It is known to one and all that Mount Everest lies in Nepal but apart from the fact, Nepal remains relatively unknown and undiscovered. Very few people know that Lord Buddha and Goddess Sita were actually born in this noble country. Home to the deepest gorge "Kali-Gandaki", seven world heritage sites and fine eco-systems, Nepal despite being a tiny country has it all. The only Hindu kingdom of the world is home to one of the oldest and largest stupas in the world. Diversity and contrasts rule here. Kathmandu Valley, the country's most happening place with world class discotheques, casinos and a restaurant is also the centre of political, commercial and cultural activities. The valley comprises of three cities-Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Tourist attractions prevail here; there are some places, which should not go unvisited. Some of the other places which you must visit when you land in Kathmandu, which are close to Kathmandu are:


Kathmandu:

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is said to be named after Kasthamandap, an imposing pagoda near Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Gunakama Dev is said to have built this city in 724 AD.

Durbar Square(Hanumandhoka): The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Taleju Temple, Gigantic figure of Kal Bhairav (God of Destruction), Basantapur Durbar or Nautalle Durbar,Coronation Platform (Nasal Chok),The hall of Public Audience (Gaddi Baithak), The statue of King Pratap Malla, The Big Bell, Big Drums and Jagannath Temple. Living Goddess Kumari also located in the same area.


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Swayambhunath:

This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old situated on hillock about 77 meter above the level of valley.




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Pashupatinath Temple:

Situated on the bank of sacred river Bagmati ,it is a temple of lord Shiva. This temple is Nepal's holiest and popular Hindu shrine. Also there is a chance of viewing cremation on the bank of the river.







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Bouddhanath:

This Buddhist,colossal and ancient Stupa, one of the biggest in the world, has the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.





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Patan City(Lalitpur)

This city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with guardian deities and wonderful carving. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known as the city of artists.

Durbar Square: The square if full of ancient palaces,temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The main attraction of Patan Durbar Square is the ancient Royal Palace itself, the triple roofed actagonal tower of Taleju Bhawani Temple built by King Shree Niwas Malla in 1667, the Royal bath called Tushahity, temple of Devi Taleju, Krishna Mandir, Mahabouddha, Hirnaya Varna Mahavihar etc.


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Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon):

It is a city of medieval art and architecture and also it is called city of devotees. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Durbar Square is the main place to visit containing innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Batsala Temple etc.Also it is worth visiting Nyatapola Temple, Dattatraya Temple, Peacock Window in Bhaktapur.






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Nagarkot:

It is situated on hill top about 2175 m above the sea level and 35 km from Kathmandu city. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Himalayas:Manaslu,Ganesh Himal, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker including (Mt.Everest) Sagarmatha are clearly visible from Nagarkot.