KATHMANDU
Kathmandu the small mountain sheltered valley; the arrival and visit point for the visitors is the historical and architectural centerpoint of Nepal which was crowned with the title of "Capital City" after the great unification of Nepal in 1768 AD.

Nevertheless its small size it has got a bountiful treasure of spots listed in the World Heritage Sites. The three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur ( 3 districts of the Valley ) are renowned to the arena of tourism for being a masterpiece in art and architecture. The old carved houses , narrow lanes, frequently encountering ancient temples and moreover adorned by the rare and attracting cultures and festivals enlists Kathmandu as "a focal destination" for sightseeing.

The valley forwards itself to the panoramic views of the captivating Himalayas, sequestered jungles and also to the exotic hiking corners.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
While browse around Katmandu Durbar Square you will visit Hanuman Dhoka, the old and historic palace of Kathmandu named after monkey God, Hanuman. It is historic seat of royalty. The Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations also held inside the court yard here. There is a statue of King Pratap Mall sitting on the stone pillar in the front and temple of Jagannath from mediaeval period .Within the walking distance you will find the tall temple of Taleju from 1549 AD, the large stone statue of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction,. the Big Bell and Big Drum and Hindu Lord Shiva and his consort Parvati peeping from window. Visit the temple of Kumari, the residence of Living Goddess within the vicinity. Kumari means the virgin girl. The girl is selected from Buddhist family. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screen. Next a very interesting temple is Kasthamandap which is believed to be built from a single tree trunk and the name Katmandu is derived from this temple.

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 builts 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 and 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 Hamuman Dhoka Palace building . Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays 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 Hanuman Dhoka 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 Narsingha 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.

Pashupatinath
Not only is Pashupatinath the most important Hindu temple in Nepal, it’s one of the most important Shiva temples on the subcontinent and draws numerous devotees from all over India each year. Pashupati is considered to have a special concern for the kingdom of Nepal. Pashupatinath, an ancient plinth, by the banks of the holy Bagmati River, stands the 16th century of Pashupatinath - Shiva, as Lord of all Creatures. The old buildings on the site were destroyed by Moslem invaders in the 14th century, its stone linga smashed to dust, but it rose again behind their retreating backs. Succeeding monarchs reinstated the temple and the images. The flowing Bagmati is a holy river and the ghats (crematorium) at its bank are the earnest Hindus truest cremation center

Swyambunath
The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is one of the most popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. Geologists believe that the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake and legends relate that the hill on which Swayambhunath stands was an island in that lake. Under the Mallas various improvements were made and the great stairway to the stupa was constructed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. From the flattened top of the hill, the soaring central stupa is topped by a gold-colored square block from which the watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in each direction. From the platform of the spot the splendid changing view of the valley could be seen with the monkeys running here and there.

This is a 2500 years old stupa situated on a hillock about 77 m above the ground level and over looking Katmandu valley. The painted eyes on four sides represent the all seeing eyes of Buddha and are watching all the time wrong doers and good doers.This is a very religious shrine of Buddhists. There are two Buddhist monasteries within the complex and a temple of Haratima where both Buddhists and Hindus worship this temple. The shrine is just 3 km to the northwest of Kathmandu city.

Boudhanath
This is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is a religious center for Nepal’s considerable population of Tibetans and there a number of thriving monasteries around the stupa which have their own self-importance. Bodnath has always been associated with Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhism. The first stupa is believed to be constructed some time after 600 CE after the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo was converted to Buddhism by two wives named Bhrikuti and Wen Cheng Konjo but the current stupa was probably built after the depredations of the Moghul invaders in the 14th. Century. Stupas were originally built to house holy relics or to commemorate an event or place with a structure that symbolizes Buddhist Beliefs.

One of the world's largest stupa of its kind. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal mandala design. Also set into the riches around this huge structure are the hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha adoring the Stupa. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it.

Budhanilkantha: This is a remarkable colossal stone statue of Hindu Lord Vishnu reclining on the bed of snakes is from 5th century AD situated about 8 km to the north of Katmandu at the base of Shivapuri hill.The shrine is in the middle of pond.
Pasupatinath: This is a temple of Lord Shiva – Pasupatinath with two tiered golden roof and four silver doors situated five kilometer east of Kathmandu at the bank of Bagmati river. This is being a holy place of pilgrimage attracts tens of thousands of Hindu pilgrims every year in spring. At the bank of Bagmati river one can also observe the cremation taking place.

