Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu Valley contains three royal cities Kathmandu (local name:- Yen, Population 550,000); Patan (Yala, pop. 160,000); and Bhaktapur (Khopa, pop. 75,000). Kirtipur and Thimi are two other smaller municipalities. There are seven UNESCO world Heritage Sites in the Valley.

The Valley was once a lake, According to legend, a Buddhist saint named Manjushree drained out the waters by slashing a passage through the hills and peopled it with his followers. Over the millenniums, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Dynasties came and went. Commerce and crafts flourished. Its religious newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that are unmatched in the Himalayan region.

Durbar Square (World Heritage Site) :
This complex of palace buildings, courtyards and pagoda temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. It is the urban and ceremonial focal point of the city. Entrance Rs.200 (Rs25 for SAARC nationals).

Asan Market squire:
Asan Market squire is located midway on the diagonal thoroughfare linking Durbar Squire with Durbar Marg. The bazaar is a swirl of color against a backdrop of temples and open-fronted shops. Narrow lanes radiate out leading to mysterious courtyards.

Swayambhu Stupa (World Heritage Site):
Swayambhu Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock to the west. One of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal, its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley. Sengu is another name for Swayambhu. You canget a very good view of Kathmandu from here. Entrance Rs50 (SAARC nationals Rs.30).

Balaju :
Consists of a sprawling garden of stone water spouts (hiti), religious shrines, fish pounds and a replica of the statue of Buddhanilkantha. It is situated below Nagarjun Hill about 3km northwest of the city center. Balaju is also known as Lhuti. Entrance Rs.3

Boudhanath stupa (World Heritage Site) :
Boudhanath stupa also known as Khasti, lies 6km to the east of downtown. The many monasteries here provide excellent exposure to Tibetan culture. The Bouddha area preservation & Development Committee offers information to visitors. Entrance Rs 50 (SAARC Rs.15).

Budhanilkantha, or Bhuijasi:
Budhanilkantha is situated below shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley, about 9km from the city center. There is a pond in the middle of which lies an immense stone figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a serpent.

Pashupatinath Temple (World Heritage Site):
One of the holiest Hindu Shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5km to the east of the city center. The fabulous pagoda houses the linga (phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva. The complex contains many other temples, and the holy Bagmati River flows beside it. Entrance Rs.250.

Changu Narayan Temple (World Heritage site ):
Changu Narayan Temple is situated at the end of a ridge that sticks out into the Valley, about 12 km east of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings.