Kathmandu Valley

Best things to do in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Valley Essentials

This collection highlights the architectural heritage and spiritual landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley, primarily focusing on the medieval city of Bhaktapur. It features the five-tiered Nyatapola Temple, the 17th-century stone Krishna Temple in Patan, and several 15th-century Newari structures. Beyond the urban squares, the list includes the Nagarkot Trigonometry Tower for Himalayan views and the Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling Monastery. These sites represent the valley’s unique blend of Hindu devotion, Newari craftsmanship, and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Kathmandu Valley Essentials — Map

Bijaya2043 / CC BY-SA 4.0

A

Nyatapola Temple

Nyātāpola is a five tiered temple located in the central part of Bhaktapur, Nepal.

B

Krishna Temple

A 17th-century stone temple in Patan Durbar Square built by King Siddhinarasimha Malla. It features Shikhara-style architecture and intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

C

Nagarkot Trigonometry Tower

An observation point situated at approximately 2,175 meters. It provides 360-degree views of the Himalayan range, including Mount Everest, Annapurna, and Ganesh Himal on clear days.

D

Dattatreya Temple

Built in 1427 during the reign of King Yaksha Malla, this temple is dedicated to the combined form of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Tradition states the entire structure was carved from a single tree.

E

Shilu Mahadev (Fasidega)

A white Shikhara-style temple located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It sits on a six-level plinth guarded by stone statues of elephants, lions, and bulls.

F

Vatsala Shikhara

A 17th-century stone temple in Bhaktapur dedicated to Goddess Vatsala Devi. It is known for its intricate carvings and the bronze Taleju Bell, historically used to signal curfews.

G

Siddhi Laxmi Temple

A 17th-century stone temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The staircase is uniquely decorated with pairs of stone statues, including horses, rhinoceroses, camels, and griffins.

H

Dhagpo Sheydrub Ling Monastery

A Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in Nala. It serves as a center for the Kagyu lineage and offers panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

I

Badrinath Tirtha

A small Shikhara-style temple in Bhaktapur Durbar Square dedicated to Vishnu. It was built as a local replica of the famous Badrinath temple in India.

J

Mahakali dya chhen

A traditional Newari god house in Bhaktapur dedicated to the goddess Mahakali. It serves as a central site for local religious rituals and seasonal festivals.