Kathmandu is known all over the world for its wonderful cultural and architectural beauty. The city looks like a fair with the festivals and feasts of the different ethnic groups residing here. The city of temples with a statue in every nook and corner is also a business hub with all the modern amenities.

The medieval palaces, temples, and monuments make Kathmandu a unique and historic pilgrimage. A merger of modernity with the traditional gives the city an eclectic vibe. Surrounded by two famous cultural cities, Kathmandu boasts the following World Heritage sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the main tourist hubs in the city close to Thamel. It is also known as Basantpur Durbar square and Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. The square refers to the palace courtyard with the different monuments.

There is evidence of monuments built since the third century during the Lichchhavi period. There are palaces built by Malla kings and Prithvi Narayan Shah after the unification of Nepal. Other Shah Kings ruled from the square until 1896 when the palace moved to Narayanhiti.

Taleju Bhawani, Shiva-Parvati temple, and Kaal Bhairav have huge religious significance. Kumari house is another important site for devotees who worship the living goddess. Kasthamandap temple built with a single timber gave the city its name meaning the wooden city.

Nautale temple and Hanuman Dhoka palace, now a museum, are one of the main attractions of the area. There are many other monuments with interesting history, unique Newari architecture and cultural significance.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, resides along the bank of Bagmati River. Thousands of devotees visit the during Shivaratri festival as it is a sacred pilgrimage for all Hindus. Fairs are held and the entire premise lights up during the important celebration.

The main temple has a golden roof and four silver doors on each side. There are many other temples and statues in the premises. It is also famous as the holy site of cremation.

Swayambhu Nath temple

Swoyambhunath stupa is located atop a hill in the center of Kathmandu. The 2500 years old stupa is an important pilgrimage for Buddhists. There are 365 steps leading to the stupa which are believed to be the steps leading to heaven.

The main stupa has the eyes of Buddha on all four sides symbolizing his gaze on all the good and bad deeds in the world. There are other temples and little stupas in the premises that are also visited by Hindu devotees. Harati temple, Shikhara temples, large praying wheels, and Chaityas are also attractions of Swayambhu.

Boudhanath temple

It is another major attraction of the city for all local and foreign tourists. The stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world worshipped by Buddhists as a sacred pilgrimage. With a massive mandala, it is the largest spherical stupa in Nepal.

Surrounded by Gompas and Tibetan settlements, the stupa is always surrounded by devoted followers. The stupa is crowded during Buddha Purnima and Buddhist new years. There are pashmina, thangka and handicraft shops for souvenir shopping as well. With many vibrant shops and restaurants, Bouddha is a buzzing tourist spot of Kathmandu.