Arriving into Kathmandu Airport puts you close to Lalitpur, the second largest city in Nepal. With winding streets, ancient temples, and historic sites to uncover, renting a scooter or motorcycle is the best way to take it all in. Weaving through the old city lanes lets you discover hidden corners that most tourists miss. Stop at Patan Durbar Square to see intricate wood carvings on the ancient palace buildings. Just north is the Golden Temple, a Buddhist monastery covered in copper plates glistening in the sun. The two-story Kwa Bahal temple nearby has a peaceful inner courtyard and golden roof towering above. For incredible valley views, drive up to the Buddha Park on top of Swayambhunath Hill. The towering white dome and hypnotic Buddha eyes gazing out over the city make it a must-see. Venturing just outside the city leads to even more adventure. Rev up your rented scooter and head west to the Manakamana Temple, perched high on a steep ridge. Local legend says the goddess Manakamana flew to the spot on the back of a tiger's neck. Or go south to Pharping village, a sacred pilgrimage site with monasteries and temples tucked into the forested hills. Spend the afternoon walking uphill to the Vipassana Meditation Center to learn Buddhist practices. Extend your spiritual journey even farther south to the shrine of Dakshinkali, one of Nepal's most important Hindu temples. Back in Lalitpur, refuel at the Nightingale Craft Beer to try local ales brewed with Nepali ingredients. With so much culture and adventure to experience, having your own set of wheels makes it easy to uncover the magic of this fascinating region.