Nepal: Travelling Among Buddha and Magnificent Landscapes

Whether you want to climb the peaks of Everest or pay homage to the birthplace of Buddha, a trip to Nepal is an unmissable destination for many travellers. Located along the Himalayan mountain range between China and India in southern Asia, the country boasts some of the most diverse landscapes on the planet, from snow-capped mountains to subtropical forests. Nepalese culture is just as varied, rich in secular temples and shrines, a profusion of colourful festivals and a host of exotic items to examine and buy.

From adrenaline activities such as mountaineering, kayaking and paragliding to serene walks among medieval temples and hidden palaces, this country offers memorable travel experiences in a single holiday. An overview of the best places to visit in Nepal:

Kathmandu

The country's cultural capital, Kathmandu is where adventures in Nepal begin, as all flights from overseas land at the city's airport. A crowded metropolis of over 1 million inhabitants, Kathmandu is a chaotic mix of tourist shops, trekking agencies, hotels, restaurants, religious sites and craft workshops. The city's famous Durbar Square is still being restored after the recent earthquakes, but there are many intact sites worth exploring. Perched atop a wooded hill, the ancient Buddhist complex of Swayambhunath is an unmissable attraction offering stunning views of the Kathmandu valley.

Lumbini

Crowds of Buddhist pilgrims are a daily sight at Lumbini, the traditional birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, Lord Buddha. With archaeological finds dating back to around 550 BC, the legendary site also attracts scholars, scientists and curious visitors. It was here that Buddha's mother, Maya Devi, gave birth near a tree in the garden, which is now a temple bearing her name. Located in the centre of a small park designed by the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, the complex also features several monasteries, sacred ponds, meditation centres and cultural facilities.

Janakpur

Located in the centre-south of Nepal, on the Terai plains, Janakpur was once the capital of a thousand-year-old Indian kingdom known as Mithila, and Maithili culture still thrives here. Hindus believe that Janakpur is the place where Lord Ram married Sita, also known as Janaki, and thousands of Hindus from all over the world flock every year to the Janaki Mandir temple to celebrate the anniversary of their marriage. With its three-storey construction and 60 rooms, the massive 19th-century marble structure is the largest temple in Nepal. Janakpur is known for its more than 100 sacred pools and ponds scattered around the quiet town.

Nagarkot

Perfect for travellers who want to experience the beauty and majesty of the Himalayas without arduous physical activity, Nagarkot is best known for the panoramas it offers over the mountains and the Kathmandu valley. Perched on a high ridge north-east of Bhaktapur, the village of around 4,500 inhabitants commands a view of eight Himalayan ranges. There is a variety of attractive hotels in every price bracket in Nagarkot, many of them just a few steps from the Nagarkot viewing tower, known as the best place to visit in Nepal to see the sun rise over the Himalayas.

Khumbu

Every year, the determination to walk to the summit of Mount Everest brings thousands of adventurous travellers to Khumbu, the Everest region located in north-eastern Nepal. The journey begins at the Lukla airstrip, where an obvious two-lane trail finally leads trekkers to Everest Base Camp. Located mainly within Sagarmatha National Park, Khumbu is home to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, where most expeditions to the mountain peaks are organised. The country's most important Buddhist centre, the Tengboche monastery, is also in Khumbu. A variety of comfortable lodgings are available at the monastery, many of them offering a breathtaking view of the highest mountain on the planet.

Chitwan National Park

One of the best destinations for wildlife viewing in Asia, Chitwan National Park in south-central Nepal offers the necessary refuge for rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger and the one-horned rhinoceros. The chance to observe exotic wildlife up close, including elephants, leopards, Indian bison, rhinos and Indian bears, is the park's greatest attraction. Besides jeep tours, visitors can experience the park through jungle walks, elephant rides and canoe trips. Luxury accommodation is available on the edge of the park, and the nearby village of Sauraha offers affordable lodgings.

Pokhara

With its tranquil lakes, verdant shores and mountain views, Pokhara is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. Known as the gateway to the Annapurna region in north-western Nepal, the lakeside town offers respite to weary hikers and also offers opportunities for outdoor adventures, from relaxing pedalo trips to rafting. The largest of Pokhara's three lakes, Phewa Lake is lined with luxury hotels, restaurants, bars and shops. The lake also features an island with a temple dedicated to the goddess Barahi Bhagwati, where ceremonies are held almost every weekend.

Patan

Located along the Bagmati river from Kathmandu, Patan is renowned for its craftsmen and for its extraordinary display of Newar architecture. Built in the 17th century, the palaces, courtyards and temples of Patan Durbar are the city's main attractions. With its multi-columned façade and golden spires, the recently restored stone Krishna temple is particularly striking, as is the recently restored Sundari Chowk, a courtyard with a richly carved sunken bath at its centre. Patan is one of the best places in Nepal to buy the beautiful handmade silk saris that were once the garment of choice for the royal family and aristocracy.

Bhaktapur

One of the three ancient capitals in the Kathmandu valley, the wonderfully preserved Bhaktapur suffered a good deal of damage during the 2015 earthquakes. Fortunately, most of the city's temples and shrines, which are the main attractions in this place known as the City of Devotees, escaped unharmed. Less crowded and frenetic than bustling Kathmandu, Bhaktapur invites pleasant strolls through medieval squares, winding streets and pedestrian streets. The city's Durbar Square, or "noble court", features an unmissable site known as the 55-Window Palace, a 15th-century structure that now houses the National Art Gallery.

Annapurna Circuit

The Annapurna Circuit in north-western Nepal offers hikers an unparalleled experience. Showcasing the varied landscapes of the Annapurna region, the classic trek takes travellers high into the Himalayas, through deep gorges, across desert plateaus and through lush subtropical valleys dotted with terraced farms. The route also passes many religious sites and picturesque villages. Starting east of Pokhara, the journey takes about three weeks to complete, although many trekkers cover half of it by flying to Jomsom Airport. There is also the shorter but no less beautiful Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, which lasts about 8-12 days. It is one of the most popular treks in Nepal with tea houses and stops at intervals of an hour or less, at least up to the higher sections.