Kathmandu is a maze of temple lanes, while Pokhara serves as a trekking base with Himalayan views — the two feel quite different. Mountain travel is weather-dependent, so it's best to build slack into the schedule.
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Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the center of the Kathmandu Valley. Home to about 3.2 million people, it serves as the central hub for traveling around Nepal.
45 sights 9 guides Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Pokhara
Pokhara lies about 200 km west of Kathmandu, Nepal, and is known for its beautiful scenery centered around Phewa Lake. It's a relaxing place to stay while visiting sights such as Barahi Temple and the Shanti Stupa.
18 sights 9 guides Pokhara Airport (PKR)
Lalitpur
Lalitpur lies in the southwestern part of the Kathmandu Valley, dotted with cultural heritage such as Buddhist temples and an old royal palace. Traditional handicrafts also thrive here, making it a great place to visit alongside the UNESCO World Heritage site of Patan Durbar Square.
45 sights 9 guides Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is a city in the Kathmandu Valley, 13 km east of Kathmandu, with a long history as Nepal's capital until the late 15th century. It's a wonderful place to wander its streets and soak in the atmosphere of an old royal capital.
41 sights 9 guides Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM)
Biratnagar
Biratnagar is a city in southeastern Nepal, serving as the center of Morang District in Koshi Province. With a relatively large population, it stands out as a significant city in southeastern Nepal.
1 sight 9 guides Biratnagar Airport (BIR)
Top sights in Nepal
Temples & religious sites
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, east of Kathmandu. Known as a sacred site dedicated to Shiva, it draws pilgrims from all over the world.
Temples & religious sites
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath is a Buddhist temple on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, nicknamed the 'Monkey Temple' for the many monkeys living around it. It's a prime spot for viewing the entire Kathmandu Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nature
Phewa Lake
Phewa Lake, located south of Pokhara, is Nepal's second-largest lake. It is famous for the reflection of the snow-capped Himalayas, including Annapurna, on its surface.
Museums & galleries
Narayanhiti Palace
Narayanhiti Palace served as the long-time residence of Nepal's royal family and was also the stage for major national events. Its grand halls, gardens and audience chambers still stand, offering a glimpse into the royal way of life.
Parks & gardens
Basantapur Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a former royal palace square in Nepal's Kathmandu Valley. Steeped in history, it's a wonderful place to wander slowly and take in its old-world atmosphere.
Temples & religious sites
Changu Narayan Temple
A Hindu temple atop a hill near Kathmandu, built in the 4th century and considered one of Nepal's oldest temples. Dedicated to the god Vishnu, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Nature
Kathmandu Valley
Located in central Nepal, the Kathmandu Valley encompasses ancient cities such as Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur, along with numerous Hindu and Buddhist sites. It's home to temples and squares designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Temples & religious sites
Budhanilkantha Temple
This temple sits in a quiet village on the outskirts of Kathmandu, offering a peaceful, away-from-the-city atmosphere for worship. It's a pleasant spot to stroll the grounds at leisure and relax.
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