Nepal's ancient cities give holidaymakers plenty to see  - among The home of Buddhism, Hindu shrines, Everest and many World Heritage sites, Nepal offers a holiday homes Nepal experience like no other.

In the last year holidaymakers had been warned not to travel to Nepal, but current Foreign Office advice gives the country the all-clear, though all demonstrations and large gatherings should be avoided, and travellers should be aware that the security situation is unpredictable.

Many travellers to the country focus on Everest and the trekking and climbing the country offers, but holidaymakers more keen on thrills from less adventurous pursuits can still get a lot out of a visit to Nepal's capital, Kathmandu.

Most city tours will visit Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyards and temples dating back to the 12th and 18th centuries, which used to be home to the ancient Malla kings.

Attractions for visitors include a 17th-century stone inscription written in 15 different languages and museums in located in the palaces. The Tribhuvan Museum, traces the history of King Tribhuvan who ruled from 1906-1955, as well as showing photographs and paintings of other rulers and the Mahendra Museum displays artefacts from the life of King Mahendra, who ruled from 1955-1972.

An even older site of Nepal's rulers can be visited in the ancient city of Patan believed to be founded in 299 AD, located five kilometres south-east of Kathmandu.