Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal situated approximately 1350 meters above the sea level. The valley itself covers about 218 square miles of the land. The valley is surrounded by the mountains. It consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural interest, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal’s traditional culture and arts. This is the place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic, religious and artistic temples and monuments.

The Kathmandu valley is the arrival point for most of the visitors. There are many places worth visiting in the valley. There are historic temples, shrine palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets. Some of the places which you have to visit after coming in Kathmandu are:

Kathmandu Durbar Square:          

Kathmandu Durbar Square is situated in the centered of  Kathmandu. The main attraction of this place is The temple of Living God Kumari, Hanuman Dhoka, Temple of Taleju Bhawani, Museum, statue of Kal Bhairab and many more Hindu temples.. The palace bears the historical reminisce of Royal family, culture and religion of Nepal. Museums inside the palace lets one explore the culture, religion, custom, tradition, architecture, history of Royal palaces etc.

Patan Durbare Square:

Patan is bounded by 4 stupas built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC as recorded in the history. Patan is also called Lalitpur. There are several legend attached to the origin of the term, Lalitpur.. At present Lalitpur sub metropolitan city has been categorized into 22 wards. This city presents a potpourri of finest traditional crafts and rich artistic heritage. Patan Durbar Square, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yognarendra Malla, Hari Shanker temple, Vishwanath temple, Bhimsen temple, Marga Hiti, Mani Mandap, etc are the major attractions of patan.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur lies on the Eastern part of Kathmandu valley. Bhaktapur is known as the livng museum where we can see some traditional houses, beautiful wood carvings. Bhaktapur is regarded as the abode of ancient Nepali culture, custom and alluring arts pieces of excellent craftsmanship. Each historical monument represents medieval culture, religious and custom of Nepal. Newari populace has largely dominated Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal which has remained untouched by western culture. Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, Pottery square and fifty-five windowed Malla palace are the living prides of Bhaktapur. The JUJU-DHAU (yogurt /cord) of Bhaktapur is very famous in Npeal and also famous among the foreigners so we suggest you to try once.

Pashupati Nath Temple:

As the name indicates, Pashupatinath temple is a temple of Lord Shiva and is the holiest place for Hindus. The sacred temple lies on the banks of sacred Bagmati River 5 kms east of Kathmandu city. Non-Hindus are strictly prohibited from entering the temple. It has two-tiered roof and four silver doors. Devotees from all over the world come here to pay their homage to lord Shiva.

Syambhunath:

It is 3kms away from the West of Kathmandu. Although this Stuppa has long legend and history King Pratap Malla in 17th century further enhanced the architecture and also added a stairway to get to the stupa. At present, the stupa is a solid hemisphere of brick and clay, supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt and has Lord Buddha’s eyes adorned on all the four sides of the spire base. Buddhists regard it as the holiest place. Swayambhunath also offers a majestic view of the entire Kathmandu valley. The temple is also called Monkey temple. If we go there we can see many monkeys.

Bouddhanath:

Boudhanath is mainly famous for Tibetan Buddhism. It lies 8 kms East of Kathmandu and was built by Licchavis King Man Dev in the 5th century A. D. Its colossal and ancient stupa is regarded as one of the world’s biggest stupa and has been built on a stepped octagonal base and inset with alcoves representing Buddha and his teachings. After Chinese invasion in 1959, Tibetans in thousands came to this famous Buddhist Chaitya and energized the stupa. The stupa is surrounded by various temples or 'gompas'. The atmosphere of the whole place lightens up with zest as fragrance of incense drifts through the air. Chanting of monks and creaking of prayer wheels can be heard while strolling around the base. It is one of the prime sites for pilgrims and tourists in the country. 

Changunarayan Temple:

Two-tiered Changunarayan temple is 15 kilometers away from Kathmandu city. Since this is the temple of Lord Vishnu, also called Narayan and is situated near Changu, the temple has been named so. Stone inscription of 464 A.D and other architectural master piece featured in the temple showcase ancient history of Nepal. The temple also bores the sculptures of Vishnu’s ten incarnations; Vishwaroop, Vishnu Vikranta, Vishnu riding Garuda, Nar-Singha Vishnu etc. Temples of Kileswar Shiva, Chinnamasta Devi and other gods and goddesses are also present in the vicinity of Changunarayan temple.

Above mentioned sights are for the historically, culturally and artistically important places. If you want to view natural gift of Nepal you may go up to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel, from where you can see the beautiful snow caved mountains.