Kathmandu in the list of world’s top tourist destinations

KATHMANDU: At a time when the country is grappling with reconstruction challenges in the aftermath of the earthquakes, here is some good news for Nepal’s tourism sector.

TripAdvisor.com, the world’s largest travel site, has included Kathmandu, the capital city, as one of the best tourist destinations in its ‘Travelers’ Choice Destinations 2015’ list.

Among the cities from 25 countries around the globe, Kathmandu has been listed in the 19th position.

Kathmandu, home to many heritage monument sites, suffered loss due to the earthquakes, but it still has several things to offer to tourists.

The international travel-trade portal has portrayed Kathmandu as an important tourist destination with historic temples and monuments, fascinating villages, alluring hills and mountains and hiking routes in and around Kathmandu. “Mingle with locals and animals amid Durbar Square’s monuments, or join mountain trekkers in bustling Thamel,” says the travel site, adding, “Explore shops for exquisite work by local artisans — carpets and paper prints are specialties.”

The portal has listed Marrakeh of Morocco, Siam Reap of Cambodia and Istanbul of Turkey as first, second and third best tourist destinations.