Kathmandu

At a lofty elevation of 4,500 feet above sea level, Kathmandu is every bit the gateway to the top of the world. A warren of narrow streets below, and temple roofs above, the Nepalese capital sits in the shadow of the majestic Great Himalaya Range beyond. Stunning and quite unique, what was once a key stopping-off point on the hippie trail is now home to one of the region’s most lauded UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Must See:
Head to the temple-filled Durbar Square for one of the city’s gems, the ancient palace of the Newar kings.

Must eat at:
Set in a 150-year old mansion, Bhojan Griha offers a festival of local Nepalese cuisine, where diners (all sat on elaborate floor cushions) are serenaded by musicians who wander through the restaurant’s multiple rooms.

Must be there for:
October and November are by far and away the best times to visit Kathmandu, as the season is dry, the weather balmy – and the all-important visibility is near-perfect. Then just sit back and let the city’s world-famous backdrop do the talking.

Well-travelled facts:
· Kathmandu is also known as Kantipur.
· As a legendary stopping-off point on the 1960s hippie trail, Kathmandu has made its way into much western popular culture of the time, including songs by Cat Stevens and Bob Seger.

Visa:
British citizens need a visa to visit Nepal. For full information, please visit http://www.nepembassy.org.uk/visa_information.html