Nepal offers astonishing cultural and religious sightseeing attractions found nowhere else. Three main historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur are known for numerous historical monuments, old palaces and palace squares. Shrines and temples, ageless traditions and legends make Nepal a veritable living museum. The Kathmandu valley boasts of seven World Cultural Heritage Sites all within a radius of 20 km.

Kathmandu
Kathmandu is both the capital of Nepal and the largest city in the country. Some of the interesting sightseeing places in the city include Durbar Square, Kal Bhairab, Kumari Devi, Budhanilkantha, Dakshinkali, Chobhar Gorge, Sundarijal.

Bouddhanath Stupa
It lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the valley. It looms 36m high and presents one of the most fascinating specimen of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area.

Pashupatinath
It is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD.

Swayambhunath/ Monkey Temple
The Swoyambhu Stupa crowns a hillock to the west of Kathmandu. A massive white dome surrounded by a 13 stage spire, the stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is said to be 2000 years old.

Patan
Patan is the second biggest medieval town in the valley after Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. The city is also known as the city of art. The city is believed to have been built during the reign of Vira Deva in 299 A.D.

Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, located at an elevation of 1,402m is a medieval town known for many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 A.D. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries.

Changunarayan Temple It is situated on a ridge overlookin the valley, about 12 km to the east of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings.