KATHMANDU

The capital of the ancient mountain kingdom of Nepal, Kathmandu is a maze of narrow streets, wooden temples and beautifully decorated palaces where the sound of jangling cymbals and rich aromas fill the air. Visit the beautiful Durbar Square, which despite sustaining damage during the earthquake retains much of its architectural charm, and wander through the district of Thamel with its many interesting cafes, restaurants and shops.

Located on a hillside above the city is Swayambhunath, a white stupa with a spire on top which features the colourful eyes of Buddha. A visit during the afternoon is a memorable experience: watch the locals who come to worship here and enjoy picturesque sunsets over the city.

PASHUPATINATH & BODHNATH

Located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati river, Pashupatinath Hindu temple is the most important in Nepal. The surrounding market stalls offer marigolds, incense, Hindu images and other religious artefacts. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the main temple but the area has a certain charm with a view point of the temple and the ghats.

Located just east of Kathmandu, Bodhnath is set on what used to be a major trade route between Nepal and Tibet. Today the main attraction is an enormous Buddhist stupa, one of the largest in the world and of huge religious importance to Tibetan Buddhism. Visit one of the outlying monasteries and gompas in the evening when Buddhist monks carry butter lamps and prayer wheels to the Bodhnath stupa.

KATHMANDU VALLEY

The Kathmandu valley is formed by a series of villages set against the backdrop of the highest mountain range in the world – the Himalaya. Known as the ‘Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs’, Patan rose to prominence while Kathmandu was still just a collection of villages. Once home to over 1,200 Buddhist shrines and monuments, today the town is renowned for its master craftsmen, metal workers and artists. It is also famous for its elegant Newari architecture – walk through Durbar Square for an insight into Patan’s important past, dotted with ancient temples and pagodas. Bhaktapur, with its Palace of 55 Windows, is no less an architectural gem.

NAGARKOT & DHULIKHEL

Nagarkot and Dhulikhel are two small hillside villages offering stunning views over the snow-capped Himalaya. Aside from the views, the towns offer an ideal base for short walks and hikes in the surrounding countryside. Nagarkot is situated atop a hill at an altitude of 7,198 feet and was once the mountain retreat of the Nepalese maharajahs. Dhulikhel, on the other hand, is an old Newari town and at one time a stop on the trade route to Lhasa. The town has impressive old buildings, many with ornate wooden lattices in place of glass windows, and various Hindu temples. A sunrise walk to the Kali shrine at 5,626 feet rewards the early riser with views towards the Annapurna range and Everest.