T
he The Kathmandu valley is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal and is the first stop for majority of the visitors who come to the country. Originally known as the Nepal valley and a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities and each of them is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick- paved courtyards and quaint streets.
Bouddhanath Stupa: (World Heritage Site) 
The Bouddhanath Stupa lies about 6 kms 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 is also known as Khasti or dew drops, following the account in which builders had to use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during its construction.
Swoyambhu Stupa : (World Heritage Site)
This particular stupa is believed to watch over the Kathmandu valley from the top of a hillock on the valley’s western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of the primordial lake. Swoyambhu is also known as Samhengu. The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History is situated at the foot of the hill.
Budhanilkantha :
Budhanilkantha is situated below the Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley. It is about 9 kms from the city center. In 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.
Pashupatinath Temple : (World Heritage Site)
Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and it lies five kms east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate that the temple has been in existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River that flows beside the temple.
Changu Narayan Temple : (World Heritage Site)
The Changu Narayan temple is situated about 12 kms east of the city, on a ridge, overlooking the valley. 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.
Kathmandu Durbar Square : (World Heritage Site)
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between 12th and 18th century, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing object in the palace is a 17th century stone inscription that is set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 different languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are three museums inside the palace building.
Patan Durbar Square : (World Heritage Site)
Like its counterpart in Kathmandu, the Patan Durbar Square is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. 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 of the remarkable monuments of the square is the 17th century temple, built entirely of stone, dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square : (World Heritage Site)
As you walk inside the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony, such is the art, architecture and the spatial layout of the square. 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 square. The entrance to the palace, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs.
