Draped along the heights of the Himalaya, Nepal’s sublime scenery, timeworn temples and peerless walking trails leave visitors spellbound. Rich in spirituality and spectacular scenery, the country is the quiet cousin of neighbouring powerhouses China and lndia. Nothing compares to being amongst some of the world’s tallest peaks for a natural high, but while there are grand feats to be enjoyed in Nepal, part of the country’s appeal lies in simple pursuits: witnessing age-old rice harvesting or relishing the cultural cul-de-sac of Bhaktapur.

October to November, for bays and crystal-clear visibility

Being stuck in traffic amid bikes, cars, beggars, pilgrims and vendors in Kathmandu Taking on the high tides of Bhote Kosi for the ultimate white-water rafting adventure Pondering the universe in Buddha’s tranquil birthplace, Lumbini Being amused by Swayambhunath’s tribes of garrulous monkeys Navigating a boat on Pokhara’s sublime lake, Phewa Tal Riding an elephant on safari in Royal Chitwan National Park Pushing you body to the limits on an extended trek, whether it’s in the all-encompassing Langtang or once-in-a-lifetime Mt Everest region

Read Tenzing and the Sherpas of Everest by Judy and Tashi Tenzing, a compelling tale about Nepal’s nation hero

Listen to Nepal: Ritual and Entertainment, all-encompassing Nepalese sounds from damai ritual music to panchi baja ensembles

Watch Darpan Chhaya, an emotionally charged musical highlighting the Nepalese Fascination with all things romantic, patriotic and theatrical

Eat dal bhaat tarkari-it’s what you get if you combine lentil, rice and curried vegetables, and is the staple Nepalese diet

Drink a refreshing lassi (curd and water in any number of flavours) or chang, a hearty Himalayan brew made from barley

Maoist rebels; prayer flags; om chanting; chai tea mandalas; shopping for Buddhas

Nepal’s significant celebration, Dasain (October), involves the biggest animal sacrifice on the calendar; always remove your shoes before entering a Nepali home

At once a time machine and a magic carpet, Nepal sweeps you along crooked, timeworn streets flanked by irregular, multi-roofed pagodas, stupas and stone sculptures, and into rooms cluttered horror-eyed masks, spinning prayer wheels, trippy thangka scrolls and Tibetan carpets. Muttered chants, esoteric tantric hymns and Nepalese music hang in the plaintive notes of a flute.