Banepa, Nepal

Nestled in the Himalayas at over 4,900 feet, Banepa is a dense, polluted municipality with a population density of 11,540 per square mile. Despite its small size of just 2.15 square miles, over 67,000 people call this historic town home. The air quality is a persistent headache, with vehicle emissions and unchecked waste disposal fouling the Punyamata River that once provided the town's water and irrigation. While Banepa boasts a rich cultural heritage, including eight Ganesh temples and the famed Chandeshwori Temple, the rapid growth and urbanization have come at a cost. This crowded, high-altitude hub is best suited for those undeterred by bureaucratic challenges and environmental degradation.