Katmandu prides with some of the most magnificent architectures and monuments in South Asia. It is the capital city of Nepal. You need to spend more than a day to appreciate the beauties of this city completely. The Katmandu Valley consists of three main cities with great historic and cultural interest – Katmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Located at an altitude of 1,336 meters, the Katmandu Valley is spread over an area of 218 square miles. Some of the most visited monuments in Katmandu are:

Machchendra Nath Temple

‘Machchendra’ is the guardian of the Katmandu Valley. His temple is one of the most admired shrines of the Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. The temple is situated in Kel -Tol, at the northern part of Durbar Square. The temple holds considerable artistic beauty and is also called as “Janmadyo” by the locales. The white-faced image of God Machchendra Nath is revealed only during the “Machchendra Nath Festival” in April.

Hanuman Dhoka

The name of this old royal palace has been coined in order to show respect to Lord “Hanuman”, the monkey god of Hindu mythology. There is a statue of Hanuman that guards the entrance of this building. Most of the older structures of the palace exist no more and the current building is a modified version of the earlier one. Hanuman Dhoka was constructed in the 13th century and has remained uninhabited since then. It is now used mainly for royal ceremonies. The main attractions of Hanuman Dhoka include the Basantpur Tower, Nasal Chowk, Mahendra Memorial Museum, Tribhuvan Memorial Museum and a stone inscription

Residence of the Living Goddess

Residence of the Living Goddess is an 18th century palace in Katmandu with magnificently carved window frames. Some of these carved frames are in shape of peacocks and the central frame is covered in gold. The palace is known as “Kumari Bahal”. “Kumari” is the living goddess of Katmandu who, as says the local phenomena, resides in this palace.

Kashthamandap Temple

Kashthamandap is the place from where the term Katmandu was being coined. The Kashthamandap temple is one of the oldest surviving structures in Katmandu. Certainly, there have been alterations over the centuries, but the architecture remained almost the same. The central image in the temple is of “Saint Gorakhnath” who watches over the Shah Dynasty. A small shrine of “Ganesha” can also be found inside the temple.

Swayambhunath

The Swayambhunath Stupa is located at the hilltop and is considered to be 2,000 years old. It is one of the holiest places for “Newari Buddhists”. You can spot a beautiful view of the valley from here. But the temple area is home to hordes of monkeys. On major Buddhist festivals like “Buddha Purnima” or “Tibetan Losar” (New Year), Buddhists throng to Swayambhunath Stupa.

Pashupatinath

The Pashupatinath Temple is on the banks of River Baghmati. It is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. Lord Shiva is the presiding deity here who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple. Each year the priests here organize an annual pilgrimage on the occasion of “Shivaratri” in the month of February.