Highlights of Himalayan Frontiers

Below are some of the major travel highlights for Himalayan Frontiers. For more in-depth attractions of each country on this route, click on the country names below or select a route to see the highlights on this section of the journey. Click on the icons below to focus on specific types of features (click again to return to all).

In-depth highlights: Bhutan, China, India, Nepal


Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cultural attractions of Himalayan Frontiers

Kathmandu
Nepal's capital is a fascinating city narrow streets and alleyways, palaces and hidden temples, with a huge diversity of people. The city is centred around Durbar Square, home to the Royal Palace and numerous temples. The alleys leading from the square are filled with shops and bazaars selling an amazing range of products. The Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu, known as the monkey temple, is the oldest holy shrine in the valley and offers spectacular views. Bodhnath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, surrounded by temples. Pashupati is the most famous Hindu temple in Nepal, set on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu

Nepal's capital is a fascinating city narrow streets and alleyways, palaces and hidden temples, with a huge diversity of people. The city is centred around Durbar Square, home to the Royal Palace and numerous temples. The alleys leading from the square are filled with shops and bazaars selling an amazing range of products. The Buddhist stupa of Swayambhu, known as the monkey temple, is the oldest holy shrine in the valley and offers spectacular views. Bodhnath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist shrines in the world, surrounded by temples. Pashupati is the most famous Hindu temple in Nepal, set on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Valley

Towns of Kathmandu Valley
The towns of the Kathmandu Valley combine the architectural and cultural richness of the capital in a much less developed setting, making for some beautiful and atmospheric locations. Across the Bagmati River 14km east of Kathmandu lies Patan (or Lalitpur), known as the 'City of Beauty', renowned for its Durbar Square with more than 50 temples and shrines. Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaun), known as the ‘City of the Devotees’, is a beautifully preserved medieval town of potters and pagodas. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Valley

Towns of Kathmandu Valley

The towns of the Kathmandu Valley combine the architectural and cultural richness of the capital in a much less developed setting, making for some beautiful and atmospheric locations. Across the Bagmati River 14km east of Kathmandu lies Patan (or Lalitpur), known as the 'City of Beauty', renowned for its Durbar Square with more than 50 temples and shrines. Bhaktapur (or Bhadgaun), known as the ‘City of the Devotees’, is a beautifully preserved medieval town of potters and pagodas.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Kathmandu Valley

Everest
One of the world's classic trekking destinations is in the Khumbu Valley of the eastern Himalayas underneath the towering peak of the world's highest mountain - the incomparable Mount Everest (8848 metres). Located in Sagarmatha National Park, this area comprises several dramatic mountain peaks in addition to Everest, glaciers and deep valleys formed by tributaries of the Dudh Kosi which flows southwards through Lukla (2,800 metres), the base for exploring the park. This is the home of the Sherpa people, with their unique culture based on the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which can be encountered in the town of Namche Bazaar with its Sherpa Museum and Visitor Centre and the famous and sacred monastery at Thyangboche. Trekking options in the park range from moderate introductory trails to the classic trek to Everest base camp and the challenging ascents of mountains like Mera and Island Peak. UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sagarmatha National Park

Everest

One of the world's classic trekking destinations is in the Khumbu Valley of the eastern Himalayas underneath the towering peak of the world's highest mountain - the incomparable Mount Everest (8848 metres). Located in Sagarmatha National Park, this area comprises several dramatic mountain peaks in addition to Everest, glaciers and deep valleys formed by tributaries of the Dudh Kosi which flows southwards through Lukla (2,800 metres), the base for exploring the park. This is the home of the Sherpa people, with their unique culture based on the Nyingmapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism, which can be encountered in the town of Namche Bazaar with its Sherpa Museum and Visitor Centre and the famous and sacred monastery at Thyangboche. Trekking options in the park range from moderate introductory trails to the classic trek to Everest base camp and the challenging ascents of mountains like Mera and Island Peak.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Sagarmatha National Park

Annapurnas
The Annapurna Range of the Himalayas Mountains is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. The area offers spectacular views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Annapurna I, II and II, Dhaulagiri and the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhare. It is also a culturally rich region, with mountain villages of a diverse group of Hindu and Buddhist peoples. From a base in the picturesque town of Pokhara, trekking options range from moderate introductory treks to the long circuit around the Annapurnas and a route to the incomparable Annapurna Sanctuary.

Annapurnas

The Annapurna Range of the Himalayas Mountains is one of the most popular trekking regions in Nepal. The area offers spectacular views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayas, including Annapurna I, II and II, Dhaulagiri and the fish-tail peak of Machhapuchhare. It is also a culturally rich region, with mountain villages of a diverse group of Hindu and Buddhist peoples. From a base in the picturesque town of Pokhara, trekking options range from moderate introductory treks to the long circuit around the Annapurnas and a route to the incomparable Annapurna Sanctuary.

Darjeeling
A former hill station of the Bengal government during the British Raj, the town of Darjeeling is located at 2124 metres overlooked by Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain at 8586 metres, with spectacular views of the Himalayas from Tiger Hill, just outside the town. The Himalayan Zoological Park attempts to breed snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and Red panda while the Botanical Gardens has a unique collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, and orchids. The Mountaineering Institute's Everest Museum is dedicated to climbers of the Himalayas. The Tibetan Refugee Centre was established in 1958 by Tibetans fleeing the Chinese invasion and sells Tibetan handicrafts. Other attractions include nearby Tibetan monasteries (particularly Ghoom Gompa), tea plantations and some colourful markets.

