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 shrines, centers on the Durbar Square. One can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic monuments in Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon, is a museum of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is shaped like a conch shell-one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 A.D. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen Kilometers to the east of Kathmandu.The city is 1,402 meters above sea level.
The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur which means a city of beauty. It is indeed a city of beauty and grace and is planned on a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four points of the compass. The city is three Kilometers south-east of Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like Kathmandu, its center of attraction is Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle of the market place. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is also know as the city of artists. It is believed that the city has been built during the reign of Vira Dev in 299 A.D.
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley, is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-trail summit of Machachhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it creates an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalayas. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, the city is connected by air and road not only from Kathmandu but from other parts of the country. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and other peaks.
