ThreeThreeThreeThree royalroyalroyalroyal citiescitiescitiescities ofofofof NepalNepalNepalNepal

The three ancient cities of Kathmandu Valley – Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur reflect the real

essence of a country steeped in history that dates back to over 2000 years. These cities that were

once ruled by the Malla kings are home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cultural

heritage of this Valley can also be witnessed in many other monuments, sculptures, statues,

temples and artworks. The centre of each city is its ‘Durbar’ or palace featuring attractive Hindu

and Buddhist pagodas and is a great place to unwind and hang out.

Kathmandu:Kathmandu:Kathmandu:Kathmandu:---- Kathmandu is the gateway to the enchanting country, Nepal. It is the capital and a

sprawling metropolis and is surrounded by four mountains – Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun

and Chandragiri. So you are never far from nature in this bustling city. The Pashupatinath

Temple, Boudhanath, Kopan Monastery and Swayambhunath are the main attractions of the city

that you can explore with your cheap flights to Kathmandu. It is also a great shopping destination.

The Civil Mall features numerous shops dealing in a variety of products.

Patan:Patan:Patan:Patan:---- Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of the oldest cities of this region.

It is also known as Lalitpur, which means ‘Beautiful city.’ Boasting of a rich past, it offers a wide

range of attractions and exquisite works of religious art and architecture. The main sites include

Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum and Krishna Mandir. The famous attractions of the durbar

Square include Krishna Mandi, Bhimsen temple and Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar besides ancient

palaces, pagodas, stone baths, statues and bronze carvings.

Bhaktapur:Bhaktapur:Bhaktapur:Bhaktapur:---- This amazing city is known by different names like the ‘City of Devotees’, the

‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem.’ With many impressive

buildings and fascinating sites, it is a place worth exploring. There are three main squares in the

city – Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Dattatraya Square and Taumadhi Square. Attractions of these

squares include - Sun Dhoka, Phasi Dega Temple, Dattatraya Mandir, Nyataponla Temple and

Bhairavnath Temple.