Nestled between two big countries INDIA and  CHINA, Nepal has become one of the most favourite tourist destination of the world. Nepal offers all kinds of facilities and pleasure for all type of travellers from scholars to trekkers. From the highest mountain in the world, "Mt. Everest", to the deepest gorge of the world "The Kali Gandaki Gorge", from modern five star hotels, casinos to ancient historic palaces with the brilliant craft works. Nepal's true culture, mighty Himalayas, warm hospitality and friendly people are most popular to the travellers. Below are some major tourist attraction in Nepal that are easily accessible by road.

Inside Kathmandu Valley   Kathmandu Durbar Square    Swayambhunath Stupa   Patan Area   Bhaktapur Area   Pashupatinath Temple and Guheswory Temple    Bouddhanath Stupa   Other   Mountain Flights   Hot Air Ballooning Outside Kathmandu Valley Kakani Dhulikhel Daman Royal Chitwan National Park Pokhara Lumbini Tansen and Palpa Royal Bardia National Park Koshi Tappu wildlife Reserve Gosainkunda Muktinatha

A) Inside Kathmandu Valley
a) Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka)
Kathmandu Durbar Square is the old palace of Royal Dynasty. This area is one fine example of rich Nepalese traditional craft. Durbar Square has many interesting temples such as Seto Machchhendranath Temple, Akash Bhairav Temple, Hanu man Dhoka, Temple of Kumari, Kasthamandap, Ashok Vinayak Temple Jaisi Dewal. The museums inside the Hanu Man Dhoka Palace are worth visiting. 

b) Swayambhunath Stupa
Situated at hill top this is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa from where you can have a breath taking view of Kathmandu valley. This is also one of the holiest shrine for both Buddhist and Hindus. 

C) Patan Area
The then capital of Malla Dynasty of 18th century (Lalitpur) this ancient area covers numerous temples, stupas, Viharas. The main attractions in this area are; Three Chowks in side the Palace, Krishna Temple, Mahabouddha, Hiranya Verna Mahavihar, Rudra Verna Mahavihar, The Ashokans Stupas, Acchheswar Mahavihara, Temple of Machchhendranath and Minnath,  the Zoo, Patan Industrial Area, Bajra Barahi, Godavari, etc. 

D) Bhaktapur Area
Situated at an altitude of 1401 m. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 Sq. miles. Bhaktapur is 14 kms away from Kathmandu and it was also one primary kingdom during the 18th century of Malla Dynasty. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur are the Durbar Square, the then capital of kingdom which consist of Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, the Batsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple. The other interesting places to see in BHAKTAPUR are Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatraya Temple , Surya Vinayak Temple. If you have little more time to spare do not forget to visit Changu Narayan Temple, which is 20 minutes drive from Bhaktapur Durbar Square . This is the oldest temple in Nepal which is situated on top of a hill looking back to Kathmandu and other farm. 

E) Pashupatinath Temple and Guheswory Temple
Situated 5 kms away from the city this ancient Hindu temple is one of the most Scared pilgrimage for Hindus and interesting sight for other visitors to view the tradition of hindu devotees. 

f) Bouddhanath Stupa
Situated 8 kms away from the city this is one of the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. Monks chant near by the gumbas and the area is full of people of Tibetan origin. 

g) Other
The sleeping image of lord Vishnu, Budhanilakantha; Dakshinakali Temple , Sundarijal , Kirtipur, Chovar gorge village of Panga are other interesting place for traditional life and cultural viewing. 

h) Mountain Flights
To encounter the tallest mountains of the world the easiest means is to take an hour flight that leaves from Kathmandu every morning. Mountain flights offer the closest views of entire Everest region, Kanchenjungha and Tibetan plateau from very close distance. For those restricted by time or any other considerations from going  trekking these flights are the best possible option to view the tallest Mountain range from the seat of an aircraft. 

i ) Hot Air Ballooning
Though seasonal and little expensive font>
Situated 29 kms north of Kathmandu, on the way to Langtang National Park this favourite picnic spot is famous for the view of Long Himalayan range, specially the Ganesh Himal. The other peaks that can be seen clearly from Kakani are Mt.Gaurishankar, Manaslu, Annapurna.  2) Dhulikhel
Situated 30 kms east of Kathmandu along the way to Kodari, this ancient town is popular for complete view of Himalayan range Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. Ancient town Panauti is situated near by and it is also recommended to visit Namo Bouddha also situated near by Panauti. One hour of smooth drive will take you to Dhulikhel from Kathmandu. On the way back from Dhulikhel you can get a glimpse of Panauti and Namobouddha as well. 

