Home to people belonging to diverse ethnic backgrounds. Hinduism is the dominant religion but Buddhism also plays an important role in society as present day Nepal was the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Kathmandu Valley, Trekking Guides and Chitwan National Park…..See below:

for Lumbini and Buddha’s Path: CLICK HERE

view from Namo Buddha

Nepal mostly conjures up images of the magnificent Himalayan peaks and a paradise for trekkers. Kathmandu is also known for congested chaotic traffic! But once within the old Durbar Squares and Heritage sites, you find yourself in medieval living museums with ancient architecture protected in no-traffic zones!

The resilience and spirit of the people is astounding and over the years, so many visitors have cherished Nepal in their hearts.

Kathmandu Valley and Heritage sites:

Accomodations in Kathmandu:

Thamel area: filled with guesthouses, restaurants, shops and crazy congestion attracting travelers from all over the world.

A few recommended places away from the Thamel bustle:

Hotel Vajra:
Newari style accommodations not far from Durbar Square and close to Swayambunath Stupa
https://hotelvajra.com/

Dwarikas Hotel: 5-star luxury not far from the airport. If not staying here, very worthwhile to visit for tea or a meal and appreciate the Newari architecture.

https://www.dwarikas.com/home/

Patan:

just south of Kathmandu, the heritage town of Patan is a more relaxed base. Visit the Golden Temple and the fabulous Patan Museum which is home to precious art.
There is also a lovely café for lunch: www.patanmuseum.gov.np

The Inn Patan:
restored home converted to a boutique inn located just off the pedestrian area: www.theinnpatan.com

If website not working, find them on Booking com

Bhaktapur

Hotel Heritage: a lovely base to explore the sites and Heart of Bhaktapur.
https://www.hotelheritage.com.np/

Boudhanath:

Known as “Boudha”, the Little Tibet of Nepal, and home to the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal.

Boudha is my favorite home-base to explore monastic life and unwind watching daily life go by around the stupa. Located approx 20 min. drive east of Kathmandu airport, time can become timeless once settled in, taking in the energy and view of the stupa from the many cafes while throngs of locals come to worship and socialize. The area around the stupa is filled with galleries and thangka painting schools with access to monasteries for dharma activities.

Accomodations in Boudha:

Rokpa Guesthouse:

a particular favorite, supporting the humanitarian work of:  https://www.rokpa.org/en

Founded by Akong Tulku Rinpoche and Swiss actress Lea Wyler and her late father. The guesthouse is in converted home with comfortable rooms a run by local staff with the training of Swiss efficiency. Located in a pleasant quiet garden, a short walk from the bustle around the stupa.

https://www.rokpaguesthouse.org/guesthouse-home

Bodhi Guesthouse 
simple rooms behind the Shechen Monastery complex in a lovely garden setting with a good restaurant.
https://www.bodhiguesthouse.com/

Shechen Monastery is under the lineage of Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dilgo_Khyentse

Learn more about humanitarian work of Karuna Shechen founded by Matthieu Ricard:
https://karuna-shechen.org/

Dharma World around Boudha:

Ka-Nyigma Monastery, also known as the White Monastery

Just off the stupa- Dharma talks are usually held on Saturdays

Kopan Monastery – a few kms up the hill from Boudha
This is the Mother Temple founded by Lama Yeshe and Lama Zopa Rinpoche along with the Foundation for the Preservation of Mahayana Tradition.
Offering a series of courses and retreats including the yearly month long November Course:  https://www.kopanmonastery.com/

More info on centers worldwide:  https://www.fpmt.org

Countryside in Kathmandu Valley:
Beyond Bhaktapur, venture east to the countryside through Dhulikel and up to Kavre and Namo Buddha. If you are not able to do a long trek, this area offers beautiful walks along with great views of the Himalaya if the skies are clear.

Namo Buddha Organic Farm Resort:
Close to Trangu Tashi Yangste monastery, simple living with an organic farm:
https://namobuddharesort.com/

Nagarkot:
closer to Bhaktapur with more upscale accommodations:
Club Himalaya:  https://www.clubhimalaya.com/

Cultural Walks, Guides and Treks:

3 Jewels Adventures
Amber Tamang and his team can assist with cultural walks and treks throughout Nepal.https://threejewelsadv.com/

Lawudo Gompa and Retreat:
Check out this special place in Solo Khumbu where Lama Zopa of Kopan grew up:
www.lawudo.com
www.facebook.com/Lawudo-Gompa-Project-477905655558541

Trek to Lawudo to support the monastery.
Organized by Kopan Monastery:
https://lawudo-trek.org/

Chitwan National Park:
Full day bus ride or fly from Kathmandu to Bharatpur in the south of Nepal.

Temple Tiger Green Resort

is located on the edge of Chitwan National Park by the Narayani River.
Support Elephants and you may be fortunate to spot rhino or a leopard and if very lucky, see a tiger!
The staff and naturalists of the resort present talks on the fauna and flora of the park:
https://www.greenjungleresort.com/

Owned by Venture Travels-  designing travel programs in Nepal for over  30years.
https://venturetravel.com.np/

Namaste!