Kathmandu

The capital and largest city in Nepal, Kathmandu dominates the Kathmandu Valley at the heart of the country. It is an incredibly vibrant city, with a fascinating medieval character. The narrow streets are often clogged with traffic and the city suffers from pollution and overpopulation, putting a great strain on the electricity and water supply. However, take a little time to explore the city and you will be rewarded with bustling markets, fabulous temples and a surprisingly laid-back atmosphere.

At the centre of the city, Durbar Square has some of Nepal's finest traditional architecture, with several fine wood-carved buildings. Kathmandu itself took its name from a building known as Kasthamandap (the 'House of Wood') which is still in the centre of the old city. The nearby 'Kumari Bahal' (House of the Living Goddess) is a temple which has the unusual honour of being home to a living goddess. She is rarely seen outside of the temple, but you may get a glimpse of her in her inner courtyard.

The Thamal District and Freak Street were famous stopovers for hippy travellers a generation ago, and today are full of shops, bars, restaurants and hotels. Further out, the Swambhu Temple (better known as the monkey temple) and Boudhanath are fascinating Buddhist sites on the outskirts of the city, while Pashupatinath is a famous Hindu shrine.