauty. During Manaslu Circuit Trek, after crossing Larkya La Pass, you'll reach this incredible small village. There is also a beautiful hidden lake at the end of the village which you should not miss visiting. This place is ideal for beholding the amazing sunset view over Mt. Manaslu.

13. Til Village

Til village is one of the three beautiful villages in the Limi valley. Among three settlements, it is the smallest yet scenic, pristine, and full of the natural and cultural beauty of the Himalayas. It lies at approximately 4,100 m, and barley fields surround the village's western side. Likewise, a 300-year-old monastery of Kunzum Do-Nag is on the right side of the town, which is definitely worth visiting. You can even see the Tibet- China border as it lies closest to the town.

14. Dho Tarap Village

Dho Tarap village lies in a secluded land in the mystical Dolpo region of Nepal. It is the most beautiful, famous, and developed village in the Dolpo region lies at 3,944 m. Most of the people here follow both ancient Buddhist culture and Tibetan culture. Dho Tarap is a commercial point for the villagers where they meet here to sell and buy goods necessary for their daily lives.

During the Upper Dolpo trek, passing through different high-land settlements, pristine Phoksundo Lake, and impressive three high passes of Kang La, Sela La, and Chhoila La, you'll reach Dho Tarap village. You'll not only get stunned by the magnificent Himalayan views, but also, you'll get to behold and learn about Bon's religion. You'll experience the untouched rural lifestyle strongly influenced by Tibetan and Buddhist culture. Thus, this beautiful village in the Dolpo region is one of the exciting hallmarks you should visit in Nepal.

15. Ringmo Village

Ringmo is a charming medieval village in the Dolpo region where the tranquil Phoksundo Lake is situated. After flying to Juphal and three days of the trek will get you to Ringmo village at an altitude of 3,660 m. This village is like a living museum of ancient culture, with endless beautiful scenery, high mountain views, and old Buddhist monasteries that blend with ancient exotic culture. Bon Gompa is another highlight of the Dolpo district. The monastery has beautiful construction with an artistic interior. 

16. Kyanjin Gompa

Kyanjin Gompa is another beautiful village located in the Rasuwa district near the Tibet border of the Langtang region. It sits in the lap of the lofty Mt. Langtang Lirung (7,227m) at 3,870m. This village is named after the Kyanjin Gompa monastery, a must-visit place. Trekkers usually visit here while going to Langtang Valley Trek. It is said to be 700-years old and the highest human settlement in the Langtang valley. You can glimpse dozens of mountain ranges, including Langtang, Dorje Lakpa, Lirung, Jul, and Gangchemp. From Kyanjin Gompa village, there is also another trekking route to Helambu Valley. Likewise, this village is a base for climbing Kyanjin Ri and Tserko Ri peaks. 

17. Phu Village

Phu village (4,080 m) lies in the remote region of Manang District in the Gandaki province of northern Nepal. It is home to the remarkable Tashi Lhakhang Gompa. From Gompa, you can catch a 360-degree view of all neighboring villages and the Tibetan border. Here, you can respect Lama Karma Sonam Rinpoche, who visited Nepal with the Dalai Lama in 1959.

During the Nar Phu Valley trek, most people take a rest day for acclimatization. So, there is an option to hike up to Himlung Himal Base Camp from this beautiful village of Phu. Also, you could wander around the town, explore the tiny, authentic alleys dotted with Tibetan-style mud and stone house and witness the daily lifestyle of locals. Also, from the top of the village, you'll get breathtaking views of Mt. Kang Guru and Himlung Himal. You'll get to observe the medieval Tibetan culture in the hidden mountain villages of Phu.

18. Nar Village

Nar is another true hidden village that offers visitors a rare opportunity to explore one of Nepal's most untouched, highly Tibet-influenced, treasured with untouched culture and lifestyle. Nestled between Nepal's legendary Annapurna Circuit trail and the Manalsu region, it stands at an elevation of 4,110m.

Nar village proudly sits on the Northern side of the Pisang Peak. You can see a large Pasteur and cultivated fields where villagers grow barley and potatoes. It is a more lively and social village where you can spot people weaving woodland fabrics of rugs and blankets. There are many beautiful monasteries and chortens in the town. Even though it lies close to the starting point of the Annapurna trail, it is less visited, so this makes the Nar village more beautiful and rustic.

19. Ghunsa village

Ghunsa village (3,600 m) is a beautiful and popular stopover during the Kanchenjunga Trek in Nepal. This village lies inside the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area in the Taplejung district of the northeast region of Nepal. This village is considered one of the best places for acclimatization and the last permanent settlement on the way to the North base camp of Mt. Kanchenjunga.

Ghunsa village hosts many Buddhist monasteries where you can observe ancient high-land Buddhist culture highly influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. Green pastureland surrounds the village, and you can hike along the riverside area and enjoy the marvelous view of Khumbhakarna Peak (7,711m). While exploring this beautiful village, you can meet locals and be part of their culture, traditions, and lifestyles. You can even day hike up to the Lpasan La Monastery through lush forests.

20. Beding Village

Beding is another lesser-known yet beautiful village located in the central-eastern region of Nepal. It lies along the trekking route of the relatively new Rolwaling Valley trek. Beding is the largest village sitting at an altitude of 3,700 m under the shadow of Mt. Gaurishankar (7,134 m). In this village, you can also explore an ancient monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated for the last time and got enlightened. There is also another beautiful monastery that lies between Beding and Na village. This Gompa is a miniature version of the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery of Bhutan. Also, nearby the town, you'll find the most extensive glacier lake in Nepal, Tsho Rolpa.

The Conclusion

All these listed beautiful villages in Nepal Himalayas reflect Nepal's natural and cultural beauty. A kind of uniqueness, serenity and old-world charm make all these beautiful villages worth visiting. You will get to experience the simple rural life untouched by modernity.

Discover hidden gems within Nepal by exploring these beautiful villages in Nepal Himalayas. You'll be stunned by the raw beauty and rustic charm of these quaint high-altitude villages that offer you peace and serenity from the bustling modern cities.