Swayambhunath Stupa

 The best time to visit is early evening when local devotees circumnavigate the stupa, spinning prayer wheels as they go and making their way through the ever present smoky incense hanging heavy in the air. 

This lofty hilltop also provides the best vistas of Kathmandu, perfect for a sunset snap.

Dodge monkeys and admire the views of kathmandu at swayambhunath stupa

A visit to Swayambhunath (or Monkey temple) is one of the best things to do in Nepal, and an essential experience to have in Kathmandu

 Swayambhunath is a beautiful, if not slightly chaotic jumble of Hindu and Buddhist iconography; at the top there’s a heady scent of incense and butter candles, and the hum of the sacred om mani padme hum (in which all of Buddha’s teachings are said to be found).

The Best of Nepal 4 Boudhanath

 Thousands of pilgrims visit each day to walk around the central dome, spinning prayer wheels as they go; Tibetan monks chant mantras and pray in the surrounding monasteries while tourists take it all in.

 The best time to visit Boudhanath is during the late afternoon when the place has a more authentic feel. Locals go about their daily ritual and the surrounding area is less busy, and the golden glow of the afternoon sun envelopes the stupa.

 After the 2015 earthquake, the main part of the stupa collapsed, however after restoration efforts to reinforce the structure, the eyes of buddha gaze out over Kathmandu from the gilded central tower.

The Common Wanderer

(to be continued)

The Best of Nepal 3 Boudhanath stupa

 If you want to experience Kathmandu's spiritual side, Boudhanath stupa really is a must visit attraction in Nepal.

Boudhanath Stupa, a vast 14th-century spherical Buddhist stupa that also proudly holds the dual titles of largest in Nepal, and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet.

Festooned with Buddhist prayer flags, the whitewashed dome and all-seeing eye of Buddha is already impressive when viewed at ground level - and when viewed from above, the complex transforms into the shape of a Mandala and a tribute to Buddha’s path to Enlightenment.

The Common Wanderer (to be continued)

The Best of Nepal 2

 We’ve spent almost three months travelling through the country, which has felt like a whole lifetime too little, yet in that time we’ve trekked the Annapurna Circuit, Poon Hill, and Everest Base Camp, relaxed lakeside in Pokhara, navigated Kathmandu's craziness and somehow survived (and thrived), jumped off the highest tandem rope swing in the world, and searched for tigers on safari in Chitwan National Park.

We’re here to tell you there are a lot of amazing things to do in Nepal, and although you almost certainly won’t have time to do them all, this guide is packed full of our recommendations for the top cultural highlights, outdoor adventures, and travel tips to help you enjoy your time here.

The Common Wanderer (to be continued)

The Best of Nepal

 Here’s our definitive list of things to do in Nepal, because after three months travelling through this country, we know a thing or two! Discover famous attractions, ancient sites, sacred temples, epic hiking and jungle safaris.

Welcome to the greatest country on earth: Nepal.

A true traveller’s nirvana unparalleled anywhere else on earth, this land-locked gem has an overwhelming amount of things to do.

Home to seven of the world's 10 tallest mountains, some of the best hiking and mountaineering imaginable, the birthplace of Buddha, steamy lowland plains and incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, ancient royal cities and rabbit-warren-like streets of Kathmandu, plus adventure activities to blow your mind (or cause a heart attack), and some of the kindest locals imaginable, the question of what to do in Nepal is one you could be forgiven for feeling overwhelmed by.

But it’s one we’re here to help you answer.

The Common Wanderer (to be continued)

Trekking in Nepal 4

The accommodations became more sparse and uncomfortable but the exhilaration of being in these mountains is why you came here in the first place. Although you maintain a strict regimen of sanitization throughout the trek, your only shower came  days after the start, and you soon realize how the gravel and dust of the mountains is relocated to its lower valleys.

I know that I was reluctant to consider this adventure holiday, but it was well worth the effort. If you have a bucket list, this should be on it - just don't wait until your knees are wearing out!

Wayne Hoskins