KATHMANDU: London-based Rough Guides has recommended Nepal as one of the top 10 countries to visit this year.  In fact, the Himalayan nation has been put on the top of the list of 10 countries by the leading publisher of travel and reference information.

"After a series of devastating earthquakes and aftershocks, Nepal’s tourist industry is on the rise again. Though hundreds of thousands have been left homeless, and daily life is not fully back to normal, the country’s historic landmarks are slowly being restored. Trekking routes are reopening and the resilient Nepali people are finding their feet," Rough Guides wrote on its website.

"Thoughtfully spent tourist dollars will go a long way here; choosing independent homestays and grass roots tour companies ensures money ends up in local pockets. With varied landscapes – from the Himalayas to jungles inhabited by tigers, elephants and rhinos – Nepal should be your first choice for travel in 2016."

These are the best countries to visit in 2016: https://t.co/YY4vuRJLqk pic.twitter.com/iNoWOzoLLr

— Rough Guides (@RoughGuides) January 4, 2016

TOP 10 COUNTRIES

Nepal

Colombia

Cuba

Jordan

Albania

Romania

El Salvador

Wales

Kenya

Sri Lanka

Source: Rough Guides

Also, Nepal has topped the list of 10 countries as the best places to visit in The People's Choice category also.

Nepal is followed by the Philippines, Myanmar, India, Iceland, Greece, Vietnam, the USA, Peru and Thailand in people's vote.

These are the countries you voted the best places to visit in 2016: https://t.co/ks7z0TyVLW #travelin2016 pic.twitter.com/quJeOjVFRG

— Rough Guides (@RoughGuides) January 5, 2016