Choose from 5,104 Fun Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley
ShowingFilter 2541-2560 of 5104 listings.
Monkey Island
Lao Island, more popularly known as Monkey Island, gets its nickname from the troops of monkeys who roam its woodlands and sandy beaches. Travelers will find that it's common to spot a few dozen lolling about near the ferry dock.
Located just off the coast of Nha Trang, the island is a popular stop on island-hopping boat trips but can also be visited independently by taking a ferry from a pier just outside the city. Guests on the island can soak up the sun from a beach chair, zip down a waterslide, stroll through some gardens, and visit the handful of shops and restaurants.
Practical Info
Monkey Island is located just over a mile north of Nha Trang. Please be aware that the monkeys on Monkey Island can be aggressive, particularly where food is involved. Travelers should note that they are wild animals—for your safety and theirs, it's best not to touch them. Although Viator tours do not include this activity, tickets to a dog and monkey show are available for purchase on the island for an additional fee.
Address: Lao Island, Nha Trang, Central Vietnam, Vietnam
From $ 74
Modern Art Museum Luxembourg (MUDAM)
The Modern Art Museum in Luxembourg, better known as MUDAM, is the top contemporary art museum in Luxembourg. Housed in a building designed by a Chinese-American architect, the museum is spread over three levels and 4500 square meters of display space. In an interesting contrast, the building was built onto the rampart walls of the old Fort Thungen, which dates back to 1732. The museum features a wide array of contemporary art, including photography, paintings, drawings, sculptures, graphic design, fashion and new media. It bills itself as a place for reflection and contemplation and encourages visitors to set aside any prejudices and view the art with a new look and complete freedom.
The museum is set in the Parc Drai Eechelen, which features several works of art and offers nice views of the old town.
Practical Info
The Modern Art Museum Luxembourg is accessible by bus 1 or 16 to the Philharmonie/Mudam stop. The museum offers free wi-fi and has a mobile app that can be downloaded free of charge. The app provides an in-depth introduction to building’s architecture and a virtual visit of the Parc Drai Eechelen. Visitors can also scan QR codes next to the works on display to learn more.
Address: 3 Park Drai Eechelen, Luxembourg
Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays and Christmas Day. Shorter hours on bank holidays, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Admission: 7 Euro
From $ 9
Monastery of Sao Bento
In Sao Paulo’s downtown, the Monastery of Sao Bento is known for its Gregorian chanting, exceptional bakery, and beautiful frescoes.
To catch the medieval chants of the monks, head to the 10am Sunday mass — get there early for a good seat. If you come for Sunday service, you’ll also get to hear the 6,000 pipe organ being played. For cake, jams, cookies, and breads prepared and blessed by the monks, look for the bakery to the left of the main hall. It’s a little more expensive than regular bakeries, but the quality is excellent and there’s a wide range of baked goods to choose from. Try the pão de mel — honey bread filled with jam and dipped in chocolate.
Surrounded by skyscrapers today, the Monastery of Sao Bento was built from 1910-1922, and it stands in the place of the original 17th-century chapel. Home to 40 cloistered monks, the monastery was chosen by Pope Benedict XVI for his stay during his first official visit to Brazil in 2007. Inside, see the famous murals painted by the Benedictine German monk, Dom Dutch Gresnicht Adelbert, who came to Brazil in 1913 especially to paint these Biblical scenes.
Practical Info
Open daily, to reach São Bento Monastery take the blue line to São Bento station and follow the signs to the Mosteiro/Largo de Sao Bento exit to reach the monastery’s square. Entrance is free, and open hours are Monday to Friday (except Thursday), from 6am-7pm. On weekends it's open 6am-12pm, then from 2-6pm Saturdays and 4-6pm Sundays.
Address: Largo De Sao Bento, Sao Paulo, Brazil
Hours: Open daily, hours vary
From $ 78
Mongkok
Mongkok, a district located in Kowloon on the mainland side of Hong Kong, is known for its busy street markets and abundant dining options. It’s one of the most densely populated parts of the world, and the buzz of activity here never seems to stop. Buzzing neon lights and sidewalks filled to the brim with people at times overwhelm the senses, but in a way that is 100 percent Hong Kong.
