1. The city of Kathmandu is a melting pot for the nations population not only today but also in the yester years. Perhaps that is the reason behind the rich cultural heritage of the city. Kathmandu with its unique architectural heritage, palaces, temples and courtyards has inspired many writers, artisits, and poets both foreign and Nepalese. It boasts a unique symbiosis of Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Tantrism in its culture which is still alive today as it was hundreds of years ago. The relegious influence can be openly seen in the city. Kathmandu A city in transition …

2. Patan also known as ‘Lalitpur’ literally, the City of Artisans, lies 5km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who preserve ancient techniques such as repoussé and the lost wax process, still producing exquisite pieces of sculpture. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and the multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries (Vihars). The predominant sound in Patan is not motor vehicles but the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping. Patan City of artistisians …

3. Perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the City of Devotees, is a major tourist attraction taking visitors back in time. Itretains the charming paved roads, red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. The extraordinary ‘Durbar Square’ with its celebrated Golden Gate and extraordinary Palace of Fifty-Five windows reflects the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley. This ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively Bhaktapur In the past …

4. Nagarkot, located only 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round. Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different coloured flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. One can traverse short distances on hiking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock formations. Nagarkot Wind hill …

5. Pokhara valley, the ‘Jewel of the mid- west’ is a favorite of tourists from around the globe. With the magnificent Annapurna range of mountains as a backdrop and the serenity of the three lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas, Pokhara is the ultimate destination for relaxation. Yet the valley has grown in recent years as the destination for adventures sports such as paragliding and ultra-light flights. Boating, bird watching, trekking and mountain biking as the other attractions, Pokhara has it all. Pokhara Beginning of an end …

6. Asia’s most well-preserved conservation area is the Chitwan National Park, where wildlife thrives and habitats remain intact. Only a half- hour flight away from Kathmandu, the park lies in the 'Tarai' region (plains) and is home to a range of wildlife including endangered species like the Greater One-horned rhinoceros and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the park has a particularly rich flora and fauna boasting more than 450 species of birds. Resorts within the park facilitate safaris on elephant back, boat ride or jeep drives. Chitwan Jungle adventure …

7. Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site. This pilgrimage site in southwest Nepal attracts devout Buddhists from around the world, who arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. A famous landmark is the Ashoka Pillar raised by the great Emperor who converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by the multitude of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist communities. LUmbini Birth place of Buddha

8. Nuwakot is located on the hill top with breath taking views of Trisuli and Tadi valleys only 76kms North West of Kathmandu. A mere three hours drive from Kathmandu either through Kakani or from Galchi. At the center of Nuwakot is the palace of Nepal's unifier, Pritvi Narayan Shah who choose the area for its strategic hill-top views, as you will also notice when you go to Gorkha Palace. The area has a large population of Newars while there are Brahmins, Tamangs, Dalits and other ethnic groups you will see spread across the hill top. Nuwakot Peace & tranquility

9. Some 300 years ago, Nepal was divided into 50 tiny states, and Gorkha was one of them. King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founder of `Shah Dynasty', unified Nepal into one kingdom. Gorkha palace resides on top of a hill at an altitude of 3281 feet (about 1000 meter). Gorkha is also the home of Gurkhas - the legendary brave warriors who fought with knives against guns. This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage).It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular. Gorkha Birthplace of the Brave Gurkha’s

10. Bandipur, once a prosperous trading center is now a popular holiday spot with its classic Newari architecture buildings, Magar villages in the surrounding areas and beautiful view of the mountains and the deep valleys below. Originally a simple Magar village, Newars from Bhaktapur took advantage of its Malaria-free location to develop it into an important stop on the India-Tibet trade route and you can see that they have also brought with them their rich cultural heritage and architecture which adds to the beauty and feel to the present day Bandipur. Bandipur Once upon a time …

11. The trek is an easy trek in the Annapurna Sanctuary area which starts from Nayapul, a three hour drive from Pokhara. Ghandruk is a famous Gurung village and is on the way to the Annapurna Base Camp, which is for the more adventurous. As you leave Birethati and climb up from Syauli bazzar, you will see interesting Gurung villages along the trail. Reaching Ghandruk, you will see interesting views of Annapurna South, Hiunchuli, Gangapurna, Annapurna II and Machapuchare. Ghandruk The gurung village …

12. The trek to Ghorepani is a mild trek that is bound to be the beginning of your journey into many more treks in the himalayas. The trail is a relatively easy one with only some steep climbs. The trail can also be extended to Annapurna Base Camp for the more adventurous. Every year, thousands of trekkers visit Ghorepani and walk up to Poon Hill to watch the majestic Himalayas at sunrise. You can see one of the best panoramic views of the Annapurn Ghorepani The start of your journey into the Himalayas …

13. Mustang (means “fertile plain”) is the former Kingdom of Lo and now part of Nepal, in the north-central part of that country, bordering the China on the Tibetan plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. The district is officially divided into two parts, with regions north of Kagbeni as Upper Mustang and region below Kagbeni as lower Mustang. The Kingdom of Lo, the traditional Mustang region is well marked y official ‘Mustang’ border signs north of Kagbeni where non-Nepalese require special permits to enter the region. Once an independent kingdom, the region still retained its monarchy and it officially ceased to exist in 2008 by the order of the Government of Nepal. The walled city of Lo Manthang has surprisingly changed very little in appearance and the entire region is possibly the region which still has Tibetan culture intact. Upper Mustang The last mystical kingdom

14. Mustang (means “fertile plain”) is the former Kingdom of Lo and now part of Nepal, in the north-central part of that country, bordering the China on the Tibetan plateau between the Nepalese provinces of Dolpo and Manang. The district is officially divided into two parts, with regions north of Kagbeni as Upper Mustang and region below Kagbeni as lower Mustang. Lower Mustang falls in the popular Annapurna circuit where trekkers come down through the Thorang Pass (5,416m) from Manang into Muktinath (3750m) and trek down south along the Kaligandaki gorge. The gorge is one of the worlds deepest gorge separating major peaks Dhaulagiri (8165m) to the west and Annapurna (8091m) to the east. The local culture closely resembles Tibetan culture with Thakali’s dominating the lower part of the district, from South of Jomsom. Lower Mustang xxx

15. Tibet, once the forbidden kingdom whose origins are hidden in legends, has always captured man's imagination. Long been held as one of the must see places in the world, for centuries the remote and rugged plateau of Tibet has been beckoning those on a spiritual search for a heightened state of enlightenment, as well as those who simply seek to be in the heights.Tibet has been found its place in the modern day map, but remains symbol of spiritual devotion and human survival. The Tibetans, known as curious and amiable people, are probably the most religious on earth. Brightly painted monasteries with golden roofs and the deep crimson robes of monks starkly contrast the vast dusty plains and the dizzing heights of the white mountains, indeed the highest mountains in the world. Whether you arrive by flight or by vehicle across the highest plateau of the world, the first sight of Tibet is a breathtaking experience. Here, one experiences a sense of timelessness, created by the moon like landscape, the ancient solid stone houses as well as the ever changing skies. Tibet A once forbidden kingdom

16. The Kingdom of Bhutan is known for its culture, architecture and archery, but in many ways, it has remained a mystery until half a century ago.The serene country, which is about half the size of Indiana, is cradled between its husky neighbors China to the north and India to the south. Its lands include subtropical savannahs to forests to the unforgiving Himilayas that guard the country’s eastern border. Its isolation, domestic policies and decision to limit tourism have helped to protect its culture and its natural beauty. These are among the reasons it is referred to as the Last Shangri-la and the crown jewel of the Himalayas. On the other hand, the Bhutanese call their country Druk Yul, Land of the Thunder Dragon, because of the violent snow storms. Bhutan The Last Shangrila

17. Rafting in Seti River, You can have a fairly short trip in the Seti River and offers beautiful mountain views and also unique river passing through two beautiful and contrasting scenic areas of Manaslu and Annapurna regions. This River has relatively small volume but blue and warm water and we recommend this as an ideal short trip for first time rafters or as "Warm-up" for intermediate kayakers. Seti is Best River for learning kayak in Nepal as she has very best character for this. The water temperature is incredibly warm, making it a popular choice for winter trips and also for kayak clinics for the course of beginners, diploma and advanced as well. After your exhilarating white water trip you have options either to drive or fly back to Kathmandu or to visit the Royal Chitwan National Park or again you can go for the trekking trip in the popular area of Annapurna region for few days. Rafting in Seti in the mountains