Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. The beautiful rolling green hills and shimmering snow peaks surround it. In the ancient times the valley was a big lake and a monk named Majushree came from China and drained the valley and began settlement. Kathmandu Valley is also known as a city of temples and Stupas. The popular heritage sites in the valley are: -

Pashupatinath Temple : - Literarily Pashupatinath means Lord of all Living things. According to the Hindu religious belief Lord Pasupatinath is the almighty God and savior of all human beings. It is therefore said that all Hindu should pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath at least once in their lifetime for eternal peace and salvation. It is believed that Lord Shiva with Sakti is the center of creation, savior and destruction.

Boudhanath Stupa: - It is the biggest Stupa in south Asia built in the fifth century. Before the present day Stupa was built, it was an overnight camp of Tibetan businessman. In the past, the Tibetan Merchants used to offer prayer at the Stupa which they had built during their trade trips to Nepal and India .
It was like a camp of Tibetan traders. In 1950 it was a refugee camp of Tibetans and later it was named "Little Tibet". Today it is the best site to observe Tibetan lifestyle, culture and religious practices of monks. It is also popular for Tibetan Jewellry, hand-woven carpets, thankas, masks, khukuri knives and many more Tibetan products.

Kathmandu Durbar Square : - Located in the heart of the city, Kathmandu Durbar Square was the royal residence of a united Nepal . Today it is a prominent tourist attraction of ancient palaces and temples. There are hundreds of temples including the temple of the living Goddess "The Kumari". The erotic carving, fierce image of Kalbhairab, Garuda, and monkey god Hanuman are some of the outstanding images. Around the Square there are very traditional Newari restaurants. It is the best shopping place for curios and antiques, flutes, woodcarving, masks, handloom products, souvenirs and many more. It is worthwhile visiting this site of the Kathmandu Valley.

Swayambhunath Stupa: - Located on a small hillock, Swayambhunath overlooks Kathmandu city. Swayambhunath's legend relates to the present day Kathmandu Valley that in very ancient times was a Lake. Bodhisattva Majusree who had traveled all the way from China had settled on the hill surrounded by the lake. He meditated and got enlightened with Buddha preaching then he cut a gorge in the southern side of the lake to drain the valley. Later during the course of time men began to settle in the valley. The hilltop was a holy place where the Swayambhu's light (the self- existent Lord) existed. Later it was covered and by the thirteenth century more layers were added to the original one. Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient in the world. It is the center of religious harmony in Nepal. There are many Stupas around the main Stupa and the biggest image of Shakyamuni Buddha is there. Stupas and temples surround the whole hill and on the other the wonderful botanical garden is one of the leisure places of Nepal.

Patan Durbar Square : - Patan Durbar square is also one of the best architectural sites of Nepal. The Krishna Temple, built by stone, is an outstanding example of Shikhar Saili architecture. On the wall scenes from the Mahabharat, the greatest mythological war, are carved. The Sundari Chowk is another example of the best and wonderful woodcarving in Nepal. Inside Patan Durbar Square there are many temples and nearby the square, famous Buddha Stupas are located. The site is worth visiting to enjoy the ancient architecture, which dates back thirteen centuries.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square : - Bhaktapur city was founded in 889 AD. It is 13km east from Kathmandu. The famous fifty-five window palace was the royal palace of Malla King. It is now a museum of ancient history, arts and architecture. Nyatapola, a five-tiered temple looks like the leaning tower of Pisa and is a wonderful piece of ancient art and architecture. The Golden gate is an example of the metal work of Medieval Nepal . Bhaktapur in fact is the best site in the valley to visit. In the Kathmandu Valley the three separate Durbar squares were the capitals of the separate kings. There was keen competition among the three kings to develop their kingdom in the field of art and architecture, and the three Durbar Squares are the result of it.

Budhanilakantha Temple : - Budhanilkantha is about 10km north from Kathmandu city center. Near the temple a huge statue of Lord Vishnu lies, which is believed to be some thousand years old and shows the sage lying on the cosmic water before the universe was created. It is a great holy site for all Hindus. Budhanilakantha is just below the Shivpuri National Park, a popular tourist destination.

Changunarayan temple: - It is an ancient historic place preserved by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Located on the northeast side of the valley, Changunarayan sits on a small hill overlooking the surrounding valley. The temple is very ancient in Nepal built by the then King Manadeva. The carving and architecture of the temple dates back to the early civilization of the modern age. 

Dakshinkali Temple : - Dakshinkali is named after the Goddess "Kali". It is located 18km south of Kathmandu city centre. The area is rich in bio-diversity and wildlife. It is also a centre of rare bird watching. Hindus believe that the Goddess Kali is the source of energy and power. They worship the goddess throughout the year on different occasions mostly during the period of the great festival of the Dashain.

Chobhar gorge: - Chobhar is the place where Manjushree (The Chinese monk who had settled the city in the valley) had cut a gorge and drained the water of Kathmandu Valley. It lies on the way to Dakshinkali. The sound of roaring water in a narrow tunnel deep down in the gorge below the suspension bridge is incredible and worth visiting.

Godavari Royal Botanical Garden : - Below the 2700m high Phulchoki hill, Godavari is the biggest and most beautiful botanical garden of Nepal. It is famous for film shooting and picnics. Wide varieties of plants and flowers are collected there. It is a popular tourist destination as well.

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