Around Kathmandu Valley

Nagarkot : Located 35 kilometers east of Kathmandu an elevation of 2220 meters from sea level, it is one of the most scenic hills station well-known for wonderful sunrise view of the Himalaya during the weather clear. There is range of hotels and guest house it is best to spend the night so that you can be there for the wonderful sunrise early morning. Nagarkot is nearest spots from Kathmandu to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It has also offers a great view of the Valley.

Nagarkot is a unique and delightful destination for short hiking and trekking. For anyone who wants to have little adventure trip without prepared a hike to Nagarkot's surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of green forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock structure. Spring season flowers are beautiful against the peaceful backdrop of the snow-covered mountains.

Changu Narayan : Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of creation to Hindus. His temple near Changu village is often described as the most ancient temple in the Kathmandu Valley. A fifth century stone inscription, the oldest to be discovered in Nepal, is located in the temple compound and it tells of the victorious King Mandev. The temple now covers sixteen hundred years of Nepalese art history. The temple, built around the third century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood, and metal craft in the Valley. In the words of one tourist guide, "When you look upon Changu Narayan, you observe the complete cultural development of the Valley."

On the struts of the two-tiered Changu Narayan Temple, are the ten incarnations in which Narayan destroyed evil-doers. A sixth-century stone statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu, while another statue recalls his dwarf incarnation when he crushed the evil king Bali. Vishnu as Narasingha disemboweling a demon is particularly stunning. The western bronze doors sparkle in the evening sunlight, dragons decorate the bells, and handsome devas stare from the walls. Garuda, half man and half bird, is the steed of Vishnu, and his life-sized statue kneels before the temple. The favorites of many tourists is the statue of Vishnu sitting astride his steed.

Dhulikhel : This ancient town is situated 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu on the side of the Kathmandu-Tibet border (Kodari) Highway. From here can have a complete unique and delightful view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.

Namo Buddha : It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all- seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. According to the legend, one of the earlier Buddha offered his own flesh to a hungry tiger unable to feed her hungry cubs. It is also a three hour trekking from Dhulikhel through a number of small villages.

Kirtipur : It is a small town, eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses, the people typically dressed in old traditional costumes, people working on ancient loom etc.

Chobhar : Situated nine kilometers South-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.

Shekha Narayan : Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.

Dakshinkali : The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.