Around the Kathmandu Sightseeing

Kathmandu city sightseeing tour provides an opportunity to explore the historically and culturally
rich Kathmandu city as well as the surrounding cities like Patan and Bhaktapur. The capital city
Kathmandu which is well known as city of temples is rich in religious aspect. The green hills which surround the valley is another highlights which offers sightseeing views and hiking options. Hills near Kathmandu such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Phulchowki and Kakani are the major hill stations for sightseeing around Kathmandu and sunrise and mountain views. The best places for sightseeing inside Kathmandu valley are as follows
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations enlisted in World
Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square comprise of numerous religious places like the old
Royal Palace commonly known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, numerous interesting temples, the
house where living god Kumari resides commonly known as Kumari Ghar and the beautiful
Kasthamandap. An excellent architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square reveals the ancient art of
Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath temple situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City is one of the holiest temples
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath Temple resides on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river is
in pagoda style with golden roof and four silver doors. Only Hindu is permitted to enter the temple
and the rest can view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River. Many worshipers visit
Pashupatinath on the special occasion of Shivaratri to worship Lord Shiva which falls in the month
of February/March.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa situated 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, is one of the biggest stupa in the
world. Boudhanath Stupa consists of four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions which
resembles for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhis Stupa was the creation of
King Mandev of Lichivi Dynasty. It is built on an octagonal base with prayer wheels all around
the stupa.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000
years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick
and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four
sided base of the spire are the opened eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas
and Pagoda temples.

Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is enriched with palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda
temples. Patan Durbar Square is also listed as the World Heritage Site and consists of former royal
palace, museum containing lots of statues and religious objects that reflects the religious and
social life of ancient living. The temple of Krishna commonly known as Krishna Mandir is one of
the remarkable monument of 17th-century entirely built with stone dedicated to the Hindu god
Krishna.

The key attractions in Patan are the Golden Temple, Kumbheshwar Temple, artistic Krishna
Mandir, Jagat Narayan Temple, Mahaboudha, Ashokan Stupa, Machchhendranath Temple and
Tibetan Refugee Camp.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur is the smallest district of Nepal that covers about 4 square miles and lies about 14 km
east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur which means the city of devotees still retains a medieval charm with cultural and artistic achievements. Pottery and waving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur
is famous for woodcarving and the traditional cap commonly known as bhadgaule topi. Bhaktapur
comprise of many attractive places like Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola Temple and many
more religious places.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the primary attraction of Bhaktapur which contains numerous temples
and other architectural wonders like golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya
Temple and Bhaktapur Museum. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in
1979. Palace of 55 Windows being built by King Yaksha Malla is a masterpiece of wood carving.
Five storied Pagoda Style temple commonly called Nyatapola Temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla which is well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the
tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu.