Kathmandu, April 26 -- Follow Panauti Road until it stops, strap on your hiking boots, then start walking-it's the best and most practical way to get to Balthali. The road leading to this Kavre village practically turns to sludge on the outskirts of Khopasi, south-east of Kathmandu. Luckily, it gets muddy just in time to mount the first flag-lined bridge that leads there.

Suspended high above the flowing waters of the Roshi Khola and the lush surrounding forests, one must dodge weekend selfie-takers and commuting locals while bouncing along the bridge, before taking the short trail leading to this small village. It's the first of two bridges on the way to Balthali, and the shop at the end of the first heralds the end of civilisation as K...