# BOUDHANATH STUPA 7 
Just outside Kathmandu, this spectacular stupa — a mound-like structure used for meditation — with its golden spire is one of the holiest sites for Buddhists.
Buddhist Temple World Heritage Site: since 1979 | Height: 36 meters/118 ft
by Alexander Shafir / CC BY-SA 3.0
# SWAYAMBHUNATH TEMPLE (Monkey Temple) 7 
Known as the "Monkey Temple", due to hundreds of monkeys living in the surrounding trees, this impressive Buddhist complex on its hill over Kathmandu consists of a stunning domed stupa, as well as ornate and beautifully decorated shrines and temples.
Buddhist Temple Complex World Heritage Site: since 1979
by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0
# PASUPATHINATH TEMPLE 6 
Lying on the banks of the Bagmati River, this sacred temple dedicated to the god Shiva is one of the holiest sites in all of Hinduism.
The vast complex includes 518 temples, buildings, and structures, but the main temple is limited to certain people of Hindu practice.
Hindu Temple Complex World Heritage Site: since 1979 | Temples: 492 | Established: 16th century
by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0
# DURBAR SQUARE 5.5 
Meaning "Royal Squares" in English, Durbar Square is the historic heart of Kathmandu with its impressive palaces, pagodas, and temples. It consists of three loosely linked plazas.
Square World Heritage Site: since 1979
by Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0
# PATAN 5.5
Today almost grown together with Kathmandu, and only a 20-minute taxi ride from Thamel, the ancient royal city of Patan, offers magnificent historical monuments like the Golden Temple or the Kumbeshwar Temple.
City World Heritage Site: since 1979
by Clemensmarabu / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Thamel 5.5
Thamel is Kathmandu's lively tourist district, home to a partly pedestrianized labyrinth of narrow alleys.
Here you will find hostels, guesthouses, souvenir shops, trendy cafes, traditional restaurants, and lively bars.
by Sergey Ashmarin / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Garden of Dreams 5.5
Established in 1920, this European-inspired garden, with its pavilions and ponds, provides a welcome sanctuary to escape the chaotic streets of Kathmandu.
Park Area: 6,895 m2 / 74,220 sq ft | Created: 1920
by Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0
# BHAKTAPUR 5.5
The mainly car-free small town of Bhaktapur, about ten kilometers from Kathmandu, is the third of the "Royal Cities" and best known for its opulent wood carvings of its historic buildings, especially the extraordinary five-story Nyatapola Temple. It remains Nepal’s best-preserved city.
City World Heritage Site: since 1979
by Nimesh Babu Oli / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Kopan Monastery 5.5
Perched on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu valley, this monastery provides a breathtaking view of the entire area.
It is home to 360 monks, lamas, teachers, and workers and welcomes visitors from all over the world to attend courses and enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the place.
by Irina Gelbukh / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Kumari Ghar (Kumari Chowk) 5.5
This large three-story brick building on Durbar Square is the traditional home of the living goddess (a girl who is worshipped as the goddess Durga in human form) of Kathmandu.
by Sundar1 / CC BY-SA 3.0
Chandragiri Hills 6
Reached by a scenic cable car ride from Thankot, the main destination of Chandragiri Hill offers breathtaking views of the great Himalayan Mountain ranges.
Mountain Distance from Kathmandu: 21 km
by Nabin K. Sapkota / CC BY-SA 4.0
