Things to see and do in Nepal

Hire a mountain bike and peddle your way around the quieter corners of the Kathmandu Valley. Be rewarded with stunning valley vistas, especially from Nagarot in the Bhaktapur District, which also boasts a view of Everest's snow-topped peak.

Get close to Everest's peak without the leg work by taking a scenic flight. Most domestic airlines arrange flights in light aircraft, and flights are also available from Pokhara and other locations west of the capital, flying over the spectacular Annapurna range.

Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, and is found on the banks of the Bagmati river in the eastern part of the city. See the many sadhus - wandering Hindu holy men swathed in bright red and yellow robes - who make pilgrimages to the river's holy waters.

The tried and tested method of getting great views of Nepal's wildlife is by elephant back. Plod your way through national parks, such as the Royal Bardia National Park or the Royal Chitwan National Park, for the best possible chance of spotting rhinos, wild elephant and, if you're very lucky, the orange streak of a Bengal tiger.

Relax after a mighty trek by taking a rowing boat out on Phewa Tal, the mesmerising lake in the Pokhara Valley. See the reflections of the Annapurna range glinting in the calm waters, and glide across to the Barahi mandir temple, situated on the island in the lake.

Scout for Tibetan handicrafts and artefacts at the hugely impressive Bodnath Stupa, a centre of Tibetan exile culture, just a short ride from central Kathmandu. Alternatively, visit the lively bazaar in the hill town of Gorkha - the ancestral home of the Shah Dynasty and residence of the original Gurkha soldiers.

Siddha Gufa, the largest cave in Nepal, features spectacular undulating limestone formations. It is found just outside the hilltop Newari village of Bandipur, a short trek (about one and a half hours) away.

Nepal's undulating landscape is particularly breathtaking from the air. Try ballooning, hang-gliding or even have a go at flying a micro-light plane, from Kathmandu, Pokhara or the Langtang region. Paragliding is also a popular activity in Pokhara.