Located in the Himalayas, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Set in a valley, it is surrounded by the soaring mountains of the Himalayas. Its old city is the heart of the city, and many of its historic sites were damaged by the earthquake in 2015.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu Stupa in Kathmandu is a popular holy temple of Hindus and Buddhists. It is considered the most ancient of all holy shrines in the city. This temple is associated with the Goddess Saraswati, Lord Manjushree, and the protection of pregnant women.

Swayambhu is the best place in Nepal to observe religious harmony. It has an unusual structure that includes a 13-tiered tower. Its deep symbolism is embodied in its five elements. The base of the tower is a dome with a prayer wheel at its center. The top of the stupa has a pentagonal toran with figurines.

The five Dhyani Buddhas are also honored with special shrines at the base of the stupa. Each Buddha is associated with one of the five senses and four cardinal directions.

Budhanilkantha temple

Located in Kathmandu Valley, Budhanilkantha Temple is a prominent Hindu shrine. This place is a pilgrimage site for thousands of devotees. It is a popular destination for tourists. It is located at the base of Shivapuri Hill. The temple houses the largest stone carved idol of Lord Vishnu.

The statue is crafted out of a single block of black basalt stone. It is about five meters long. It is decorated with red tikas around the base. It is shaped like the sleeping form of Lord Vishnu. It also has a picture of Buddha in the hood.

The name of the temple, Budhanilkantha, literally means Old Blue Throat. The enigmatic statue has two stories behind it.

The first story goes that the statue was found in a field by a farmer. The statue was damaged during the process of digging a hole in the ground. The tip of the plough stuck into something and the figure started to bleed. The blood dripped onto the ground and eventually the statue was recovered.

Thamel

Whether you are traveling in Nepal or abroad, Tramel is a great place to shop and dine. You'll find shops selling cheap electronics, souvenirs, and handicrafts. You can also find many places to exchange foreign currencies.

If you're looking for a good meal, you'll find a wide selection of restaurants in Thamel. You'll find local cuisine, vegetarian, and vegan options, as well as halal options.

You can also enjoy a day hike or short hike. You can take a rickshaw or taxi to get around. The area is relatively safe, though you should be cautious at night. You'll want to be sure your passport is on you at all times.

The Purple Haze is a great nightlife spot in Thamel. It is ranked as one of the 52 best clubs in the world. You'll be able to enjoy a variety of drinks, including cocktails, and eat great food.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Located at an altitude of approximately 1400 m, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most famous sites in Kathmandu Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is surrounded by temples, royal palaces and houses. In addition, Bhaktapur is home to some of the best traditional craftwork in Nepal.

The main attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the Golden Gate, which is also known as the Nepala Dhvaka in local language. The temple of Taleju is located inside the gate. The statue of Taleju is considered to be the family goddess.

In addition to the Durbar Square, there are four other squares within the town. These include the Taumadhi Square, which is popular for its beautifully carved woodwork. It is also home to Nyatapola Temple, which is one of the tallest monuments in Nepal.

Langtang National Park

Located 32 kilometers north of Kathmandu, Langtang National Park is the fourth protected area in Nepal. It has a unique biodiversity and rich flora and fauna.

There are three main treks that you can choose from. The Langtang Valley trek, the Lauribina La pass (4600m), and the Ganja La (5,120m) trek. These treks take you through the high altitude meadows and villages of the Tibetan settlements. You can also see the views of the Langtang Lirung and other mountains.

Langtang National Park is best visited in Spring and Autumn. The weather is mild in the valley during these months. In March, rhododendrons bloom in the lower regions. In the summer, there are chances of rainfall. During the monsoon season, the rivers become overflowing. During this time, the trails may be slippery.

During day trips from Kathmandu, tourists can explore the city's rich culture and heritage. These tours are offered by licensed tour guides and have reasonable rates. Some of the attractions include the Durbar Square, the Indreshwar Mahadev Temple and the Monkey Temple.

The Durbar Square is a complex that contains numerous historical sites and monuments. This is a great place to see a miniature model of the Pashupatinath Temple. It is also home to shops and other shrines.

The Neydo Monastery is a serene retreat. It is a great place to relax and meditate. It is located in a scenic natural setting. You can do hiking and mountain biking around the valley.

Shivapuri National Park is a popular destination for trekking. It is a biodiversity hotspot. It covers a large area of the northern part of the Kathmandu Valley. The park is full of hiking trails and monasteries.

Nagarkot is a hilltop location with beautiful views of the Himalayas. It can be reached by bus or taxi. You can get great views of Mount Everest at sunrise or sunset. The town has a few day hikes nearby.

You can visit the temples of Swayambhunath and Namobuddha, which are two of the holiest Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. The temples are home to many deities. They are also home to a sacred pond stuffed with coins.

You can choose from a variety of day trips from Kathmandu, including village tours. These take you to local settlements to experience different aspects of the city.