KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE: -
The name Kathmandu, previously known as Kantipur, derived from Kasthamandap, a rest house built from the wood of a single tree. King Yaksha Malla divided the valley into four parts – Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan and Kirtipur and presented them to his four children, three sons and one daughter respectively. Later, the three brothers started an artistic competition or warfare to outdo each other in impressive constructions. Thus, the three Durbar Squares were made, so rich in artifacts and craftsmanship. Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of the city. It is most often called the Hanuman Dhoka Palace by the locals rather than Kathmandu Durbar Square on account of the big sculpture of the Monkey god – Hanuman placed at the entrance of the Palace, which is now a museum that houses the souvenirs of Shah Kings. Visits to the following are a must, if you have time: The Kumari Ghar – house of Living Goddess, Shiva Parvati Temple, various shrines situated inside the square premises, carvings, Bhairav temple. One can also visit Indra Chowk, Seto Machhindranath temple and Annapurna temple, which are ten minutes walk from the square. Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in "UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979".

PASUPATI NATH TEMPLE: -
Pahsupati Nath is the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva for all Hindus. Situated at the bank of the Bagmati River, 5km east of Katmandu’s city center, built in the Pagoda style this two-tiered golden roofed temple holds a very strong religious belief. If a Hindu takes his/her last breath at Pashupatinath and her/his body is cremated here and ashes are sprinkled in the holy water of Bagmati it is believed that her/his soul is released from the cycle of rebirth and finds the ultimate nirvana or salvation. Pashupatinath, which dates back to before 400AD is believed guard and protect Nepal and its people. "Pasupati Nath Temple is listed in UNESCO in 1979".

SWAYMBHU NATH STUPA: -
Swayambhu Nath Stupa is the most ancient and mysterious of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its origin is related to the visit of Manjushree – a Bodhisatva sage who created the Kathmandu Valley from a primordial lake. According to a legend of 15th century Swayambhu Puran, it is believed that past Buddha planted a lotus that miraculously blossomed from the lake. Manjushree, while meditating at the sacred mountain, had a vision of the brilliant but mysterious light radiated by the lotus and flew across China and Tibet to worship it. In order to make it accessible to the pilgrims, Manjushree drained out water from the lake and thus, the lotus was transformed into a hilltop and the light into Swayambhu Nath Stupa.
Hence, the derivation of the title Swayambhu, which means self-creation. This superior white mound and glittering golden spire is visible from all sides of the valley. Both Hindus and Buddhists equally worship Swayambhunath eve though it is a Buddhist Stupa. Everyday people ascend the 365 steps to pay a visit to the deity. Every part of the Stupa holds a religious belief; according to Buddhism the thirteen gilded circles of the spire symbolize the thirteen steps that lead to nirvana or ultimate salvation – Moksha; the eyes on each of Stupa’s four sides symbolize the God’s all-seeing perspective that the God is looking everywhere to distinguish justice from injustice. The third eye on each face of the Stupa symbolizes wisdom. It is also believed that the only way to salvation is through Buddhism. "Swayambhu Nath Stupa was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979".

BOUDDHA NATH STUPA: -
The largest Stupa in South Asia situated 6 km east of the city center. Bouddha Nath is one of the most auspicious pilgrimage sites for Buddhists. The huge Stupa stands 36m high on the ancient trade route to Tibet. The Tibetan refugees, who migrated in 1950s to Nepal, settled around Bouddha Nath and today it has become the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world where one can still observe the Tibetan lifestyle in Bouddha Nath. Tibetans and monks in maroon robes with prayer wheels in their hands still practice the rituals. Devotees still hold big functions during celebratory in particular occasions, Buddha Jayanti – Buddha’s Birthday. "UNESCO listed Bouddha Nath in World Heritage List in 1979".

CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE: -
Changu Narayan temple is situated on of a peaceful hilltop about 6km north of Bhaktapur near Changu village, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, valley and mountains. This astounding artifact is believed to be an ancient temple built in the Kathmandu Valley some 1600 years ago. It is dedicated to Narayan, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and is also worshipped by Hindus as the auspicious shrine of Vishwarupa. The two-tiered pagoda-styled temple, the struts with the carvings of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the beautiful metal doors and the artifacts found inside the premises of the temple all signify the flawless talent of ancient craftsmen. This grand sanctuary reveals the secret of ancient Nepal. It was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.