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

Places to see around Kathmandu Durbar Square
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:-

A very ancient seat of royalty locally known as Hanuman Dhoka. The word Hanuman is the name of a monkey god and Dhoka means the entrance as well as palace. The entire palace complex here is named after the monkey god Hanuman, a very important symbol of protective divine power. This is the place where all the Kings of the Nepal including our present King Gyanendra were crowned. The impressive red statue of Hanuman here dates back to 17th century AD

This nine-storied pagoda structure is one of the most beautiful architectural jewels in the square. Many intricately carved windows and fantastic wooden struts of this building are the perfect example of highly developed Nepalese woodcraft.

Kumari (vestal virgin), or the living goddess, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple of Kumari is situated in the vicinity of hanuman Dhoka place. The building has intricately carved wooden balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the king of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.

Kasthamandap - located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by king Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth centaury. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

This is a cute little temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and his wife Parvati. The divine couple looking from the window here is sure to click your camera at any time.

This temple is known for erotic figures. Hindu philosophy explains sex as love leading to liberation. This temple is dedicated to the God of Universe.

This is the most imposing structure in the entire Durbar Square. This 16th century pagoda specially built for the royal family is open only once a year for the public during Dashain, the greatest Hindu festival that falls sometimes in the mid of October.

This is the biggest stone statue Bhairava you will see in Nepal. This God of terror and death represents the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva. He stands on the dead body of a demon, the symbolic of his ruling the world of the dead.