The Kathmandu Valley packs an extraordinary amount of history into a small area, with seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within easy reach of the city center.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The former royal palace complex is a maze of temples, courtyards, and carved wooden windows dating back centuries.
Swayambhunath and Boudhanath
Two of the most important Buddhist sites in the valley — the hilltop Monkey Temple and the massive Boudhanath stupa, ringed by prayer wheels and monasteries.
Bhaktapur's living old town
A short drive from Kathmandu, Bhaktapur's pottery squares and pagoda-style temples feel like stepping back in time.
Give yourself at least three to four days to properly explore the valley's temples, markets, and neighborhoods at an unhurried pace.