United News of Bangladesh

The Siwa Salt Lakes in Egypt’s Siwa Oasis are known for their striking turquoise water and for a rare experience: in many of the pools, it is extremely difficult to sink. Unlike some viral travel locations that disappoint in real life, these desert pools often look much like the photos shared online. Located near Egypt’s border with Libya, the pools are shaped by the area’s geology and by salt extraction. As minerals are excavated from dried salt lakes, some basins later fill naturally with water from underground springs. In the intense desert climate, water evaporates quickly, leaving behind very high concentrations of mineral salts. That salinity makes the water denser, creating strong buoyancy, so swimmers tend to float on the surface soon after entering. Some accounts say salt levels in certain pools can rise to extremely high concentrations — far higher than seawater — which further increases buoyancy and makes sinking unlikely. Beyond their appearance, the Siwa lakes are also linked to the oasis’s long history. Reports note archaeological finds in the region dating back thousands of years. Locally, salt and salt-rich materials have traditionally been used in construction, including in structures such as the historic Shali Fortress. Bali named world’s top travel destination for 2026 by TripAdvisor Today, salt taken from the lakes and ponds is used in a range of products and in wellness practices. Many visitors and locals believe the mineral-rich water can help with skin and sinus problems, though these claims are largely based on tradition and personal experience. Visitors are commonly advised to be cautious: avoid getting the water into your eyes and avoid shaving right before swimming to reduce irritation. Why Mount Damavand, Asia’s tallest volcano, is so famous To reach the lakes, travelers typically book day tours from Cairo or Alexandria or use local transport such as tuk-tuks for shorter trips. Alongside floating in the salt pools, tourists often visit Cleopatra’s Pool, the Oracle Temple, the Shali Fortress area and the Mountain of the Dead tombs. Siwa became more accessible after a highway opened in the 1980s, bringing the once-isolated oasis onto Egypt’s travel map.   #With inputs from  NDTV

Saint Martin’s Island is a marvellous blessing of nature on the Bay of Bengal. This heavenly island bestows a cherished retreat for both domestic and foreign visitors drawn to its calm, coral-fringed shores. Despite recent travel restrictions and environmental limitations, tourists still find their way to the country's only coral island. The transport system, however, remains limited; only a few authorised ships operate on fixed schedules. Ticketing and travel pass regulations are now more stringent, with tied permits for visits and overnight stays. Let’s unravel all the necessary details of how tourists can visit Saint Martin in the tourist season (2025–26). Saint Martin Visiting Time This Winter Considering the weather conditions and safety protocols, passenger ships to Saint Martin’s Island are permitted to operate only upon approval from the concerned administration. For the ongoing open season, travel is allowed from November 1, 2025, to January 2026. Read more: Visit Saint Martin, Coral Island, Bangladesh: Piece of Paradise on Bay of Bengal During November, visitors must complete their trips within the same day, as overnight stays are restricted. However, from December through January, night halts are authorised, enabling short-term accommodation under regulated supervision. BIWTA Jetty, Cox's Bazar: The Only Departure for Saint Martin Trip For security and administrative reasons, all authorised tourist vessels to the coral island will operate solely from Cox’s Bazar. The Teknaf and Ukhia Inani routes remain legally prohibited. Only authorised passenger ships are allowed to operate; small boats, trawlers, and speedboats remain strictly prohibited under current regulations. Ships will depart from the Nuniya Chhara BIWTA Ghat between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., their schedules aligned with the low tide. Return journeys from the island are set between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m., also based on tidal conditions. Depending on weather and sea currents, the voyage typically takes five to five and a half hours each way. Read more: St Martin’s reopens, but no ships sail as overnight stays banned Visitors may remain on the island without a fixed time limit during December and January, when night stays are allowed.

The Chief Adviser’s office has instructed government officials to avoid foreign travels unless absolutely necessary until the next national election. A circular on compliance with foreign travel guidelines has been issued and circulated to all ministry and division secretaries, the cabinet secretary and the personal secretaries to all advisers. Cooperatives can help build an equal and self-reliant Bangladesh: Prof Yunus The circular says that previous directives from the Chief Adviser’s office and a letter issued by the Finance Division on July 8 have already provided various instructions, including limiting foreign travel. It states that instances of non-compliance have been observed with responsible advisers and secretaries traveling abroad simultaneously and several officials from the same ministry undertaking foreign trips together. Such proposals have frequently been submitted to the CA’s office, contrary to earlier instructions. Bangladesh election: EC starts meeting with top government officials

Earlier this year, a video by an Indian travel influencer criticizing the weak power of the Indian passport went viral. He pointed out that while countries like Bhutan and Sri Lanka are welcoming to Indian tourists, getting visas to most Western and European destinations remains difficult. His frustration mirrors the findings of the latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on visa-free travel access. India slipped five places this year to the 85th spot out of 199 countries, marking another decline in global mobility. The Indian government has yet to comment on the report. The BBC has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs for clarification. Countries with smaller economies—such as Rwanda (78th), Ghana (74th), and Azerbaijan (72nd)—rank higher than India, despite India being the world’s fifth-largest economy. Over the past decade, India’s passport ranking has generally stayed in the 80s, even falling to 90th in 2021. This contrasts sharply with Asian nations like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, which have consistently dominated the top positions. Read more: Getting e-passport without police verification in Bangladesh: Documents, fees, and online application process For the second consecutive year, Singapore topped the list, offering visa-free access to 193 countries, followed by South Korea (190) and Japan (189). In comparison, Indian passport holders can visit 57 countries visa-free, sharing the 85th position with Mauritania. A Reflection of Soft Power and Global Influence Passport rankings reflect not only travel convenience but also a nation’s soft power, diplomatic ties, and global reputation. A weak passport means more paperwork, higher visa costs, fewer privileges, and longer approval times. However, despite the drop in rank, the number of countries granting visa-free access to Indian citizens has increased over the years. In 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s BJP came to power, Indians had visa-free access to 52 countries, and the passport ranked 76th. By 2024, that number rose to 62 countries, though India’s rank still slipped to 85th in 2025. Experts say this decline is mainly due to growing global competition. More countries are signing reciprocal visa-free agreements to boost tourism and trade. According to Henley & Partners’ 2025 report, the average number of visa-free destinations worldwide has nearly doubled—from 58 in 2006 to 109 in 2025. Read more: Digital Nomad Visas in Europe in 2026: Top 10 European Countries China, for instance, has expanded its visa-free access from 50 to 82 countries in the past decade, improving its rank from 94th to 60th. India’s ranking, meanwhile, dropped from 77th in July 2025 to 85th in October, after losing visa-free access to two countries. Beyond Diplomacy: Other Factors at Play Former Indian ambassador Achal Malhotra says that factors such as political stability, security, and openness to foreign citizens also influence a country’s passport strength. For example, the U.S. passport, once among the most powerful, has fallen to 12th place, partly due to its inward-looking foreign policy. Mr Malhotra notes that in the 1970s, Indians could travel visa-free to many Western nations, but that changed after the Khalistan movement in the 1980s, which raised concerns about India’s internal stability. Read more: 7 Most Affordable Countries for Citizenship by Investment in 2026 He adds that high emigration rates and cases of visa overstays have made some nations more cautious about granting Indians visa-free access. Moreover, issues such as passport fraud and slow immigration processes also affect India’s standing. In 2024, Delhi Police arrested 203 individuals for alleged passport and visa fraud. A Path Forward Technological advances like India’s new e-passport, which stores biometric data on a secure chip, could help strengthen document security and streamline border checks. But experts agree that diplomatic outreach and bilateral travel agreements will be crucial for improving the global mobility of Indian citizens—and restoring the strength of the Indian passport on the world stage. Source: BBC Read more: Bangladesh moves up one step in global passport strength index

Online booking systems have turned once-complicated air flight arrangements into seamless digital experiences. All Bangladeshi airlines now operate official websites for ticketing convenience. A major leap forward has been the rise of flight search engines that integrate nearly all airlines under one virtual platform. Let’s explore some renowned international flight booking sites leading the country’s air travel revolution. Some Popular Sites for Booking International Air Flights from Bangladesh Here are some renowned websites where people can book air flights depending on their schedule, requirements, and budget plans.  Biman Bangladesh Airlines Link: https://www.biman-airlines.com/ The state-owned airline introduced its online seat booking system in 2010. Through its official website, passengers can effortlessly complete the entire ticketing process from home. This includes selecting the destination, date, and class and providing detailed traveller information such as email address and mobile number. Payment can be made through digital banking or any preferred mobile payment platform. Upon successful payment, an e-ticket is sent directly to the passenger's email. For added convenience, Biman Bangladesh Airlines also offers a mobile application, Biman App, available for any smartphone users. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.BimanAirlines.Biman&hl=en&gl=US Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/biman/id6444130555 Read more: Online Ticket Booking in Bangladesh: Websites for Buying Train, Bus, Launch, Air Tickets Shohoz Link: https://www.shohoz.com/ A reliable platform for e-tickets across international and domestic transport, Shohoz has built a strong presence. Since its inception in 2014, it has brought buses, trains, launches, and flights under a single digital platform. On the Shohoz website, users can specify departure date, destinations, and travel dates separately for each transport mode. After completing payment via mobile wallet or bank card, users receive a link to download their ticket, either via email or SMS. The entire process is mobile-friendly, allowing seamless booking directly from a smartphone. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.shohoz.rides Apple App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shohoz-app/id1354321445?ls=1 ShareTrip Link: https://sharetrip.net/ What began as a small Facebook page named Travel Booking BD in 2013, with a focus on selling plane tickets, evolved into ShareTrip the following year. ShareTrip became the country’s first platform to offer online ticketing for both domestic and international flights through a unified system. In addition to its website, ShareTrip provides dedicated apps for Android and iPhone users. All platforms feature real-time fare listings for available flights. Customers typically receive their e-ticket via email within one to two days after completing payment. It depends on the working day, weekend, or public holidays.  Booking requires account registration, and the account can later be used to manage cancellations or rescheduling requests. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.sharetrip&hl=en  IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sharetrip-flight-shop-voucher/id1469335892 GoZayaan Link: https://gozayaan.com/ Among Bangladesh’s foremost online travel agencies (OTAs), GoZayaan has been facilitating domestic and international air ticketing since 2017. Beyond e-ticketing, the platform also offers services related to hotel bookings, tour packages, and visa assistance. To place a booking, users must first create an account, which grants access to flight updates and ticket management. The website features both flight search and fare comparison tools across multiple airlines. With support for nearly all major mobile wallets and banking systems, the platform is easily accessible to a wide range of users. In addition, dedicated mobile apps are available for both iOS and Android users. IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gozayaan/id1635126688 Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gozayaan.app&hl=en Read more: Air ticket syndicate back in Bangladesh as fares rise defying govt order Wego Link: https://www.wego.com.bd/ Founded in 2005, Wego is a dynamic multinational travel platform representing over 30 nationalities. Along with domestic routes, the company offers international flights with great deals on preferred airlines. A standout feature is Wego’s direct airline comparison tool, which lets users evaluate multiple carriers in real time. In addition, the platform integrates Airalo, its exclusive eSIM service, for effortless mobile connectivity abroad, as well as e-visa solutions for select destinations. Beyond flights, Wego is a proud partner of Airbnb. They operate ShopCash, a rewards platform for shoppers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. With the advantage of multiple payment methods, customers conveniently afford this world-class service.  Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wego.android&hl=en IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/sg/app/wego-flights-hotels-booking/id751096907 US-Bangla Airlines Link: https://usbair.com/ With its inaugural flight launched on the Dhaka-Jashore route, US-Bangla Airlines began operations on July 17, 2014. It has since expanded its reach to major cities across Asia and the Middle East. The airline offers its frequent flyers the Sky Star Program, allowing passengers to accumulate Sky Star Miles. These can later be redeemed for flight tickets or other exclusive rewards. The website is known for its visually engaging interface and clear navigation. The platform also supports a wide range of payment options, making the entire booking experience accessible. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.stsbd.fahim.usbangla&hl=bn&gl=US iOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/us-bangla-airlines/id1519327703 Amy Link: https://www.amybd.com/ Since its establishment in 2015, Amy has earned a reputation as a trusted all-in-one travel platform. They streamline everything from flight bookings to hotel reservations and Umrah packages. Amy’s real-time booking system ensures instant confirmation via SMS and email, giving travelers peace of mind. With its advanced flight search, schedule updates, and price comparison features, users stay fully informed at every stage. The platform accepts a wide range of local and international banking cards and supports the most popular mobile financial services. They also offer a suite of smart tools, including the Amy Flight Tracker, live airport flight screens, and Amy Chat. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amybd.amy IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/amy-bd/id1482481770 Read more: Why Are We Asked to Put Our Phones on Airplane Mode During Flights? Buy Tickets Link: https://buytickets.com.bd/ On August 19, 2018, Buy Tickets, an initiative of Airspan Ltd., began its domestic and international air ticketing operations. Today, it holds a notable position in Bangladesh’s growing travel sector. Like other leading OTAs, Buy Tickets offers a user-friendly interface for effortless flight booking. Customers receive their e-tickets via SMS or email after completing payment. The platform currently supports Android users through its dedicated mobile app. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.buytickets.bd&hl=en Firsttrip Link: https://firsttrip.com/ As an initiative of US-Bangla Airlines, Firsttrip has emerged as one of Bangladesh’s leading OTAs. It fuses travel and technology to streamline flight bookings and adapt to evolving traveller expectations. Functioning as a comprehensive flight search engine, it allows users to reserve tickets on the most prominent and trusted carriers. Each carrier covers both international and domestic routes. Their standout features are Open Flight Tracker, an intuitive interface, and flexible payment choices across mobile wallets and banking platforms. Android App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.firsttrip.user IOS App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/firsttrip/id6462388200 Final Words These popular international flight booking sites of Bangladesh reshape the experience of travelling abroad with ease, speed, and reliability. Biman Bangladesh and US-Bangla Airlines reflect the country’s aviation pride. Wego, Shohoz, ShareTrip, and Amy have emerged as trailblazers in the country’s flight search engine space. The latest OTAs, GoZayaan, Buy Tickets, and Firsttrip, blend modern travel tech with user-centric features. Altogether, these platforms reflect the evolving travel industry, where digital innovation meets global connectivity.

What began as a curious alteration to a local hillside quickly spiralled into a nationwide stir. A summit, once unassuming, now draws attention for its unexpected resemblance to Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji. The transformation, triggered by a smoky grey cloud, sparked a wave of online amusement and confusion. Some locals, too, have remarked on the uncanny similarity, especially when the peak is veiled in cloud. At the centre of it all stands Kowloon Peak. Let's get to know how this phenomenon came to be and how tourists have responded to this spectacle. A Viral View from Quarry Bay From the corner of Healthy Street East and King's Road in Quarry Bay, an unexpected spectacle took shape. This single vantage point offered the only angle precise enough to capture the illusion in full – Kowloon Peak appearing as a snow-capped giant. It was here that the now-famous photographs were taken, just as drifting clouds brushed the summit. The moment aligned perfectly, framing the peak in a way that mimicked the serene silhouette of Mt Fuji. Playfully nicknamed the ‘snow cap matcha volcano’ by amused onlookers, the hill's uncanny resemblance quickly lit up social media. As photos made their rounds online, intrigue followed. The scene, complete with urban foreground and misty ridgeline, lacked only a convenience store to complete the Fuji-like composition. Read more: Yemeni Island Socotra: The Most Alien-Looking Place On Earth Drawing Global Wanderers Compelled by the viral snapshots, several residents made their way to Quarry Bay. Not just to see the hill itself but to stand where the camera did. A similar moment unfolded in Thailand last year. A photo of Khao Ok Talu beside a 7-Eleven drew comparisons to the iconic Lawson snapshot beneath Mt Fuji. About Kowloon Peak Locally known as Fei Ngo Shan, meaning ‘Soaring Goose Mountain’, this peak rises prominently from the northeast edge of New Kowloon. At 1,975 feet, it claims the title of the highest point in the Kowloon region. Tucked within Ma On Shan Country Park, its rugged slopes straddle the border between Sai Kung and Wong Tai Sin districts. Two of Hong Kong’s well-known hiking routes, the Wilson Trail and the MacLehose Trail, cut across its terrain. The route makes a favoured challenge for avid trekkers. Geologically, the peak is built on a foundation of volcanic rocks, particularly tuffs, with solid granite forming its lower reaches. Its natural formation, layered and textured, lends it a raw, untamed character rarely mirrored in artificial landscapes. Read more: Chongqing, The 3D City: Chinese Megacity Looking Like AI-Generated Echoes of Mount Fuji's Symmetry Veiled in mist and rising behind the city’s frame of glass and concrete, Kowloon Peak appears almost sculpted. The way the cloud clings to its summit lends it a hushed, snow-draped elegance. From this perspective, its form takes on a quiet grandeur, unexpectedly reminiscent of a distant volcano. In contrast, Mount Fuji presents a near-perfect cone, its snowy peak often floating above soft horizons. Where Fuji looms with serene isolation, Kowloon Peak surprises, emerging from urban chaos with a momentary stillness. It doesn’t mimic Fuji’s symmetry, yet echoes its silhouette in a fleeting, almost cinematic illusion. Though vastly humbler in scale and fame, the misty peak carves out its own quiet allure. It may lack the majestic sweep and spiritual weight of Mount Fuji, but it doesn’t seek comparison. Instead, it captivates in its own right—less a rival, more a reminder that even modest peaks can inspire awe. Reactions Surrounding Mount Fuji of Hong Kong What began as a light-hearted post on Threads soon rippled across social media, pulling in thousands of viewers intrigued by the resemblance. The buzz caught fire quickly. Some viewers found humour in the comparison, suggesting that all it needed was a denser veil of clouds. Others embraced the idea that this ‘Hong Kong version’ had its own appeal, a kind of localised charm distinct from its Japanese counterpart. Read more: Wales’s Stream in the Sky: World’s Tallest Navigable Aqueduct Pontcysyllte However, several visitors who came after seeing the picturesque images confessed to a sense of disappointment. For them, the so-called ‘mountain’ was little more than an ordinary hill. Some lamented how easy it is to be misled by carefully framed photographs. It pointed to this episode as yet another example of online visuals setting unrealistic expectations. Despite the divided opinions, the view did manage to impress a few passersby. Some expressed genuine appreciation for the scenery, calling it unexpectedly beautiful. Others stopped to capture the moment themselves, aware of the growing online attention. A number of visitors returned to the same vantage point in hopes of replicating the famed composition. Not all succeeded; many missed the fleeting cloud formations that gave the illusion its power. For Hikers, It's More Than Just A View Multiple trails snake their way toward the summit, with routes branching off from both Jat's Incline and Fei Ngo Shan Road. These provide varying levels of challenge, but one, in particular, casts a long shadow over the others. An infamous ascent that has come to be known as Suicide Cliff. Read more: Smiling Quokka Turned Rottnest Island into a Global Tourist Hotspot Despite its ominous name, the moniker does not stem from tragedy but rather from the sheer danger posed by its terrain. This vertical scramble, beginning from Clear Water Bay Road, isn’t a traditional hiking path. It’s an exposed rock face that demands agility, courage, and luck. The risk is not theoretical; the climb has been marked by real peril, including accidents and fatalities. One dramatic incident even saw 160 firefighters deployed in a large-scale rescue when two tourists found themselves stranded. For most hikers, however, the thrill of reaching the peak need not involve danger. Fei Ngo Shan Road offers a far gentler approach, one that rewards effort with breathtaking views, not unnecessary risk. Final Words Hong Kong's clouded Kowloon Peak, as seen from Quarry Bay, drew comparisons to Mount Fuji for its misty silhouette. The image sparked mixed reactions online – some were amused, others felt misled. Hikers, however, admire it for the thrill of Suicide Cliff and its challenging trails. Amid Hong Kong’s dense cityscape, the peak offers a rare blend of rugged beauty and quiet reflection. It proves that even in the chaos of urban life, moments of natural grace can still hold meaning. Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh

Quokkas, adorable and, most notably, remarkably photogenic animals, roam across the southwestern corner of Australia. With its perpetual grin and friendly demeanour, this small marsupial, about the size of a domestic cat, has turned an island into a hotspot for wildlife lovers and selfie seekers. A large number of quokkas are found on Rottnest Island, nestled off the coast of Perth, a sun-soaked sanctuary. This quokka haven is now popular for selfies. Let’s unravel how the quokka’s smile shaped Rottnest Island into a popular tourist hotspot. Naming of Rottnest Island The name of this island has an unusual origin, tracing back to a 17th-century Dutch explorer, Willem de Vlamingh. When he arrived on the coast, he was struck by the strange, furry animals hopping through the underbrush. Mistaking the quokkas for giant rats, he dubbed the place 't Eylandt 't Rottnest, Dutch for ‘rat’s nest island.’ But despite the unflattering name, de Vlamingh saw something more. In his journal, he described the landscape as nothing short of ‘paradise on Earth.’ Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Bangladesh The Global Rise of the Quokka Selfie In the age of social media, few animals have captured global attention like quokkas. Native to southwestern Australia, this tiny marsupial became a sensation not through conservation efforts, but through its smile. The viral trend began when tourists visiting Rottnest Island began snapping photos of the cheerful-looking creatures. In 2013, the Huffington Post dubbed the quokka ‘the world’s happiest animal’, sparking worldwide interest. With their naturally upturned mouths, quokkas became the perfect subject for selfies. High-profile celebrities like Chris Hemsworth and Roger Federer helped solidify their fame. The result was a surge in visitors here, the Paradise on Earth. What was once a quiet retreat transformed into one of Australia’s most photographed destinations. Tourists flock there not only for the beaches but for the chance to share a moment with a quokka. Read more: City Guide to Bangkok, Thailand for Bangladeshis

