The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. The deity is also called Janmadyo or Machchhendra.
A three-story temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, the God of Rain.
- Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays and government holidays.
- Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar)
Kumari (Vestal Virgin), or the Living Goddess, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple of Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens .The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
The small but very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap. It is also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
A five-minute walk from Kasthmandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.
A huge green field known as Tundikhel flanks one entire side of the aid city. Same of the important landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A. D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. The Sundhara fountains with golden water spouts, situated at the foot of this great tower, also belong to the same period.
- Martyr's Memorial (Sahid) Gate
It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev and the busts of four martyrs.
At the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate, stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of the main "Shakti "temples of Kathmandu city.
A grand imposing palace built in the neo-classical style, Singha Durbar was the private residence of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace. Foreigners are allowed to visit the Royal Palace on Thursdays from 13:00 hrs - 15:00 hrs.
Located inside the premises of the Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great center of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except on Saturdays and other government holidays. The library is open from 9:00 hrs - 17:00 hrs (summer) and from 9:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs (winter).
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of this Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
About 8km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
Situated about 5km northwest of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile headed water spouts dating from the eighteenth century. There is also a large swimming pool inside the park.
Located about 2km west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. lts archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday/Monday and government holidays.
Situated 3km west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies , fish, reptiles, birds, mammals , plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.