KATHMANDU: The National Geographic Traveller magazine has enlisted Nepal as one of the must-see destinations in the world for 2016.

In its ‘Cool List 2016’ prepared for the January/February 2016 issue of the UK-based travel magazine, Nepal has been placed sixth in the list of 16 cool destinations in the world.

“Tourist numbers to Nepal plummeted by 85 per cent after the devastating earthquakes, but the country is once more open for business and safe to visit, with a new government-backed website providing official updates on affected areas.,” one of the world’s popular travel publications said, adding, “This is a nation that has long relied heavily on tourism, with many visitors lured by the chance to combine volunteerism with an adventure holiday in a stunning landscape.”

Chosen by its team of editors and writers, the hotly anticipated list of countries and cities also include Iran, Costa Rica, Washington DC, Ireland, Cuba, Shanghai, Mozambique, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Somerset, Rio de Janeiro, Kazakhstan, Argentina, San Sebastian and Great Barrier Reef.

“We’ve scoured the planet for this year’s must-see destinations and come up with an eclectic list of top spots for culture, cuisine, festive celebrations, pristine coastline... and places to go. Some are obvious, some not so, but we think they should be top of anyone’s travels plans in 2016 - and beyond,” the magazine quoted its editor Pat Riddell as saying.

Meanwhile, the National Geographic has already nominated Pasang Lhamu Sherpa from Nepal among the top 10 finalists for the 2016 People's Choice Adventurer of the year. The country’s rising climbing star has been chosen for her tireless humanitarian efforts in remote areas in the aftermath of devastating April earthquake. Online voting will open until January 31, 2016 to choose her as the winner of the prestigious award.