For inexpensive street shopping, Mongkok’s most popular attraction is the Ladies’ Market. Contrary to what the name might imply, the market sells all sorts of wares, from souvenir trinkets to pirated music and home furnishings. Ladies will find plenty of stalls selling cheap clothing, shoes and accessories as well.
Within the neighborhood, you’ll also find streets dedicated to the sale of pets, wedding dresses and flowers, among other things. At any of these mostly outdoor markets, haggling is the rule. For more upscale retail therapy, head into the air-conditioned halls of Langham Place, one of Hong Kong’s biggest malls.
For inexpensive street shopping, Mongkok’s most popular attraction is the Ladies’ Market. Contrary to what the name might imply, the market sells all sorts of wares, from souvenir trinkets to pirated music and home furnishings. Ladies will find plenty of stalls selling cheap clothing, shoes and accessories as well.
Within the neighborhood, you’ll also find streets dedicated to the sale of pets, wedding dresses and flowers, among other things. At any of these mostly outdoor markets, haggling is the rule. For more upscale retail therapy, head into the air-conditioned halls of Langham Place, one of Hong Kong’s biggest malls.
Address: China
From $ 87
Monastiraki
The neighborhood of Monastiraki in central Athens is known for its bargain shopping, vibrant nightlife, and an array of historic ruins and monuments. The word “Monastiraki” means “little monastery,” and refers to the small monastery in Monastiraki Square. It’s all that remains of a once-great monastery in this area. A more modern house of worship, the Tsisdarakis Mosque, was built in 1759 during the Turkish occupation.
Surrounding Monastiraki Square, there are narrow streets lined with shops of every variety. On Sundays, there is also a flea market off the main pedestrian avenue, where you’ll find antiques, furniture, jewelry, books and nearly everything else you can imagine. The remains of Hadrian’s Library are directly across the street from the Monastiraki Metro station, and both the Roman Agora and the Ancient Agora are also nearby.
Practical Info
The Monastiraki Metro station is right on Monastiraki Square, and is served by two of Athens’ Metro lines.
Address: Athens, Greece
From $ 20
Mont Saint Michel
The medieval island village of Mont Saint-Michel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits right off France’s Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Couesnon River. Crowned by a Gothic abbey that sits atop the rocky isle, Mont Saint-Michel rises dramatically from the tidal flats of the bay, creating one of the country’s most recognizable images. It’s a must-see for history buffs and those interested in religious sites, and visits are often combined with tours through the region of Normandy.
The Basics
Visiting Mont Saint-Michel on a day trip from Paris is a popular option for travelers who are short on time and would rather not drive themselves. The village’s Benedictine abbey (Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel), named after the archangel Michael, is the main attraction in the area, and its entrance fee is included in some tours. Some visitors with more time to explore spend a few days in the Normandy town of Caen or Bayeux for easier access to the island and a chance to see other northern France attractions such as the D-Day landing beaches of World War II and the coastal village of Honfleur.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The parking lot is located on the mainland, 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) from the island; a shuttle runs from the lot to a drop-off point 440 yards (400 meters) from the entrance to Mont Saint-Michel.
- The village is full of narrow walkways and steps, so wear comfortable shoes and prepare for crowds.
- There are no stairs from the parking lot to the entrance or along the paved main street of the village (although it does climb quickly), but 350 steps lead from the top of the main street to the abbey. There is no elevator.
- Wi-Fi is available at the tourist office in the village.
How to Get There
Mont Saint-Michel is located about 220 miles (354 kilometers) west of Paris, roughly four hours away by road. Driving or taking a bus tour is the quickest way to reach the island, but train and public bus options are also available through Caen, Rennes, and Pontorson.
