Bauddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

• Buddha Stupa is one of the grandest structures in Kathmandu. With a busy marketplace surrounding it and some of the famous eateries nearby, this is a place to be.
• There is no entry fee but the place gets crowded so early morning is the best time to visit.

A Stupa is a Buddhist religious structure that represents the learning and messages of Buddha. It is always white in colour and hemispherical in shape - probably indicating the non-violence doctrine of Buddhism. We visited Buddha Stupa on our way to Bhaktapur Darbar Square and Changunarayan Temple. The three heritage sites can be easily covered over a single day if you start early.

Bauddhanath Stupa, Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu

• One of the most revered temples in the Indian subcontinent, Pashupatinath Temple and the evening celebration is a must visit in Kathmandu. It takes couple hours in total.
• Evening is the best time to visit so that one covers the famous aarti on the banks of  Bagmati river. Photographs inside the temple are not allowed. 

We had to visit Pashupatinath temple coming from India. As per Indian mythology when Sati died her body parts fell in different parts of Indian subcontinent but the most important part that is her head fell at Pashupatinath which makes this one of the most prominent religious sites around.

Entrance to Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu

Chandragiri, Nepal

• Chandragiri is a half day activity from Kathmandu. The ropeway is the key attraction although the view from the top is equally stunning.
• Cab will take USD 30-40 depending upon how long you make them stay at the base of the ropeway. There are resorts as well near the peak.

A trip to Chandragiri peak was surprise. We were aware of this attraction but given there was so much of heritage to cover in the Kathmandu valley, we were not such this will make the cut in our itinerary. We did make it to the peak and while we found the place covered with clouds, it was still a most unique experience.

Chandragiri Cable Car