To many, the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal visualizes images of snow-capped mountains and rolling green hills. Indeed, eight of the world's highest mountains lie in Nepal, making it a mountaineer's dream. But Nepal has more to offer than just the high Himalayas. Nepal is a potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-group who speak over 70 languages and dialects. The country offers an astonishing diversity of sightseeing attractions and cultural opportunities found nowhere else on earth. Small as the country may be, the land is diverse geographically as well as ethnically. You will find rich cultures and vibrant traditions, exquisite temples and monuments as well as fast flowing rivers and tropical jungles teeming with wildlife.

It is a country where people of different races and religions live in harmony. It is said about Nepal that every other structure is a holy shrine and every other day a festival.In Kathmandu, to cross a street is to travel across centuries. Shrines, temples, palaces, palace squares, ageless sculptures and legends that are parts of every brick and stone and gilded masterpiece, make Kathmandu Valley a verifiable living museum. Below we have attempted to describe various destinations in Kathmandu and Pokhara. We hope this will help you to plan ahead so you can spend all your time in enjoying your trip while in Nepal.

Places to see in and around Kathmandu valley :

Kathmandu valley, home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of the three sister cities - Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The skillfully-built temples and palaces, delicately engraved stones and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the numerous shrines and chaityas are just a few of the Newar ancestor's artistic achievements.

1) Kathmandu Durbar Square: Also known as Hanuman Dhoka, the Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure is the historic seat of royalty. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting sites to visit here are: Taleju Temple built in 1549 AD; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction, Nautalle Durbar(nine storey palace), Coronation Nasal chowk, th Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla etc. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museum.

2) Temple of Kumari : Another important place to visit is the Temple of Kumari or the Kumari Ghar. The Temple of the residence of the Living Goddess is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

3) Kasthamandap : Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the begining 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.

4) 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 3 km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 meters above the level of the Kathmandu valley.

5) Boudhhanath : The stupa of Boudhhanath lies 8 kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.

6) Pashupatinath Temple : Situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for the Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The river bank beside the temple is also the crematory site for Hindus.

7) Dakshinkali Temple : The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 15 kms south of Kathmandu. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer prayers and animal sacrifices are made to the goddess. Other places of interest en route to Dakshinkali are Chobhar gorge, and the Kirtipur city. Kirtipur is a small town, 8 kms southwest of Kathmandu atop a hill. This historic town has many old shrines, temples and old houses.

8) Patan city : The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 kms southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. "Patan Durbar Square", situated in the heart of the city consitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. "Krishna Mandir", the temple of Lord Krishna, was built in the 17th century. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.

9) Bhaktapur city (Bhadgaon) : Bhaktapur literally translated as the City of Devotees still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continue to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 kms east of Kathmandu. "The Golden Gate", one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the world, is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the "Palace of 55 windows". The palace was built in the 17th century and among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. "Nyatapola Temple", is a five-storyed pagoda built in 1702 AD and stands on a five-terraced platform. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

10) Changu Narayan : Situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley, this very important Hindu temple is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A.D. and said to be the oldest temple in the valley.

11) Nagarkot : Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort destination of Nepal. It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 meters above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mount Everest can be seen from here.

12) Dhulikhel : This ancient town is situated 30 kms east of Kathmandu on the side of the Kathmandu - Kodari Highway (Kodari is the entry point to Tibet). The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views of the mountains to the east. Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carvings which can be found in the shop-lined streets and temples.

Places to see outside Kathmandu valley:

1) Pokhara: Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley, is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificience of Mount Macchhapuchhare (Fishtail) rising behind it creates an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and world famous views of the Himalayas. Besides the natural wonders,there are

many places of cultural interests such as Bindabasini temple, Mahendra Cave, David's fall etc. and options of different day hikes as well.

2) Lumbini : Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world's millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. The main attraction at Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden spread over 8 sq km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaelogists alike. Here one can find bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashokan pillar. Similarly to the south of pillar, one can see the sacred pond, Puskarni, wehre Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to Buddha.

3) Tansen : Situated at an altitude of 1343 meters, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has the most extensive views of the country's chief attraction, the Himalaya from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the northeast. It takes about 5-6 hours drive from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

4) Gorkha : Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive Temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside teh palace precinct. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara.