Nyatapole Temple in Bhaktapur, Nepal
The Kathmandu Valley, the political and cultural hub of Nepal is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. It has
separate kingdom itself, it contains three fabled cities- kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Each cities is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley. The history of the Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and make it inhabitable. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism Dynasties came and went. Trade and the arts flourished. Its deeply-religious Newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders.
Places to see at Kathmandu Valley are:
Durbar Square: This complex of palace, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.
Swayambhu Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu and is listed as World Heritage Site.
Balaju consists of a sprawling garden of stone water spouts, religious shrines, fish ponds, and a replica of statue of Budanilkantha. Situated below Nagarjun hill about 3 km northwest of the city center. Balaju is also known for its bank of 22 stone water spouts carved in the shape of sea-dragons.
Budhanilkantha 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 Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent.
B
oudhanath Stupa lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Boudhanath, a World Heritage Site is also known as Khasti.
Pashupat
inath Temple one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple also a World Heritage Site.
Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley about 12 km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings.
Kirtipur is situated on a ridge 10 km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient Newar township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major sites here.
Patan's Durbar Square like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to Hindu god Krishna, built entirely a stone.
Kwa Bahal is a Buddhist monastery courtyard dating back to the 12th century. It is a five minute walk west and north from the northern end of Durbar Square. The monastery building is embellished with exceptionally fine wood carvings and repousse work. Artistic image are scattered around the courtyard and devotees can be seen offering worship at many shrines here.
Mahaboudha can be reached by walking east from the southern end of Durbar Square and then turning right at the sunken water taps. This Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta artform which points to skill of Patan's ancient craftsmen with variety of buildings styles.
Uku Bahal is situated a few steps past Mahaboudha and is one of the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan. The stone paved courtyard is enclosed by a two story building with glided roofs. The wood carvings on the roof struts are especially attractive. The place is peppered with sacred images and other small shrines. The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel is a pleasant diversion after a tour of the cultural sights. It contains about 106 species of birds and over 665 different animals. There is also a pond where you can go boating. Open daily except Monday from 10 am to 4 pm.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square. As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the spatial layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The entrance to the palace, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art.
Taumadi Square lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.
Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three headed combination of the Hindu Deities Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. The Square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The 15th-century Pujari Math is the most famous among the nine here and the building is decorated with the finest wood carvings, including the celebrated Peacock Window. The National Wood working Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street. 
mainly occupy the higher hills of eastern and central Nepal. The Solu Khumbu region, where the world tallest peak Mt. Everest stands, is inhabited by Sherpas. Generally they are Buddhist but some follow the Bon, the pre-Buddhist religion of Tibet, and other religions. The Sherpas are famed for their valor and mountaineering skills and are professionally in many mountain expeditions. Today Sherpas have joined other occupations as well like business administration and politics. A wide variety of ethnic groups occupy the mid hills. The Kirat or Limbus and Rais inhabitant the east. During the 7th century BC, they established a dynasty in t
he Kathmandu valley and ruled it for 1000 years. They are not originally Hindus and Buddhist but are ancestors worshippers. However today many embrace Hinduism. In former days they are warriors and skilled hunters. The Kirato speaks Tibeto-Burman languages. Many serve in the British Army today and have earned a reputation as the brave Gurkhas.The population of Kathmandu valley consists mostly of Newars. They speak Nepalbhasa and practice Hindusim and Buddhism. Many family celebrate Hindu and Buddhist festivals. Their culture also reflects tantrism and animism. Newars are accomplished in commerce and most enterprises in the h
eart of the valley are run by them. Historically they are well known for establishing the three artistically beautiful cities of Patan, Bhaktapur and Kathmandu. The inhabitants of the hill flanks surrounding Kathmandu Valley are mostly Tamangs, who make up one of the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic groups in the kingdom. In 
the Tibetan language, Tamang means"horse soldier" which gives us an idea about their past occupation. Today they farm and work as semi-skilled and unskilled labourers. The Magars live in the western and central hills of Nepal. They had their own kingdoms until the 18th century and were closely associated with the Hindu Indo-Aryans in the west. Much of their cultural practices have been influenced by Chhetris, and today it difficult to make any difference in the housing, dressing and farming practices of the two. The Magars have been sought after by the british and Indian Armies and a great number serve in the Gurkha regiments. Another ethnic g
roup closely resembling the Magars in many aspects are the Gurungs. They also live in the western and central hills of the country although further to the east. Of Tibeto-Burman stock, the Gurungs have their own distinct language and practice shamanism. The Kha are the Bahuns and Chhetris who formed their own kingdom in the far west. They are Hindu and Nepali which is the country official language, was originally spoken by the khas. Traditionally the Bahuns were priests and are better educated than most ethnic groups. In fact many occupy important government and educational posts in the kingdom today. The Chhetri have traditionally been known as warriors. The Tharus are one of the original ethnic groups to inhabit the Terai. The Majhi, Danuwar, Rajbansi, Darai, Satar and Dhimal also occupy the flat lands. The Tharu have their own unique religion and practice animism. Their culture is especially suited for hot plains. They Mongoloid features and speak their own language.
