DURBAR SQUARE : Kathmandu’s most impressive sight, Durbar Square is a colourful hotch-potch of temples and palaces. It is also home to Kathmandu’s Kumari, or ‘living goddess’, a young girl believed to be a reincarnation of the goddess Durga.

SWAYAMBHUNATH : Known as the ‘monkey temple’ because of its resident swarm of apes, this spectacular Buddhist Stupa, from which the Buddha’s eyes gaze serenely down, lies on a hilltop only 2km from Kathmandu. The views down over Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are superb.

BOUDHANATH : 8km from the city centre, this is Kathmandu’s largest Stupa. It’s especially colourful on Saturdays, when Tibetan refugees flock here to pray.

BUDDHANILKANTHA : Buddhanilkantha is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley. It is about 9 km from the city center. The hub of the temple complex is a pond in, which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. It is also known as Bhujasi.

DAKSHINKALI AND CHOBAR : The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from the city center on the southern rim of the Valley past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the lake, which once covered the Valley.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE : On the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, this Shiva Temple is famous for its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors.

KIRTIPUR : Kirtipur is situated on a ridge 6 km south west of Kathmandu.The ancient township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major sights here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with artists houses and temple squares .The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.