The Kathmandu valley is not very big (about 20 by 25kms), and travellers can combine a number of locations in a leisurely day trip. Dhapakhel: twelve kilometres southeast of downtown Kathmandu, this medieval village will take visitors back to the Nepal of centuries ago. Far removed from the urban bustle, it welcomes all those looking for peace and quiet and fascinating scenery to go with it. Patan and Bhaktapur: these cities also have similar Durbar Squares to Kathmandu’s, but with different layouts. Both Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares have museums with precious pieces of art from different periods in their history. The stone temple of Krishna at the Patan Durbar Square is considered as unique and worth a visit. Nagarkot: is a popular tourist resort located 32kms east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 metres. Many visitors come here to view the imposing Mount Everest. It is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’, due to the large population of monkeys which guard the hill and the surrounding forest. A long staircase leads up to the stupa at the top of the hill, offering spectacular views of the whole valley with all its landmarks. Ichangu Narayan: is located to the west of Kathmandu behind the Swayambhu stupa. It is one of the four focal shrines of the Hindu goddess Narayan, standing at the four corners of the Valley to protect its inhabitants. Hidden away in the hills, about 11kms from central Kathmandu, the village of Ichangu features religion, a bit of history and lots of hiking. This is when disciples make pilgrimages to all the four Narayan temples in the valley. Those who make the effort to see Ichangu, regardless of when they travel, will get to experience a part of Kathmandu that few tourists ever get to see. Dhulikhel: is almost 30kms east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway. It stands at an altitude of 1,844 metres and is a 90-minute drive from Kathmandu. The city features spectacular views of snow-capped mountain ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. | 
