Pashupatinath: Sprawling along the banks of the Bagmati River, just 4km (2.5 miles) from Kathmandu, Pashupatinath is Nepal's holiest Hindu site, attracting pilgrims and sadhus (Hindu holy men) from across the country. Non-Hindus are not allowed into the main temple, but visitors can view the cremation ghats from across the sacred river.

Bhaktapur: Like Patan and Kathmandu, Bhaktapur existed as an independent city-state until the Kathmandu Valley was unified by Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century. Just 14km (8.5 miles) east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is famous for its narrow pedestrian streets and its beautifully preserved Durbar Square. Buses for Bhaktapur leave every 10 minutes from Bagh Bazar, east of Ratna Park.