One of three former royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley, and generally considered the best preserved — dense with Newari temple architecture, much of it still standing after the 2015 earthquake damaged large parts of the valley's older structures.
An ancient Buddhist stupa on a hilltop overlooking the city, with the painted Buddha eyes watching in all four directions from the central spire — climbing the stairs up gives one of the best panoramic views over the valley, monkeys included.
A short scenic flight that runs along the Himalayan range with Everest visible from the window seat — a genuinely practical way to see the mountain without committing to a base-camp trek, and squeezed in during this Kathmandu stop before continuing on toward Lumbini.
A side loop outside the main tourist circuit, taking in Indra Daha, a Naag (serpent) temple, Manokamana Temple, and Kalupande — a good option for anyone who's already covered the valley's headline sites and wants a quieter half-day.
Stayed at Kwabahal Boutique Hostel, checking in on 14 June.