When to Get There
Mont Saint-Michel’s tourist office is open every day except Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, while the abbey is closed January 1, May 1, and December 25. As a small island, it’s a popular destination with limited space, so arrive early to avoid some crowds, which are the biggest in summer.
Exploring the Mont Saint-Michel Abbey
After paying your entrance fee to the abbey, grab a visitor’s guide for a self-guided tour of the Gothic landmark’s cloister and rooms. Alternatively, guided 75-minute tours in French and English are available year-round; they are included in admission with no reservation required. To hear commentary without a live guide, purchase a 1-hour audio guide for a small fee.
Address: France
Hours: Open daily (access depends on the tides)
Admission: Free
From $ 81
Mondesa
During apartheid, Namibia’s bigger towns were divided between the “town,” where wealthy whites lived, and the “location,” where blacks were forced to stay. While independence and the end of apartheid rule have banished these now archaic laws, it’s still possible for visitors to Namibia to take a location tour to learn how life used to be.
Visitors to Mondesa, a location in Swakopmund, say that owners of these small houses tend to offer travelers a very big welcome. Exploring the streets of this famous location put visitors up close with history, and expert guides can explain how segregation—not only based on skin color, but also based on culture and tribe—determined the lay of the land. See the traditional dress, sample traditional food and even hear the Khoe-Khoe, the famous clicking language spoken by Namibia’s Damara and Nama people.
Practical Info
Modesa is located a few kilometers from the center of Swakopmund in the Erongo region of the country. It is home to the Owambo, Herero and Damara tribes, making it an ideal place to experience a number of Namibia’s diverse cultures.
Address: Swakopmund, Namibia
From $ 49
Molly Malone Statue
The bronze statue of Molly Malone commemorates the young woman featured in the local ballad, 'Cockles and Mussels'. As the song goes, this beautiful woman plied her trade as a fishmonger through the streets where her statue now rests, until she suddenly died of a fever. As a nod to the folk song, a statue was erected on the corner of Grafton and Suffolk streets and unveiled at the 1988 Dublin Millennium celebrations.
This tune has been adopted as Dublin's unofficial anthem, boosting this heroine to eternal fame. Though there is debate as to whether or not a Molly Malone like the one in the song ever existed, she is real to the people of Dublin and is remembered both in song as well as on June 13, National Molly Malone Day. The statue also acts as a popular rendezvous spot for groups as the beautiful bosomy woman with her cart cannot be missed.
Address: Corner of Grafton St and Suffolk St, Dublin, Ireland
Admission: Free
From $ 57
Monastery of St Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jeronimos)
Vasco da Gama's discovery of a sea route to India inspired the glorious Monastery of St. Jerome or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a UNESCO World Heritage site with an architectural exuberance that trumpets 'navigational triumph.' Work began around 1501, following a Gothic design by architect Diogo de Boitaca, considered a Manueline originator. After his death in 1517, building resumed with a Renaissance flavor under Spaniard João de Castilho and, later, with classical overtones under Diogo de Torralva and Jérome de Rouen (Jerónimo de Ruão). The monastery was completed in 1541, a riverside masterpiece - the waters have since receded.
The monastery was populated with monks of the Order of St. Jerome, whose spiritual job for about four centuries was to give comfort and guidance to sailors - and to pray for the king's soul. When the order was dissolved in 1833 the monastery was used as a school and orphanage until about 1940. The simple tomb of renowned poet and writer Fernando Pessoa is here.
Practical Info
Take tram 15 towards Alges, and get off at the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos stop.
Address: Praca do Imperio, Lisbon, Portugal
Hours: Open Tues - Sun 10am - 6pm. Closed Mondays, May 1 and Dec 25
Admission: € 7
From $ 10
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is home to some of South Africa's fiercest animals—lions, leopards, wild dogs, and even honey badgers. Sitting at the base of the Drakensberg escarpment in Hoedspruit, the center helps travelers understand the plight of endangered species in the bush through education programs and guided tours.
