• Enjoy the magic of Kathmandu, the capital and also the cultural, commercial and business hub of the Kingdom. In Durbar Square, discover a wonderful collection of temples and shrines, the old Royal Palace, and the Statue of Hanuman the Monkey God.

• Attend one of Nepal's many colourful festivals. Holi, in spring, sees everyone splattered with powdered paint and a three-tier umbrella erected in Kathmandu's Durbar Square before being taken down and set alight. Indra Jatra, in autumn, includes an appearance by the Kumari Devi, Nepal's living goddess.

• Stretch your legs on the short steep walk from Bandipur, south of Pokhara, to visit the Thani Mai Temple. The architecture is stunning around the perfectly preserved Newari village. Even more impressive are the Himalaya views, particularly spectacular at sunset.

• Before heading on to Pokhara, take time to visit Siddha Gufa, the largest cave in the country with spectacular limestone formations, just outside Bandipur.

• In Bhaktapur (the ‘Temple City'), have a look at unusual, colourful animal paintings in the National Art Gallery, located in the old Malla Palace. Other museums include the National Woodworking Museum, showing fine examples of renowned Newari woodcarving, and the Brass and Bronze Museum.

• In Patan, discover ancient historic and artistic landmarks, including Patan Durbar Square (also the location for the interesting Patan Museum), Krishna Mandir, the Royal Bath, the Kumbheshwor Temple and the Golden Temple. See exotic South Asian animals in the Jawalakhel Zoo. 

• Take a more leisurely route along the Sapt Kosi River as it flows through the Koshi Tappu Reserve, and look out for gangetic dolphins.

• Go to Pashputinath to see the sadhus, or wandering Hindu holy men, who make pilgrimages to the ghats and holy waters.

• Visit the Shrine of Ganesh the Elephant God, reputed to bring good luck. There are four Ganesh temples in the valley, each a masterpiece of Nepalese architecture - one in Kathmandu's Durbar Square, one in Chabahil, one in Chobar and one near Bhaktapur.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.