Introduction to Kathmandu: Kathmandu is a small city founded around AD 723 as Manju-Patan. In the days of the Malla Kingdom, it was known as Kantipur and was in the same rank as Patan and Bhaktpur. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the man who made Kathmandu his capital in the 18th century and it never looked back after that. The opening of the country around 40 years back led to tremendous growth of tourism in the valley and the capital became a Mecca for trekkers, heaven for hippies, and a thriving cosmopolitan city. Today Kathmandu is a fascinating old city where pagodas, narrow cobbled lanes, old carved windows, and stone shrines are backdrops to the drama of life that continues unhindered. Here the experiences are amazing, views fascinating, and the climate charming.

Sightseeing: Every shrine, monument, and scenic spot in the Kathmandu Valley has a legend associated with it and perhaps this makes their existence all the more interesting. Kathmandu, Bharatpur, and Patan are three different cities not far from each other and each having their distinct architectural and cultural value. One common aspect to all these places is the existence of the Durbar Square around which most of the attractions are located. The Hanuman Dhoka is the old royal palace whose name has been derived from the statue of Hanuman (the monkey god of Hindu mythology) that guards the entrance. The building has remained uninhabited from the days of its first construction in the 13th century.

The hilltop Stupa of Swayambhunath, considered 2,000 years old, is one of the holiest places for Newari Buddhists. The hilltop is a pleasant spot to view the valley and is home to hordes of monkeys.

The Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of River Baghmati around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside. An annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organised here every year in the month of February.

Boudnath is one of the largest stupas in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage. Today, Boudnath bustles with Tibetan population, busy with carpet manufacture, trade, and prayers at the several monasteries belonging to different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.

Patan is a spiritual city with Durbar Square in the centre and many stupas, shikharas, and temples. Bhaktpur is again a royal city where most of the attractions revolve around Durbar Square and the Palace of 55 Windows.

Excursions: Nepal is an exotic country and a place for the brave hearted. Trekking, river rafting, and mountaineering options are amazing and incomparable. The Himalayas has blessed the country with some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Besides the scenic destinations, Nepal also houses many historical and religious sites. While Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Janakpur is considered the birthplace of Sita, wife of Lord Rama. Most of the places are in the vicinity of Kathmandu, which is connected by road and air to India.