Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa is 3km west of Kathmandu city situated on a hillock about 77m above the sea level of the Kathmandu valley. It is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and the best place to observe religious harmony in Nepal. Both Hindus and Buddhists worship here. It is said to be 2,000years old. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Pashupatinath Temple

It is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage spot situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva. The richly ornamented pagoda houses, the sacred linga, or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva fascinates everyone. There are also small temples dedicated to other deities. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Near the temple at the edge of Bagmati River lies "Arya Ghat" where cremation is performed. A colourful market surrounds the temple.

Patan

Patan is an ancient Buddhist city dominated by Bahal & Bhai (Newari monasteries). Some of these monasteries are over 1,000 years old and are still intact. Patan’s original Sanskrit name is ‘Lalitpur’ meaning the city of fine art. No wonder, Patan has got a collection of the most beautiful temples and monasteries and most of the natives still carry on the lost wax process of metal sculpting.

Bhaktapur

The hamlet of Bhaktapur in the east of Kathmandu valley is a cultural gem of Nepal. The town is known for its tremendous culture, graceful art and self-sufficient medieval lifestyle. The town of Terracotta commonly exhibits fine wood carving in its overhanging balconies, doors and struts supporting projected roofs. Sunken water spouts found in ample displays exquisite stone sculptures. Communities inside the protective Mandala of Asta Matrika (group of eight mother goddesses), socialize in their pavilions, dry crops, give bath and massage in their courtyards and celebrate at local shrines in their traditional attire. No wonder Bhaktapur is a living museum.

Boudhanath

It is the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and lies 8 km east of Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in South Asia, looming 36m overhead. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979 is also known as Khasti. The name ‘Boudhanath’ is composed of two different words Boudha and Nath. Boudha means wisdom and the suffix Nath stands for Lord. Thus Boudhanath means the Lord of wisdom. In this area there are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries located at the base.