Things to Do in Kelowna & Okanagan Valley

Whether you’re looking for street food, ginseng, jewelry, housewares, clothes, or souvenirs, you’ll find these (and just about everything else under the sun) in the stalls of Namdaemun Market. South Korea’s largest market is busy around the clock as locals and tourists rub elbows in search of the best deals.

 

Namdaemun ranks among Seoul’s most popular shopping destinations. The market is often a stop on sightseeing tours of the city, but dedicated shopping tours dig deepest into the market, giving travelers local insight into how and where to find the best bargains. Foodies can treat themselves to a market tasting tour, to sample some of the best bites from among the market’s 10,000 stalls.

 

 

Numerous public buses stop at Namdaemun Market, but the easiest and most convenient way to get there is by taking the Seoul subway to Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) and leaving through Exit 5.

 

Namdaemun Market is almost always open. Most of the market activity takes place during daytime hours, though wholesalers stay open through the night. Some vendors close Sunday.

 

Although most visitors come to Namdaemun Market to shop, it’s also an excellent place to eat. Street food vendors sell a range of dishes; local favorites include dumpling soup, sujebi (shellfish soup), kalguksu noodles, bibimbap (Korean rice), and bindae duk (mung bean pancakes).

Myra was once the capital of the Lycian Union along Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The remaining ruins are a mile from present-day Demre. It's also one of the towns along the Lycian Way, Turkey's famous long distance hiking trail between Fethiye and Antalya. The earliest recordings that mention Myra are from the 1st century BC, although an outer defensive wall has been dated from the 5th century BC.

The Greco-Roman amphitheater in Myra is the largest in the Lycia region. It has been well-preserved, and you can even see an inscription that notes where an ancient concessions stall once stood. It has 38 rows of seats and walls decorated with theater masks and other scenes.

Ancient tombs are cut into rock cliffs here. Most are from the 4th century and have reliefs on them depicting funeral scenes and scenes from daily life. Though the tombs appear plain today, as late as the mid-1800s they were covered in bright red, yellow and blue paint.

Myra was the home of Saint Nicholas, a bishop who was the inspiration for Santa Claus. His church is located here, and it has been rebuilt and renovated several times. You can also visit his tomb, although his remains were stolen and brought to Italy in 1087 AD.

Namche Bazaar is a small, busy market town perched high in the Himalayas. It’s been on trade routes to Tibet for many centuries, and is now an essential stopping point on hikes in the Everest (Khumbu) region. As it’s located at 11,286 feet (3,440 meters), hikers and climbers stop at Namche to acclimatize before heading higher into the mountains.

Located on a horseshoe shaped, terraced mountainside, Namche Bazaar is the Sherpa heartland, and the Tibetan-influenced culture can be seen in everything from the food to the monasteries to the locals’ clothing. It’s also full of lodges, souvenir shops, and hiker-oriented restaurants and bars. It’s the last place to stock up on essentials before traveling onwards to more remote locations.

Almost all routes in the Khumbu region, including the Everest Base Camp hike, pass through Namche. It’s also possible to use Namche as a base and take day hikes close by.

There are only two ways of getting to Namche: trekking from Lukla, or taking a chartered helicopter from Kathmandu. Lukla is a 30-minute aeroplane flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla, trek for one very long day, or two more comfortable ones. Helicopters are expensive, but they’re a spectacular way to see the Everest region and a good option for travelers on a generous budget or with time limitations.

The best times to hike in the Khumbu region are March–May or September–November, as the weather is likely to be fine during these months. It’s important to book far ahead for flights to Lukla and accommodation in Namche if visiting during this time. 

If possible, time your visit to Namche so you can visit the weekly Saturday market. The ‘bazaar’ in the town’s name means market in Nepali. The town has been a Sherpa trading hub for centuries. People from nearby villages (with ‘nearby’ meaning several hours’ walk in these parts) come to shop, and it’s a lively event.

The golden temple, brilliant red bridge and colorful flowers of Nan Lian Garden have been welcoming travelers in search of ancient Chinese beauty since its doors opened in 2006. Visitors to this classic garden will find relaxing ponds and trickling streams, expertly pruned trees and Zen rock gardens typical of the old-school Chinese tradition. 

After exploring the beauty of Nan Lian Gardens, travelers can venture into exhibit halls, where informative displays outline ancient architectural practices used to build all wooden structures on site. A typical Chinese tea house offers visitors an opportunity to relax in the beauty of the garden while sipping cups of green tea and a trip to the nearby Buddhist nunnery makes a perfect addition to an already peaceful afternoon. 

Nagwon Arcade is a vast collection of tiny shops selling musical instruments that range from petite woodwinds to massive bass drums. Travelers can wander the stalls lined with pianos, electric guitars and other items. Chat with locals who repair and build these incredible pieces and learn about the history of what is arguably one of the largest collections of instrument shops in the world. Whether you’re a beginner, an expert, or simply a lover of music, there’s bound to be something that catches your eye while exploring Nagwon Arcade’s three stories of stores, shops and dealers.

This well-preserved village is home to five restored traditional Korean houses, as well as a quiet pond and a picturesque pavilion. Though some consider this destination a bit too touristy, others say the rebuilt homes from the Joseon Dynasty perfectly illustrate the daily lives of locals during ancient times. 

Travelers can wander through the homes of both peasants and kings while they explore typical life. A traditional craftwork shop offers travelers the chance to pick up traditional games and historic replicas. On weekends visitors can take part in a traditional wedding ceremony and sometimes catch other performances, like kite flying and the five-colored experience that showcase local dance and culture. 

The Nagi Gompa monastery is a nunnery located in Shivapuri National Park and can be found on the northern slopes above Budhanilkantha. At an altitude of 2,330 meters, the monastery is overlooking Kathmandu Valley and is home to over 100 nuns, who have come here to meditate and study the Buddhist scriptures in the peaceful surroundings and clean air of the green mountain landscape. Here, the focus lies not only on awakening to an enlightened nature, but also on transforming harmful mental states to love and wisdom. Nagi Gompa is one of only few monasteries offering such opportunities to female Buddhists and accordingly, the nunnery is so popular, that more women arrive from all over Nepal and Tibet every year and various expansion plans had to be put into action.

Nagi Gompa is also the perfect place for foreigners looking for a short or even longer respite. Since the nunnery serves as a retreat center, it is possible to rent a room in the monastery and stay there for days or even weeks to meditate to the sounds of drums, cymbals and chants. Although some travelers decide to stay longer, many just stop for an hour on their hikes to elsewhere to see the performance of “chöd,” a Tibetan meditation dance, which the nuns at Nagi Gompa have become famous for.

Please note that Nagi Gompa nunnery suffered damages in the earthquake and subsequent aftershocks in Nepal in late April and early May 2015. Several of the complex’s buildings have completely collapsed and several others are partially destroyed. Authorities have said they will do all they can to restore historic and cultural sites in Nepal and are assessing the extent of damages.

Mysore Palace—the former home of the Wodeyar family, who ruled the Kingdom of Mysore from 1399 until India’s independence—is an architectural marvel with equally stunning interiors. Though a fire destroyed most of the palace at the end of the 18th century, it was restored in 1912, and today is among the most visited attractions in India.

 

Mysore's star attraction, and a popular stop on most city tours, Mysore Palace, aka Amba Vilas, is a gargantuan complex featuring seven palaces, all interconnected by a series of secret tunnels. The Indo-Saracenic architecture that dominates here is eye candy enough, but it's the interiors that really stand out, with their colorful stained-glass panels, intricately carved wooden doors, and ample mirror and mosaic work, not to mention a large collection of paintings and royal artillery.

 

Arrive with a guide as part of a Mysore day tour or as part of longer multi-day excursion from Bangalore.

 

 

The entrance to Mysore Palace is located at the southern end of the complex on Purandara Dasa Road. It's about a 10-minute drive or 20-minute walk from the city's main railway station, Mysuru Junction, making it easy to visit as a day trip via train from Bangalore (or Bengaluru) (the journey can take as little as two hours, via the Shatabdi Express). Many tour operators also offer day trips from Bangalore to Mysore specifically to visit the complex.

 

While Mysore is great throughout the year, with its warm winters and mild summers, travelers wishing to explore the exteriors of the palace should be prepared to get wet should they visit during the monsoon season, which runs from June through August or September. The best time to see the palace is during the annual Mysore Dasara festival in September or October.

 

One of the most important festivals in Mysore, the annual Mysore Dasara is a 10-day affair featuring all sorts of celebrations, including special royal assemblies, processions of elephants and idols, and a huge fair full of food and handicraft booths. Mysore Palace is also illuminated on evenings throughout the festival, thanks to nearly 100,000 light bulbs.

Head to the top of Namsan Tower (N Seoul Tower) in hilly Namsan Park, the largest in Seoul, for some of the best panoramic views over the South Korean capital. The 777-foot (237-meter) tower offers three observation decks and half a dozen restaurants where you can soak in the views, day or night.

 

As one of Seoul’s most enduring landmarks, Namsan Tower is featured on many sightseeing tours of the city, along with attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the Blue House, Jogyesa Temple, and Namsangol Hanok Village. Access to the observation tower requires an admission ticket, though admission is free for diners at the n.GRILL restaurant, where advance reservations are recommended.

 

 

Cars are not allowed within Namsan Park, so to reach the tower you’ll have to walk up the hill or ride the cable car. The nearest subway station is in Myeongdong, a 10-minute walk from the cable car station. It’s also possible to ride the Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus, which stops at several subway stations throughout Seoul.

 

Namsan Tower is open 365 days a year, with extended hours Saturday. Each restaurant has its own operating hours, so it’s a good idea to call ahead if you’re planning to eat. Though the views from the tower are excellent no matter when you visit, they’re particularly stunning at night when the city is illuminated.

 

The tower has long been a popular date spot for Koreans, and you’ll notice the railings around the tower are covered in colorful padlocks. These locks are often decorated with names of couples who left them at the tower as a symbol of eternal love.

Seoul’s answer to Fifth Avenue in New York, Myeongdong Shopping Street teems with affordable brand name shops and department stores selling all varieties of clothing, shoes, and accessories. This retail mecca stretches from Myeongdong Subway Station to the Lotte Department Store and encompasses many of the surrounding streets and alleyways as well. For shoppers who’ve worked up an appetite, the area’s restaurants specialize in Korean pork cutlet (dongaseu) and noodle soup (kalguksu).

The daytime population of this commercial hub in the heart of Seoul swells to near 2 million people who come to shop, eat, work, and play. While many Seoul sightseeing tours include Myeongdong, you could easily dedicate an entire day to this vibrant neighborhood, either independently or with the help of a tour guide. Travelers in need of some retail therapy can opt for a shopping tour of the city, with time to browse in Myeongdong, Namdaemun Market, Gangnam, or Dongdaemun depending on the option chosen.

The most convenient way to get to Myeongdong Shopping Street is to take the subway to Euljiro 1-ga Station (Exits 5–7) or Myeongdong Station (Exits 5–8). Numerous buses also stop in the area at either the Lotte Department bus stop or Euljiro 1-ga Station.

Depending on the experience you’re looking for, Myeongdong is worth visiting before or after dark. At night, a street market takes over with bargain prices on clothes, accessories, and handbags. Try to avoid visiting during China’s Golden Week holiday in spring, as many Chinese tourists come to Seoul to shop during this time, and the street can get very crowded.

If you need a break from the shopping, there’s plenty more to do in the Myeongdong area. Visit the Myeongdong Cathedral; strike a pose at the 3D Black Art Museum; brush up on your civic trivia at the Korean Postage Stamp Museum or Bank of Korea Museum; take aim at the Korea Shooting Club; or laugh it up with some non-verbal comedy at the NANTA Theatre.

The National Museum of Kenya opened in 1930 as a place for local naturalists to collect and display their specimens. But in 2005, the museum doors closed and the once archaic structure got a much-needed facelift. Today, it houses more than mere evidence of Kenya’s unique flora and fauna (although its massive East African bird collection is impressive and the botanical garden and nature trail are perfect for afternoon wandering). 

In addition to biological wonders, the National Museum now houses galleries that examine the rich culture and traditions of its numerous tribes, outline the nation’s history, and even galleries that display the talents of Kenya’s contemporary modern artists.

The Namsan Cable Car in Seoul runs from the Hoehyeon-dong platform at the base of Mount Namsan up to the Yejang-dong platform near the Namsan Tower. Naturally, it’s a scenic journey, offering 360-degree views of Seoul and the mountain by both day and night.

New cable cars were put in place in 2008, which have increased the capacity of the cars and improved them so that they feature glass on all four sides, giving visitors more of a panoramic vantage point.

This is a popular attraction, with around 50,000 people riding the Namsan Cable Car every month, and it tends to get particularly busy in the evenings. Those looking for a quieter time to ride are advised to visit in the morning. As an alternative to the cable car, active types can instead opt to reach the top of the mountain and the tower by walking up.

