Overview
The valley holds three cities that were separate kingdoms until the eighteenth century, and each kept its own durbar square, its own artisan traditions and its own character. Kathmandu is the loudest and most commercial. Patan has the finest square and the best museum in the country. Bhaktapur is the most intact — a walled old town where the pace drops the moment you pass the gate.
Around them sit Boudhanath, the largest stupa in Nepal and the centre of Tibetan exile life; Pashupatinath, Nepal's most important Hindu temple complex and its principal cremation ground; and Swayambhunath, on a hill with the best free view of the city.
Locations
Places in this region
Guides
Planning guides
Itineraries
Itineraries covering this region
Itinerary
7 Days in Nepal — A First Week
One week, no rushing: the Kathmandu Valley's three cities, a flight to Pokhara, and two days walking in the foothills with the Annapurnas in view.
Nepal7 daysComfort
Itinerary
14 Days in Nepal — Kathmandu, Pokhara and the Annapurnas
The best two-week first trip to Nepal: three days in the Kathmandu Valley, a five-day trek in the Annapurnas, and enough slack that a delayed bus does not ruin the plan.
Nepal14 daysMid-range
Map
The region
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From the Kathmandu Valley
About the author
The Atlas Editorial Team
Research & fact-checking
The Atlas editorial team maintains the structured route, permit and cost data behind every page on this site. Figures are checked against government permit offices, national park authorities and operators on the ground, and each page carries the date it was last reviewed.
Writes about: Route data · Permits and regulations · Trip costs
