Things to see in Nepal
Most trips to Nepal begin in the Kathmandu Valley, where three former royal cities, two great Buddhist stupas and the country's holiest Hindu temple sit within a short drive of each other.
Use this guide to decide what to see, how long to allow and which multi-day tours include each place.
The Kathmandu Valley's seven World Heritage sites
The Kathmandu Valley was inscribed on UNESCO's World Heritage list in 1979 as seven separate monument zones: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Boudhanath, and the Hindu temple complexes of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.
Many buildings were damaged in the 2015 earthquake. Restoration has been slow but steady, and all seven sites are open to visitors, with some temples still under repair or rebuilt.
A practical plan is to spend one day on Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath, another on Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Squares, and a third in Bhaktapur, adding Changu Narayan on the way.
Boudhanath Stupa
UNESCOOne of the largest stupas in the world and the heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan community, at its best at dusk when pilgrims circle it with prayer wheels.
Visitor guide →Pashupatinath Temple
UNESCONepal's holiest Hindu temple, set along the Bagmati River, with open air cremation ghats, wandering sadhus and an evening fire ceremony.
Visitor guide →Bhaktapur Durbar Square
UNESCOThe best preserved of the valley's old royal cities, with brick lanes, pottery squares and the five storey Nyatapola Temple. Worth a full day or an overnight stay.
Visitor guide →Kathmandu Durbar Square
UNESCOThe old royal palace square of Kathmandu, home to the Hanuman Dhoka palace and the house of the Kumari, the living goddess.
Visitor guide →Patan Durbar Square
UNESCOThe royal square of Lalitpur, packed with fine Newar temples and home to the Patan Museum, one of the best museums in South Asia.
Visitor guide →Swayambhunath
UNESCOThe hilltop stupa known as the Monkey Temple, reached by a long stairway and offering wide views across Kathmandu.
Visitor guide →Changu Narayan
UNESCOA hilltop temple to Vishnu above Bhaktapur, believed to be the oldest in the valley, with remarkable stone and wood carvings.
Visitor guide →See them on a tour
Most multi-day Nepal tours include a guided day or two in the Kathmandu Valley with transport and entry tickets arranged for you.
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