Kathmandu

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal. The valley holds seven UNESCO World Heritage monument zones, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath stupa, Boudhanath -- one of the largest stupas in the world -- and the Pashupatinath temple on the Bagmati river.

Thamel's lanes are full of handicraft shops, trekking outfitters and restaurants, and the city is the gateway for most journeys in Nepal.