Nepal is one of the most beautiful and unique countries in the world. Although it’s a destination that almost every traveler seems to admire and intends to visit someday, it receives relatively few visitors compared with many other major destinations in Asia. Nepal is known for its Hindu and Buddhist traditions and as the birthplace of Buddha. Its geography is just as remarkable for such a small country, ranging from hot jungles and subtropical lowlands in the south to the Himalayas and the highest mountains on Earth in the north.
My travels to Nepal were almost completely focused on climbing Mount Everest. I’ve been to the country twice, but both trips were limited primarily to Kathmandu and the Himalayas. Climbing in Nepal was one of the most incredible experiences of my life, but there is still an enormous amount of the country I haven’t seen. I’ll definitely return someday to explore more of Nepal beyond the mountains.
Explore Kathmandu
Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, is a dusty, chaotic, and densely populated city surrounded by the Kathmandu Valley. Historic Durbar Square is home to former royal buildings, temples, and some of the city’s most important cultural sites. Throughout Kathmandu you’ll find an eclectic mix of Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines alongside crowded shopping districts, restaurants, markets, and nightlife. For many travelers heading into the Himalayas, Kathmandu is also the starting point for their journey into the mountains.
Explore Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and rises along the border between Nepal and Tibet. The Nepal side is home to the famous Everest Base Camp trek, which takes travelers deep into the Himalayas beneath some of the world’s highest peaks. The Tibetan side offers a dramatically different perspective and a much more direct view of Everest itself.
I climbed Mount Everest from both Nepal and Tibet and photographed both routes. Although they ultimately lead to the same summit, the two sides provide very different experiences, landscapes, and views of the mountain. My Everest pages cover both routes and the journey through the Himalayas in much greater detail.