Bangkok, the vibrant capital of Thailand, is a dream destination for many travellers, including Bangladeshis. Known for its dazzling temples, bustling street markets, incredible nightlife, and mouthwatering cuisine, Bangkok offers a perfect mix of tradition and modernity.  Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, this travel guide will help you explore the best attractions, food, shopping destinations, and travel tips to make your trip from Bangladesh to Bangkok smooth and enjoyable.  Best Things to Do . Explore Chinatown One of the most energetic areas in Bangkok, Chinatown is a paradise for food lovers and photographers. Walk along Yaowarat Road, where you will find sizzling street food, gold shops, and vibrant temples. At night, Chinatown transforms into a lively dining hotspot with vendors selling everything from dim sum to roasted duck. Read more: City Guide to Kathmandu, Nepal for Bangladeshis

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a mesmerising destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "City of Temples," Kathmandu offers a unique blend of traditional heritage and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a foodie, Kathmandu has something for everyone. For Bangladeshis, Nepal is an accessible and affordable travel destination with visa-on-arrival facilities. Let's dive into a detailed city guide to Kathmundu with the best places to see, exciting things to do, and adventurous activities to explore. Best Things to Do in Kathmand . Explore Swayambhunath Stupa – The Monkey Temple Swayambhunath, known as the Monkey Temple, is one of Kathmandu’s iconic landmarks. Perched on a hill, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley. The temple, dating back over 2,000 years, is accessed by climbing 365 steps, where playful monkeys may accompany your journey.  Reaching the top of the temple, you can explore the stupa, enjoy its intricate artwork, and embrace the peaceful spiritual atmosphere. This site is perfect for photography and quiet reflection, making it a must-visit for holidaymakers. Experience the Vibrant Streets of Thamel Thamel is the lively heart of Kathmandu, known for its bustling streets, markets, cafes, and restaurants. Here, you can shop for Nepali souvenirs, enjoy local delicacies, and experience the blend of Nepali culture and modern conveniences. Thamel is also a hub for nightlife, making it a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing and exploring. Read more: Safety Precautions for Traveling on Buses or Public Transport at Night Visit Bhaktapur – A UNESCO World Heritage Site Located just outside Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a short drive away and rich in cultural history. The city boasts impressive temples like Nyatapola Temple and the 55-Window Palace. As you stroll through its narrow streets, you will encounter traditional Newari architecture, local crafts, and vibrant squares like Taumadhi Square. B Bhaktapur is also famous for its food, especially the delicious momo (dumplings). A visit here will take you back in time, immersing you in the mediaeval charm of Nepal. Discover Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu sites in Nepal, is located along the Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it attracts millions of pilgrims annually. The sprawling temple complex is home to numerous shrines and pagodas, where visitors can witness religious ceremonies, including public cremations on the riverbanks. The site provides a peaceful yet powerful experience, offering deep insight into Hindu rituals and spiritual practices. Read more: Top Reasons Why London Is Tripadvisor's Best Travel Destination for 2025

Every year, Tripadvisor unveils its top destinations, hotels, restaurants, and attractions worldwide based on millions of reviews and ratings collected over 12 months. For 2025, London has claimed the crown as the world's best travel destination. The city’s unique mix of history, culture, entertainment, and world-class amenities solidifies its appeal. Here's a detailed look at why London stands out and continues to enchant travelers from across the globe. London Named World's Top Destination for 2025 . Rich History and Iconic Landmarks London’s history offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore Roman ruins, medieval castles, and royal heritage. Must-visit historical landmarks include the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and Buckingham Palace. These sites transport visitors to different eras, revealing the city’s fascinating past and cultural significance. London’s iconic landmarks, such as the Tower Bridge, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament, are architectural marvels that are as captivating today as they were centuries ago. Guided tours through these storied structures provide unforgettable experiences and plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. Read more: Thai e-Visa for Bangladeshis: Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online