Swayambhunath is an ancient Buddhist stupa on a hilltop west of Kathmandu, nicknamed the Monkey Temple for the monkeys that live there. The white dome is crowned by a golden spire painted with the watchful eyes of the Buddha. A long stairway of 365 steps leads up the east side. From the top there are sweeping views over the city, especially at sunset.

Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in the world and the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Its huge white dome and golden tower with the eyes of the Buddha are surrounded by monasteries, shops and rooftop cafés. Pilgrims walk clockwise around the stupa spinning prayer wheels, especially at dusk. It is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Kopan Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hill north of Boudhanath, known for its courses in Buddhist philosophy and meditation for foreign visitors. Its gardens, stupas and prayer halls overlook the Kathmandu Valley. Monks of all ages study and live here. Visitors can walk the grounds during opening hours and should dress modestly.

Namo Buddha is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Legend says that here a prince gave his body to feed a starving tigress and her cubs. A stupa marks the spot, and the large Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery sits on the hill above, with colourful shrines and prayer flags. Walking trails lead here from Dhulikhel through farmland and forest.

The World Peace Pagoda is a white Buddhist stupa on a hilltop above the southern shore of Phewa Lake. It was built by the Japanese Nipponzan Myohoji order as one of a series of peace pagodas around the world. Golden Buddha statues sit in niches on each side. Most visitors hike up through forest or take a boat across the lake and climb, with views of Pokhara and the Annapurnas.

The Maya Devi Temple in Lumbini marks the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha. Inside, protected ruins include a marker stone said to show the exact spot of his birth. Beside it stand the sacred pond where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed and a stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka. Lumbini is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major pilgrimage centre.

The World Peace Pagoda in Lumbini is a large white stupa built by Japanese Buddhists, standing near the northern end of the sacred garden. A golden statue of the Buddha sits in a niche, and a pond and gardens surround it. It is one of many temples and monasteries built in Lumbini by Buddhist communities from around the world. Cycling between the sites is popular.