The Kathmandu Valley is situated at an altitude of 1336m above sea level and cover an area of 218 sq. miles. The rich cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and indigenous inhabitants of the valley and creator of the splendid civilization of its three cities-Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The skillfully built temples and palaces, delicately-engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newar's artistic achievements.
The Kathmandu valley has a temperate climate that is pleasant most of the year.
Betwwen October and March it can get quite cold at night (0 ℃) and the day time is warmer (20℃).During monsoon season, fortunately much of the rain falls in the night.
The population of Kathmandu Valley is about 1.5 million; among them Newars still form the largest single group in the valley. Many of the people living on the surrounding hills are Tamangs Bahuns and Chhetris.

Kathmandu City

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is also known as Kantipur. It is named after Kathamandap, an imposing pagoda near Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The city is full of ancient Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. Interesting things to see around Kathmandu are as follows:

Patan City

• The ancient city of Patan is lying 5km southeast of kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to florist. The interesting things to see here are as follow:
• Patan Durbar Square: It is situated in the heart of the city and the attraction of the visitors. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples, shrines and carvings dated back to 17 centuries. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List in 1979. The main attraction around Durbar Square are follows:
• Patan Museum : This museum is inside the enceinte Royal Palace specializes in bronze status and religious objects. It is considered as one of the best museum in Asia.
  ii. Krishna Mandir: Built in 1637 AD dedicated to Lord Krishna, Hindu God. It is the only temple in Nepal having completely made of stone.
• Golden Temple: Built in 1409 AD in Pagoda style monastery dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha. Newar Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism are practicing in this monastery.
• Kumbeswor Temple: built in 1392 and renovated after big earthquake in 1934. Five tiered Pagoda style temple dedicated to lord Shiva is the tallest temple in Patan.
• Mahabaudha: built in 14 century made of clay bricks with thousand of Buddha images so it is popularly known as thousand Buddha temple. This terracotta structure is one of the Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
• The Zoo: Nepal's only one Zoo have collection of Nepalese wildlife including Royal Bengal Tigers, rhinos, leopards and many animals, birds and reptiles.
• Tibetan Refugee Camp: It was established in 1960 with the help from International Red Cross and the Swiss government and employs 1000 refugees in the production of Tibetan Carpet. The Tibetan Refugee Camp is no longer really a camp at all, but a large center for carpet production.
  Botanical Garden: situated at the foothills of Phulchoki (2758m) the Royal Botanical garden, the only botanical garden in Nepal, has splendid natural beauty and best place for bird watching in Kathmandu. It is about 10 km from Patan passing the small old town Harishiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaon,
  Kokana: It is a Newar farming village lying about 7km south from Patan. The life style is still in traditional way retained many traditional aspect of Newars even it is closer to the city. Kokana is famous for mustard oil and spun woolen yar

Bhaktapur City

Bhaktapur( city of devotees) is also known as Bhadgaon. It is situated 15km east from Kathmandu at an altitude 1401m covering 4 square miles. Bhaktapur still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town as treated to myriad wonders of culture and artistic achievement.
Pottery and weaving are its traditional cottage industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and yogurt (Juju Dhau) .
The interesting things to see around here are:

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: It is situated in the heart of the city and the attraction of the visitors. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples, shrines and carvings dated back to 17 centuries. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List in 1979. The main attraction around Durbar Square are follows:
1. The palace of 55 Window: it was built in 1700 AD. The balcony of this palace is a masterpiece of woodcarving. The golden gate is the main entrance to the courtyard of the palace. It is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens in the world.
2. The national Art gallery: it is inside the royal palaceand contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hinduism and Buddhism.
3. Nyatapola Temple: This five story pagoda temple was built in 1702 AD It stands on a five terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures. This is on of tallest pagodas and famous for its massive structure and workmanship.
4. Dattrataya Square: The Square takes its name from the Dattrataya Temple, built in 1427 AD. The square is famous for monasteries known as Maths with exquisitely carved peacock windows. The National Wood-Working Museum and Brass and Bronze Museum are housed here.
5. Pottery Square:
   Thimi: This is fourth largest town in the valley situated 8Km east of Kathmandu on the way to Bhaktapur. Most of the inhabitants are a farming Newars. Thimi is famous for earthen pot, home spun cotton clothe and artistic masks and green vegetables. The farmers grow vegetables for the markets of Kathmandu.
   Changunarayan: The beautiful and historic temple of ChanguNarayan stands on a hillock at the eastern end of the valley, about 5km north of Bhaktapur. The temple was built in 323 AD, the oldest temple in the valley and there are many important stone images and sculpture dating from 4th century. It makes a pleasant walk down from Nagarkot. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
   Panauti: It is a thriving Newari Village with beautiful temples and interesting old houses. It is lying about 6 km from Banepa, Kodari Highway. Drive passes through the beautiful countryside.