Nepal

One of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and the spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal, its white dome capped by a painted Buddha whose all-seeing eyes survey the four cardinal directions.

Nepal's premier wildlife reserve in the terai lowlands, protecting one-horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers and gharial crocodiles across grassland, oxbow lakes and Sal forest.

The historic royal heart of Kathmandu, centred on the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, surrounded by temples, courtyards and wood-carved tiered pagodas dating from the 12th century.

Nepal's most sacred Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, set on the banks of the Bagmati River where cremation fires burn continuously and Sadhus gather in contemplation.

Nepal's second-largest lake, set in a valley backed by the Annapurna massif, its still water reflecting the mountain range and hosting the island Tal Barahi temple at its centre.

The world's highest peak at 8,849 m, shared between Nepal and Tibet, flanked by glaciers and served by trails through Sherpa villages to base camp.