Resting in a lush green valley of hills and rice paddies, Bhutan’s capital city of Thimphu is the country’s commercial and religious hub, and is known for its interesting fusion of ancient and modern elements. Historical architecture and ancient traditional elements juxtapose with contemporary buildings and sensibilities. The imposing, stately 350-year-old Tashicho Dzong Fortress is currently used as the administrative centre of the county, and is also the king’s office. Visitors can explore the gold-spired Memorial Chorten, a revered Buddhist shrine; see the intricate frescoes and slate carvings at Simtokha Dzong; and discover the Bhutanese way of live through exhibits and folk dances at the fascinating National Folk Heritage Museum. The city bustles with cafes, clubs and restaurants, thereby offering the best of old- and new-world charms.
Situated in the Himalayas of Bhutan, Punakha is a historic town at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, and the former capital of Bhutan. It provides a base for exploring the temple-dotted Punakha Valley, with its most prominent landmark being the riverside Punakha Dzong, a 17th-century fortress and important religious site. The dzong hosts the annual Punakha Tshechu, a festival featuring traditional masked dances, music and religious ceremonies. The surrounding valley is home to the critically endangered white-bellied heron, while nearby attractions include the mountain-top village of Talo and Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Bhutan’s fertility traditions. Visitors can also enjoy Himalayan views from Dochula Pass, explore the Royal Botanical Park and discover traditional architecture in Ritsha Village.
Sitting pretty at an altitude of 2200 metres above sea level, Paro is the gateway to beautiful Bhutan. Planes make an incongruous sight, flying low as they prepare for landing in this Himalayan oasis, home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries. Resting on the banks of the Paro River, there is plenty to observe in this traditional town, from quaint farmhouses scattered across the valley to emerald green terraced paddy fields . For outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike, a great day excursion is to trek to the famous Tiger's Nest Temple, on the face of a sheer 1000-metre-high cliff. This acclaimed temple houses the National Museum, which shows hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and artwork. It's advised to do this at the end of a trip, once travellers have acclimatised.
Situated approximately 20 kilometres east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the three royal cities of the scenic Kathmandu Valley. Dubbed Nepal's cultural gem, this predominantly pedestrian city, dating back to the 12th century, has managed to preserve many local traditions and old medieval architectural structures. The city is commonly referred to as a living museum due to its medieval squares lined with elaborate temples and palaces, impressive terracotta monuments with ornately carved wood columns, and quaint winding alleyways weaving their way between traditional red-brick homes and quaint hidden courtyards. Visitors can also look forward to experiencing the Bhaktapur’s rich cultural life as the town’s squares are filled with artisans weaving cloth, making exquisite pottery and chiselling timber in plain view of tourists passing by.
The second-largest city in Nepal, Pokhara sits on the shores of Phewa Lake in the central region of the country. Often called the ‘Adventure and Leisure Capital of Nepal’, and known as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit, Pokhara is a popular hub offering plenty to see and do. The range of activities on offer is impressive, with lakes and waterfalls to admire; yoga, reiki, and meditation classes to attend; caves (such as Mahendra) to explore; boating, canoeing, and whitewater rafting on the waterways surrounding the Lake to enjoy; and a number of challenging hikes to test your fitness (the viewpoint of Sarangkot is particularly rewarding). Meanwhile, serious trekkers can access the Annapurna Base Camp from Pokhara, the first stop for a number of stunning trails through the spectacular mountain range.
Nepal’s capital city serves as the departure point for treks into the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, and as a result, it is a major travel and tourism hub. Besides its proximity to these world-class hiking trails, the city also features many charms of its own, including an exquisite setting amidst snow-covered mountain peaks, friendly locals, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a series of ornate stone temples dating back hundreds of years. Don’t miss a visit to the sacred Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient tree-swathed site of Swayambhunath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square with its 12th-century temples.
