Nepal’s vibrant capital stimulates at every turn. A collision of rich traditions and awe-inspiring landscapes, Kathmandu is sure to impress even the most intrepid traveller.

I keep a tally of the countries I’ve visited (26, for those playing at home) and I’m always chasing new destinations to add to my list. Bonus points if it appeases my adrenaline junkie side, offers mouth-watering affordable cuisine, and is jam-packed with culture and history.

And guess what? Kathmandu offers all of the above, and then some.

I mean, where else can you experience some of the world’s best thrills, explore thousand-year-old temples and finish your day savouring a six-course dinner inside a Michelin-rated hotel? My trip to Kathmandu in January 2023 quite literally leaves me breathless – in the best possible way.

And I’m travelling for Point Hacks, so luxury and comfort are on the cards – using points, of course. For 68,300 Qantas Points, I fly from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines in Economy, then on to Kathmandu in Business Class. Fees and taxes set me back just $205 – a saving of $1,505 off the retail price of this one-way journey. Waltzing off a Business Class flight means I’m ready to hit the ground running in Kathmandu and discover everything this magical city has to offer.

And I do just that. Here’s what I get up to.

Flying to Kathmandu from Australia

Kathmandu is just two flights from Australia: a 7.5-hour leg to Kuala Lumpur, then a 4.5-hour hop over the Himalayas. Given the availability at the time of booking, my flight from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur is in Economy – no dramas for a daytime leg. My second flight – in a different cabin class – is booked separately.

And get this. For a low points outlay, I fly up the pointy end to Kathmandu and enjoy the perks of Business Class, including lounge access in Kuala Lumpur. It’s a hard life.

Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia Airlines Economy

Eager to get stuck into the cuisine before I even set foot in Malaysia, I fly with Malaysia Airlines from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur. This Classic Reward redemption sets me back just 24,500 Qantas Points and $92 in fees and taxes. And I’m playing the long game here. The more cash I save on flights, the more I have to blow on activities when I arrive in Kathmandu.

The Economy cabin has a 2-4-2 configuration. With an 11 am departure from Adelaide and a late afternoon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, I’m fine to sit at the back for this leg. For a small fee I can access Wi-Fi on board, so I’ll be awake curating my Spotify playlist for the duration of the flight. Priorities.

My daytime flight warrants lunch. I’ve selected the chicken thigh in a creamy sauce, accompanied by rice. Prior to landing I’ve got a choice of pies as a refreshment – the creamy vegetable pie wins this round. Filling? Very. But I’m purposely saving my stomach for all the street food I’m about to consume during my overnight stop in Kuala Lumpur.

All in all, I hop over to Asia fuss-free, and I’m poised for my next treat: Business Class to Kathmandu.

Transit in Kuala Lumpur

I’m spending the night at Pullman Kuala Lumpur City Centre, which puts me within easy access of Petronas Towers and Pavilion shopping mall. Booking directly through Accor, I collect Accor Live Limitless points on my stay.

With only a night to spend in one of my favourite cities, I want to make the most of my time. The KL Ekspress train whisks me from KLIA to KL Sentral station, where I take a 15-minute Grab ride to my hotel. Even with this transfer, I’m still getting to my hotel quicker than if I had taken a Grab straight from the airport. I bypass Kuala Lumpur’s notoriously busy traffic and have ample time to tuck into some street food.

But first, a bit of quick sightseeing at the Twin Towers and KLCC’s Lake Symphony water show. After a short Grab ride, I arrive at Kuala Lumpur’s culinary heaven, Jalan Alor. I power my way through this famous street food market, determined to wrap my tastebuds around a plate of roti canai and a glass of Malaysia’s popular milk tea, teh tarik. A cendol topped with durian also makes the cut – don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu in Malaysia Airlines Business Class

The second and final leg of my journey is also with Malaysia Airlines. At the time of booking, there’s plenty of Business Class availability on this route, even over the peak Christmas period when I’m travelling. For a low Qantas Points outlay, I jet to Kathmandu up the pointy end after kicking back at the stylish Malaysia Airlines Regional Golden Lounge at KLIA.

Check-in at KLIA

Still battling a food coma from the night before, I arrive at KLIA precisely as check-in opens. A wave of excitement washes over me as I head for the check-in counter. Country number 27 awaits! And I’m flying there in Business Class – how cool.

I enjoy a seamless check-in at Malaysia Airlines’ Business Class check-in zone at KLIA. There are no lines, and a staff member loads my luggage onto the scale before I’m off through the dedicated immigration line for Business Class passengers. Quick and easy, and more time to spend in the lounge.

Malaysia Airlines Golden Lounge Regional

Taking a left after security, I head up the escalators next to Travelex to Malaysia Airlines’ Regional Golden Lounge. The lounge is tucked away on the mezzanine level, providing an oasis from the airport bustle below.

Entering the cosy, earth-toned lounge, a wave of relaxation washes over me. I’m still in ‘cosy mode’ and half awake – so the decor suits my state of mind perfectly.

The lounge is pleasingly quiet and I’ve got a choice of seating. I stake out a spot on one of the big couches overlooking the tarmac with the sun rising in the distance. Can it get much better than this?

I soon discover that it can indeed. As I’m sussing the buffet – which, by the way, includes a selection of local fare, cereal, and fresh fruit – I hear the undeniable sound of a teh tarik being mixed. Okay, so it’s instant teh tarik – but I’m already clutching a plate of DIY nasi lemak, and this is the perfect accompaniment.

Flying to Kathmandu in Business Class

Malaysia Airlines operates at least one flight per day from Kuala Lumpur to Kathmandu, while some days have two. I’ve got a 9 am departure, so I arrive in Kathmandu in time for lunch.

The Boeing 737 Business Class cabin has a 2-2 configuration. Of the 16 Business Class seats, only seven on my flight are occupied.

And the perks of flying Business? I get two windows to enjoy the sights of the Himalayas as we descend into Kathmandu. And here’s my hot tip – booking a seat on the right side of the plane yields exceptional views.

I settle into my cobalt blue seat – Malaysia Airlines’ signature colour – to enjoy my pre-boarding juice and survey my surroundings for the next 4.5 hours. My feet just reach the seat in front when I stretch my legs out, so I’m all set for a comfortable journey.

An hour into the flight, a hot meal is served. Feeling adventurous, I opt for the fish curry with rice, served with a yoghurt and sweet sauce on the side. Accompanying my main is a selection of fruit, low-fat mixed berry yoghurt and guava juice. Delish.

After a satisfying lunch, I wrap myself in the soft blanket. The width of my seat offers plenty of wriggle room. With my pillow propped up against the window, I can rest my head without any discomfort at all. Footrest out, chair reclined, and three v