At the confluence of ancient civilizations deep within mystical Nepal is spectacular Kathmandu Valley. Home to five municipal sectors, with the capital city of Kathmandu most notable among them, the valley is ground zero to some of the most spiritual and powerful Hindu and Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. We toss around the word “holy” quite a lot in travel circles but in the case of Nepal and specifically, Kathmandu Valley, the term is no more appropriate.

Here are eight superb reasons to take on the precious destination on your next search for adventure.

Pashupatinath Temple

With some estimates as far back as 1,500 years ago, Pashupatinath Temple is certainly ancient. The Hindu temple is one of the primary reasons why Kathmandu Valley has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site for almost thirty years. A place of supreme spiritual importance, non-Hindu visitors may only gaze at Pashupatinath from the shores of the Bagmati River.

Chabahil

Within Kathmandu city proper, Chabahil is the historic location of a famous stupa, or Buddhist treasure and tribute mound. Most date the stupa to as far back as the 3rd century BC, although it may prove to be much older. Whatever the specific date of origin, Chabahil remains one of the most venerated sites in the Kathmandu Valley.

Boudhanath

A holy site of record among many holy sites, Boudhanath, in the appropriately-titled town of Bouddha, is a mere 11 km from Kathmandu. The colossal stupa provides Nepal with one of the most recognizable Buddhist shrines on record and certainly one of the most beautiful. The UNESCO World Heritage Site was built around 500 AD.

Swayambhunath

From a beautiful hillside perch, the ancient complex of Swayambhunath provides Kathmandu Valley with yet another pilgrimage jewel. Also known as Monkey Temple, it trails only Boudhanath in terms of sacred status. Although the complex can be seen as a member of the Tibetan school of Buddhism, it is in fact a holy site for all practitioners, in addition to Hindus.

Changu Narayan

This ancient Hindu temple was one of the first to be built in the entire Kathmandu Valley and remains relatively intact to the present day. At almost two thousand years old, that places Changu Narayan in select company. The shrine to the Hindu deity Vishnu is a major pilgrimage site in Nepal.

Patan

With a population just over 160,000, Patan is one of the most important towns in Nepal. Part of the UNESCO Kathmandu Valley site, the venerable sub-metropolitan area is on the shores of the Bagmati River, across from Kathmandu proper. Places of note include Durbar Square, former home of the Mullah rulers, as well as the temples of Banglamukhi, Kumbeshwor, Hiranya Varna Mahaa Vihar and Mahaboudha.

Bhaktapur

The Newar, a designation that represents the native people of Kathmandu Valley, town of Bhaktapur is another precious site in Nepal. The main square of Durbar – common to all three major metro areas of the Valley – is the focal point for spiritual and secular visitors. In this city of just over 60,000 people, the main attractions of note line the picturesque plaza. They include the National Gallery, former Mullah palace, and several Hindu temples. Known as Nepal’s “City of Culture”, Bhaktapur is a must-visit destination in the Kathmandu Valley.

Kathmandu

One has to visit Nepal’s capital city when in the valley of the same name. Without a doubt, Kathmandu is a curious enigma and a city with loads of mysterious allure. Though more overrun by the ravages of modern tourism than at any other time, with air pollution more and more of a problem, you still need to check Kathmandu off your list. Many consider the city of 700,000 people to be one of the most comely in the world, with a rich past that dates back two millenia. Like the artists of yore who made it ground zero on the “Hippy Trail”, you may yet find a slice of Nirvana for yourself in Kathmandu.

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