The Basics
Wildlife experts and conservationists at Moholoholo nurse injured animals back to health, rescue baby animals, and facilitate successful breeding programs to help increase numbers in the wild. The center also provides a permanent residence for animals too hurt or injured to return to the wild.
Tours to Moholoholo typically depart from Hazyview and include round-trip transportation from area hotels. Excursions are often combined with visits to Kruger National Park, the Blyde River area, and the Hoedspruit Endangered Species Centre. Guided tours allow you to learn about the center’s rehabilitation efforts, explore animal biology and behavior, and gain an understanding of wildlife conservation in South Africa. You can also head to the nearby Forest Camp, an impressive reserve at the northeastern side of the Lowveld Drakensberg mountains, where some 300 bird species and rare Samango monkeys live.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is a must-see for wildlife lovers.
- Visitor facilities include a museum, a gift shop for take-home souvenirs, and a snack shop.
- Children under age six are admitted free of charge.
- Groups of eight people or more are encouraged to book in advance.
How to Get There
Moholoholo is located in the Limpopo province about 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of Blyde River Canyon on R531. Most tours offer round-trip transportation from Hazyview, although there is parking on-site for those who wish to drive independently.
When to Get There
The center is open for tours Monday through Saturday, with limited hours on some Sundays during school holidays and long weekends.
The History of Moholoholo
Established in 1991 by Pretoria businessman Mr. Strijdom, the center is helmed by naturalist Brian Jones. Over the past few decades, Jones has been the go-to guy for injured and sick wildlife in the area, and has expanded the facility into its current incarnation: an educational center and refuge for animals in need.
Address: Moholoholo Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, Molpani, South Africa
From $ 79
Monchique
When you arrive in Monchique, you may get the idea that you’ve fallen into the picture on a postcard, as this rustic little town of 10,000 people has remained relatively unchanged despite the ever-growing influx of tourists looking for fun in the sun. Monchique’s chief businesses revolve around agricultural products such as grains, oranges, olive oil and a liqueur called medronho, distilled from the berries of the strawberry tree.
The town itself is settled between to large hills, Foia and Picota. And fitting with the postcard-perfect, European-seaside surroundings, Monchique is essentially a maze of rolling cobblestone streets, whitewashed houses and colorful shops where local artisans peddle their wares. Overlooking the town is a 17th century Franciscan monastery, and from this vantage point, visitors can get panoramic views of the entire countryside and the Atlantic coast (possibly for their own postcard pictures).
Monchique is also near some hot springs; one is found in the village of Caldas de Monchique and two more bubble south of Picota Hill. These are known as Fonte Santa and are believed to have mystical healing properties. The Romans used these springs as spas, as did royalty from Southern Europe.
Monchique is typical of the communities in this area. The neighboring villages of Alferce and Casais reflect traditional Portuguese mountain life, and Marmelete is a small fishing village. Though this last is a gateway to the sandy beaches of the western Atlantic coast, it is largely unaffected (you might say nonplussed) by tourist incursions.
Address: Monchique, Portugal
Admission: Free
From $ 23
Modhera Sun Temple
In 1026 King Bhimdev I of the Solanki Dynasty commissioned the building of a grand monument dedicated to the Hindu deity Surya, God of the Sun. Built on the banks of the Pushpavati River in Modhera, the Sun Temple was built with three axially-aligned elements, a step well, an assembly hall and a sanctum where an idol of the Sun God was once housed.
The Sabha Mandap, or assembly hall, once held religious gatherings and ceremonies and is characterized by its 52 intricately carved pillars, depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. This gathering hall leads into the inner sanctum, designed so that the sun would shine on the idol of the Sun God at dawn on the equinox. Twelve niches within the sanctum depict the 12 different facets of Surya — one for each month of the year.
Surya Kund, the stepped tank in front of the temple, was once used to store water. Today, the rectangular stepped well is known for the more than 100 carved shrines lining its walls.
Practical Info
The most convenient way to visit the Modhera Sun Temple is by hiring a taxi from Ahmedabad, which can include a visit to Patan as well. It’s more expensive than the bus but much easier.
