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.