Kathmandu Valley

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The Kathmandu Valley offers a vast number of important monuments, including both places of pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists and old royal cities featuring beautiful architecture.

Bhaktapur
Founded in the 12th century, Bhaktapur was the capital of Nepal (then the Malla Kingdom) until the 15th century. From then, it was an independent kingdom until it was unified with the kingdoms of Patan and Kathmandu in the 18th century.

Bhaktapur is filled with ancient palaces, courtyards and Hindu and Buddhist sites. The Durbar Square, or Royal Square, is dominated by the ornate 55-Window Palace. The seat of royalty until 1769, the building now houses the National Art Gallery. Nyatpol Temple on Taumadhi Square was built in 1702 and is Nepal's tallest pagoda temple. It is decorated with several pairs of massive stone sculptures. Dattatreya Square features the large three-storied Dattatreya temple that was built in 1428. At the northern end of the square is a 15th century building that is adorned with intricately carved wooden windows including the famous Peacock Window.

Boudnath
The Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest in the world, dominates the skyline some 10km from Kathmandu. The colossal and ancient Buddha's eyes painted on it and is surrounded by several dozen prayer wheels.

Pashupatinath
In close proximity to Boudnath stands this significant Hindu temple, the oldest one in Kathmandu. The temple grounds are home to many other temples, shrines and statues. The Bagmati River which runs next to the temple is lined with many ghats that are used for both bathing and cremating.

Patan
Similar to both Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, the city of Patan also features a Durbar Square. The traffic-free square is home to an amazing cluster of pagoda temples, stone statues and a palace. Just north of Durbar Square is the 12th century Golden Temple and the tall Kumbheshwor Temple. Dating back to 1391, the temple stands next to a large pond that is used by the locals as their main water supply.

Dhulikhel
Further afield, the clean air at one of the mountain resorts in Dhulikhel provides a welcome change from the polluted valley. With the snowy mountains as a backdrop, Dhulikhel is a stage of beauty and an ideal place to recover from trekking.

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