I arrived in Kathmandu during the monsoon. My first glimpse of Nepal was of the hills of the Kathmandu Valley, bright green and lush. I didn’t know what to expect from this country, so known for some of the best trekking and mountaineering in the world. A third of the Himalayan range rises up to meet the sky in this landlocked nation, including 10 of the greatest peaks in the world. But I wasn’t there for trekking or mountaineering. I wanted to wander among the markets, and get to know the culture. Turns out, I went to the right place. Nepal easily offers travellers authentic cultural experiences. It’s the birthplace of the Buddha and once the world’s only Hindu Kingdom. The people are laid-back and warm, the bazaars are as colourful as I wanted them to be, and the temples as beautiful. To my delight, I discovered that Nepal is the kind of place you don’t want to leave.