{"id":26299,"date":"2018-08-01T19:51:21","date_gmt":"2018-08-01T19:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/?p=26299"},"modified":"2018-08-02T15:47:42","modified_gmt":"2018-08-02T15:47:42","slug":"6-important-things-to-know-before-visiting-nepal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelocity.com\/inspire\/6-important-things-to-know-before-visiting-nepal\/","title":{"rendered":"6 Important Things to Know Before Visiting Nepal"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sher of Sher She Goes recently returned from an enlightening<\/span> trip to Nepal<\/a>. We’ve always been curious if Nepal is primarily a destination for adventure travelers and trekkers, or if there’s more to see and do than climb Mount Everest. So we’ve asked her to share some travel insights for first time visitors keen to discover a more cultural side of Nepal.<\/em><\/p>\n

Visiting Nepal<\/strong><\/h2>\n

It’s true that Nepal has staked its reputation on Mount Everest. Thousands of active backpackers make the trek each year from Kathmandu to Lukla, aiming to test their endurance by climbing Everest Base Camp.<\/p>\n

But if you have no desire to trek, a trip to Nepal is still worthwhile! I spent about 10 days in Nepal last month, exploring the country’s colorful temples, Newari cuisine and scenic landscapes\u2014without a day in hiking boots.<\/p>\n

Here are six things you should know about visiting Nepal.<\/p>\n

\"Thamel

PC: Sher She Goes<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

1. Kathmandu Isn’t Quite<\/em> Shangri-La<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Most visitors fly into Tribhuvan International Airport, in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu<\/a>. The extended city is chaotic, crowded and dusty at first glance.<\/p>\n

Picture spicy peppers sold on the footsteps of UNESCO World Heritage temples, cows resting peacefully in the middle of roads and floral artists weaving marigolds into flower garlands for prayer. The smells, sights and people quickly intoxicate you.<\/p>\n

It can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’ve never been to Asia or India, but there’s lots to see, do and eat in Kathmandu if you’re up for an adventure!<\/p>\n

\"Kathmandu

PC: Sher She Goes<\/a><\/p><\/div>\n

2. Ancient Kathmandu Was Once 3 Royal Kingdoms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

In ancient times, the Kathmandu Valley was home to three separate kingdoms, each with their own royal palace and Durbar Square. One of the best things to do is to spend a couple days exploring each of them:<\/p>\n