Situated between the Himalayas to the north and the Mahabharat range of mountains to the south, Kathmandu valley has long been the center of culture, trade and learning in Nepal. Kathmandu valley comprises the 3 cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each of these medieval cities vie with the other in the beauty of its architecture, the colors of its historical monuments and the hospitality of its inhabitants. Tour highlights in and around Kathmandu valley are:

Budhanilkantha The reclining stone image of Vishnu 16 ft. long is only a few kilometers away from town center. It dates back 1400 years to the Lichhavi period.

Pashupatinath The holiest of the holy Hindu temple in South Asia is the focal point of pilgrimage from all over the sub-continent. The holy river of Bagmati flowing nearby is the cremation ground of the Hindus. Funeral pyres can be viewed from across the river bank.

Bouddhanath Probably the largest stupa in the world is also found in Kathmandu valley – the great stupa of Boudhanath. Again the omni-sighted eyes of the Boudha staddha stare at all direction. This stupa is the place of worship of Tibetan Buddhists predominantly.

Swoyambhunath Legend has it that Manjushri, founder of Kathmandu valley, discovered the lotus of an ancient valley lake on which site the great stupa of Swoyambhunath was later build. The omnisighted stare of the Buddha greets visitors and residents alike with compassion. Swoyambhunath has been an important center for Buddhist learning undergoing construction and renovation through out the centuries by prominent historical figures like the Mauryang Emperor Ashoka the Great and King Manadeva 1,

Krishna Mandir: The temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. Though its style is not wholly native, it has been reckoned as one of the perfect specimens of the Nepalese skill in temple craft. The 3 storied stone temple contentious to elicit high praise from lovers of art and beauty. It was built by King Siddhi Narasingha Malla in the 16th century A.D.

Mahabouddha: The temple of Mahabouddha is a masterpiece of terra-cotta. The temple was built by Abhaya Raj, a priest of Patan. It is sometimes described as the temple of million Buddhas because its every brick contains a fine figure of the Buddha.

Changu Narayan Another Vishnu temple is the oldest known temple existing in the valley dating back to the 4th century.

Dakshinkali temple located at the foothills south of the valley is the most important venue of animal sacrifices to the Goddess Durga.

Dhulikhel mountain resort for Himalayan viewing is situated on Arniko Highway to Tibet. This is a perfect place for acclimatization on your overland journey into Tibet.

Godavari the venue for summer residence of Rana prime ministers of Nepal, boasts today the Royal Botanical Gardens in the laps of Phulchowki (9,062 ft.), the highest mountain surrounding the valley.

Chobhar Gorge through which the waters of the primeval lake was drained by Manjushree to create the valley of Kathmandu.

Kakani is a quiet hilltop resort west of the valley from where magnificent views of the Ganesh Himal and Annapurna range can be seen.

Nagarkot This hilltop 37 kms. away from Kathmandu offers vantage views of the Himalayan range including, on a clear day, Mt. Everest.

Panauti is one of the finest existing specimens of an all Newari settlement in Kathmandu and boasts of the 15th century Indreshwar Mahadeva Temple, one of the most important temple associated with Newari culture and a Narayan shrine.

Sankhu This is a post on the old trade route from Kathmandu to Lhasa famous for many fine Newari houses with elaborately carved window frames. Nearby is the temple of the tantric Goddess Bajra Jogini.

Tika Bhairab: A corner of Kathmandu valley rim that time forgot is suddenly on the tourist map with an opening of a deluxe mountain resorts. Nearby are 5th century Lichhavi villages of Sunakothi, Thecho and Chapagaon.

Nyatapol Temple: It is a five storied pagoda styled temple and was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. Each of its five terrace holds a pair of figures (from bottom) wrestlers, elephant, lion, griffines, and goddesses.

Phulchowki: It is one of the prominent peaks surrounding the Kathmandu Valley and lies to the south-east. It has an altitude of 9050 ft. This mountain, as its name suggests (Phul means flower) is a natural garden of wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris, and other native flowers. The summit is a rich grove of rhododendrons of various hues. A jeepable road leads to the top of the hill where there is a Buddhist shrine.