Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, has long held a mystique for travelers, and was once thought to be the fabled “Shangri-La”. Not quite Shangri-La, it is instead a jumble of rickshaw traffic, architectural wonder in Durbar Square, a old medieval town boasting ancient workshops and streets waiting to be discovered. Popular with independent travelers, Kathmandu is not always clear to immerse yourself in, but offers great rewards for those who do, from yoga centers and Buddhist temples for spiritual seekers to the Newari restaurants featuring traditional dancers for the gourmand adventurer. A favorite site on the outskirts of the city is the magnificent Swayambhunath Stupa, which is perched on a hill over the city.