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. Originally known as the Nepal Valley and a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities, each an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick- paved courtyards and quaint streets.

Swayambhu Stupa :

Watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists 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 Samhengu. The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot
of the hill.

Budhanilkantha :

Is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley. It is about nine 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 six km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largttyest 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, after an account that builders had to use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during its construction.

Pashupatinath Temple :

One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies five 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. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple.

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.

Kirtipur :

Is situated on a ridge 10 km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient Newari (Newar are the local people of Kathmadu Valley) township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairab are major sights here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.

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 is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

Patan Durbar Square :

L like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange 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 remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.

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 spatial 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 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.

Nagarkot :

Nagarkot(altitude 2,175m)is by far the most popular.Located 30kms east of Kathmandu.nagarkot is popular for sunrise and sunset tour. At sunrise,the Himalayan range,stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to kanchenjunga in the east.

Dhulikhel :

The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 kms east of Kathmandu on the arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old days, Dhulikhel flourished as a trading center handling commerce Kathmandu and Lhasa. Today it delights visitors with its enchanting cultural and stunning Himalayan views.Dhulikhel means luxuriating in unspoiled natural splendor and becoming oblivious to the cares of the world.

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, 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 Kathmandu Valley.

Pokhara :

If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic.

Lumbini :

Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC, is situated in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. The nativity site is marked by a stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred spot.