Kagbeni

Kagbeni has been hailed as the most serene and handsome village on the planet. It is easy to see why – just take one glance at those rising mud-clad mountains, the cloud-splintering peaks, the flat green farm fields, and the U-shaped Thorong-la pass undulating along the horizon. And that's even before delving into the stone-clad streets and clusters of crooked homes where bubbling curries scent the alcoves and groups of sheep move through the alleys.

Kagbeni tour guides offer a chance to explore one of Nepal's most offbeat regions. The town sits deep in the erstwhile Kingdom of Lo, a mysterious and unexplored place that's now known as Upper Mustang. A stopover on the walking route to the ancient capital of Lo Manthang, right on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Kagbeni is popular with hikers who have their eyes fixed on the empty river valleys and snow-capped peaks. Closer to home are the ruined bulwarks of Kagbeni Fortress. Built from adobe and pockmarked with unexplained holes, they offer a glimpse at the unique architectural and cultural heritage of this far-flung part of Nepal. Head from there to the Kag Chode Thupten Samphel Ling Monastery – the Red Monastery – that dates from 1429 and comes laden with mysterious Tibetan icons.