Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka, was the royal palace square of the Malla and later Shah kings. Its pagoda temples, carved wooden windows and palace courtyards form part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kumari Ghar, home of the living goddess Kumari, stands at its edge. Several buildings were damaged in the 2015 earthquake and are being restored.

Narayanhiti Palace was the residence of Nepal's kings until the monarchy was abolished in 2008, and is now a museum. Visitors can tour the throne room, state halls and private chambers, which remain much as they were left. The site of the 2001 royal massacre is also marked within the grounds. Photography is not permitted inside, and bags must be left at the entrance.

The Garden of Dreams is a neoclassical garden built in the 1920s by Field Marshal Kaiser Shumsher Rana. After decades of neglect it was restored with Austrian help and reopened in 2007. Its pavilions, fountains, lily ponds and lawns offer a calm escape from the busy streets of nearby Thamel. A café and reading spaces make it a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.

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.

Pashupatinath is the most sacred Hindu temple in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva and set on the banks of the Bagmati River. Only Hindus may enter the main temple, but visitors can watch the cremation ghats and evening aarti ceremony from the opposite bank. Sadhus gather around the complex. The Maha Shivaratri festival draws huge numbers of pilgrims each year.

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.

Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur is a showcase of Newar architecture, with royal palace courtyards and temples built mostly in the 17th century. The stone Krishna Mandir and the Patan Museum, set in a restored part of the palace, are highlights. The square is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is quieter than Kathmandu's square and lovely in the evening.

The Golden Temple in Patan, also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is a Buddhist monastery founded in the 12th century. Its courtyard holds a gilded pagoda-style shrine richly decorated with gold and copper, prayer wheels and statues. Monkeys and tortoises are part of temple life. Remove shoes and leather items before entering, and visit in the morning for the daily rituals.

Dakshinkali Temple lies in a forested gorge south of Kathmandu near Pharping and is dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali. It is famous for animal sacrifices offered to the goddess, especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays and during the Dashain festival. Pilgrims crowd the steps down to the shrine. Visitors who are sensitive may prefer to come on other days.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the royal square of the old city of Bhaktapur, once one of the three Malla kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley. Highlights include the 55 Window Palace, the Golden Gate and stone temples. The town has kept its traditional character with pottery squares and craft workshops. A ticket is needed to enter the old city, and it is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Nyatapola is a five-tiered pagoda temple in Bhaktapur's Taumadhi Square, built in 1702 by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is the tallest pagoda in Nepal and has survived major earthquakes. Pairs of stone guardians, including wrestlers, elephants, lions and goddesses, line the stairway. The square around it is a lively spot to sit with a cup of tea and watch daily life.

Changu Narayan is considered the oldest Hindu temple in the Kathmandu Valley, with origins in the 4th century. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, it stands on a hilltop above the valley and is richly decorated with stone, wood and metal carvings. The courtyard holds some of Nepal's oldest inscriptions. It is part of the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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.

Nagarkot is a hill village on the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, famous for sunrise views of the Himalaya. On clear days the panorama stretches from Annapurna to Everest. A viewing tower on the hilltop gives the best outlook. Clear skies are most likely from October to March. Many visitors stay overnight to catch the early morning light.