Nepal has many different things to offer for sightseeing. The natural beauty and Himalayan views, the culture and traditions, the historical monument, art and architecture, Hindu temples and Buddhist stupa and monasteries, its people and rites, myths and mysteries which are a part of the daily life of the people of Nepal. Kathmandu is the first arrival point for most visitors. Mountains surround the valley and it is divided into the three major cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. These were once three different kingdoms and to this day retain their own rich artistic styles and traditions. Out of the valley there are also other beautiful unexplored destinations, sight seeing packages are included some of them.

Other places of Interest within the Kathmandu Valley rim:

Patan or Lalitpur the city of arts, among the three historical cities of Kathmandu Valley,
Patan is considered as the oldest city. The city is located on a high plateau above the courses of Bagmati River, just south of Kathmandu. From ancient to modern, Patan is known by different names. Similarly, sometimes called "The town with a thousand golden roofs" or "The city of fine arts".

There are few historical materials, which shed light on the ancient history of Patan.
"Ashoka, Emperor of ancient India, visited Kathmandu Valley in 250 B.C. and constructed the four stupa in four direction of Patan city and one in center.

Patan has been an important town since very early times. Inscription from 5th century refers to King Mana Deva's palace the "House of Mana" which might have located in the area now called Mangal Bazar adjoining Patan Durbar Square. All the remaining palaces and temples were later added on by different Malla Kings.

Places to visit in Patan area:

The main Durbar Square the Palace complex built in 1167 A.D. by Rudra Deva.
Palace Courtyard-Krishna Temple a beautiful work of art all built with stone work.
The Royal Bath. The Mahaboudha located just outside the main durbar square.

Patan Industrial State, the place where all the artist on work of metal-wood-stone to present day demands like carpets-Pashmina Shawls-Jewellery ornaments to Leather goods.

Bhaktapur or Bhadgoan:

Situated east of Kathmandu on the Ariniko Highway the road to Tibet just 14 k.m. away from Kathmandu city another city within the Valley. Which is of great beauty and still looks like that you are still in the medieval times.

Main places of interest at Bhaktapur Durbar square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is much larger and more spacious than Kathmandu's and much less crowded with temples than Patan. The disastrous earthquake in 1934 destroyed many of the beautiful monuments in the square and are now marked only by empty platforms where they once stood. Some of the most popular monuments golden gate, peacock window and Nyatapola temple are main attractions.

Changunarayan Temple:
This temple is situated on a scenic hill top 20km from Kathmandu and 7 km from Bhaktapur. King Hari dutta Verma built this temple. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works made of metal and woodcarvings. This is the finest example of Nepalese pagoda architecture. The inscription at Changunarayan is the oldest recorded in history, dating to the 4th century. Its history dates back to the Lichhavi period when the Lichhavi king Manadeva installed pillars in 464 AD. The temple is worth visiting to see the architectural and iconography combination.

Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a popular place to see the mountain ranges and sunrise. It lies at an altitude of 2175m and it is 32 km north east of Kathmandu. It is the nearest place to see the panoramic views from Kathmandu valley. Close up mountains are from Nagarkot Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje lakpa, Sishapangma, Gauri Shanker and more. When the sun begins to rise from behind the Himalayas,
it looks spectacular as the mountains changes its colour. Many tourists go to Nagarkot and stay over night to enjoy the scenic beauty of the country side and from Nagarkot one can hike to Changunarayan, Banepa and to Sankhu Vajrayogini too.

Dhulikhel:

Dhulikhel is an ancient small town situated 30km away from Kathmandu. The drive from Kathmandu to Dhalikhel is very scenic and beautiful rice terraces on both sides of the road are spectacular. It is a popular panoramic Himalayan viewpoint, which is also a good starting place for short treks where visitors can stretch their legs before starting for a longer one.

Places of Interest outside of Kathmandu Valley:

Daman:
The small village of Daman is an interesting place to see mountains. One can see whole mountain range of 400km from Dhaulagiri to Mt.Everest. Daman lies 2,323m above the sea level. It is 85 km away south west from Kathmandu and It also one of the most spectacular mountain-bike routes in the world.

Lumbini:
Lumbini is situated about 250km South West of Kathmandu. This place famous for Buddhist pilgrimage because Lord Buddha was born here in 560 BC. The birth of Buddha at Lumbini has been recorded in the pillar inscription 'The Light of Asia' although there is not much to see but the peaceful environment provides you with inner sense of tranquility. In some ways, Tilaurakot, the site of Kapilavastu, the fortress-palace where Buddha was raised as a prince of the royal family is more evocative.

Tansen:
Tansen lies 1310m above sea level, at the southern slope of Mahabharat range. It lies on the way from Pokhara to Sunauli and is known as the Siddhartha highway. Tansen city itself is very colorful with its old houses and slopes landscapes. There are different types of people-Magar, Brahmin, Chhetri, Newar, have been living in the city.It is popular for its metal crafts and Dhaka cloth, shawls and caps. Place to visit in Tansen- Shrinagar hill Amarnarayan temple and Tansen Durbar etc.

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