Kathmandu valley is the historical center of Nepal and the place where kingdoms rose and fell, palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and Nepalese art and culture were developed and refined is equally religious. Kathmandu valley has been called a big museum, a vast store of Hindu and Buddhist art with more shrines and temples per square km than anywhere else in the world. Nepalese culture has immense vitality and countless festivals are celebrated each year, institutions such as the ''Living Goddess'' forms a direct link between the past and the present.

The valley is above 25 km from east to west and 20 km from north to south with an area of 570 square km and a population of 1.1 million. Kathmandu lies at a height of around 1300 meters while the surrounding hills range from 1500 meters to 2800 meters in height. Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishanker and Everest are visible from different points in the valley.

Patan situated across the Bagmati river to the south of Kathmandu is known to this day for its excellent works of art and carving in wood and bronze.

Patan, locally referred to as Lalitpur and situated at the south of Kathmandu is the second largest town valley. Patan's great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.  Numerous temples of widely diverse style as well as many Buddhist monasteries are scattered around the fascinating town. The city is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs to be carried.

Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon is shaped like a conch. It is a medieval city designed in the 19th century by its founder king Ananda Malla, having an area of 139 square kilometer, it is situated at 1331 meter from the sea level and 13 km far from Kathmandu on the east side, linked with a motorable road. Bhaktapur has not yet lost its old traditions, but maintained them very well. Bhaktapur not only grows sufficient food for the city and supports Kathmandu city also, the city's craftsmen build and decorate houses, make pottery and adorn temples, from the very beginning Bhaktapur has attracted the foreigners and local tourists as well. Durbar square, ''palace of 55 windows'', Golden gate leading through to the Taleju temple, National Art gallery having a good collection of thangkas paintings, all are of immense attraction. The ancient Royal palace is remarkable and an excellent example of 18th century architecture made by king Bhupatindra Malla whose statue stands in front of the Golden Gate. Around the Durbar square the curio shops, woods and stone carvings, thankas have become a good attraction.

Nyatapola, Nepal's tallest five roofed temple, stands not far from the Durbar square. the pottery market is very near the Nyatapolatemple. The Akash Bhairav temple, the Dattaraya shrine, pujarinath with excellent wooden works, the famous peacock windows located south of Dattatreya temple, the Bramayani mandir all are of equal importance and work of fine art and culture.