KATHMANDU VALLEY: The Kathmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country, once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities - Kathmandu (local name: Yen, population 950,000); Patan (Yala, population 260,000); and Bhaktapur (Khopa, population 125,000). There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley.

The history of the Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and make it inhabitable. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Dynasties came and went. Trade and arts flourished. Its deeply religious Newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders. In the late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal within more or less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital.

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of RS. 250 for foreign visitors. Your ticket to the Square entitles you to visit all the museums.

SWAYAMBHU STUPA watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The stupa is one of the Holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Sengu and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Entrance fee RS. 50 (SAARC national RS. 30).

BUDHANILKANTHA is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley. It is about 9 km from the city center. The hub of the temple complex is a pond in, which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. It is also known as Bhuijasi.

BOUDDHANATH STUPA lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site, is also known as Khasti. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. An information counter runs by the Bouddha Area Preservation & Development Committee.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5 km to the 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. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River flowing beside the temple, also a World Heritage Site.

CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12-km to the east of the city. 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. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site.

DAKSHINKALI AND CHOBHAR: The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from the city center on the southern rim of the Valley past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the lake, which once covered the Valley.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna built entirely of stone.

IBA BAHI is situated about a two-minute walk south of Durbar Square. It is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley and reflects the sophisticated architecture of the Malla period. A two-step platform leads to the courtyard with a hall called Dalan. There is a shrine dedicated to Shakyamuni right across the entrance.
KWA BAHAL also known as the Golden Temple is a Buddhist monastery courtyard dating to the 12th century. It is a five-minute walk west and north from the northern end of Durbar Square. The monastery building is embellished with exceptionally fine woodcarvings and repose work. Artistic images are scattered around the courtyard, and devotees can be seen offering worship at the many shrines here. Entrance fee RS. 25.

MAHABOUDDHA can be reached by walking east from the southern end of Durbar Square and then turning right at the sunken water taps. This Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta artform, which points to the skill of Patan’s ancient craftsmen with a variety of building styles. The 14th-century monument’s obelisk-like design is also unusual in a city of pagoda roofs.
OKU BAHAL is situated a few steps past Mahabouddha and is one of the best known Buddhist places to worship in Patan. A two-story building with gilded roofs encloses the stone-paved courtyard. The woodcarvings on the roof struts are especially attractive. The place is peppered with sacred images and other small shrines.

THE CENTRAL ZOO in Jawalakhel is a pleasant diversion after a tour of the cultural sights. It contains about 106 species of birds and over 665 different animals. There is also a pond where you can go boating. Open daily except Mondays from 10 am to 4 p.m. Entrance for foreign visitors.

TIBETAN REFUGEE CAMP was set up in 1960 under the initiative of the International Red Cross and the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC), the known as Swiss Association for Technical Assistance (SATA), in cooperation with His Majesty’s Government of Nepal. Its main objective is to help the Tibetan refugees to do something themselves.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE: As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the specula layout here. The 15th century Palace of 55 windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repose art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. There is an entrance fee of RS. 30 for SAARC nationals and RS. 300 for the other foreign visitors.

TAUMADHI SQUARE lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The monument gracefully soars into the sky atop a five-story plinth. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.

DATTATREYA SQUARE takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. If you want to experience the feel of the traditional urban layout of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Set is a maze of streets lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.

POTTER’S SQUARE: A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you to Bolachhen, also known as Potter’s Square because of the many potters seen here molding wet clay into different kinds of earthen ware. It has a display of fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square. This place can be approached from Taumadhi Square also. The elephant-headed Lord Ganesh is the patron of potters, thus the Jeth Ganesh temple in the square.

POKHARA VALLEY: The Pokhara valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal. The beauty of the valley is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, begnas and Rupa, which have their sources in the Glacial region of the Annapurna, Machhapuchare range of the Himalayas. Pokhara lies about 200-km. north west of Kathmandu and is connected by air as well as by a seven-hour bus ride from Kathmandu. Famous for its scenic beauty the valley of Pokhara has hills, lakes, forest, river, waterfalls, farms, fields and trekking routes (lovelier than Mustang). The panorama of Fish Tail peak (Machhapuchare) and the Annapurna range of Mountains provide a feast for the eyes. Fishing boating, caves, bathing and picnicking offered entertainment and relaxation. A number of starred Hotels, lodge and cottages are available for comfortable accommodation.

PHEWA LAKE: This lake with a cluster of tourist class Hotels, restaurant, lodges, travel and trekking agencies and groceries lies some four or five kilometers west of the heart of Pokhara town. Boat and dugout canoes are available on rent for pleasure trips on the lake. But one should not swim in the lake without consulting the local people.

Pokhara is the getaway to start trekking to Dolpo, Mustang, Annapurna, Manang, Dhorpatan, Dhaulagiri and Nil giri etc.

BEGNAS LAKE: Surrounded by high hills on three sides, Begnas Lake lies some 20 km. east of Pokhara. It is a circular, clean water lake with its bed field with underwater vines that makes swimming risky. But given that the water level is high, boating is safe.

RUPA LAKE: Rupa in Nepali language means beauty. Hence, its name tells how it is. Sitting on a bowl like ravine some two kilometers high above the Begnas Lake, the Rupa lake commands a panorama around and is worth visiting for a short hike.

BINDABASHINI TEMPLE: The temple Bindabashini dedicated to one of the Devis numerous manifestations are located at the southwestern fringe of the old Pokhara town overlooking Pokhara town. This is also a fine vantagepoint to catch sight of the picturesque Pokhara town and admire the high looming Himalayas.

BARAHI TEMPLE: This temple is nestled in Phewa water. A good number of Pokhara inhabitants visit Barahi temple regularly. The visitors to the temple ride a Canoe or Boat. The temple nestled Island also serves as an amusement park for worshippers and Picnickers.

MAHENDRA CAVE: Named after the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, father of the ruling monarch King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, this two kilometers long Cave is bifurcated at one point leading to two dark holes, the limestone walls of which bear innumerable stagnates and stalactites. But with the collapse of one of the holes, the cave length has been shortened.

DAVID FALLS: The waterfall plunging into an abysmal hole into the riverbed is named after an American tourist called David who, while peeping into the hole when he was in Pokhara decades ago, accidentally feels into the abyss and never appeared.