3) Daman
Situated at the distance of 80 kms south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of approx. 2400m from the sea level, there is no better place than Daman to have a breath taking view of the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest since there is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes to view the mountain ranges. Fours hours of pleasant drive through Tribhuvan Highway will take you to Daman from Kathmandu. Other activities in Daman include Pony trekking, Mountain Biking, fishing and many more.

4) Royal Chitwan National Park
Situated at a distance of 120 kms south west of Kathmandu this is one of the National Park listed in the Natural World Heritage Site. This National Park houses wide range of wild life - the rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, royal Bengal tiger, and more than 350 species of birds. The full day jungle safari in the park includes elephant back safari, conoe trips, Tharu cultural dance, Tharu village visit jungle drive and walk bird watching tour . 

5) Pokhara
Situated at a distance of 200 kms from  Kathmandu, Pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal and also the second favourite destination for tourist after Kathmandu. The main attraction of the valley are Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail), The Fewa, Begnas and Rupa Lakes. Situated at an altitude of 827 m from the sea level, this valley offers magnificent views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Manaslu, five peaks of Mt. Annapurna and many others. Mahendra Gufa ( Cave) , Mahendra Bridge over Seti River, David's Fall are other major tourist attraction in this beautiful valley.

6) Lumbini
Situated at a distance of 250 kms south west of Kathmandu, Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. It is the centre of Buddhist pilgrimage and Buddhist Philosophy. The old Ashokan Pillar, The Garden, The Maya Devi Temple, the old Monastery are other places are worth visiting in Lumbini. Lumbini has recently been registered as the world heritage site. 

7) Tansen and Palpa
Situated at an altitude of 1343 m above sea level this is the most popular summer resort in Western Nepal. It has perhaps Nepal's most far stretching views of the country's chief attraction, the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to the Gaurishankar in the north east. Seven hours of pleasant drive from Pokhara takes you to Tansen Palpa. 

8) Royal Bardia National Park
Situated at south eastern side of Nepal and close to the Indian border, the park offers one of the most picturesque and unexplored national park in Asia. One hour of smooth flight to Nepalgunj and 4-5 hours drive from there will take you to the park. The park is best known for the largest wild tusker in Asia. The other activities in the park include elephant back safari, rafting, Bird watching and Jungle excursion with swimming and fishing.  The best time to visit the park is from October to April. 

9) Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Situated at the distance of 500 kms from Kathmandu and close to the country's southern border with India, the reserve covers a total area of 175 sq. kms. 45 minutes flights to Biratnagar and 90 minutes smooth drive from there will take you to the Reserve. The reserve is one of the finest place in Asia for bird watching and Wild Water Buffalo. This is one place you should not miss if you are a nature lover. 

10) GosaIn Kunda
Situated at an altitude of 4360m , this is one of the most important pilgrimage of Nepal. The best approach to this beautiful lake is through Dhunche ( 132 kms from Kathmandu). The lake is closely surrounded by nine other small lakes in Langtang National Park. 

11) Mukti Nath
Situated at an altitude of 3749 m. Mukti Nath is  small but one of the most scared Hindu temple surrounded by lofty himalayas. It can be reached by  10 days trek from Pokhara or flight to Jomsom from Kathmandu or from Pokhara. The trek is one of the most beautiful trek in Nepal, passing through typical Nepalese villages and viewing many mountains including Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. 

There are many more places yet to be explored in Nepal.  Given above are some of the most preferred places by the tourist. Please visit TREKKING IN NEPAL section for information on mountain region as we have not covered this region in this section.  Please write to us for more information or on any specific place that you wish to visit.