Nepal is perhaps best known for being home to eight of the ten tallest mountains in the world – including Mount Everest. However, there is much more to this beautiful country, including bustling cities, beautiful lakes, and impressive monasteries.

At 1,400m above sea level, Kathmandu is quite literally a breathtaking city. With its maze of streets, array of spiritual centres, and the buzz of the transient climbing community, Nepal’s capital offers more than a pitstop en route to the Himalayas.

A short, hair-raising flight away from Kathmandu is Lukla, the gateway to the Himalayas and the starting point for many treks and climbs. The world-famous Tenzing-Hillary airport offers quite the spectacle, with planes and helicopters ferrying adventurers to and from the mountains.

Other highlights in this deceptively disparate country include: Pokhara, with its beautiful views over Phewa Lake, Chitwan National Park, and Bandipur.