Nepal

For backpackers eager to catch a glimpse of the world’s highest mountains and experience a unique balance of religions and cultures, Kathmandu is a great city to visit. Nepal’s capital is situated in the center of the country and is a stone’s throw away from the Himalayas.

While many backpackers use Kathmandu as a base for heading north, the city has a lot to offer on its own. Thamel, the tourist district, has more than enough guest houses and hostels for the budget backpacker, and the streets are lined with ethnic restaurants – from Indian to Israeli – and craft salesmen. As a backpacker, staying in Thamel is a great way to meet fellow travelers and meet with tour companies to plan the rest of your trip. Be on your guard, however, as the streets can be a little intimidating at first.

In Kathmandu, there are several attractions worth visiting, all of which are located within a 30 minute cab ride of Thamel. At Pashupatinath, you can witness traditional Hindu cremations and marvel at wandering ascetics. Swayambunath temple is home to impish, wild monkeys that tend to surprise the unsuspecting backpacker. If you’re interested in Buddhism, visiting Boudhanath is a must, especially during the auspicious full moon.

Trekking in the Himalayas is a surreal experience with opportunities for all levels of backpackers. From lowland, scenic trails to harrowing, snowcapped summits over 8000m tall, the Khumbu region draws tourists from all over the world.

Up High in Khumbu

Even though the Himalaya stretch hundreds of miles through six countries, While many backpackers use Kathmandu as a base for heading north, the city has a lot to offer on its own. Thamel, the tourist district, has more than enough guest houses and hostels for the budget backpacker, and the streets are lined with ethnic restaurants – from Indian to Israeli – and craft salesmen. As a backpacker, staying in Thamel is a great way to meet fellow travelers and meet with tour companies to plan the rest of your trip. Be on your guard, however, as the streets can be a little intimidating at first. Nepal’s Khumbu region is the most popular. Most backpackers will take the harrowing flight into Lukla and head north from there. From Lukla, the most popular route meanders upwards through villages like Monjo, where residents are happy to offer tea and lodging to weary trekkers. The next destination is Namche, a great place to stay for a couple of days and acclimate to the higher altitudes. On Saturday mornings, a bustling market offers clothing, gear, and authentic Tibetan crafts.

With Namche as a base, finding a trek into the deeper Himalaya is easy. The Everest Base Camp trek is certainly the most popular but may not be your best option. The highest point of the trek doesn’t even offer the best views of Mt. Everest! For a quieter, more personal experience – and if you’re up to the challenge – ask a porter to take you up to Gokyo Ri or Kala Patthar, both equally impressive peaks that present spectacular views of the Himalaya. The Khumbu is a humbling, remarkable landscape filled with options for backpackers of all backgrounds. Be sure to bring your camera.