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,

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.

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 . 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.

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.

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.

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