Nagarkot, a small town on the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley, is popular for its sunrise and sunset views of the Himalaya. On a clear day, it’s possible to see Mount Everest to the northeast and the Annapurna ranges to the northwest. There are many places to stay within Nagarkot and cultural attractions, too.

Located just 20 miles (32 kilometers) from central Kathmandu, Nagarkot is a popular day trip for its clear mountain views. On a high ridge at 7,136 feet (2,175 meters), the town is surrounded by thick pine forests, which allow for day hikes or longer treks to surrounding towns. Guided tours often arrive for sunrise and may include a hike. Others visit as part of a longer tour or stay overnight for sunset and sunrise. 

Nagarkot is accessible by public bus, but from Kathmandu it requires a change in Bhaktapur. The most direct way is to take a tour that includes transport, hire a taxi from Kathmandu for the day, or arrange for drop-off and next-day pickup with a driver.

The mountain views are clearest in winter (December-February), although it can get cold at the high altitude. November is slightly warmer, and has a high chance of clear views. Avoid Nagarkot during the monsoon (June-August), as views are generally poor and the road condition are particularly bad.

A good day hike from Nagarkot is to Changu Narayan, home to the oldest temple in Nepal. The approximately 4-hour hike is mostly downhill from Nagarkot, through forested hills, terraced farmland, and small villages. For the best experience, join a guided tour with all transportation included, or arrange to stay in Nagarkot overnight and set out for Changu Narayan in the morning. From Changu Narayan, take a bus or taxi back to Bhaktapur or Kathmandu.

Set in the lush rain forest outside Ocho Rios, Mystic Mountain is a nature theme park featuring thrill rides, gardens, and pools. Adrenaline junkies can zip through the jungle on ziplines and bobsleds, while more laid-back visitors can enjoy panoramic views on a chairlift canopy ride. 

 

Race through the canopy at Mystic Mountain’s zipline course, which features a variety of platforms and cables up to 550 feet (168 meters) in length. The Rainforest Bobsled Jamaica ride allows you to control your own speed, accelerating for a wild ride or slowing down to enjoy views of the rain forest and Caribbean Sea. Finally, opt for the Sky Explorer: a chairlift that travels high above the treetops for incredible views of Ocho Rios and the nearby Dunn's River Falls. You can enjoy all three activities in one tour, with guaranteed admission during sold-out days, along with access to the butterfly garden, lookout tower, waterslides, and infinity pool.

 

 

Mystic Mountain is centrally located in Ocho Rios, just five minutes away from the city’s main cruise ship port. While it’s possible to arrive by taxi or private vehicle, most tours include round-trip transportation from the cruise port or downtown. 

 

Inclement weather is the biggest threat to a Mystic Mountain visit. Jamaica's hurricane season spans from June 1 through November 30, and the rainiest months are May, October, and November. The nature park is popular with cruise line passengers—to avoid crowds, check the cruise ship schedule and pick a day when no ships are in port. 

 

Climb up the tiered Dunn’s River Falls for panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and Ocho Rios itself. Another must-see attraction is the Blue Hole, a limestone sinkhole filled with aquamarine water. 

This half-moon-shaped island in the southwest of Chuncheon served as a setting in the popular Korean TV drama Winter Sonata. Namiseom offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Seoul with facilities for bike riding, ziplining, camping, and boating. The island’s redwoods, ginkgos, and pines offer a habitat for roaming deer and waterfowl.

 

Thanks to its scenic beauty and cultural significance, Nami Island has become one of the most popular day trip destinations from Seoul. An entrance ticket to the island includes round-trip transportation on the ferry from Gapyeong Wharf.

 

Many day trips to the island also include a visit to Petite France, a cultural village that looks like it belongs in the Piedmont Alps. Tours might also include stops at the Garden of the Morning Calm or the Elysian Ski Resort, depending on the season.

 

 

The easiest way to reach the island is to take the train from Chuncheon to Gapyeong (about a 20-minute ride) and then walk to the wharf where you can catch a ferry to the island.

 

The island attracts visitors year-round, with each season having its own appeal. Spring brings cherry blossoms (typically during the month of April), and the island is lush and green during summer. It’s a popular place for leaf peeping come autumn, while couples come in winter to experience the snow-covered landscape as seen in Winter Sonata.

