Visiting he home of Everest and another seven of the top ten highest peaks of the world will take your breath away, and not just because of the extreme altitudes you can encounter. From the heat of the Indian plains to the sheer cold of the mountains, this is a diverse country with something for everyone.
Naturally, the first thing that will come to mind is trekking, and if that appeals to you then Nepal is basically heaven, the Himalayas (or 'Abode of Snows' as it is known in Sanskrit) offering some of the most spectacular views on earth, as well as the chance to follow in the footsteps of the greats in climbing to Everest Base Camp (it's not as hard as you think). If the mountains aren't your thing, there are plenty of activities to get the pulse racing, from world-class white-water rafting, mountain biking (if you ever wondered why these bikes had so many gears, this is why) or even the chance to catch a glimpse of a tiger in the renowned Chitwan National Park.
It's not all about adrenaline though - the artistic and architectural heritage is world-class too. Make sure to check out Durbar Square in Kathmandu, which is crowded with palaces and temples which sometimes date back to 1000AD, and you must pay a visit to Swayambhu, a large stupa and one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. The hippy haven of Freak Street is a traditional stop for western tourists in search of enlightenment, or maybe just a good dumpling, and the sight of the reclining idol of Bhagwan Vishnu is a strangely calming experience.
Away from the capital, the lake-side city of Pokhara is fast becoming the destination of choice thanks to its reputation among many as the most beautiful place on earth. Skeptics should try seeing the high white peaks reflected in the mirrored waters of unspoiled lakes. Add activities such as boating, biking and paragliding to a vibrant live music scene and it becomes easy to see why Pokhara is so popular.
A number of golf courses around the world claim to have spectacular views, which can leave one short of words to describe the vistas available on some of the Nepal courses. The Royal Nepal Golf Club in Kathmandu is, as you would expect, a tough undulating course where part of the challenge is not getting distracted by the sight of the most famous mountain range in the world. In Pakhara, the Himalayan Golf Course is an equally stunning experience. Set in the tranquil seclusion of a river canyon dotted with eagles' nests and waterfalls, take a camera (and some extra balls) on what promises to be an unforgettable golfing experience.
