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Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, has lured travelers since the late 1960s. Virtually closed to outside visitors until 1950s, Nepal has been the prime Himalayas destination for nearly four decades. Many come to trek and leave only couple days for the city and the Kathmandu Valley, some are just passing through on the way to Tibet or Bhutan. Here is what see and do with no more than two days to spare.

Before sampling the other towns of the valley, your Kathmandu city and valley tour can begin with the walk through the legendary cobblestone Freak Street of the 60s. This popular hangout of the hippies, junkies and travelers, who arrived more than a decade before the onset of mass tourism, winds through ancient bazaars where you can browse through its many shops and sample the now famous Kathmandu pies. From here continue to Kathmandu Durbar Square to visit the Kumari, the Living Goddess, whose smile is a benediction.

In the afternoon take a trip to Patan, a destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, as Patan is a center for wood and stone carvings, bronze casting, and a town of numerous Buddhist and Hindu temples.

The second day in the morning visit Bodnath, the township of Nepal’s largest Stupa. Bodnath or Boudhanath consist of a massive whitewashed hemispherical mound, mounted by glittering spire of gilded brass, symbolizing the thirteen heavens. The spire of decreasing tiers is set off by a cubical pedestal from which four pairs of painted eyes follow the movements of the pilgrims. The monasteries near the stupa have become a global centre of Tibetan Buddhism.

From Bodnath continue to Pashupatinath, the holiest Hindu shrine dedicated to Shiva. It is here on the banks of the Bagmati River that the flaming funeral pyres announce the end of a Hindu’s mortal existence, including those of former Nepal’s kings.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Bhaktapur, the 12th century town on the eastern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. This ancient city is more like an open museum, best known for its long history of craftsmanship. Now a UNESCO heritage site, Bhaktapur’s temples and building of historical significance were the first of Nepal monuments to be renovated in the early 1970s.

If you don’t have the time to go Himalaya trekking in Nepal or visit Pokhara and Chitwan National Park, the best thing you can do on your last morning in Kathmandu is to take the incredible mountain flight.

You’ll get a closer look at the world’s highest mountain peaks, number of them towering over 8000 meters, including the roof of the world, the legendary Mt. Everest, locally known as Sagarmatha. The Mountain Flight offers an unforgettable experience and the magnificent panorama of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse & Cho Oyu promises to stay engrained in your mind for ever.

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