Kathmandu Valley is the most developed valley in Nepal. Inhabited by roughly 2.9 million people this valley is also the immense urban agglomeration and one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas. It includes the cities like Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, and Kirtipur. These cities are incredibly popular for their prodigy in culture and architecture. They hold a bunch of surprises and have a lot to offer to their tourists. There are seven World Heritage Sites located inside the valley. It is mostly renowned for its pilgrimage sites and for its royal ambiance. The valley is mostly coveted for its temples, pagodas, stupas and monasteries by Hindus and Buddhists devotees. This place is a heaven for trekkers and hikers as there are many shops that sell all the necessary equipment. Similarly, the valley is extremely family-friendly and is one of the best places to spend time with friends and family. So, here is the list of places that you might want to see when you visit Nepal.

• Nagarkot

Nagarkot is in Bhaktapur, one of the Newar-populated medieval cities in the Kathmandu valley. Positioned on the fringe of the Kathmandu Valley, it is only 28 kilometres away from the capital city. Nagarkot is a popular tourist attraction. It is the natural portrayal of beauty since it provides a striking sight of mountain peaks, including Mount Everest, given its elevation of 2000m. Many other mountain peaks in Nepal’s eastern side are seen from Nagarkot, in addition to Mount Everest.  Mountains like Annapurna, Manaslu, Jugal, Ganesh Himal, etc are insight. While birds chipperly sing and the wind whip, Nagarkot mesmerizingly lays in the heart of natural elegance. This location is worth visiting because of its affordable lodging and food options as well as a cost-effective journey since it is close to the capital and requires less traveling expenses.

• Boudhdhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site that is also listed in the World Heritage sites by                UNESCO. However, many more domestic and international tourists come to see the stupa for tranquillity and              to admire its beauty. The stupa is ideally sculpted, from its whitish dome to its ornate tower embellished with              the Buddha’s all-seeing eyes. It is located on the edge of Kathmandu’s north-eastern fringes, about 11                              kilometres from the city centre.  The stupa is surrounded by popular coffee shops where you may dine on                      traditional and western cuisine while admiring the marvelous monument. Even when thousands of tourists                  stroll around the stupa every day to take pictures and feed the pigeons, the stupa remains tranquil. The aroma             of Buddhism incense is the peak of creativity and dedication.

•        Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa is a renowned ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site that is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is perched on a hill in western Kathmandu. It clearly translates to “Sublime Trees” in Tibetan and is known for its diverse tree species on the hill. The site contains a stupa as well as a number of sacred sites, some of which existed prior to the Licchavi dynasty. Similarly, some of the monasteries, museums, and cafes were added recently. This place is the best to relax as it is peaceful and calm. The playfulness of monkeys might be bothersome to a few but it is also hilarious. The Swayambhu aura is amplified by the Buddhist aroma. The availability of food stalls and restaurants around the area is abundant. This place generally remains crowded throughout the day, especially by the Lamas who are there to worship the huge sculptures. Swayambhunath is fascinating to dwell.

•  Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an antique royal palace established during the time of King Bhupatindra Malla and is known for its nobility. It attracts a large number of visitors as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located in the town of Bhaktapur, which is 13 kilometres east of the capital. Historical temples and monuments abound throughout durbar square. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also popular for educational tours. Taleju temple, Bhupatindra statue, mini Pashupatinath temple, Nyatapola, Bhairavnath Temple, and Vatsala temple are the major attractions. These areas are extremely popular for handicrafts, jewelry, peacock carved windows, and pottery. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the greatest destinations to go sightseeing, culture-exploring, and learning about the royal family.

• Shivapuri National Park

Located in the northern ridge of the capital, Kathmandu, Shivapuri National Park is the ninth national park of          Nepal. It extends to Nuwakot, Dhading, and Sindhupalchowk. It is named after the peak named Shivapuri. The Shivapuri National Park is famous among hikers. People like to climb the hill to the top and enjoy the magnificent panorama of mountains. Some love to feed the animals they encounter while hiking, especially monkeys. It is also the preferred destination of wildlife photographers. The aesthetic waterfall around the jungle area adorns the charisma of nature. It is one of the major sources of water supply in Kathmandu and it is also filled with army barracks. There are few monasteries hidden in the dense deciduous and coniferous forest of Shivapuri. The birds chirping, the quick river flows, and the wind blowing from kilometres away add to the tranquillity of this spot. Hence, this place could be a great place to visit in Kathmandu valley.