Within Kathmandu Valley the capital of Nepal
Kathmandu valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by tier upon tier of green mountain walls above which tower mighty snowcapped peaks. The valley covers an area of 218 sq miles. It is situated at 1310 meter above the sea level. It contains three fabled cities of great historic, religious and cultural interest. Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). Every town has Durbar Square (old palace) with its old temples and palaces, epimotizes the religious and cultural life of the people. The valley has often been described as an open air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick,stone,metal and wood scattered through out it.

Kirtipur : It lies about 8 km to the south-west of Katmandu on the top of a hill. This is an old Newar village town and people are farmers and living in old traditional culture. The town offers to see many old temples and Buddhist shrines. One can find people weaving in old traditional looms.

Dakshinakali : It is about 21 km drive through the country to the south of Katmandu. The spectacular views of beautiful landscapes, terraced farmlands and Himalayan ranges on the back ground can be seen while on drive. The road ends right at the temple. Dakshinkali , the supreme Hindu powerful Goddess is worshiped and animals like male-goats and roosters are also sacrificed. This type of rituals take place twice a week Saturday and Tuesday. On our way back visit Shesh Narayan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and a Buddhist monastery where you will find the Lama monks chanting the prayers. Also visit of Chovar gorge through where the water of the valley is drained out.
Patan Durbar Square: The ancient city Patan is also known as Lalitpur, which means city of fine arts lies 5 km to the south of Katmandu. The whole complex of Durbar Square consists of different sections of ancient palace like Sundari Chowk (beautiful court yard) where exquisite windows and door carving are seen and the Tushahity (Royal Bath) a master piece of stone carvings and others are Mul Chowk (main court yard), Keshav Narayan Chowk. In front of the palace in the main square there is a statue of King Narendra Malla sitting on the stone pillar. Next to the pillar there is a famous Krishna Mandir temple with 21 pinnacles built all in stone. This is said to be a Shikhara architect from India. Rest you will see several pagoda style temples like temple of Bhimsen, and the public bath, dragon headed spout and the water runs 24 hours. There are also many other famous Buddhist temple like Hiranya Verna Maha Vihar (the Golden temple) and Maha Bouddha with ten thousands Buddha's images. Most of the people of Patan city are Buddhists. Patan is also very famous in its art work. There are many fine craftsmen in Patan who produce bronze/brass art work in different images/statues of Hindu/Buddhist Gods and Goddesses, silver jewelleries, wood carvings,. Most of the handicrafts you see in the local shops of Katmandu valley are produced in Patan.

PATAN

The ancient city of Patan, lying 5km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full 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 is 15 minutes drive from Kathmandu. Lalitpur, the city of beauty is separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati River and is the second largest town in the valley. Lalitpur is fragmented from other cities due to its substantive architectural ancient masterpieces. Patan’s central Durbar Square is absolutely packed with temples: it’s an architectural center point with a far greater concentration of temples per sq. meter than in Kathamandu or Bhaktapur.

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 as one of the best museums in Asia. Opens daily from 9:00 am to 17:00 pm. It is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.

Krishna Mandir : 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.

Krishna Mandir which is one of the grandeur of the square was built in 1637 by the king Siddhinarsingh Malla. The entire temple is constructed from the stone. Golden Temple which is the unique Buddhist Monastery was founded in the12th century which is a large rectangular building has three roofs and a copper gilded façade with the images of Buddha and Avalokitesvara where there are Buddha images and illustrations on the walls. The square has been unrestrainedly adorned by the Bhimsen Temple, Manga Hiti, Vishwanath Temple, Jagannarayan Temple, Golden Temple and numerous. Take the pleasure of discovering this Patan Durbar Square which has been entitled in the World Heritage Site.

BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) Durbar Square, City of devotees lies little aloof from Katmandu and Patan to the east 12 km away. As soon as you enter the gate of Durbar Square of Bhaktapur the whole complex is impressive, wider, clean and beautiful with beautiful Lion Gate,Golden Gate, palace of 55 windows, Batsala temple, barking Bell, the statue of King Bhupatendra Mall on a stone pillar, public bath and temple of Pasupatinath After strolling down to corner lane you come another big square. On the left you will find the tallest temple of Nyatapola which means 5 tiers representing symbols of 5 basic elements of nature such as water,wind,fire, earth and sky. This ia a highest pagoda temple of Nepal ever built with architectural perfection and artistic beauty in 1702 AD by the King Bhupatendra Malla. Next to Nyatapola is another giant temple of Bhairavnath, the God of Terror in three story built in 1718 AD. If you walk ahead for about 20 minutes you will come to another square of a Dattatraya temple built in 1427 AD from a trunk of single tree. Behind the temple there is a monastery where you will notice exquistely carved door frame and windows and also a famous peacock window back wall of the monastery.

