Hot Destinations within Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
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It is the nine-storied palace structure built around 1770 A.D. This palace square was residence to Nepal's royal family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. The house of the living goddess (Kumari), the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red monkey god and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architecture in this area are exceptionally fine. Most parts of the palace premise are open for tourists throughout the week during office hours.
Swayambhunath (World Heritage Site)
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Swayambhunath, a 2000 years old Buddhist monument looking out into the four cardinal directions, is situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu city. It is one of the world's most glorious chaityas about 3 km from the city center. Surrounding the hemispherical stupa are many temples and pagodas and large band red-faced monkey, believed to be the descendents of the 'Hanuman', the monkey god.
Bouddhanath Stupa (World Heritage Site)
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It is the world's biggest Buddhist shrine located about 2 km to the north of Pashupatinath temple. It is a dome shaped eight-angled structure with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha looking out into the four cardinal directions. It was built by the Lichhavi King Man Dev in the 5th century. Pilgrims and devotees walk clockwise turning prayer wheels around the base of the shrine.
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site)
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One of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 km east of the city center. This holy place is picturesque collection of temples, shrines, hermitages, images & inscriptions. All the dying persons are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed to go inside.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
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The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other marvelous architectural showpieces- Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Picture Gallery, the golden Gate, the Batsala Temple and the Bell of Barking Dogs. The centerpiece is the 55 window palace built by King Yakshya Malla in the 17th century.
Changunarayan: (World Heritage Site)
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The temple of Changunarayan is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in the valley. The temple, built around the third century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal craft in the valley. The courtyard has many others temples such as that of Kiloswar, Shiva, Chhinnamasta Devi and other figures like Garuda and different image of Vishnu.
Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
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The Patan Durbar Square, situated in the heart of the city, consists of enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples belonged to the medieval period 15th to 17th century. The former Royal palace complex and its surroundings provide very good example of ancient Newari architecture. To the west of the complex, there are a dozen of wooden temples of various sizes and styles.
Budhanilkantha
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It is the largest and the most important Vishnu shrine in the valley, which is situated at the Shivapuri foothill some 8 km to the north of Kathmandu. The main shrine consists of a huge black stone image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of coiled snakes in the middle of a pond. Buddhists and different sects of Hindus worship this god in the names of their faith. This outstanding stone sculpture dates around 650 A.D. and is the most beautiful among all the stone engravings within the Kathmandu valley.
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