Nepal is a myriad of ethnicities, cultures and religions that has given rise to a vibrant Nepali way of life. Kathmandu the capital itself was born from centuries of myths and legends and currently boasts of even World Heritage Monument Zones. For culture and history enthusiasts Kathmandu can keep you fully occupied whether you visit Patan, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, Kirtipur or any of the smaller villages and owns located in the periphery. For those who wish to go out of the Valley tours to Lumbini the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha can be equally rewarding. The Trans Himalayan regions of Upper Mustang and the Dolpo can also provide insight into fascinating Bon Buddhist cultures as well.

Kathmandu Valley (UNESCO World Heritage Zone)

As the capital and heart of the country, Kathmandu is the melting pot of Nepal and so represents a portion of all that is Nepali. Itself born from the legend of the Tibetan Saint Manjushree draining the lake that was to establish human settlement here, Kathmandu Valley Civilization began before the birth of Christ. Several different dynasties have ruled here each one leaving its mark and giving us today the culturally vibrant heart of Nepal that is Kathmandu.

Within Kathmandu Valley there are seven monument zones that together make the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Basantapur Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

The open square in front of the former Hanuman Dhoka palace is known as Basantapur Durbar Square. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace was the official resident of the royalty of Nepal and was built by one of  Nepal’s greatest connesuirs of art King Pratap Malla. The palace which was named after the Hindu monkey god Hanuman is today a museum. There are numerous other temples dedicated to various Hindu gods and goddesses such as the Taleju Bhawani, Kumari, Sweta Bhairav, Maru Ganesh, Akash Bhairav, Shiva Parvati etc surround the palace and are preserved as they were built hundreds of years ago. The square is also the main venue for the many festival of the city.

Swayambhu - The Self Born (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Swayambhu is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimages in Nepal and is linked with the birth of the Valley. According to legend when the Valley was still a lake, a saint by the name of Ne planted a lotus seed here from which sprang the light of Swayambhu, the “Self Born”. When Manjushree saw these eons later, he drained the lake by cutting a gorge in the southern edge of the valley in a place called Chobahar from which the Bagmati River was allowed to flow out and established the Kathmandu Valley civilization. Swayambhunath sits on a hillock on the south-western edge of Kathmandu. The stupa is a dome 20 meters in diameter and 32 meters high and is made of brick and earth mounted by a conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt.

Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

As the protector deity of the nation and one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus the world ever, Pashupatinath, or the lord of animals is not to be taken lightly. Located on the western banks of the Bagmati River on the north eastern side of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath is said to have been discovered by a cow herder who dug up the area after seeing one of his cow’s coming to the spot and emptying its milk there. As a form of Mahadev one of the three main gods in Hinduism, Pashupatinath draws pilgrims by the thousands especially on Maha Shivaratri, the “night of Shiva” which falls in early spring. Pashupatinath is surrounded by a many other temples like the Kirateswore Mahadev, Bhairav, Guheswori, and Gorakhnath.

Patan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Patan whose original name was Yala is located on the southern banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the three main cities in the Valley. The city, believed to be the first settlement in the Valley was established by the Kirat rulers who reigned for more than 1200 years from the 3rd century BC. Patan is famous for its collection of masterpieces, the fantastically carved temples, palace courtyards, water spouts, public baths and houses with their elaborate wood, stone a and metal carvings.

Bhaktapur (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Located east of Kathmandu, the medieval city of Bhaktapur is a living cultural museum with its inhabitants the Newar people still following old traditions and customs.  Established around the 9th century Bhaktapur became the capital of the Valley in 1377 during the reign of the Malla dynasty and flourished as a major urban centre. The city houses some of the best examples of Nepali craftsmanship on wood and stone such as the Palace of 55 Windows built in 1697, the five storied Nyatapola Temple, the Kashi Biswanath Temple, and the Dattatreya Temple among many others.

Changunarayan (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

One of the best examples of Pagoda style of architecture, which is claimed to have originated in Nepal, Changunaryan is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The two story temple believed to be one of the oldest and
richest in terms of carvings and monuments stands on a hillock north east of Kathmandu.

Boudhanath (UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Considered to be the largest Buddhist stupa in the world, Boudhanath is believed to have been built sometime during the Lichivi period but was lost and forgotten for centuries until it was rediscovered in the 15th century from whence it slowly started gaining reputation among Tibetan Buddhists. There are more than 50 monasteries surrounding Boudhanath today and it is one of the major Buddhist pilgrim sites.

Bandipur

Midway on the day-long drive between Kathmandu and Pokhara lies the hilltop settlement of Bandipur - a Newar town with its age-old flavour intact.Catching the historical trail at Dumre Bazaar, one climbs through pristine forests to arrive at a township that has hardly changed.While the other trading posts of the Nepali hills have modernised, Bandipur retains its age-old cultural activities. It still has its temples, shrines, holy caves, innumerable festivals and a Newari architecture that harks back to the Kathmandu Valley of old.

Tansen

Tansen is a small ancient hill town situated 4300 meters above sea level. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini. Major attractions here are the ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people. The weather here makes it a pleasant place to visit in any season. On clear days Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen.