The Kathmandu Valley consists of three towns, Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each city has its own royal Durbar Square surrounded by fine temples and palaces, with the centre of Kathmandu and Patan only a few miles apart. Between the two cities are countless temples, stupas and markets, as well as shops and hotels.
Kathmandu itself took its name from a building known as Kasthamandap (the 'House of Wood') which is still in the centre of the old city. The nearby 'Kumari Bahal' (House of the Living Goddess) is a temple which has the unusual honour of being home to a living goddess. She is rarely seen outside of the temple, but you may get a glimpse of her in her inner courtyard.
The Thamal District and Freak Street were famous stopovers for hippy travellers a generation ago, and the city retains a vibrant atmosphere, welcoming of tourists. There are some excellent hotels, restaurants and bars in Kathmandu and it makes a perfect place to spend a few days whilst exploring the wider Kathmandu Valley and in between wildlife or trekking sections of an itinerary.