Kathmandu is the hub of Nepalese art and culture. It is home to a large number of historical temples and monuments, along with wonderful mountain ranges that make for an excellent view. Places that you cannot miss while in Kathmandu include:

Pashupati:A great pilgrimage center for Hindus from all over the sub continent, Pashupati is the abode of the Lord Shiva, part of the Hindu holy trinity. Millions of Hindus throng this ancient temple that includes the linga (phallic symbol), images and statues of Lord Shiva, along with river Bagmati that flows beside it.

Swayambhu:Swayambhu when translated to English means "the self existent". It is from this temple that the history of Kathmandu begins. This complex of stupas provides an excellent opportunity to study religious harmony in the country. Major worshippers at Swayambhu include Brahmin priests, Tibetan monks and Newar nuns.

Bouddhanath Stupa:This 36 meter tall stupa is amongst the largest in South Asia. Situated on the ancient trade route to Tibet, the Bouddhanath Stupa is the home of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The areas around the stupa is a shopper`s paradise that features a Tibetan bazaar of jewelry, Gorkha knives, hand made carpets, masks and Tibetan paintings.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:Kathmandu Durbar is a great center of art and history. It features artistic monuments, Kal Bhairam temple, house of the living goddess and hundreds of erotic wooden carvings. The museum at Durbar Square beautifully showcases the complete history of Nepal`s rulers and kings.

Kathmandu is the largest and the most modern city in Nepal. The devout and laid back Hindu population of Kathmandu is great hosts to hordes of travelers who visit the city each year. The varied accommodation options available in this capital city include:

Budget Hotels:Set amidst the most beautiful temples and other city attractions, Hotel Courtyard is an ideal option for both the leisure and business travelers. Be it backpackers, families or business travelers, the Holy Lodge is well equipped to cater to everyone`s needs. Travelers can also check out other budget hotels in the city like Park Village Resort, Hotel Karma, Dynasty Thamel, Hotel Himalaya Yoga, Nirvana Garden and Hotel Visit Nepal. They all offer a great ambience, along with excellent amenities and guest services to the travelers.

Guest Houses and Hostels:Welcoming travelers from all over the world, this capital city offers accommodation options in all categories, sizes and ranges. Elbrus Home is ideally located in the heart of Thamel, which is the tourist hub of Kathmandu. The backpackers love the Family Peace House which is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, cafes and hotels. Other guest houses and hostels that are peacefully located and offer a comfortable stay to their guests include Acme Guest House, Kathmandu Madhuban Guesthouse, Norling Guest House, and Khangsar Guest House.

Luxury Hotels:This popular tourist destination offers a great selection of luxury hotels with excellent facilities and services for the international traveler. Soaltee Crowne Plaza is spread over an area of 18 acres that includes beautiful gardens, 283 guest rooms and five restaurants. Another five star facility is Hotel Radisson that offers guests a choice of plaza clubrooms, terrace rooms and club lounge. Located at Durbar Marg, Hotel Taj Annapurna is a super luxurious accommodation option that provides its guests with a truly authentic Nepalese ambience.

A passport valid for six months is required by all nationals intending to visit Nepal.

British, Australian, Canadian, USA and other EU nationals can obtain a Nepalese visa on arrival at the international airport. Business can be conducted on a travel visa to Nepal for 30 days.

October to November is a perfect time to visit the beautiful capital city of Kathmandu. The weather during this time is pleasant, balmy, and the countryside is lush green and sparkling clean following the monsoon. February to April is also quite a good time to visit as the weather is warm and the travelers can witness the Nepalese beauty in full bloom.

Situated at an altitude of 1,310m, Kathmandu experiences a mild climate all through the year. The average winter temperature falls in the range of 2-20 degree Celsius, whereas the summer temperature hovers around 19-27 degree Celsius. June to August is the monsoon time during which the city receives an average rainfall of 200-375mm. March to April (spring) and October to November (autumn) is a very pleasant time with occasional rainfalls. The coldest time of the year is between November and February when it is dry and really cold especially at night time.

Currency:The currency used in Kathmandu is the Nepalese Rupees (NPR). All major hotels, restaurants and shops accept almost ball foreign currencies and credit cards.

Language:Nepali is the official language of Kathmandu. Nepal Bhasa is another language that is influenced by Nepali but has different origins. Hindi and English are also commonly spoken and understood by the people of Kathmandu.