| Many people, especially expats with families living in | | | | the mountains is from September through to |
| Hong Kong, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Beijing and Bangkok | | | | February. If you are heading up on a Saturday, pre |
| to name a few find themselves with a short period | | | | booking a hotel is advised as the locals love this place |
| of holiday time and no idea where to spend it. The | | | | too. |
| thriving Himalayan city of Kathmandu is a short flight | | | | After an overnight stay in Nagarkot you can return |
| form most of these cities and is an affordable, | | | | by vehicle to Kathmandu, or if you have an active |
| exciting and culturally rich holiday awaiting you in | | | | family, take the time to trek down through the |
| Kathmandu. | | | | hillside Tamang Villages to Changunayaran, the oldest |
| Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal and the central | | | | and one of the loveliest temples in the whole of |
| tourist hub that acts as the gateway to the mighty | | | | Kathmandu Valley. With an entry fee of just 70 |
| Himalaya. If you don't know what to do and where | | | | rupees per person, it is certainly worth a visit. From |
| to go you could easily waste your precious time in | | | | here, it is easy to arrange a taxi down to Bhaktapur, |
| the tourist traps, being hassled by touts and wasting | | | | the ancient walled city. I recommend staying a night |
| money on expensive non-local arranged sightseeing | | | | here, make the most of the US$10 entry fee and |
| tours. Kathmandu has a charm hidden underneath all | | | | spend a good amount of time exploring the cobbled |
| the "tourist tinsel" and the best way to find it is by | | | | lane ways of Bhaktapur, which at one time was a |
| going local. Though doing it rough and ready is not | | | | kingdom in its own rights! Tucked away behind the |
| ideal for most people travelling with young families, a | | | | main square, you can find Potters Square which is |
| little bit of preplanning and a good balance of | | | | where the locals still make by hand all forms of |
| organised and do it yourself touring can give you an | | | | pottery for everyday and temple usage. Bhaktapur |
| amazing holiday in Kathmandu. And getting around is | | | | offers several quaint guesthouses to spend the night |
| much easier than you think. | | | | and have a hot meal. If you feel the need to explore |
| Hook up with a local tour operator and book yourself | | | | the city at a great depth, local guides can be hired |
| on a three day jungle safari in Chitwan. It's a good | | | | from any guest house or at the main gate. |
| chance to get out of the city, see the country/jungle | | | | Back in Kathmandu, be original and instead of joining |
| side and best of all the kids will absolutely love | | | | up for the stock standard day tour of the big three, |
| bathing the elephants, riding them and playing with | | | | Pashupati, Durbar Square and Boulda, hail a local |
| baby elephants at the breeding centre. Interaction | | | | rickshaw or two and pile your family in for some fun |
| with these gentle giants will be a highlight talked | | | | exploring the back lanes, hidden temples and thriving |
| about by them for years to come. Best of all at the | | | | local markets of old Kathmandu, ending your ride in |
| standard price of US$80 per person for three days all | | | | Basantapur making sure you take some time to |
| inclusive of meals, accommodation, transport and | | | | explore Durbar Square and the old royal palace. Get |
| jungle activities, it's a bargain....don't forget to ask for | | | | your driver to show you the best place to taste |
| a discount for younger kids! | | | | Chai, Nepal's famous sweet spiced milk tea. You |
| Return to Kathmandu and get yourself to Nagarkot, | | | | should expect to pay your driver about 100 rupees |
| one of the premier hill stations, here you will find a | | | | per hour and if you are lucky to have a chatty one |
| hotel for any budget and taste, there is plenty to | | | | you will learn more about life and time in Kathmandu |
| offer and getting there is a synch, book a taxi or | | | | than you would from your average tour guide who |
| take the daily tourist bus which departs from Thamel | | | | just recites facts and figures learned from Lonely |
| at 7 am everyday in tourist season and on demand | | | | Planet! |
| out of season. The big attraction to Nagarkot is what | | | | So there you have it, you may have overlooked |
| everyone comes to Nepal to see, the Mountains. | | | | Nepal as a holiday destination for a short trip, thinking |
| From this hilltop town, views can be seen right from | | | | that you had to spend weeks on end travelling and |
| Annapurna in the west all the way down to | | | | trekking, it's not true, there is plenty on offer in and |
| Kanchengjunga in the east. If you are lucky a guide | | | | just around the Kathmandu Valley to make an |
| or one of the hotel staff will be able to point out the | | | | affordable, rewarding and culturally rich holiday for |
| distant peak of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in | | | | your family in the kingdom of the Himalayas! |
| the world. Everest is seen most clearly at sunrise. | | | | Have fun planning your holiday and enjoy what's right |
| The best time of year to see impressive views of | | | | on your doorstep. |
