Nepal

Nepal has always been a dream destination for adventurers and thrill-seekers. Open to tourists for just 50 years, this tiny mountain kingdom has attracted hippies and hikers, poets and pilgrims, monks and mountaineers. Nepal's fortunes took a nose-dive during the ten-year Maoist rebellion, but with the signing of the truce in 2006, travelers are slowly returning to the temples, viewpoints and rugged trekking routes around the ancient capital, Kathmandu. Almost everyone makes time for the temples and medieval towns of the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan National Park and the mountain-fringed lake at Pokhara. Trekkers test their endurance on the ...

Nepal has always been a dream destination for adventurers and thrill-seekers. Open to tourists for just 50 years, this tiny mountain kingdom has attracted hippies and hikers, poets and pilgrims, monks and mountaineers. Nepal's fortunes took a nose-dive during the ten-year Maoist rebellion, but with the signing of the truce in 2006, travelers are slowly returning to the temples, viewpoints and rugged trekking routes around the ancient capital, Kathmandu. Almost everyone makes time for the temples and medieval towns of the Kathmandu Valley, Chitwan National Park and the mountain-fringed lake at Pokhara. Trekkers test their endurance on the trails around Everest Base Camp and the Annapurna Massif, while spiritually-minded travelers seek enlightenment in monasteries and retreats around the Kathmandu Valley. Don't overlook the plains - the Terai is dotted with Hindu townships, pristine national parks and famous pilgrimage sites, including the birthplace of the Buddha at Lumbini.

About the Expert

Joe Bindloss has written more than 30 guidebooks for Lonely Planet, Time Out and other publishers, with a focus on Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and island nations.