Royal Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) covers a pristine area with a unique ecosystem of significant value to the world, containing the Churiya hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. Approximately 70% of the park vegetation is forest. The remaining vegetation types include grassland, riverine forest, and pine forest. There are more than 43 species of mammals in the park. It is highly noted for the endangered Great One-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, gaur, wild elephant, four-horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin and Gangetic dolphin. Other animals found in the park include the hog deer, barking deer, sloth bear, palm civet, langur and rhesus monkey. There are over 450 species of birds in the park. Among the endangered birds are the Bengal florican, giant hornbill, lesser florican, black stork and white stork. Common birds seen in the park include the peafowl, red jungle fowl, and different species of egrets, herons, kingfishers, flycatchers and woodpeckers. More than 45 species of amphibians and reptiles have been recorded in the park, some of which are the marsh crocodile, cobra, green pit viper, and various species of frogs and tortoises.

Sagarmatha National Park
Sagarmatha National Park (1,148 sq km) encompasses Mt. Everest (8,850 m), the highest point on earth. Vegetation here includes pine and hemlock forests, fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron woods, scrub and alpine plant communities, and bare rock and snow. Wild animals that roam in this park are the Himalayan tahr, ghoral, serow and musk deer. The snow leopard and Himalayan black bear are present but rarely sighted. This is also home to the weasel, marten, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), jackal, and langur monkey.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES (CULTURAL)
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can’t help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that is cluster in the area.

Patan Durbar Square
Nowhere else can be seen such a compression of marvellous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m and covering an area of four square miles, it still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. Of the Valley's three Durbar Squares, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved one. This splendid palatial square has its gems in such artistic masterpieces as the 55-Windows Palace, the Golden Gate, Golden Sprout, the Taleju temple complex and Nyatapola-the five-storied temple -in the nearby Taumadhi Square. The 15th-century Dattatreya temple and the world famous Peacock Window at Tachapal, are also there to keep visitors spellbound. The city is also commonly known as Bhadgaon.

Changu Narayan Temple
Seated atop a serene hilltop some six km north of Bhaktapur, the Changu Narayan temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu the Preserver, boasts of being the oldest building in Nepal. In its brick-paved premises it houses a stone inscription which, dated424 AD, is the oldest of all written records, found in the valley. While the two-storied temple's main entrance is an excellent example of repousse metal art, the many art-works scattered in and around the enclave represents the complete cultural development of the valley 5th century onwards.

Swayambhunath Stupa
A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Katmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.

Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies in the bank of river Bagmati. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors. Sadhus and sages, who follow the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, are seen covered with ashes and loincloths. On the bank of the river Bagmati, there is a continuous cremation going on.

Bouddhanath Stupa
Also known as Khasti Chaitya, Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the world's largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure make it even more mesmerizing. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century and is said to entomb the remains of Kasyap Rishi, a sage respected by both Buddhists and Hindus. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. It lies some eight km to the east of the city center.

Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha-the Apostle of Peace, the founder of Buddhism. The Enlightened One was born here over 2,600 years ago. The objects worth seeing here are the scattered ruins dating back to the days of the Buddha. The remains of historic palaces, monasteries, temples and above all, a stone inscription dating back to 3rd century kept by India's great King Ashoka to pinpoint the exact birthplace of the Buddha are here to take you back by ages. Many countries including China, Germany, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the USA and Vietnam have built monasteries and stupas in the area.

Access: Royal Nepal Airlines and other airlines fly regularly to Bhairahawa, near Lumbini, and bus services are available from Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Accommodation: There are several good hotels and lodges in Lumbini.