If you plan it right, you can enjoy some of the most thrilling and unique aspects of this small Himalayan kingdom as you explore its cultural and natural highlights.

Kathmandu

Bristling with activity, present day Kathmandu, political, commercial, and cultural hub of Nepal, is a lively place with never a dull moment. Its contemporary vibe has been further enhanced by the comings and goings of the international climbing and adventure sports aficionados and the burgeoning culinary expressions and art scene. Being the capital of the ancient kingdom of Kathmandu, it has always gathered the spotlight on the royals and, of course, palace gossip.

Across from the palace is the fantastic cultural theatre of the UNESCO-acclaimed Durbar Square, lively as a beehive, with its line-up of historic structures standing cheek-by-jowl. Of note here are the carved facades, the workmanship of Newar artists. This plaza was used to host holy ceremonies, royal events, and kingly coronations. Mirrored in the pagoda-style temples, and palaces and the flow of devotees, monks and priests is the religious syncretism of Hinduism, Buddhism and Tantrism that are so deeply embedded in Nepali culture. Safeguarding a unique Nepali Hindu tradition of worship is the Kumari Ghar, a secretive temple which houses the Kumar Devi, or Living Virgin Goddess.

Riding around on a bike or travelling on foot on a guided tour is the most exciting way to explore the old town and the bustling bazaar scenes, all of which reflect the city’s deep-rooted traditions and heritage landscape.

An exceptional experience, very much part of contemporary Kathmandu, is the graffiti culture which began in 2011 by international artists visit the city. This resonated strongly with Nepal youth artists who embraced this vibrant street tradition, which continues to thrive vigorously on themes revolving around local culture, heritage and art, and even prominent Nepali personalities. If you’ve the money and the time, you must indulge in champagne –breakfast at Everest Base Camp in plain sight of the world’s highest mountain.

Bhaktapur

Lose yourself in the quieter, more slow-paced ambience of this medieval city established by Ananda Dev Malla in 889 CE, for an authentic Nepali experience. This ‘Living City’, holds firmly on its ancient legacy of arts and crafts and architectural heritage. Inscribed on the World Heritage List since 1979, it is home to two of the seven UNESCO sites in the Kathmandu Valley. You cannot miss a visit to either. There’s the Durbar Square and the Changunarayan Temple. Bhaktapur, which was a thriving outpost on the ancient Into-Tibet trade route, is also an almost an exclusive Newar Settlement. The Newar community is native to the Kathmandu Valley. Deeply embedded in Nepal’s culture are the community’s highly developed craftsmanship and art and culinary traditions. Be sure to indulge in a traditional Newari meal and a visit to an artisan’s workplace and home, which offer delightful insights into their culture.

The city has strong religious traditions and witnesses many jatras, Unmissable treats at the Durbar Square (Layeku), the venue for socio-cultural and religious events, are the amazing Golden Gate at the Taleju Bhawani Temple, the 55-Windowed Palace and Jagannath, Kedarnath, Rameshwor and Badrinath temples. At the National Art Gallery, linger over thangkas, palm-leaf manuscripts, and statuary of deep antiquity. At the Dattatreya Square, spend time at the Dattatreya Temple, the Bhimsen Temple, the wood carving museum and the lovely peacock window.

Pokhara

It’s the beautiful gateway to that paradise of adventure and beauty, the Annapurna Circuit, a deep and abiding allurement for the global trekking community. But Pokhra itself is enchanting enough to lure visitors to extend their stay here and enjoy the three lakes–Phewa, Rupa and Begnas, the walking and hiking trails and local scene. The serene Phewa Lake complex allows you to take a leisurely boat ride to soak up the beauteous mountain views from its pristine surrounds. The lake waters offer a fabulous reflection of Mt Macchapucchre (Fishtail Mountain). The Tal Barahi Temple on the island in the lake is a big draw for the devout. Wander around the old town and steep yourself is the laid-back ambience heightened by the old-world architecture and local life. Sunrise views from Begnas Lake are a perfect treat. It’s a great place to uncover the story of Nepal’s tryst with coffee culture. You will get to interact with the coffee planters and learn all about coffee plantation here.

Chitwan

Located in the gorgeous environs of the Terai region, Chitwan offers a variety of enticing holiday experiences. On the outskirts of the national park you will enjoy encounters with the Tharu community and discover some unique aspects of their culture which have been shaped by these forested environs. A trek to Chepang village in the Mahabharat Range brings you in contact with other ethnic settlements located here. One of the world’s best game parks, Chitwan National Park, is fabled for some of the most thrilling animal spotting safaris.

That Nepal has so much to offer visitors in terms of its natural beauty, its spiritual landscape, its ethnic diversity, its crafting traditions and so much else, it makes total sense to plan many return trips over the years.