Address: Modhera, India
Hours: Open daily 9am-5pm
Admission: 100 rupees
From $ 48
Moco Museum
Amsterdam's Modern Contemporary Museum (Moco Museum) features a wide range of inspiring art, including notable exhibits by mysterious British street artist Banksy, surrealist Salvador Dalí, and pop artist Roy Lichtenstein. The Moco Museum primarily features artists who have their own (often ironic) vision and is a privately owned initiative of gallery owners who have worked with renowned artists such as Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Jean Michel Basquiat, and Picasso. The classic Dutch mansion that houses the museum was designed in 1904 by Eduard Cuypers, cousin of architect Pierre Cuypers, who designed the nearby Rijksmuseum.
The Basics
One of Amsterdam's trendiest museums, Moco is a must-see not just art lovers but also pop culture enthusiasts. Pre-book a skip-the-line ticket to beat the crowds and wander the mansion checking out the quirky collection of rotating contemporary and modern exhibits.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Travelers generally spend one to two hours at the Moco Museum.
- Moco has no elevators and cannot accommodate strollers or luggage.
- Ordering tickets online allows guests to bypass the queue and head straight into the museum without waiting.
How to Get to the Moco Museum
The Moco Museum is housed in a traditionally designed Dutch mansion in Villa Alsberg, right in the middle of central Amsterdam's Museumplein (Museum Square). Set opposite the Rijksmuseum and beside the Van Gogh Museum, the Museumplein is easily accessible on all of Amsterdam's public transportation lines.
When to Get There
Moco is open daily between 10am and 6pm and is at its busiest around midday and on weekends.
The Mysterious Banksy
An anonymous street artist, political activist, and film director, Banksy is known for his satirical graffiti art, recognizable for its edge, dark humor, and stenciling technique. The artist is thought to be English, and he was included in the 2010 Time 100, Time magazine's list of the world’s most influential people.
Address: Honthorststraat 20, Amsterdam 1071, Netherlands
Hours: Daily 10am-6pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 13
Monkey Beach
At the base of Muka Head Cape in Penang National Park is secluded Teluk Duyung, commonly know as Monkey Beach due to the long-tailed macaques that reside there.
A sheltered cove it has flat, sandy seabed making it calm, tranquil and great for swimming in the clear green waters. Often lots of wildlife: macaques, fruit bats,sea eagles and even sea otters. A popular bbq-picnic area - also a steep walk to the lighthouse.
Practical Info
Monkey Beach is located on the north coast, reachable by an energetic 2-hour jungle trek through the national park from Teluk Bahang, or the more relax option is a 20-min boat from Batu Ferringgi.
Address: Penang, Malaysia
From $ 86
Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes
Once upon a time, Spain’s famous Catholic Monarchs had grand plans for Toledo to be their final resting place. As such, and in commemoration of the victory of the Battle of Toro, they began building the Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes. Though ultimately the King and Queen were entombed in Granada, Toledo’s underrated monastery remains one of the city’s most intriguing sights.
The late 15th-century monastery is especially noted for its two-story cloister, featuring gardens, gargoyles, and an intricate Mudejar-style ceiling on the second floor. Listen carefully and you might even hear the chants of the monks. While outside the cathedral, take special note of the curious chains hanging from the façade: hung in 1494, they represent the prisoners freed from Muslim Granada, and the then triumph of Christianity in Spain.
Practical Info
Getting here will require a bit of an uphill trek, not unlike many other parts of town.
Address: Calle San Juan de los Reyes, Toledo, Castilla La Mancha 45002, Spain
Hours: March 1 to Oct 15: Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.-6:45pm; Oct 16 to Feb 28: Mon-Sun, 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m.
Admission: €2,50
From $ 13
Mombacho Volcano
With an Aztec name that translates to “Steep Mountain,” the Mombacho volcano certainly lives up to its name. Its 4,410-foot (1,344-meter) peak towers over Nicaragua’s colonial city of Granada, creating both a beautiful backdrop and a huge backyard ripe for adventure and exploration.
