Kathmandu is the first arrival point for most visitors. Mountains surround the valley and it is divided into the three major cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. These were once three different kingdoms and to this day retain their own rich artistic styles and traditions.

Places to visit

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in the valley. The word Durbar Square translates in English as palace complex and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Clustered around Durbar Square is the old palace, which has been converted into a well-equipped museum. Numerous other beautiful temples, shrines, Kumari Bahal or the House of the living Goddess, Kastamandap (a house build from the wood of a single tree) and other small temples are scattered everywhere in the square. The main palace building is 9 stories high and anyone can visit to the top and experience panoramic views of the city.


Patan Durbar Square is a concentrated mass of temples, the most stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal. Listed in World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna and built entirely of stone.



Bhaktapur Durbar Square is much larger and more spacious than the one in Kathmandu and much less crowded with temples than Patan.The disasterous earthquake in 1934 destroyed many of the beautiful monuments in the square and they are now marked by empty platforms where they once stood. Some of the most popular monuments like the Golden Gate, the Peacock Window and the Nyatapola Temple are some of the main attractions.

Swayambhunath is one of the oldest Stupas in the Kathmandu vally. Sitting on top of the hill to the west of the valley, its unique architecture  is one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Nepal. From here one enjoys sweeping and expansive views of Kathmandu City. Legend has it that once upon a time the valley was a lake  known as the serpent's lake. Saint Manjushree cut the southern part of the valley and drained the water out, making Swayambhunath the first exit and an important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists

Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal is a religious center for Buddhist people. Surrounding the stupa there are different monasteries belonging to different Buddhist sects. Many tourists visit the Stupa for sightseeing and shopping Tibetans handicrafts. During the full moon,  Boudhanath is host to special  religious activities.

Pashupatinath is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all Hindus of the world. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and built on the banks of the Bagmati river. is witness to various religious activities everyday. Sadhus (holymen) from many different countries especially from India, visit the temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva. There are Ghats on the banks of the Bagmati River. These are rectangular stone platforms  used for  cremation of dead bodies while the square ones are for ritual baths.

Nagarkot is a popular vantage point to take in expansive  mountain range views and  glorious sunrise scenes. Sitting at an altitude of 2175m and  some 32 km north east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot is the nearest vantage point one can travel to from Katmandu  to visually experience sweeping and close up views of the Ganesh Himal, Dorje lakpa, Sishapangma, Gauri Shanker and more. The sun rising from behind the Himalayas, clothing the snowcapped peaks with a succession of hues  is another once in a lifetime visual to feast on! Many tourists, with a night in Nagarkot also take on a hike to Changunarayan, Banepa and to Sankhu Vajrayogini too.



Dhulikhel is an ancient small town situated 30km away from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel is simply scenic, with beautiful rice terraces on both sides of the road and winding streams and mountain rivers all making the journey a trip back to nature. Dhulikhel is also a good starting place for short treks.






Pokhara, the second major tourist destination in Nepal, is 200km west of Kathmandu and  standing 884m above  sea level. Pokhara offering a mild climate is famous for the natural beauty of its great lakeside location, proximity to the mountains and absolutely stunning views of the Fish Tail or the Machapuchhare towering 6997m high. Some fascinating places to visit in this beautiful city  are Phewa Lake, the Varahi Temple on its island, David's fall and Mahendra Cave to name a few . Activities such as boating, fishing and canoeing can be organized on the Phewa Lake.