Kathmandu City Cultural Sightseeing
Katmandu Valley:
The Kathmandu valley is the hub of Nepal for its' political, commercial and cultural activities and is the first stop for the majority of the visitors to the country. Once separate kingdom in itself, it consists of three cities of the great history. Every one has an artistic exposition of graceful temple, elegant Sleeping below the Himalayas palace, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets.The history begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out primordial water and made it habitable. Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Dynasties came and went trade and the arts flourished. It's deeply religious Newars' inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as ramping invaders. In the date late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal with in more or less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital. It is said that 'Katmandu' was named after Kastamandap an imposing pagoda next to Hanumandhoka palace. The city is said to built in it's present form by Gunakama Dev 724 AD. Followings are the major tourist attractions in the Katmandu Valley.
Katmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples are built on 12th to 18th centuries used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set in to the wall of the palace with writing in15 languages. The Durbar Square protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are three museums inside the palace building.
Swoyambhu Nath Stupa
This is one of the most glorious Buddhist Stupa, which is the oldest shrine of Kathmandu valley. Visitors often call it "Monkey Temple". The Stupa is formed with a solid hemisphere of bricks and clay supporting lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on four sides of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathamndu and located on the hilltop nearly 700 meters above the sea level of the valley.
Pashupati Nath Temple
One of then most sacred Hindu shrines of the world, Pashupati Nath lies 6 km east of Katmandu City center. Is famous for it's superb architecture with it's two tired golden roof and silver doors. It is a center of annual pilgrimage of Mahasivaratri. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred LINGA or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the Holy Bagmati River following beside the temple, also a World heritage Site. Sadhu smoking Ganja at Pashupatinath Temple
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa lies 6Km to the east of downtown Katmandu and is the largest Stupa of Asia. It looms 36meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of Stupa design. A huge statue of Lord Buddha is kept. Boudhanath a World Heritage Site is also known as Khasti. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area.
Budhanilkantha
It is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley. It is about 10 km from the city venture. The hub of the temple is a pond, in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. It is is the 5th century statue during the Lichachhavi period.
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The Kathmandu valley is the hub of Nepal for its' political, commercial and cultural activities and is the first stop for the majority of the visitors to the country. Once separate kingdom in itself, it consists of three cities of the great history. Every one has an artistic exposition of graceful temple, elegant 
This complex of palaces, courtyards, and temples are built on 12th to 18th centuries used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set in to the wall of the palace with writing in15 languages. The Durbar Square protected as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. There are three museums inside the palace building. 
This is one of the most glorious Buddhist Stupa, which is the oldest shrine of Kathmandu valley. Visitors often call it "Monkey Temple". The Stupa is formed with a solid hemisphere of bricks and clay supporting lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on four sides of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathamndu and located on the hilltop nearly 700 meters above the sea level of the valley. 
Budhanilkantha