Nepal has been on my bucket list for a very long time. In 2024 I finally travelled to the capital of Kathmandu and spent a week roaming the busy streets, before catching a small flight to the tiny village of Lukla in the high Himalayas, where I began the 12 day trek through the Khumbu Valley to Everest Base Camp.

Nepal नेपाल

A monk stands under a canopy, looking to the side, with monks in yellow robes walking in the background on a busy street at Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Kathmandu

The vibrant capital of Nepal, is a mesmerising blend of ancient tradition and modern life. It’s lively streets, diverse culture and breathtaking Himalayan backdrop make it potentially one of my favourite cities in the world to photograph.

Group of people walking past a white wall with colorful prayer flags hanging above at Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

A smiling elderly woman in traditional clothing holding a prayer wheel at a cultural or religious site with prayer flags at Boudhanath Stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal.

Throughout Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism coexist harmoniously. The city’s mix of ancient Stupas and Hindu Temples reflect a rich spiritual heritage, showcasing intricate rituals and diverse practices. A true melting pot of spirituality.

Hindu religious ceremony with people praying and offering sacrifices in a street setting, dressed in traditional attire in Kathmandu, Nepal.

A large golden stupa with a black top and eye symbols at the base, decorated with colorful prayer flags billowing in the wind under a partly cloudy sky at Swayambhunath Buddhist Temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.

A short drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is a visual feast. Wandering the city’s cobbled streets lined with intricately designed architecture filled with busy markets felt like we were taking a stroll back in time.

Bhaktapur

An elderly man wearing traditional Nepali attire with a pink flower on his turban, sitting on a stone ledge on a narrow, steep street lined with apartment buildings in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Starting in the small village of Lukla, I joined some friends and made the 12 day ascent through the Khumbu Valley towards Everest Base Camp. Passing through the ancient trading post of Namche Bazzar, staying at the foot of Tengboche Monastery and marvelling in awe at mighty peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse and the tallest of all, Mount Everest.

The Himalayas

Snow-capped mountains with rocky ridges and grassy foreground, a hiker in the lower left corner. Everest Base Camp Trek, Himalayas, Nepal.

After 8 long days ascending to 5549 metres, we stood at the foot of Chomolungma and looked up in awe of the majestic peaks surrounding us. This was an experience I’ll never forget.

Everest Base Camp

Group of hikers with headlamps hike to the summit of Kala Patthar at sunrise, with Pumori Mountain in the background. Everest Base Camp Trek, Himalayas, Nepal.