Kathmandu
Kathmandu Valley Where Living Heritage Meets the Himalayas
Seven UNESCO Monument Zones · 2,000 years of living culture · The spiritual heart of Nepal
UNESCO Sites
Years of History
Metro Population
Elevation
UNESCO Monument Zones
Inscribed in 1979, the Kathmandu Valley is home to seven extraordinary monument zones that represent the pinnacle of Newari architecture and living heritage.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Hanuman Dhoka · Royal Palace
Royal palace complex with temples dating to the 16th century. Home to the Living Goddess Kumari.
Patan Durbar Square
Lalitpur · City of Fine Arts
Royal palace with 136 bahals (Buddhist monasteries) and 55 major temples. Exquisite Newar craftsmanship.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Khwopa · Cultural Capital
Grandest of the three squares with the 5-story Nyatapola Temple and 55-Window Palace.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Monkey Temple · 5th Century
Ancient hilltop stupa with Buddha eyes painted on four sides. Holy monkeys roam the grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa
Largest Stupa in Nepal · 600 AD
Massive mandala-style stupa surrounded by 50+ Tibetan monasteries. A center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Pashupatinath Temple
Lord Shiva · Bagmati River
The holiest Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Shiva as Pashupati. Complex with 518 structures.
Three Royal Cities
Each city in the Valley is a living museum, preserving unique traditions, architecture, and Newari culture.
Kathmandu
Yen · Capital City
The bustling heart of Nepal, home to royal palaces, ancient temples, and vibrant markets. Population ~702,000.
Lalitpur (Patan)
Yala · City of Fine Arts
The artistic heart of the Valley with 136 bahals and 55 temples. Home to exquisite metalwork and Patan Museum.
Bhaktapur
Khwopa · Cultural Capital
The best-preserved medieval city with the grandest Durbar Square, Pottery Square, and Nyatapola Temple.
Explore the Valley
From ancient temples and stupas to hidden courtyards and vibrant markets — the Valley is a treasure trove.
Changu Narayan
Oldest Hindu temple · 5th c.
Kopan Monastery
Tibetan Buddhist center
Garden of Dreams
Neo-classical garden · 1920
Pharping
Ancient pilgrimage site
Newari Gastronomy
The Valley's culinary heritage is as rich as its architecture — from ceremonial platters to street food delights.
Samay Baji
Ceremonial platter
Yomari
Sweet dumpling
Chatamari
Newari "pizza"
Choila
Spiced buffalo
Bara
Fried lentil patty
Juju Dhau
King of Yogurts
Thukpa
Tibetan noodle soup
Lassi
Yogurt drink
Living Celebrations
The Valley pulses with festivals year-round — each one a vibrant expression of faith, culture, and community.
Indra Jatra
Aug/Sep · 8 days
Kumari procession, chariot festival
Bisket Jatra
Apr · Bhaktapur
Newar New Year, serpent festival
Gai Jatra
Jul/Aug · Cow festival
Honors deceased family members
Rato Machhindranath
Apr-Jun · Patan
Chariot festival, monsoon deity
Plan Your Journey
Everything you need to know — from the best time to visit to emergency contacts and transportation.
Best Time to Visit
Autumn (Oct-Nov): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Clearest skies
Spring (Mar-May): ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Rhododendrons bloom
Winter (Dec-Feb): ⭐⭐⭐ Crystal-clear, cold nights
Monsoon (Jun-Sep): ⭐⭐ Lush green, heavy rain
Getting There
Airport: Tribhuvan Int'l (KTM)
To City: Taxi NPR 800–1,200
Visa: On-arrival for most
Best: Pre-book hotel shuttle
Emergency Contacts
Police: 100
Ambulance: 102
Fire: 101
Tourist Police: 1144
Visual Journey
Drone photography, night shots, and historical images that capture the Valley's timeless beauty.
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