Kathmandu Valley
The Valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336 m above sea level and covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepali is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley , the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities - Kathmandu , Patan and Bhaktapur. The skillfully-built temples and palaces, delicately-engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newar's artistic achievements.

KATHMAND

Machchendranath Temple : The temple of Sweta Machchendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. The deity is also called Janmadyo or Machchhendra.

Akash Bhairav Temple : A three-storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, the God of Rain.

Hanumandhoka ( Kathmandu Durbar Square ): It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square , with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav , the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple . It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanumandhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.

Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar): Kumari (Vestal Virgin), or the Living Goddess, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple of Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanumandhoka Palace . The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.

Kasthamandap: Located near the temple of Kumari , it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narshingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Ashok Vinayak: The small but very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap. It is also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.

Jaishi Dewal: A five-minute walk from Kasthamandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.

Tundikhel: A huge green field known as Tundikhel flanks one entire side of the old city. Some of the important landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen Thapa Stambha. The Sundhara fountains with golden water spouts, situated at the foot of this great tower, also belong to the same period.

Martyr's Memorial (Sahid) Gate: It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev and the busts of four martyrs.

Bhadrakali Temple : At the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Sahid Gate, stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of the main "Shakti" temples of Kathmandu city.

Singha Durbar: A grand imposing palace built in the neo-classical style, Singha Durbar was the private residence of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

Narayanhity Durbar: It is the present Royal Palace . A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace. Foreigners are allowed to visit the Royal Palace on Thursdays from 13:00 pm - 15:00 pm .

Kaisar Library: Located inside the premises of the Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great centre of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except on Saturdays and other government holidays. The library is open from 9:00 am - 17:00 pm in the summer months and from 9:00 am - 16:00 pm in winter.

Budhanilakantha: About 8 km north of Kathmandu , at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Swayambhunath: This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all-seeing ayes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal . It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

The National Museum : Located about 2 km west of Kathmandu , the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal . Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday/Monday and government holidays. Entry fee for SAARC nationals is Rs. 10 and for other foreign tourists is Rs. 50.

Natural History Museum : Situated 3 km west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

Pashupatinath Temple : Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu , the temple of Lord Shiva , Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River . The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Guheswari Temple : Near Pashupatinath Temple is another historic and holy temple of Guheswari . Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Chabahil: The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashok, in the third century BC. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.

Chandra Vinayak: The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200 m north of Chabahil stupa. This double tiered brass-roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant headed god.

Bouddhanath: The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu . This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Entrance fee at Bouddhanath for SAARC (South Asian) nationals is Rs. 15 and for other foreigners Rs. 50.

Gokarna: This lovely Royal Games Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about 10 km north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

Sundarijal: It is famous for its scenic beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal picnic spot, just a short hike away from the motorable road.

Kirtipur: It is a small town, 8 km south-west of Kathmandu and situated at up hill. Tribhuvan University , Nepal 's premier seat of education is located at the foothills of Kirtipur. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the folks are typically dressed in traditional costumes, and can be spotted working on looms.

Chobhar: Situated 9 km south-west of Kathmandu , this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the Valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill from where one can take in a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Shekha Narayan: Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley . The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.

Dakshinkali: The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 2 km south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of the most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal sacrifices are made to the goddess. This place is also a popular picnic spot.

PATAN

The ancient city of Patan , lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu , is known as the city of fine of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.

Patan Durbar Square : Situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Patan Museum : This museum inside the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It is considered one of the best museums in Asia . Opens daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entrance fee Rs. 120 for other foreign visitors and Rs. 30 for SAARC nationals. It is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.

Krishna Mandir: Built in 1637 AD, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal . It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.

Mahabouddha: A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: Located inside Kwabadehal, this three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is famous as the Golden Temple . Inside the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Kumbheshwor: This five-tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. On the Janai Poornima day in August, a fair is held in Kumbheshwor.

Jagatnarayan Temple : This tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul. The temple has many fine stone images and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.

Rudra Verna Mahavihar: This unique Buddhist monastery contains an amazing collection of images and statues in mental, stone and wood. It is believed that the kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas: There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by Emperor Ashoka at the four cardinal directions of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas are evidence of the city's ancient religious importance.

Achheswor Mahavihar: It was established towards the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheshwor who built a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchok, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley .

Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath: The pagoda of Red Machchendranath built in 1408 AD is situated in Tabahal. For six months, the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

The Zoo: Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collection representing mostly the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in the 17th century.

Patan Industrial Estate: Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. This industrial estate is well known for Nepali and thangka paintings. For the convenience of tourists, there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products are exhibited.

OUTSKIRTS OF PATAN

Bajra Barahi: Situated in a small wooded park, it is about 10 km south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon . A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.

Godavari : Situated at the foothills of Pulchowki, the Royal Botanical Garden of Godavari has splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. The only botanical garden in Nepal , it is open daily including weekends and government holidays.

Phulchowki: Located about 10 km southeast of Patan, this 2,758 m hill, a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeep able road.

BHAKTAPUR (BHADGAON)

Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of Devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square . Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the Bhadgaolen topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport and by trolley buses.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 Windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The Palace of 55 Windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal . There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "Bell of Barking Dogs". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to signal curfew during those days.

The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Batsala temple, etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

The National Art Gallery : Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.

Nyatapola Temple : This five-story pagoda was built in 1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Bhairavnath Temple : This temple was first built as a one-story pagoda but was later changed into a three-story temple in 1718 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav - the God of terror.

Dattatraya Temple : Built in 1427 AD, this temple is said to have been built from the trunk of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.

Dattratraya Square : The Square takes its name from the Dattrataya Temple . The Square is famous for ornate monasteries known as Maths. The National Wood-working Museum and the Brass and Bronze Museum are housed here.