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

Popular Mountain Points & Countryside
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:-
 

	Nagarkot
	Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort. It is located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 meters above sea-level. A panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalayas, including Mt. Everest can be seen from here.
	Dhulikhel
	Dhulikhel is an old Newar town situated thirty kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Highway that leads to the Tibet border. From here you'll get an impressive view of the Himalayan range, from Everest to the Ganesh Himal.
	a) Panauti
	Panauti is a very typical medieval Newari town situated near the Punyamati river about 34 k.m. east of Kathmandu and only seven k.m. South of Banepa.
	b) Namabuddha
	An ancient Buddhist shrine situated on the top of the hill provides most magnificent view of the eastern Himalayan range.
	Kakani
	Kakani, located about an hour's drive northwest of Kathmandu, is a beautiful hill top view point and a quiet countryside retreat. Sitting at 2.703 meters.
	Daman
	About three hours drive towards Southwest of Kathmandu, midway between the capital and Hetauda, Daman is situated 2322m above sea level.
	Kodari
	The nearest point to the Tibetan Border Bridge from Kathmandu is Kodari. A trip to Kodari is exactly 114 k.m. Scenic drive alone the Chinese built mountain highway.

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Places to see around Kathmandu Durbar Square
Around Kathmandu Valley