Nepal: In The Shadow Of Giants

Sandwiched between China to the north and India to the south, Nepal receives influences from Asia's two major powers, but this unique land bordered by the greatest mountain range on Earth promises experiences offered nowhere else

Whether you call it Everest, Chomolongma (Tibetan) or Sagarmatha (Nepali), the world’s highest peak will always have a strong association with Nepal for foreign visitors, even if the border with China runs across its summit point. Indeed, while there may be base camps on opposite sides of the mountain, it’s the South Base Camp on the Nepali side that attracts trekkers from around the world. China closed the North Base Camp to visitors without climbing permits in 2019 in an effort to deal with the mounting rubbish problems at the site.

But if we’re being honest, who of us really wants to undertake the gruelling two-week hike to more than 5,000 metres above sea level? Luckily, there are a myriad of other amazing things to do in this culturally rich land that don’t require months of training and risking the loss of minor limbs to frostbite. For starters, you can enjoy some breathtaking views of the Himalayas without requiring supplementary oxygen. You can immerse yourself in the country’s Hindu and Buddhist traditions through its incredible stupas, temples, pagodas and other pilgrimage sites. And to top it all, you can – with a little luck – head into the lush jungles and spot everything from Bengal tigers to one-horned rhinos.

KATHMANDU