The Basics
The summit of Mombacho is reachable by road, but the most rewarding way to explore the volcano is on foot: pass through sprawling coffee plantations, fields of wild orchids, and unspoiled cloud forest dotted with natural hot springs and hissing fumaroles. A number of hiking trails run up to the summit and through the surrounding Mombacho Cloud Forest Reserve, which is home to an impressive 800 plant species and 171 animal and bird species, including quetzals, hummingbirds, howler monkeys, and unique indigenous critters such as the Mombacho butterfly and Mombacho salamander. You can also access the summit on one of four daily truck rides.
Most Mombacho hikes require a guide, which you can book in advance or at the entrance to the mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve. Canopy zipline tours are also popular, especially among families, with various routes encompassing lofty platforms and hanging bridges.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Mombacho volcano is a must-do for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Lodges and campsites are available; book ahead.
- El Cráter is the most kid-friendly and well-marked trail.
- Take your own truck to the summit only if it is equipped with 4WD and you have experience driving on steep inclines and unpaved roads.
How to Get There
Mombacho is located in the Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve, six miles (10 kilometers) south of Granada. Catch any public bus from the cemetery and ask the driver to drop you off at Mombacho, and then grab a tuk-tuk for the short ride to the entrance. If taking your own vehicle, follow signs for the reserve along the Granada-Nandaime highway. A third but more expensive option is to take a taxi from Granada straight to the entrance.
When to Get There
The Mombacho Volcano Nature Reserve is open from 8am to 5pm Friday through Sunday or by reservation. Go early in the morning for minimal crowds and maximum time to hang out; the last truck to the summit goes up at 1pm and comes down at 4pm. If visiting from Managua or Masaya, be sure to leave early to get a head start on traffic.
Mombacho’s Last Eruption
The Mombacho volcano’s last eruption, more than 3,000 years ago, was responsible for creating the many islands of Lake Nicaragua. Today, the now-dormant Mombacho offers spectacular views over the glittering lake and Las Isletas below.
Address: Managua, Nicaragua
Admission: Varies
From $ 47
Monasterboice
Ireland is known for its ancient high crosses, and nowhere are the intricately carved Celtic crosses more impressive that those at Monasterboice. Here at this historic Christian settlement about 50 minutes north of Dublin, three tall crosses form the main centerpiece for the handful of travelers that visit. Of the three different crosses, Muineadach Cross, standing 16 feet high, is one of the tallest crosses in Ireland, and is ornately carved with scenes from the Bible as a pictorial means of scripture. Behind the cross is an imposing round tower that stands 110 feet high, and would serve as a refuge for monks and valuables when under a Viking attack. While the interior of the tower is closed to the public, the stone remains are an impressive example of ancient Irish architecture, and along with the ruins of two small churches, form a small, sacred—and slightly haunting—site in County Louth.
Practical Info
There is no fee to visit Monasterboice, which is located 5 miles northwest of the town of Drogheda. Early morning and late in the day are when the site has the fewest crowds, and Monasterboice is popular with guided tour buses during the middle parts of the day. Access is via a short, gravel, walking path, and there are no facilities, food, or drink available at the site.
Address: Co. Louth, Ireland
From $ 52
ModeMuseum (MoMu)
As befits a city committed to the pursuit of high fashion, sophisticated Antwerp has a museum dedicated to the study of designer clothing. Affectionately known as MoMu, the collections of the ModeMuseum are housed in a former 19th-century department store that has been gutted and renovated with light-filled galleries on several floors. Right in the heart of the city’s high-end shopping district, the museum has a repository of more than 25,000 pieces of fashion history from which to draw and stages two major exhibitions each year, which see garments, hats and shoes all artfully displayed behind glass. Recent temporary exhibitions have included retrospectives of Antwerp designer Dries van Noten, and ‘FootPrint’, an homage to the changing shape of shoes down the centuries. The museum is run in conjunction with Antwerp’s prestigious fashion school and combines with a fashion library, bookshop and public reading room, as well as hosting a series of workshops and lectures on Belgian fashion.
