Kathmandu Valley:
The Valley consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level, the Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in Kathmandu include:
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Machchhendranath Temple:
The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Also called as Janmadyo or Machchhendra the deity.

Akash Bhairav Temple:
A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called lndra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during lndra Jatra, the festival of lndra - the God of Rain.

Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A. D. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chok, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and, the Jagannath Temple.
On the right-hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the lndra Jatra festival.
There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.

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Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar):
The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden biaconies and window screens. The Kumari - the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

Kasthamandap:
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Ashok Vinayak:
The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap - also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.

Jaishi Dewal:
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings, It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of lndra Jatra, Gal Jatra and other festivals.

Tundikhel:
A huge Greenfield, flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhel. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara (or Bhimsen Stambha). Sundhara - fountains with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.

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Martyr's Memorial (Sahid) Gate:
It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and the busts of four martyrs.

Bhadrakali Temple:
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main "Shakta' temples of Kathmandu city.

Singha Durbar:
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. Singha Durbar was the private residence of Rana Prime Ministers. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

Narayanhity Durbar:
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity, is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.

Kaisar Library:
Located inside the premises of Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great center of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except Saturdays, Sundays and other government holidays.

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Budhanilkantha:
About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Balaju Water Garden:
Situated about five kilometers North-west of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile -headed water spout dating from the mid eighteenth century. There is also a swimming pool inside the park.

Swayambhunath:
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m. above the level of the Kathmandu Valley. It is known as monkey temple.

National Museum:
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays.

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Natural History Museum:
Situated three kilometers west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock this museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

Pashupatinath Temple:
Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu, the temple of lord Shiva- Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. Only Hindus are permitted to enter inside the temple.

Guheswari Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Chabahil:
The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.

Chandra Vinayak:
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200m. north of Chabahil Stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant -headed god.

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