 

Nami Island, which is perhaps best known for its tree-lined lanes, is undeniably photogenic. The Central Korean Pine Tree Lane, which leads through the center of the island, is a must-visit. In autumn, yellow-covered leaves make Ginkgo Tree Lane particularly scenic, while the towering redwoods of Metasequoia Lane, stunning throughout the year, are worth visiting. If you’re a fan of Korean dramas, be sure to visit the Winter Sonata Statue in Gongsaengwon Garden.

One of the oldest traditional souks (marketplaces) in the Arab world, the Muttrah souk has a history stretching back over 200 years and has earned acclaim throughout Oman for its varied array of both local and imported goods – thanks in large part to its strategic position at the mouth of Muscat Harbor. Known locally as the Al Dhalam souk, which translates as ‘Darkness’ in Arabic, the souk takes its name from the network of narrow streets that run between Khour Bimba and the Al Lawatiya Mosque, where the stalls are so cramped together the sunlight can’t make it through the cracks. 

Navigating the dimly lit stalls and maze-like alleyways is all part of the experience and shopping in the souks is one of the top pastimes for visitors to Oman.  Exploring the myriad of stalls reveals a host of local goods like Frankincense, perfumes and fresh spices, alongside traditional handicrafts like Khanjers (Omani knives), Bedu jewelry and colorful hookah pipes. Pay a visit to the Gold Souk, where the honeycomb of stalls are laden with gold and silver jewelry, tuck into some local street food, then put your haggling skills to the test as you scour the markets for unique Omani souvenirs.

The former capital of the Mysore Kingdom, which ruled over South India for more than five centuries, Mysore (officially Mysuru) is a charming little city known for its delicious food, ample yoga centers (Ashtanga yoga has its roots here), and its stunning Amba Vilas Palace, one of the most spectacular palaces in all of India.

 

The name Mysore comes from the word "Mahishuru," or abode of Mahisha, a demon who was defeated here after a drawn-out battle with the goddess Chamnudeshwari. While a temple to the goddess stands to this day, the big draw for most visitors is the city's huge palace complex, one of the most popular attractions in all of South India.

 

Mysore can easily be visited as a day trip from Bangalore, though, unsurprisingly, most organized tours focus primarily on Mysore Palace.

 

 

Mysore is easy to get to from Bangalore, with regular train services linking the two cities in two to three hours. Alternatively, the journey from Mysore to Bangalore takes around three and a half hours on National Highway 275 (or four hours from the airport), though expect to spend more than four hours in transit if you go by bus due to multiple stops. Alternatively, take a tour from Bangalore that includes round-trip transport.

 

Mysore is a year-round destination, with mild summers (by Indian standards) and warm winters. The hottest months are April and May, while the monsoon rains drench the city from June through August or September. The festival season starts in September or October with the annual Mysore Dasara festival, a celebration of the triumph of good over evil; Mysore Palace is illuminated with thousands of tiny lights throughout the duration of the festival.

 

Mysore is known across India for its food, notably Mysore pak and Mysore masala dosas. Mysore pak is a popular sweet consisting of chickpea flour, ghee (clarified butter), and sugar, often with a touch of cardamom. The Mysore masala dosa is the city’s version of a popular South Indian crepe stuffed with potatoes; in Mysore, a spicy red chutney is spread on the interior of the crepe to add some heat.

Nagan Eupseong Folk Village, located in Jeollanam-do Province, encompasses one of the best preserved walled fortress town of the Chosun period. While there were 96 town fortresses in more than 330 of these towns at the height of the Chosun Dynasty, many of them were destroyed during the Japanese occupation. The village was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2011.

More than 100 families still live within the historic structures, going about their day-to-day tasks much like people indigenous to the area have been doing for centuries. Over 200 of Nagan Eupseong’s houses remain in their original condition, complete with thatched roofs and stonework without the use of mortar. A few of these have been converted to guesthouses for travelers who wish to stay the night.

Nakhal is a small town in the Al Batinah Region of Oman. The name translates to “palm,” many of which line the streets of this desert oasis. It is one of the more scenic towns in the country, set against the jagged peaks of the Jebel Nakhal Mountains of the Western Hajar range, and there is a hot spring and a small stream flowing calmly into town.

A main draw to the area for visitors is the historic Nakhal Fort, which sits atop a rock mound in the center of town. The castle dates back to pre-Islamic times, but like its neighboring forts it has undergone several renovations since. Even more palm and banana trees lie below in the orchards surrounding the structure. Climbing up the fort offers wide views of both the ancient town below and the magnificent surrounding landscape.