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The valley of Kathmandu consists of three main cities of great historical and cultural interest. Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadagaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336m. above sea level. The Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in Kathmandu and outside include:
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the historical seat of royalty. Durbar Square with its old temples epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, The statue of king Pratap Malla, the big bell, Big Drum and the Jaganath Temple.
On the right-hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous glidee face of Sweata Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. The Numismatic and Tribhuvan Museum are located inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums.
Lalitpur (Patan):
This ancient city, also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five km south-east of Kathmandu. The city is full of graceful Hindu pagoda temples and Buddhist monuments. Patan is also listed as a World Heritage Site.
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
Although the "youngest" among the three royal cities, Bhaktapur is carrying the oldest image. It is situated at an altitude of 1.401 meters above sea level. Bhaktapur, covering an area of 4 square miles is layed out in the shape of a conch-shell. Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Pottry and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu.
Outside of the valley
Pokhara:
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal then Pokhara is the center of adventure an enchanting city nestled in a tranqual valley attitude 827 m. It is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations and lies at the foot of the Annapurna Himal (8.091m) along the lake Fewa. The atmosphere on the shores of Fewa lake is one of the excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and the restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and view point both by the lake and above the cloud. A fabled spot for a closeup of the high Himalayas. Just a mere 40 min flight or a 5 hour bus drive brings you there.
Popular Hill Resorts
Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is one of the popular tourist resorts of Nepal. It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m. above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here.
Daman:
