Seven monuments in the Valley have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO: the three Durbar Squares: the stupas of Swayambhu and Bouddhanath: and the temple complexes of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.
GORKHA
This tiny city close to Pokhara boasts of the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty
and home of the original Gorkha soldiers. The Gorkha Durbar is a fort, a palace
and a temple complex that is a triumph of Nepalese architecture, with magnificent
views of surrounding valleys and the soaring peaks. Many good lodging facilities
abound,in the area.
TANSEN
A pristine hill town yet untouched by many tourists, Tansen offers amazing
views of the Himalaya. The town sprawls over a steep ridge, and attractive Newar
houses line cobbled streets. Interesting walks in the surrounding countryside
can take you to the banks of the Kali Gandaki river and the huge Ranighat Palace.
LUMBINI
This spot is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and thus one of the most important
pilgrimage sites in the world. An easy forage from the Royal Chitwan National
Park. Lumbini contains historical and religious monuments worth exploring: the
Mayadevi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar. the Sacred Pond. and the Tibetan and Theravada
vihar.
KAPILVASTU
An important archaeological site near Lumbini. Kapilvastu evokes the ancient
palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. Scattered foundations of
the palace are abundant. and archeologists have by now discovered 13 successive
layers of human habitation dating back to eighth century BC. A must for archeological
and historical buffs.
JANAKPUR
This clean, green city in the Terai is the birthplace of Sita, wife of Lord
Rama and the archetype of the perfect Hindu woman.
Thousands of Hindu pilgrims
visit Janakpur throughout the year to pay homage in the Janaki Mandir, the temple
dedicated to Sita; Ram Sita Bibah Mandir, the pagoda-roofed temple where Ram
and Sita got married; and the Hanuman Temple where the monkey-god is worshipped.
SIMRAONGARH
Northwest of Janakpur, the town of Simraongarh has extensive ruins of the capital
of the kingdom of Mithila, or Videha, built by King Nanyadev in the 11th century.