Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world's oldest cities. The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little structures, centers on the Durbar Square (durbar being the Nepali word for ‘palace'). Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic monuments. The Kathmandu Valley lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of Asia. It has more than 100 important monuments. The Kathmandu valley was rewarded the status of “World Heritage Site” by UNESCO in year 1979. Kathmandu is situated in the southeast of Nepal's center. Earlier known as Kantipur, King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the first time made Kathmandu as his capital in the 18th century. Kathmandu is a city of endless sightseeing opportunities. With its ornate grand palaces and royal mansions, Kathmandu offers its travelers rich experiences, fascinating and beautiful views and good memories for future. The traditional architecture, beautifully built buildings and natural beauty of landscape are a testimony to rich tradition, culture and heritage of the city. Dominated with Tibetan population, the main trade of the region today is carpet manufacturing. Near the city, there is also a wide of stretch fertile agricultural landscape and a variety of excursion options like the Kirtipur village, Chovar gorge, Buddhanikantha, National History Museum, Narayanhity Durbar, and Patan. After having your breakfast in the morning, you can start your city tour with a guide. Mornings are best for sightseeing of ancient cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The city of Patan lies 5 kms away from Kathmandu. The Patan Square and its surroundings provide a very good example of ancient Newari architecture. The city of Bhaktapur is situated approx 10 kms from Kathmandu. The main attraction of Bhaktapur is its 15th century palace and Durbar Square. You can also visit Thamel. It offers plentiful tourist shops, restaurants and bars. It is interesting to hang around over there. Pokhara is an interesting place a little outside Kathmandu. The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara (210 kms from Kathmandu) one of the most picturesque natural attractions in Nepal as there may be no other place in the world from where Great Himalayas peaks can be admired from such a close distance. Phewa Lake, skirted by a large numbers of unpretentious lodges and simple restaurants, is the most congenial spot for visitors. __
