The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336m above sea level and covers an area of 218 sq.miles. It is filled with social and religious ceremonies throughout the year. The chariot procession of red Machhendranath, one of the prominent Buddhist festivals, is the most enjoyable occasion of both religious and historical importance. The existence of a living goddess, the Kumari, amid a modernizing metrologist is also something the visitors find exotic and exciting to experience.

Places to see around Kathmandu Valley
Places to see around Kathmandu Durbar Square
Popular Mountain Points & Countryside

Around Kathmandu Valley
Apart from Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, there are a number of other fascinating villages, temples and stupas scattered around the valley. These are probably the best known sites in Nepal:-
 

	Pashupatinath This is the holiest of Hindu temple situated on the bank of river Baghmati. This is the largest and most important Hindu temple complex said to have been built before Christ. This temple dedicated to Lord Shiva attracts, thousands of Hindu pilgrims from India.
	Swayambhunath Stupa This Monument is about 2 k.m. West of down town Kathmandu, located on a lovely hillock. This stupa is said to have been built 250 years before Christ. This famous place of Buddhist worship known as the monkey temple in the tourist world commands a beautiful cityscape
	Bodhnath Stupa This biggest stupa of Nepal is said to have been built around 5th century. This place of worship attracts thousands of Buddhist pilgrims from Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan every year in winter. This place is often described as a mini Tibet of Nepal.
	Changu Narayan
	Is the oldest temple of Vishnu built in early 5th century. This temple is situated in a very peaceful hilltop, which commands the magnificent views of Kathmandu Valley.
	Budhanilkantha (Sleeping God, Vishnu)
	Is the famed stone statue of Lord Vishnu lying on the huge serpent bed. This 7th century sculpture was most skillfully carved out of a giant single stone. This place of worship is open to all except our King who according to a very old tradition is the Incarnation of Vishnu himself.
	Kirtipur
	Is a very old village situated in a small hill. Newars living here are known for their bravery and communal unity. Even the brave Gorkha King Prithivi Narayan Shah had to resign himself several times to his plan to conquer Kirtipur - once a very strong principality.
	Bhaghbhairav Temple
	Adhinath Temple
	Taudaha Pound
	Manjushree Cave (Chovar)
	Chovar George
	Dakshinkali
	Is the name of a much-famed temple of Kali. It is about 18k.m south of Kathmandu. A scenic drive to this place after early morning breakfast would be something very enjoyable to experience. Tuesday and Saturday are special days to visit this place. Devotees go there to sacrifice animals such as chicken, goats, ducks, sheep and water buffaloes that generally symbolize human demerit and pray for the health and happiness of their family indeed .
	Machhendranath Temple
	The temple of Sweto Machhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asoan. It is pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. The deity is also called Janmadyo or Machchhendra.
Vishalnagar - Hadigaun   The surviving cultural heritage of Vishalnagar - Hadigaun is surprisingly extensive, much like its long and  rich history with a pre - Lichcbbavi progenyproven to date as for back as first century BC. Now largely ward no 5 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Vishalnagar - Hadigaun located, at the geometric center of Kathmandu Valley was the capital town of the ancient Lichcbbavi. With the host of sculptural images, temples, inscription, pati, dabali and other heritage such as festivals, food and other expressions of life and living. Maharaja Jaibarma(185A.D)   Places to see at Vishalnagar - Hadigaun   Bhatbateni Temple, Tangal Ganesh, Bhemsen Temple, Dhana Ganesh, Tunaldevi Dyochhen, Manamaneswori and Ghana Pokhari
	Godawari
	The only botanical garden of Nepal is about 22k.m. Southeast of Kathmandu.
	Balaju Park
	The only manage garden of Nepal is about 5k.m. Northwest of Kathmandu famous for 22 stone taps (22 Dhara).

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Places to see around Kathmandu Durbar Square
Popular Mountain Points & Countryside
 

Budhanilkantha (Sleeping God, Vishnu)