In fact, the wider Kathmandu Valley houses seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, as well as being able to claim the enviable title of “gateway to the Himalayas”. This prime location has made the city as much of a Mecca for mountain-climbing and trekking as it has been for sacred Buddhist landmarks like the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa, the largest in the valley region.

Cheap flights to Kathmandu will also allow you to see the famous residents who lend the Swayambhunath Stupa or “Monkey Temple” its nickname. Once you've exhausted the main tourist areas of Thamel and the hubbub around Durbar Square, climb the 213 steps at the Bhimsen Tower for sweeping views over the hidden marketplaces, courtyards and artisan crafts of the Old Town.

Further afield, it's worth venturing out to some of the other medieval citadels in the country such as Patan for its incredible carvings and architecture and a staggering 1,200 monuments to Buddhist and Hindu culture. Former capital Bhaktapur impresses with its fine pottery traditions and the beautiful Golden Gate and Palace of 55 Windows which line the central square. 

It's always a good idea to seek Foreign Office advice online before you travel to unfamiliar territory. The inherent strangeness of Kathmandu is a big part of its appeal however and once you immerse yourself in the land of temples, mountains and ancient history, you may be reluctant to leave.

You will land into Tribhuvan Airport (KTM), just a short drive from the city itself.

The best options from the UK involve flights via India, the Middle East or Turkey. Qatar Airways flies via Doha from London, Manchester and Edinburgh. Turkish Airlines operates via Istanbul from Heathrow, Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh. 

Etihad flies to Kathmandu from London and Manchester via Abu Dhabi, and Air India and Jet Airways fly from London via Delhi and Mumbai. Connecting flights take upwards of around 13 hours to reach Nepal.

Begin your search today and find a cheap flight to Kathmandu by using TravelSupermarket's price-comparison tool.

Though the centre is best seen on foot and the valley best explored by bicycle, there are quite reasonably priced taxis which can ferry you to and from the airport and your accommodation. 

If you hire a vehicle, then only use a 4x4 and ensure you check advice on the local road conditions before setting out. For the best prices pre-arrange this in the UK.

You can find luxury high end hotels with a huge range of amenities, including resort-style properties from the big chains. At the opposite end of the scale are plenty of hostels catering to backpackers. In between is a good selection of moderately priced, locally run hotels with facilities such as Wi-Fi and booking services for onward travel within Nepal. 

With a fairly compact city centre, Kathmandu is easy to get around, so location is not such an issue when selecting your hotel. You will find most of the hotels and hostels located in the Thamel area of the city or around the Royal Palace.