Kathmandu Valley
Durbar Square
The Durbar square, which is itself the old royal palace complex dedicated to the Malla monarchs, is today classified as World Heritage Site. The interesting things are Talezu temple(built in 1549 AD), a gigantic stone figure exposing the fearful manifestation of the Black Bhairav which the Hindus regard as the God of Destruction, the tall stone pillar on the plinth-top of which sits late King Pratap Malla, the colossal image of the White Bhairav, the nine-storeyed Basantapur Palace, the great bell and the great Drums, a unique type of wooden temple called Kasthamandap, living goddess Kumari temple etc. The main Golden Gate is guarded by the Monkey-God called Hanuman.
Pashupatinath Temple
It is a pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofings and richly carved silver doors dedicated to lord Shiva and is situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. Pashupatinath temple is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world, where only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Alien tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River.
Swayambhunath
This is believed to be 25 centuries old and stands as one of the world’s oldest Buddhist Chatyas. The Great stupa of Swayambhu is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal. It is indeed listed a World heritage Site to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout Buddhist of the universe. Situated on the top of a hillock, it is about 500 feet above the level of the Kathmandu.
Boudhnath Stupa
This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of south Asia. The four pairs of the Buddha’s eyes give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions, meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people and their commitments all day all night.
Budhanilkantha
About 8km north of Kathmandu at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable huge statue of Lord Visnhu. 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.
Lumbini
Lumbini is the sound birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha – the apostle of compassion and non-violence. He is not only the Light of Asia bot also the Messenger of Universal Peace as well. The auspicious garden of Lumbini is situated amidst the newly established town of Siddharthanagar in the hot Terai plains of west Nepal. The broken Ashokan pillar, holly remnants of an old Buddhist monastery, divine images of the Buddha’s mother Great Mayadevi etc are still well preserved here. Extensive excavation task is being carried out with promising effects. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa, whence you can continue proceeding by car.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is situated 32 kms east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level. Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal . The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha ( Mt. Everest ), can be seen from here (If weather permits). The Himalayan peaks Like Manaslu (8463 in). Ganesh Hinial (7111 in), Langtang(7246 in), Choba Bhanre(60l6 in), Gaurishanker (7134 m) and number (6957 in), are also clearly seen from Nagarkot)
Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is situated at an altitude of 5,500 ft above sea level, 30 Kms east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway. It is 90 minutes drive from Kathmandu. The city offers a complete panoramic view of the snow-capped ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. The view however is not as good as that from Nagarkot, one can see for 130 miles. It is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range.