Durbar Square
An atmospheric complex of palaces, courtyards and temples in the heart of the old city. Some of the brick and stone monuments date back to the 12th century and the whole area is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Durbar Square, Ganga Path
Tel: (01) 426 8969.

Hanuman Dhoka
Constructed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century, the former Royal Palace is open to the public as a museum of Nepali ceremonial architecture. As well as historic buildings and courtyards, you can view the personal effects of the kings of Nepal.

Durbar Square
Tel: (01) 425 8034.

Patan Durbar Square
Across the Bagmati River from Kathmandu, Patan existed as an independent city-state until the valley was unified in the 18th century. Patan's Durbar Square is a rich fantasy of palaces, temples and courtyards, centred on the excellent Patan Museum.

Patan (Lalitpur)
Tel: (01) 553 1114.

Bodhnath (Baudhanath) Stupa
Topped by a gilded spire and decorated with paintings of the eyes of Buddha, this famous stupa dates back to circa AD600. The 36m- (118ft-) high stupa is an important religious centre for Tibetan refugees and thousands of devotees circumnavigate the monument every day at sunset.

Boudha
Tel: (01) 448 9257.

Swayambhunath
Perched on a conical hilltop just west of Kathmandu, this revered Buddhist temple offers great views of the city. Swayambhunath is often called the 'Monkey Temple' because of the wild monkeys that crowd the stone stairway to the shrine.

Swayambhu
Tel: (01) 427 7236.