Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal with a population of 1.5 million in the city area and 3 million in its urban area across the Kathmandu Valley, which includes the towns of Lalitpur, Kritipur, Bhaktapur, Madhyapur Thimi making the population of roughly around 5 million. Kathmandu tells the rich past of every Hindu god and goddess, the story about locality, festival, food, places and many more. Kathmandu is the largest metropolis in the Himalayan hill region. Here are some of the list you can visit when you are near Kathmandu or after Arrival in Nepal.

1. The holy Pashupatinath Temple 

It is said that one day Lord Shiva and Parvati came across Kathmandu valley and rested near Bagmati river while on the journey. Lord Shiva was so impressed by nature and beauty of the forest so he and Parvati turned down themselves into deer and walked down to the forest. After a moment people begin searching for Lord Shiva and Parvati into the forest, after a while, they found him in the face of deer, but he refused to leave the forest. After many difficulties, he announced that since he lived near the bank of Bagmati after transforming himself into deer, now he wants to be known as a Pashupatinath means Lord of all animals. It is believed that anyone who visits Pashupatinath or seeing Lingam that appeared there wouldn't be reborn any form of an animal.

It is believed that wish-fulfilling cow called Kamadhenu took shelter near Chandravan Mountain. Every morning she used to pour her milk where Lingam was dug into the soil. After many years people saw pouring milk by Kamadhenu after filling suspicious they dig the soil and found the beautiful and Shining Lingam where they worshipped till now. The place where Lingam found is now divine and pure Pashupatinath temple.

2. The Boudhanath Stupa 

The Boudhanath stupa is the holy places of Buddhist and Tibetian. It is one of the largest Stupa in the world and listed as UNESCO world heritage site in 1979. Previously Boudhanath called as Khāsti in Nepali Bhasa where Khas refer as 'drew' and ti refer as 'drop'. After the arrival of thousands Tibetian following the Chinese invasion in 1959, it became the most important center for Tibetian Buddhism.

In history, it is said that the King Bikramaditya (Lichavi dynasty) once stood where now the Narayanhiti Palace stands. He instructed his people to build Dhunge Dhara in the southern Part of Palace. After research, it found that there is no sign of water. The King consulted with the astrologer and they suggested that  Human sacrifice should be made and must be male candidate having 32 virtues.

But only The king and his two sons are the candidates so the king decided to sacrifice himself and his one son to get the sign of water. According to Mythology, it is said that the king head flew near Sankhu Bajrayogini Temple. The prince with a regretful heart flew a hen from the top of Bajrayogini Temple and decided to build a Stupa where the hen landed. The hen landed where Boudhanath Stupa is currently standing.

3. Kathmandu Durbar Square 

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur Darbar Kshetra) is the old Royal Palace and it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Basantpur Durbar Square is the home of Newar community. Several Building were collapsed during the earthquake that takes place on 22 April 2015. Kathmandu Durbar Square is surrounded by beautiful and spectacular architecture and it showcases the skills of Newar artist and craftsman over several centuries.

The Kathmandu Durbar Square, which was Nepalese residence until 19 century that took place important historical movements such as Nepalese Monarch. The palace is decorated with fined carved wooden windows and houses. Time and Again the renovation of Palace have been done after being damaged by natural effects. It is possible to visit rooms inside the Palace but only a few are opened for visitors. 

4. The Living Goddess Kumari

The Goddess Taleju used to visit the King Prakash Malla in the form of a human to play dice and advice him. One night King lustfully looked at Goddess and enraged the goddess announced that she never ever come back to play with him again. Later, she predicted the fall of the dynasty. After listening to this the King beg for forgiveness which the goddess made the last concession. The concession is that the king was to select a virgin girl from Newar caste and declare her as the living goddess Kumari and worship her.   

 Mostly the selected Kumaris are from Shakya caste system who follows Buddhist. Kumaris must have 32 virtues, amazing unblemished body, neck as duck, voice as a bird, she must never show fear or cry. To test her courage she is locked down room where several heads of sacrificed animals are placed in a room. Whoever emerges from the fear is selected for the living goddess.   

The living goddess is dressed up like a doll and lives in the Hanumandhoka Palace and The Taleju Temple at The Kathmandu Durbar Square. The entrance of the building is guarded by two large lion stones. If you are lucky you can see living goddess as she looks out from the window.