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 brickwalls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This 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 the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in teh UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Changu Narayan: This is the oldest temple of Vishnu built in early 5th century AD situated at the end of long ridge which runs well into the valley. This place is to the northeast 20 km from Katmandu through the countryside. It commands most magnificent views of Katmandu valley and Himalayas ranges on the back ground. This is also a most important historical, religious place where one can see largest number of finest stone sculptures dating back to 5th-9th century AD. This is also known as living monumental garden.

Outside Kathmandu Valley
Nagarkot: This is 32 km to the north-east of Katmandu and hour drive through the windy road situated at 2175 meter from the sea level, This is magnificent place to view the panorama of major peaks of eastern Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest on clear days. It is also very spectacular to watch the sunrise and sunset over the Himalayan ranges. There are also number of luxury hotels and lodges available for accommodation to spend the night. Short day hiking can be done to explore the Tamang villages and other areas of interest for easy going trekkers.

Dhulikhel : This is another country drive trip to the east 30 km on the side of the Arniko highway connecting to Tibet border. This is also equally nice place for panoramic viewing of snowy mountain ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. From the hilltop you can view colorful landscapes. There are number of luxury hotels and lodges available for spending the night. Day return hiking can be done to explore number of villages during the stay in Dhulikhel.

Chitwan : The Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) to the southwest of Kathmandu (only 165 km by overland) and Bharatpur airport adjoining the park is a mere 25 minute flight away and the most popular safari destination. More than 43 species of animals are found in Chitwan. Here you will be going into deep jungle on elephant back or four wheel drive vehicle to view the wild animals in their natural habitat. Other thrills are canoe rides on the jungle river, nature walk, bird watching excursions, elephant bathing in the river, Tharu cultural village tour, visit to Elephant Breeding Centre, Gharial Breeding & Conservation Centre, etc. Many adventurers also choose to go down by raft. However, if you go for a jungle safari it is an experience you will remember for a life time.

Lumbini : Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, born in 623 B.C. situated in the southwest Terai (lowland, near Indian border) of Nepal, about 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu valley. The Ashokan pillar (discovered by the famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuehrer), remnants of an old monastery, images of Buddha's mother Maya Devi, sacred pond (which Maya Devi took holy bath just before giving birth to the Lord Buddha), Kapilvastu (situated about 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the ruins of historic town of 'Kapilvastu'. The capital of Shakya Republic where the Lord Buddha lived and enjoyed his life until his thirtieth year, Kapilvastu has been identified with Taulaurakot by the archaeologists.) are the main attractions of Lumbini.

Lumbini (306Km. -east); this World Heritage Site is not only a place of pilgrimage but also an international tourist attraction where Lord Buddha was born, who ultimately got enlightenment and preached his message to the world. The main attraction at the Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden that is spread over 8 sq. km, the Mayadevi Temple, Ashoka Pillar, sacred pond, China Temple etc. A tour to this destination should bring emancipation in one’s life which is so pure, peace and prosperous to those who seek salvation from the filthy activities practiced in the world

Tansen: A pristine hill town yet untouched by many tourists. Tansen offers amazing views of Himalayas. It is situated at an altitude of 1343m . It is 80 km from Lumbini and 123 km from Pokhara to the south. One can see the panoramic view of Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west Gauri Shanker in the north-east. The town sprawls over a steep ridge and attractive Newar houses line cobbled street. Interesting walks in the surrounding countryside can take you to the bank of Kali Gandaki river and the huge Ranighat palace.

Pokhara Valley : The Pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal. The beauty of the valley is enhanced by its lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range of the Himalayas. Pokhara is situated 200 km west of Katmandu at an altitude of 900 meter only from the sea level. For the mountain viewers Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Machhapuchre (fishtail shape), 5 peaks of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Himalchuli and others. Pokhara is one the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic views in a subtropical setting.

From Pokhara you can do the trekking in Annapurna region, Dhaulagiri region & Mustang area from 3 /4 days to 4/5 weeks depending on your time, budget and your physical fitness.

Gorkha : This is situated 125 km north-west of Katmandu and 115 km to north-east of Pokhara This is the birth place of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Hence it is ancestral home of the Shah kings of Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, there is a beautiful palace known as Gorkha Durbar. The King Prithvi Narayan Shah began his campaign to unify the Kingdom from this palace of Gorkha. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Gorkha Durbar is certainly one of the most outstanding examples of Nepalese architecture. From Gorkha one can do around Manaslu trek for 25 days and end the trek in Pokhara.