Places to see at Kathmandu Valley are

Durbar Square: This complex of palace, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.

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 primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as World Heritage Site.



Boudhanath 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. Boudhanath, a World Heritage Site is also known as Khasti.


Pashupatinath Temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple also a World Heritage Site.




Balaju consists of a sprawling garden of stone water spouts, religious shrines, fish ponds, and a replica of statue of Budanilkantha. Situated below Nagarjun hill about 3 km northwest of the city center. Balaju is also known for its bank of 22 stone water spouts carved in the shape of sea-dragons.



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 Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent.