Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Durbar Square (Palace complex) is the main attraction of Kathmandu which was built in the 16th century which was the residence of Malla kings of that era. It also hosts the residence of the living goddess Kumari, and has several other temples of Shiva, Kali and Vishnu.
Patan Durbar Square:
Patan is one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. The main attraction of Patan is also the palace complex (Durbar Square). The numerous pagodas, interior courtyards, the Sikhara Temple and the Golden Temple and the Temple of the Thousand Buddhas are areas of interest in Patan.
Bhaktpur Durbar Square :
Bhaktpur is the third largest city in the valley. Bhakti means “believers” and Pur means city. The city of the faithful was
Founded in 11th Century by a Malla King. Bhaktpur Durbar Square, which is the city center, offers high-quality arts, crafts and masterpieces in sculpture and construction. Bhaktapur, the former royal palace of the Malla kings is like an open museum.
Pashupatinath :
Pashupatinath is the holiest place of pilgrimage for all Hindus. Situated on the banks of the river Bagamati, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims visit this temple every year which is also famous for cremation. Many Hindu pilgrims come to this site to take holy bath in the “Ghat” area of Bagmati river.
Swyambhunath :
The oldest stupa in Nepal, Swyambhunath, also called Monkey Temple, situated on a hill and also serves as a place of pilgrimage for all Buddhists. It is also a good vantage point for the entire Kathmandu valley.
Bouddhanath :
Bouddhanath, the largest stupa built in Nepalese mandala form, is the pilgrimage for many Tibetans. The surrounding monasteries and gompas are impressively decorated and adorned. Visitors have the opportunity to enter the monasteries and take photographs.
Kirtipur :
Kirtipur is located at a very convenient distance which is about 5km from Kathmandu. Kirtipur is a well-preserved medieval city and also the point of the oldest Newari settlements in the Kathmandu Valley.
Dakshinkali :
Dakshinkali is one of the most important shrines dedicated to the goddess Kali. The temple is located in the South (Dakshin) of the Kathmandu Valley and is famous for animal sacrifice ceremonies that take place every Saturday and Tuesday.
Changu Narayan :
The Changu Narayan temple lies 18km northeast of Kathmandu along a mountain ridge. It is the oldest temple in the entire Kathmandu Valley. Its main monument was built in 5th century A.D. However, the sanctuary was destroyed several times by fire and earthquake. The present pagoda was built in 1702.
Tansen :
Tansen is situated about 290 km west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 1450 m. The city itself is beautiful with its winding streets and traditional buildings. It is equally attractive as the city of Kathmandu. The so-called Tansen town is a copy of the Kathmandu city. On a clear day, one can see the beautiful mountain scenery from here.
Lumbini:
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is about 300 km southwest of Kathmandu in the Terai region of Nepal. Lumbini is a place for pilgrimage for all Buddhists of different countries. The monasteries, temples and stupas are the main attractions in Lumbini.
Pokhara :
Pokhara is the most important and second largest tourist destination in the country which is located at about 200 km west of Kathmandu. It is the starting and ending point for trekking to Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Mustang areas. In Pokhara, one can take easy day hikes and relaxing boat rides on Lake Fewa or go on a cultural tour throughout the city. In a good weather condition, one can enjoy the view of the entire Annapurna and Dhaulagiri range from their hotel windows.
Nagarkot :
Nagarkot is located 32 km north-west of Kathmandu and lies 2164 m above sea level with spectacular views of the Himalayan range. It is known for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nagarkot is a great starting point for easy day hikes to Sankhu-Changunarayan direction.
Dhulikhel :
Dhulikhel, a famous place for magnificent mountain scenery, is located 30 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1550 m. Dhulikhel is well known for its decorated and beautiful wood carved homes. The road leading through the village is currently the most important land route to Tibet. It is good for day hikes to Namobuddha-Panauti.
Daman :
Daman is a small village located 80 km south of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2400 m. From the high ridge, a fascinating view of the entire Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest in northeast can be seen.
Bandipur :
Bandipur is situated on the former trade route to the Terai (plains) which is about 140 km west of Kathmandu. It is a pretty little village of Newar community and is currently marketed as a new tourist attraction. The location of Bandipur is the ideal place to enjoy the western mountain views.
Gorkha :
The small town of Gorkha lies 24 km away from the main route between Pokhara and Kathmandu at an altitude of 1150 m. Gorkha was the home of the famous Gurkha soldiers. The fort of Gorkha, which was the home of Shah dynasty, is now one of the main attractions in Gorkha.