Things to Do in Nepal

Though it means a long climb (and possibly being hassled by agitated Columbus Monkeys), a trip to the oldest shrine in Kathmandu Valley is a must when in Nepal. The eyes of Buddha that adorn the main stupa are a quintessential symbol of the country.

Kathmandu draws its name from an intriguing structure in its central Durbar Square, named Kaasthamandap. This temple is entirely wooden, and legend has it that its two storeys were constructed from timber cut from a single tree.

The capital, Kathmandu, has attracted a steady influx of visitors since the 1960s, when the nation's previously secretive reputation was lifted, thrusting Nepal into the modern world. It became a popular stop on the hippie trail, with scores of would-be beatniks heading to the aptly-named Freak Street.

One of the last untouched forests in Kathmandu Valley, the park houses a veritable menagerie of animals, as well as offering superb views of the capital. The reserve also provides fantastic opportunities for walking, rock climbing and caving.

Although it needs little introduction, the highest peak in the world is the pinnacle of Nepal's vertigo-inducing landscape. The Nepalese economy thrives on the reputation of the mountain, thanks to the financial contribution of battle-scarred professional mountaineers and the more foolhardy (and actually quite dangerous) amateur explorers.