Be One hobbyist 
◉ The trigger
Nepal has long been on my bucket list.
Famous for Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, it’s also the setting of one of my favorite films, “Everest.”
Furthermore, I often encounter Nepalese restaurants and people of Nepalese origin in my daily life, which has only boosted my desire to visit.
While I’ve always wanted to go, the expensive cost of airfare—typically exceeding 200,000 yen—had prevented me from making the trip.
However, when I started searching for tickets about three months ago for the year-end and New Year holidays, I found a deal for under 150,000 yen, making my dream a reality.
◉ How to enjoy Nepal
I think most people who visit Nepal start with the capital, Kathmandu. However, you can’t see Mount Everest from Kathmandu or its surrounding valley.
Pokhara is another popular destination, but it takes about 8 hours by bus from Kathmandu. The long travel time means it’s only feasible for those with more time on their hands.
I stayed for a week and focused solely on Kathmandu and its surrounding valley. I really enjoyed riding the local buses. “Kathmandu Valley” is a UNESCO sites, and I visited 5 out of 7 places.
Kathmandu is a big city, so I had a great time exploring it on foot, and I highly recommend taking local buses to the surrounding valley.
0.Kathmandu
1.Pashupatinath
2.Bhaktapur
3.Patan
4.Dhulikhel
5.Dakshinkali
6.Nagarkot
Thamel is a vibrant hub designed for tourists and locals alike.
With souvenir shops and stylish cafes lining the streets, the area remains lively even at night. Motorbikes and cars weave through the bustling roads, adding to the city’s dynamic energy.
The streets are adorned with colorful Tibetan prayer flags, known as “Tarcho,” creating a familiar scene reminiscent of footage from Everest expeditions.
We explored, shopped for souvenirs, and enjoyed the atmosphere until midnight, finding affordable and cozy hostels to stay in.
Kathmandu boasts four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among these, the “Kathmandu Valley” Heritage Site includes seven individual landmarks. Within the Kathmandu District, I could visit three out of four remarkable sites:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
Just a short walk from the Thamel area, this historic square is lined with ancient architectural wonders. - Pashupatinath Temple
A must-visit site, especially for its nightly prayer ceremonies, which leave visitors reflecting on the sanctity of life. - Swayambhunath Stupa Complex (also known as the Monkey Temple)
Perched at the top of a long staircase, this temple offers breathtaking views. As the sun sets, the golden stupa glows magnificently.
Just an hour’s ride by local bus from Kathmandu lies Bhaktapur, the ancient capital. Renowned for its stunning scenery, it is considered one of the most beautiful places in Nepal.
With its rows of historic buildings, Bhaktapur feels like stepping into a medieval world. Simply walking through the streets offers countless discoveries and experiences.
In the heart of the city, countless pieces of pottery are left out to dry in the open air. Watching the artisans’ work and observing the unique shapes of the pottery was both fascinating and memorable.
Bhaktapur is also famous for its yogurt, known as Juju Dhau, which translates to “King’s Yogurt.” Its rich, creamy texture and bold flavor left a lasting impression.
At Dattatreya Temple, many worshippers gathered, engaged in prayer, adding a deeply spiritual atmosphere to the historic site.
Just a two-hour ride by local bus from Kathmandu, Nagarkot offers some of the most expansive views of the Himalayan mountain range.
This hilltop destination provides one of the widest panoramas of the Himalayas, with eight out of the thirteen major Himalayan ranges visible right from your hotel.
We enjoyed local cuisine while taking in the breathtaking views of the mountains. The grandeur of the scenery gave us a profound sense of the Earth’s vastness.