Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of old Kathmandu city in Basantapur never fails to impress first time visitors with its intricate wood carvings and rich history. Surrounded by concrete buildings, the complex is an oasis in a fast developing, chaotic modern city. Once the residence of Nepal’s Royal family, all coronation ceremonies were held here. The palace is an amalgamation of eastern and western architecture with additions by Rana and Shah rulers over the centuries. An unbelievable 50 temples lie within the vicinity including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner section consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. Some floors have been converted to museums dedicated to three generations of Shah kings. Most parts of the palace premises are open to tourists throughout the week.

Pashupatinath, is a Hindu temple which is located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the northwest of Kathmandu. It is dedicated to a manifestation of Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has become well known far beyond the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but a good view of the temple can be had from the opposite bank of the river.

The holiest Tibetain Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal which is located in Boudha. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Today it remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, as well as a popular tourist site.

The Swayambhunath is located 10 minutes drive from Thamel. This is a stupa which is perched on the top of a hill. Whilst there, you can get magnificent views of the city. Swayambhunath is not exactly a temple but rather a religious complex with an imposing stupas, smaller temples, monuments and images of deities. There are two ways to reach it, either a long and steep stone stairway (362 steps long). The other way is from the opposite direction, where your vehicle will drop you at the parking and you can walk 5 minutes of easier stairway to the top.