Kathmandu

The Kathmandu Valley is where Nepal's history comes alive. Once home to three rival kingdoms, it holds seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within a single bowl-shaped valley — a density of temples, palaces and monasteries found almost nowhere else on Earth.

Wander the carved wooden windows of Kathmandu Durbar Square, spin prayer wheels at the hilltop stupa of Swayambhunath, and watch butter lamps flicker at Boudhanath as the sun sets. Beyond the monuments, Kathmandu is also the starting point for nearly every trek and tour in Nepal, making it the natural first stop on any journey.