A spiritual getaway, far from the hustle and bustle of Thamel.
 Situated just 5 kilometres from the city, Boudhanath is one of the most revered Buddhist shrines in Nepal.

Boudhanath: a procession around the largest stupa in Nepal


Go into Gorkha town itself, which is one of the most historically interesting towns in Nepal.

The historic town of Gorkha

Do you want to see a wild tiger? Don't miss the Bardiya National Park, the place where your wish is most likely to be fulfilled.

Bardiya National Park, your best chance to see a tiger!

The Tharu villages around the Bardiya National Park

Patan

Pokhara

Birethanti

Gorepani

Perched at a 1,700m, the  Changu Narayan Temple is one of the Kathmandu's oldest sanctuaries. It's one of seven monuments that, in 1979, became UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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A trip to the village of Changu Narayan and to its eponym temple are definitely worth considering if you have a few days to spend in the surroundings of Kathmandu. You can reach it via a 2 hour walk in the forest from Bhaktapur. I chose the local colour bus, in other words having the latest Bollywood hits as musical and visual background... Music which isn't very spiritual, but has the knack of putting all kitsch lovers in a good mood.
Although the area is less touristic than Dubar Square, there are many souvenir shops around the temple. It's also logical, the Changu Narayan is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. I guess that during the time I went there, the local inhabitants expected to see the number of visitors increase each year.
I really liked the spot and I must admit, however, after a succession of diverse and varied temple visits (there are lots of them in the region), I started a little bit - shame on me - to be rather choosy... But the village with its superb traditional houses and particularly its really pleasant atmosphere is worth a visit; definitely recommended!

Village and temple dedicated to Vishnu, on the outskirts of the rice fields of Bhaktapur.

The Changu Narayan is one of the country's most famous Hindu sanctuaries and takes pride of place in this little red-brick town. Sadly, it was damaged during the devasting 2015 earthquake, particularly during the second one on 12th May. 
Built during the 6th Century on top of a hill, it's dedicated to Vishnou (or Narayan in Hindu). The area is dotted with accommodation for pilgrims, who have been coming here for centuries. 
I'm not sure what state it's in today, but do I hope you'll get to see its wonderful golden doors, wooden sculptures and strange stone carvings that are half man, half woman - representations of Shiva/Parvati and Vishnou/Lakshmi as single beings. It's as romantic as it is spiritual.

Perched at a 1,700m, the Changu Narayan Temple is one of the Kathmandu's oldest sanctuaries. It's one of seven monuments that, in 1979, became UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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