Nepal
Fancy a change? Try the excellent Japanese food at Sakura. We couldn't believe this place wasn't fully booked. The food is authentic and great value. Highly recommended.
It's on the first floor in the ring of shops and restaurants that surround the Swayambhunath Stupa (Boudha). Tel: 4479208
The old square in Patan is beautiful. The museum is tranquil and a nice place for food. There are many cafes on the rooftops around the square for drinks/meals in the evening.
www.world-heritage-tour.org/asia/south-asia/nepal/kathmandu/patan/map.html
It might well have been because the week leading up to my visit had been extraordinarily tough, but this hotel was a godsend.
Greeted by musicians in Tibetan dress, you enter the main lobby decorated by miniature stupas: from the enormous main window you can see the eyes of the Boudannath peeping over the rooftops.
Fantastic buffet and underground bar too, all for about £70 a night.
PO Box 9609, Taragaon, Boudha, Kathmandu Tel: 00 977 1 4491234
kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com/
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