Nepal’s capital city serves as the departure point for treks into the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, and as a result, 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.
The town of Dulikhel is set at the far east of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s one of the best spots in the country from which to admire the magnificence of these rugged peaks offering phenomenal views of the surroundings. There’s plenty more to enjoy here than just views though. This is an authentic Nepalese town where the culture and traditions of the local Newari people have stayed strong. There is a charming old town with two lovely temples in distinct Vishnu and Hari Siddhi styles, and a Kali temple set on a hilltop above the town, from where there are lovely views of Dulikhel and its surrounds.
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.
Remote and set against the backdrop of Metsina’s enormous, rugged peaks, Lobesa is home to several enthralling sacred temples. Must-sees include the striking Chimi Lhakhang, built in the fifteenth century; and the captivating Punakha Dzong, listed as a tentative site in Bhutan's Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion - the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan. The Thimphu-Punakha Highway, a favourite among photographers, nature lovers, and thrill-seekers, is an extraordinary feature of the area, a spectacular route winding deep into the tropical wonderland of the Punakha valley.
Sitting pretty at an altitude of 2200m/7218ft, 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. There’s plenty to observe in this traditional town on the banks of Pa Chhu (Paro River). A great day excursion is to trek to the famous Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Hermitage on the face of a sheer 1000-meter-high cliff. It’s advised to do this at the end of your trip, once you’ve acclimatized to your surroundings.
