A Guide to Off-the-Beaten-Path Itineraries for Independent Travelers

If you’re tired of the complexities of big cities, I suggest you book a flight to Nepal and just… zone out. This country may be poor, but the local people live happily despite their poverty! 🚹 How to Get There: Himalaya Airlines offers direct flights from Chongqing to Nepal. Visa on arrival is completely free! 🚹 How to Explore: Kathmandu → Chitwan → Pokhara → Kathmandu ✅▶️ Kathmandu Nepal’s magic, to me, belongs to Kathmandu 🕊️. The most fascinating spots are Durbar Square and Thamel District. After zoning out here, head to Thamel (a local market) to hunt for treasures! Immerse yourself in the market culture—and remember to bargain hard (start with half the asking price)! Accommodation tip: Stay in Thamel District. A taxi from the airport costs around 500 NPR. Always negotiate taxi fares 🚖—locals often overcharge. 1️⃣ Durbar Square 🎫 Ticket: 1000 NPR (includes palace visits) 🔴 Kumari Ghar (Temple of the Living Goddess) The residence of the Living Goddess, who appears randomly between 9:00-12:00 daily—luck determines if you’ll see her! 🔴 Old Royal Palace & Hanuman Dhoka On the square’s right, four distinct towers at the corners represent the four major city-states of the Kathmandu Valley. 🔴 Temple Complex & Pigeon Square The most photogenic spot: a square teeming with pigeons and tiered-roof temples. 🔴 Taleju Temple A majestic 35-meter-tall structure built in 1564. It survived the earthquake with minor damage and boasts ornate architecture. ㊙️ Keep your ticket! It lets you re-enter anytime—otherwise, you’ll have to pay again. 2️⃣ Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) 🎫 Ticket: 200 NPR A Buddhist temple famous for its monkeys. It’s perfect for sunrise in the morning or sunset in the afternoon, with panoramic views of Kathmandu. Lounge with the napping dogs 🐶—you could spend hours just zoning out here! 3️⃣ Boudhanath Stupa A major Buddhist pilgrimage site. The surrounding area has great Instagram-worthy cafes. Next to it is Kathmandu’s largest handmade incense market—great for finding unique souvenirs! ✅🦏 Chitwan Chitwan is Nepal’s third most popular destination after trekking routes and the Kathmandu Valley—loved by casual travelers who skip trekking. 🔴 Morning: Jungle adventure by dugout canoe 🛶. Never put your hands in the water (there are crocodiles 🐊)! Wear long sleeves and pants. 🔴 Noon: Elephant ride through the forest. Spot snakes 🐍, rhinos 🦏, monkeys 🐒, birds 🦜, crocodiles 🐊, deer 🦌, elephants 🐘—and supposedly even tigers 🐅. 🔴 Evening: Watch the sunset by the river with coffee and barbecue. You might spot crocodiles in the water! Don’t miss trying the local beer 🍻. 🔴 Cultural dance performances and Tharu village visits are optional. The elephant breeding center? Personally, I think it’s skip-worthy… Stay in town for hotels 🏨—it’s easier to get around and find food/fun. The surrounding areas are all forests and villages, making travel a hassle! #MyOffbeatTravelGuide #Nepal #Kathmandu #Pokhara #Chitwan