Practical Info
Nationalestraat 28, Antwerp. Open Tue–Sun 10am–6pm (until 9pm every first Thur of month). Admission adults €8; seniors €6; students aged 19–26 €3, under 18s free. Take tram 4 to Groenplaats.
Address: Nationalestraat 28, Antwerp, Flanders, Belgium 2000, Belgium
Hours: Open Tue–Sun 10am–6pm (until 9pm every first Thurs of month)
Admission: Adults: €8; Children: Free
From $ 15
Monserrate Palace (Palacio de Monserrate)
Monserrate Palace is an ornate palace in Sintra, Portugal that was built with a combination of Gothic, Indian, and Moorish influences. Sir Francis Cook purchased the land in the mid 1800s and had the palace built based on places he had seen in the many countries he had visited as a trader. It has an exotic theme that was inspired by his travels as well as an emphasis on plants both inside and out. The gardens contain plant species from all around the world and is organized according to geographic origin. It is one of the most impressive botanical gardens in Portugal and in Europe.
Visitors can explore the interiors of the palace, which served as Sir Francis Cook's summer home for many years. The Gothic style is an example of the eclectic tastes of the time. It is the smallest of the three castles in Sintra, but it is the most decorative and considered the most beautiful by many, and it is well worth a visit.
Practical Info
Monserrate Palace is located at Largo Infante Dom Henrique. The monastery is often visited as a day trip from Lisbon and can be reached by taking the Sintra train line.
Address: R. Visc. de Monserrate, Sintra 2710, Portugal
Admission: Varies
From $ 34
Monjo
Located in the Dudh Kosi River Valley, Monjo is a small village in the Everest region of Nepal. It’s north of Phakding, where many hikers spend the first night of the Everest Base Camp hike. While Monjo itself isn’t a necessary stopping point, at 9,301 feet (2,835 meters) it’s a good alternative to bigger and higher Namche Bazaar (11,286 feet/3,440 meters).
The Basics
Monjo is the last village hikers will reach from Lukla before the start of the Sagarmatha National Park. The park checkpoint is located here, and there’s plenty of accommodation options. The town itself is not particularly memorable, but it’s a convenient place to stop. Many people hike from Lukla to Phakding, which takes about three hours. Hikers with more stamina or who arrived in Lukla early can continue on to Monjo, which takes around six hours.
Most hikers pass through or stop at Monjo on the Everest Base Camp hike, although there are lots of other hiking options in the area. These include the Gokyo Lakes, the Three High Passes, and the shorter Everest Panorama.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Learn the signs of altitude sickness before your trip, and be prepared to return to lower elevation if they appear.
- Accommodations fill up fast in the peak season. Hiking with a guide is not only safer, it will guarantee you a place to sleep.
- While most lodges (teahouses) in the Everest region are simple and comfortable, Monjo is home to an Everest Summit Lodge, a local chain of luxury lodges.
How to Get There
Hiking is the only way to get to Monjo. Fly to Lukla from Kathmandu (a spectacular and nail-biting flight of about 30 minutes), then walk the rest of the way. Monjo is about the same altitude as Lukla, but there is some up and down along the way.
When to Get There
Peak hiking season in the Everest region, like most of Nepal, is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). The weather at low and medium altitudes is warm, and skies usually clear. Hiking in winter (December–February) is possible as long as you are well prepared for the cold. Monsoon season (June-August) hiking is not advised.
Visit Namche Bazaar on a Saturday
Namche Bazaar is the largest town in the Everest region, located 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Monjo. If possible, aim to be there on a Saturday so you can catch the weekly market. ‘Bazaar’ means market in Nepali, and the town has been a Sherpa trading hub for centuries. People from nearby villages come to shop at the lively market.
Address: Monjo, Nepal
From $ 1,045