Kathmandu Travel Guide

Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal in the Kathmandu Valley on the southern slope of the Himalayas at about 1,400 m elevation, densely dotted with temples and stupas and rich in religious atmosphere the gateway to the snow mountains and trekking destinations. Autumn (Oct-Nov), after the rainy season, brings clear skies and sharp snow peaks, the best time; spring (Mar-Apr) is second best. The valley (including Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur) is listed as a whole World Heritage Site for its dense, outstanding Malla-dynasty monuments. At the heart of the old city is Durbar Square, crowded with temples, the old royal palace and the Kumari Temple; the most stunning landmark is Boudhanath, Nepal's largest stupa, whose body bears Buddha eyes gazing in the four directions (a sacred site of Tibetan Buddhism where devotees circumambulate). There is also the hilltop Monkey Temple and the sacred Pashupatinath Temple. Temples and stupas are solemn - dress modestly and circumambulate clockwise.