Darjeeling

A former hill station of the Bengal government during the British Raj, the town of Darjeeling is located at 2124 metres overlooked by Kanchenjunga, the world's third highest mountain at 8586 metres, with spectacular views of the Himalayas from Tiger Hill, just outside the town. The Himalayan Zoological Park attempts to breed snow leopard, Tibetan wolf and Red panda while the Botanical Gardens has a unique collection of Himalayan plants, flowers, and orchids. The Mountaineering Institute's Everest Museum is dedicated to climbers of the Himalayas. The Tibetan Refugee Centre was established in 1958 by Tibetans fleeing the Chinese invasion and sells Tibetan handicrafts. Other attractions include nearby Tibetan monasteries (particularly Ghoom Gompa), tea plantations and some colourful markets.

Thimpu
Thimpu is one of the most unique capitals in the world, a small city of 90,000 people where every building is required to be constructed in traditional style and decorated with Buddhist symbols. The Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) dates to the 17th century and is the religious and administrative centre of the country. The golden-spired Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to commemorated the Third King, Jigme Dorij Wangchuk, who died two years earlier. Other attractions in Thimpu include the Painting School, where children receive education in traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving, the National Library, Textile Museum and shopping for Bhutanese souvenirs in the bustling and atmospheric streets of the city. If possible, time your visit to coincide with the Thimpu Festival held every Autumn.

Thimpu

Thimpu is one of the most unique capitals in the world, a small city of 90,000 people where every building is required to be constructed in traditional style and decorated with Buddhist symbols. The Tashicho Dzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion) dates to the 17th century and is the religious and administrative centre of the country. The golden-spired Memorial Chorten was built in 1974 to commemorated the Third King, Jigme Dorij Wangchuk, who died two years earlier. Other attractions in Thimpu include the Painting School, where children receive education in traditional painting, sculpture and woodcarving, the National Library, Textile Museum and shopping for Bhutanese souvenirs in the bustling and atmospheric streets of the city. If possible, time your visit to coincide with the Thimpu Festival held every Autumn.

Paro Valley
The Paro Valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, located along the Paro Chu River with rice fields, pine-covered hills and many of the country's most famous and historic dzongs. The Taktseng Monastery is the most famous and sacred in Bhutan, perched spectacularly on a cliff face 900 metres over the valley. Translated as 'Tiger's Nest' based on the legend that its founder flew there on the back of a tiger, the monastery can be reached on foot but tourists aren't allowed to enter. Drukgyal Dzong, or Victorious Fortress, is located along the main route between Bhutan and Tibet and was named after a 17th century Tibetan invasion was defeated. The imposing fortress of Ta Dzong today houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of sacred scrolls, religious icons, Bhutanese stamps and walls covered in thanka paintings and colourful murals. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the holiest temples in Bhutan and is believed to date back to the 7th century when it was built to subdue a demoness. The Paro Festival, held every year in springtime, brings a carnival atmosphere to the town and monks engage in masked dances and prayer meetings that celebrate Bhutanese legends and traditions.

Paro Valley

The Paro Valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan, located along the Paro Chu River with rice fields, pine-covered hills and many of the country's most famous and historic dzongs. The Taktseng Monastery is the most famous and sacred in Bhutan, perched spectacularly on a cliff face 900 metres over the valley. Translated as 'Tiger's Nest' based on the legend that its founder flew there on the back of a tiger, the monastery can be reached on foot but tourists aren't allowed to enter. Drukgyal Dzong, or Victorious Fortress, is located along the main route between Bhutan and Tibet and was named after a 17th century Tibetan invasion was defeated. The imposing fortress of Ta Dzong today houses the National Museum with an excellent collection of sacred scrolls, religious icons, Bhutanese stamps and walls covered in thanka paintings and colourful murals. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the holiest temples in Bhutan and is believed to date back to the 7th century when it was built to subdue a demoness. The Paro Festival, held every year in springtime, brings a carnival atmosphere to the town and monks engage in masked dances and prayer meetings that celebrate Bhutanese legends and traditions.

Beijing
Beijing Like the country of which it is capital, Beijing is a vast city with a hugely rich history and a wealth of attractions in addition to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and a trip to nearby sections of the Great Wall (detailed in other entries). These include Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and site of Chairman Mao's mausoleum and his portrait above the Gate of Heavenly Peace. The hutongs are the maze of historical lanes and alleyways of Beijing, surrounding the Forbidden City, which offer a great insight into the traditional life of Beijing's residents. Also worth checking out are the many fascinating shops and markets, a night at the Beijing Opera or the astonishing acrobatics shows and not forgetting the chance to sample Beijing's cuisine, particularly the famous Peking Duck.

Beijing

Like the country of which it is capital, Beijing is a vast city with a hugely rich history and a wealth of attractions in addition to the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace and a trip to nearby sections of the Great Wall (detailed in other entries). These include Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and site of Chairman Mao's mausoleum and his portrait above the Gate of Heavenly Peace. The hutongs are the maze of historical lanes and alleyways of Beijing, surrounding the Forbidden City, which offer a great insight into the traditional life of Beijing's residents. Also worth checking out are the many fascinating shops and markets, a night at the Beijing Opera or the astonishing acrobatics shows and not forgetting the chance to sample Beijing's cuisine, particularly the famous Peking Duck.