Visit Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

Away from the architectural complexities of Durbar Square, the simplicity of the towering white Buddhist stupas at Bodnath and Swayambhunath are striking.

Swayambhunath and Bodnath stupa

Swayambhunath plays host to both playful monkeys and magnificent views across the valley, while Bodnath stupa is encircled by Tibetan shops, hotels, houses and temples.

Sacred site of Pashupatinath

Visiting Bodnath can be combined with nearby Pashupatinath, the most sacred Hindu site outside of India, where the burning funeral pyres lie on the banks of the Bagmati River.

Medieval mountain villages — Dhulikhel and Nagarkot

Going further out of the valley are Dhulikhel and Nagarkot: beautiful, medieval mountain villages that offer wonderful vistas at sunrise and sunset.