A nation synonymous with mountains, Everest, and the great outdoors, the Himalayan state of Nepal is every bit as fascinatingly wild and tumultuous as you’d expect. Windswept, snowy peaks and temple-laden towns are the norm here, so much so that you’ll catch your first Himalayan glimpse through the clouds as you glide down into Kathmandu Airport.

The legendary Annapurna Circuit and Sanctuary treks, as well as the long slog to Everest Base Camp have reputations that speak for themselves. Take it slow and avoid the dreaded altitude sickness, and you’ll find yourself amongst snowy panoramas, remote villages of yak farmers, and a form of near-subsistence hillside living that’s as romantic as it is spectacular. These routes are road free, out of the way adventures, and certainly not for the unfit or timid, but other treks incorporate similarly special experiences, such as in the surreal villages and waterfalls of Langtang National Park. Alternatively, you can avoid all the effort and simply stare across the lake at the remarkable skylines in magnificent Pokara.

Back in Kathmandu, overt Buddhist leanings make for special temple experiences in any one of the three Durbar Squares (the other two are actually in small towns near to the capital), as well as amongst the staircase-sliding primates of the glittering monkey temple. Om chanting permeates the air on hillsides coated in prayer flags, while chai tea wallas compete for business outside the ornate gates. A vivacious nightlife and hefty backpacker culture keeps resting hikers busy in the lively Thamel tourism district.

Nepal does stretch gently into the plains as well, and down in the insipid heat of the area near the Indian border you’ll find Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and a town drenched in poignant symbolism, while the dense forests of Chitwan National Park are the perfect spot for a steamy elephant safari. Nepal is also the occasional launch pad for secluded Tibet, and – visas permitting – pricey tours to Lhasa via the Chinese side of Everest make for once in a lifetime excursions.

Small, but full of overwhelming experiences and a true Mecca for anyone who enjoys mountains, Nepal is a quintessential outdoor experience, laden with memorable rural culture.

Even the descent into Kathmandu airport is something special, spiraling around the valley amid the clouds, catching a glimpse of the Himalayas from high altitude, and then swirling over the mish-mash of rooftops before you finally touch down. You’ll soon find yourself on a surreal and colorful buzz, shooting down the city streets on a winding rickshaw, or drifting amongst the flowers and icons of the exceptional temples.

Durbar Square is the very heart of Kathmandu, and – a few souvenir shops aside – looks unchanged for centuries, with the countless temples still engulfed in incense smoke. Just off Durbar Square is the old hippie hang out of Freak Street, still displaying its local oddities and the perfect place to pick up a slice of chocolate cake or amble amongst quirky souvenir stores.

The main backpacker district’s shifted these days, though, to Thamel, where the nightlife closes early but still manages to rock, and westernized restaurants with sport on big screens dominate the horizons. The Monkey Temple makes the perfect escape; a towering stupa on a hilltop, with startling valley views and a gentle breeze that brushes away a morning hangover. The monkeys here have evolved into entertainers, and slide down the banisters or beg for fruit amongst the colorful Buddha icons and golden buildings.

Of course, the options traveling on from Kathmandu are immense. From the endless (and often lengthy) hikes through the Himalayas to cycling the Kathmandu Valley, exploring the stunning world heritage sites at Patan or Pashupatinath, making you way over to lakeside Pokhara and eying the panoramas from a chair on a comfortable rooftop, or heading down to the sticky south to hang out with the hippos and elephants at Chitwan National Park.

You might find you spend a lot of your time in Kathmandu planning, recovering or generally thinking of the rest of Nepal (which, let’s face it, is a pretty unsurpassably special country). Make sure you schedule some time for the city itself, though, which is lively and crammed full of handsome history.

One of the most beautiful spots in the planet and arguably one of the most popular destinations for travelers to the region, Pokhara is one of the largest cities in Nepal. Nestled in the northwestern corner of the valley from which it takes its name, Pokhara is surrounded by the beauty of the Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna, and the Manaslu Mountains, all of them rising around the city itself. The surrounding countryside is magnificent in every sense of the word with caves, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and more. The city boasts what could probably be considered the ultimate mountain landscapes in the distance, a perfect backdrop for a high-altitude adventure.

From the beauty of Phewa Lake, surrounded by lush forests filled with monkeys as well as snow-capped peaks, to Begnas Lake, Rupa Tal, or Diapang Tal, Pokhara offers access to plenty of adventure within Nepal. In addition, visitors can experience the simple and peaceful atmosphere around the World Peace Stupa overlooking the lake, or hike up to Sarangkot. Mahendra, Gupteshawar, or Chamare all provide perfect spelunking opportunities for the underground enthusiasts, or one can simply revel in the natural splendor the city provides with such an amazing display of natural beauty at its disposal.

Accommodations within the city range from budget to luxury. This is a tourist destination, after all. In addition there are budget restaurants and gourmet alike both offering traditional Nepalese food and drinks. There are also several lodges available for the absolute experience, or you can enjoy some time at one of the spas in the area. But perhaps the most famous aspect of this city is the Annapurna Trail, which makes its end point in Pokhara. Nearly 70% of all visitors to the city come here specifically to wander through the Annapurna Conservation Area and Mountain Range, offering some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the Himalayas.