Kathmandu

Kathmandu Valley, once a collection of rival Newar kingdoms, preserves one of Asia's most distinctive living cultures.

Its ornate brick and carved-wood architecture, centred on the three ancient Durbar Squares, feels like a physical manifestation of ancient belief, and Buddhist pilgrims still walk the ring around Boudhanath Stupa at sunrise.

Fly into:

• Tribhuvan International KTM

Between cities, local buses are slow but cheap; private taxis offer speed for around 10-20 EUR for day trips to Patan or Bhaktapur. Within Kathmandu, use ride-hailing apps like Pathao for reliable taxis and motorbike rides.

Join the locals for the kora, the meditative circuit walk around Boudhanath Stupa, either at sunrise or sunset to catch the light and the chants. Lose yourself in the narrow, interconnected alleyways and hidden courtyards of the historic Newari towns like Patan and Bhaktapur.

Best in Fall

Fall: mild, sunny days around 20-25C with clear skies, cool evenings, and excellent mountain views.

• broken-in walking shoes
• light layers for cool evenings
• a versatile scarf for dust and sun
• reusable water bottle
• small daypack for day trips