Swayambhu
Three kilometer west of Kathmandu city complex locates one of the worlds most glorious Buddhist Stupa. It is said to be more than 2500 years old. The history of Kathmandu Valley according to the legends begins with Swayambhu, the Self-existent. The main structure of the shrine is dome shaped and is made of solid hemisphere of brick and clay supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. There are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on the four sides of spire. Being situated seventy-seven meter above the level of the valley, commands an excellent view of Kathmandu. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small stupas, pagoda temples and Tibetan monasteries. It is a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO in 1979.

Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath being the temple of Lord Shiva is one of the most famous places of pilgrimage for the Hindus. The temple of Pashupatinath possess two-tiered golden roof and four silver doors and is famous for its superb architecture. The temple is situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu, on the banks of sacred Bagmati River. From time immortal, the Pashupatinath area has contained numerous temples, stupas, monasteries, images and inscriptions. Only Hindus can enter the temple, however visitors can clearly see the temple from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. It is also a World Heritage Site listed by UNISCO.

Boudha
A World Heritage Site and the biggest Buddhist stupa in the world is situated 8kms east of Kathmandu. The Stupa stands on the massive three levels Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is quite similar to those of Swayambhu stupa. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD. Since the area is surrounded by Tibetan Monasteries and can see different Tibetan people and monks walking around with their prayer wheels, the place can also be seen as a little Tibet.

Kathmandu Durbar Square and around
Situated in the heart of Kathmandu City, Durbar Square is the old palace of both Malla and Shah Kings. It is also a World Heritage Site listed by UNISCO. Kathmandu Durbar Square locally known as Hanumandhoka is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. The palace consists of a huge Royal Square exposing a tremendous variety of deities and temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century.
Around the Hanumandhoka you may visit various places such as Kasthamandap which is said to be built from a single tree and the city of Kathmandu also derives its name from this temple, the temple of Kumari which is the home of the living goddess, Akash Bhairav Temple, Machhendranath Temple and many more.

Patan Durbar Square and around
An important World Heritage Site “Patan Durbar Square” is situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. “Lalitpur”, meaning the city of fine arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments and courtyards scattered in and around. It is the oldest city among the three main cities. The most important monument area of course is Patan Durbar Square. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. It consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk.
You may see Krishma Mandir, the temple of Krishna with 21 spires which is said to be built with a single stone, the temple of Bhimsen, Kumbheshwor the five-tired temple of Lord Shiva and many more temples in the area. You may also visit hundreds of Buddhist Monasteries with small and big courtyards such as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, Achheswor Mahavihar, Mahabouddha, temple of Machhendranath and Minnath, the Ashokan Stupas etc. around the area.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square and around
“Bhaktapur” literally meaning the city of Devotees, is renowned for its elegant art, fabulous culture, colorful festivals, traditional dances and typical Newar lifestyle. The city lies 14kms east of Kathmandu city. Bhaktapur Durbar Square consists of innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Pecture Gallary, the Golden Gate, the Palace off 55 Windows, the Batsala Temple and the Bell of Barking Dogs. The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the courtyard of the palace of 55 windows. The gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kinds in the entire world. The palace is also a World Heritage Site listed by UNESCO.
You may also visit different monuments around the Durbar Square such as the tallest pagoda in Nepal “Nyatapola Temple” which is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship, the Bhairabnath Temple, Dattatraya Temple and so on.

Changu Narayan
This is the most ancient Hindu Temple in Kathmandu, and is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Another fact is that the complex is built on a peninsula, which was not submerged in water as most of the flat valley once was. The lavishly decorated two-tiered principal temple stands on a specious courtyard, and is literally littered with artistic and priceless statue, idols and sculptures. Some date back to 4th century AD. Situated at an altitude of 5000ft north of Bhaktapur this temple has its distinct historical and architectural significance. UNESCO also lists the place as a World Heritage site.

Nagarkot
Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463m) Ganesh Himal (7111m) Langtang (7246m) Gaurishanker (7134m) can also be seen clearly from this beautiful hill. Nagarkot is famous for sunrise and sunset viewing.

Dhulikhel and Namobuddha
Dhulikhel is an ancient town situated 30 km east of Kathmandu. The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy peaks from Karyolung in the east to Himchuli in the west.
Namobuddha is one of the important pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. It is situated 38kms east of Kathmandu and above Dhulikhel. There is an amazing legend related to Buddha, which is commemorated, by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

Bungamati, Kirtipur and Chovar
Bungamati is a classic Newar village situated 5kms south west of Patan and 8kms south of Kathmandu. The large shikhara-style temple (dedicated to Machhendranath) in the center of the village is beautiful with additional small shikaras on all sides of the shrine. The village is shaded by large tree and strands of bamboos and is good for walking through on foot. Kirtipur is a small town, 8kms southwest of Kathmandu and situated atop a hill. Tribhuvan University, Nepal's premier seat of education is located at the foothills of Kirtipur. This historic town has many things to see such as old shrines and temples, old houses, and people dressed in traditional costume while working on ancient looms. Chovar is famous for its gorge, which is said that it was cut by Lord Manjushree to drain the water from the valley. On the hilltop is a temple of Adinath Lokeshwar. The temple was originally built in the 15th century. This picturesque site is 8kms south of Kathmandu and next to Kirtipur.