MACHCHENDRA NATH TEMPLE - Kathmandu

Machchendra is considered as the guardian of the valley and his temple is one of the most revered among Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple is situated in Kel Tol, north of Durbar Square. The white-faced image of Machchendra Nath is paraded around during the Machchendranath Festival in April.

HANUMAN DHOKA - Kathmandu

The name of the old royal palace has been derived from the statue of Hanuman (the monkey god of Hindu mythology) that guards the entrance. The building has remained uninhabited from the days of its first construction in the 13th century. Most of the older structures are now gone and the present building is a highly modified version of the earlier one. It is now used mainly for royal ceremonies. The main attractions here include the Nasal Chowk, Tribhuvan Memorial Museum (the section open to public), Basantpur Tower, Mahendra Memorial Museum, and a stone inscription.

RESIDENCE OF THE LIVING GODDESS - Kathmandu

This is an 18th-century palace in Kathmandu with beautifully carved window frames, some of them carved in the shape of peacocks while the central one is covered in gold. The palace is known as Kumari Bahal, where Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu, resides. The goddess appears out of the windows in the courtyards sometime and it all depends on your luck whether you can see her or not.

KASHTHAMANDAP - Kathmandu

The place which gave Kathmandu its name, the Kashthamandap temple is perhaps the oldest surviving structure in Kathmandu. Although there have been alterations over the centuries, the central image in the temple is of Saint Gorakhnath, who watches over the Shah Dynasty. A small shrine of Ganesha is also located inside the temple.

SWAYAMBHUNATH - Kathmandu

The hilltop Stupa of Swayambhunath, considered 2,000 years old, is one of the holiest places for Newari Buddhists. The hilltop is a pleasant spot to view the valley and is home to hordes of monkeys. On major Buddhist festivals like Buddha Punima or Tibetan Losar (New Year), Buddhists throng to the stupa.

PASHUPATINATH - Kathmandu

The Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of River Baghmati around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside. An annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organised here every year in the month of February.

BOUDNATH - Kathmandu

Boudnath is one of the largest stupas in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage. Today, Boudnath bustles with Tibetan population, busy with carpet manufacture, trade, and prayers at the several monasteries belonging to different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.

BUDDHANIKANTHA - Kathmandu

Buddhanikantha is situated 8 km north of Kathmandu and there is a pond where you can see the great stone figure of Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of a serpent.

PATAN - Kathmandu

The twin city of Patan might have an independent existence than with Kathmandu. Today it is separated from the latter by a bridge over River Baghmati. The place has a distinct character and is full of temples.

DURBAR SQUARE - Kathmandu

It was once the centre of power during Malla Kingdom and still has a fascinating cluster of temples. The main attractions here include the Royal Palace, Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk, Teleju Shrine, Patan Museum, Manga Hiti, Mani Mandap, Bhimsen Mandir, Vishwanath Mandir, Krishna Mandir, and some others.

HIRANYA VARNA MAHAVIHAR - Kathmandu

This is a three-storey golden pagoda dedicated to Lokeshwar and constructed in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varma. You can see a golden image of Lord Buddha as well as a big prayer wheel.

KUMBHESHWAR - Kathmandu

Built in 1392, this is the oldest temple in Patan. It has two freestanding five-roofed pagodas, where the presiding deity is Shiva. There are many legends related to the foundation of this temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple during Jana Purnima Festival in the month of August every year.

JAGAN NARAYAN - Kathmandu

Built in 1565, the Jagan Narayan Temple is situated in the Durbar Square and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is the oldest temple in Durbar Square and is complete with wildly erotic roof struts.

KRISHNA MANDIR - Kathmandu

This is first specimen of the Shikhara style temple in Nepal and the only one to have 21 spires. Built in the 17th century, it is constructed completely of stone and holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan.

MAHABOUDHA TEMPLE - Kathmandu

The temple of thousand Buddhas is situated along Mangal Bazaar east of Durbar Square. The architecture is inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. This is a shikhara-style temple covered with terracotta tiles, each of which is painted with image of Buddha.

Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)

Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or "the City of Devotees" still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continue to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu.

Sightseeing
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The main palace square of the city containing many temples and other architectural showpieces, including the "golden gate", is described as the finest piece of art in the kingdom.

Nyatapola Temple: The five storied pagoda style temple is built in 1708 A.D. This is the largest masterpiece and the finest example of Nepalese pagoda architecture.

Dattatraya Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is built in 1427 A.D. Near by is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.

The National Art Gallery: Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.

OTHERS - Kathmandu

Rudra Varna Mahavihar or Uka Bahal is the oldest monastery in Patan. Ashokan Stupas are situated on the four corners of Patan commemorating the visit of King Ashoka, a great Buddhist King of India. Godavari is a horticultural haven and home to the peaceful, expertly landscaped Royal Botanical Gardens, the National Herbarium, a bee-keeping workshop, and many nurseries. Bajra Barahi is a lofty temple set in jungle surrounding at Godavari. Phulchoki is situated at an altitude 3,330 metres at a distance of around 16 km off Patan and noted for wild flowers and butterflies.