Sundarijal Reservoir and Sundari Mai
On Route on the first day of trekking you will cross over a small reservoir which is now used to supply drinking water to parts of Kathmandu, however at one time it was used as a place to generate electricity and to supply water to the Royal Palace. A short diversion from the main trail takes you to Sundari Mai, a small temple nestled on a cliff face overlooking a small series of cascading waterfalls and rock pools. Indeed the name Sundarijal means beautiful water fall.

Chisopani Cheese Factory
No stay in Chisopani is complete without a visit to the local cheese factory. Here is the perfect example of a local industry created to generate income into the rural areas. Locals collect milk and bring it here to make cheese that is taken and sold in Kathmandu.

Shivapuri National Park (http://www.dnpwc.gov.np/national-parks-shivapuri.asp)
Shivapuri is one of nine National Parks in Nepal and the closest National Park to Kathmandu. The park was founded in 2002 to protect the valley’s water resources; a pristine natural buffer against the burgeoning urban settlements growing out from Kathmandu valley. The park is home to 177 species of birds, orchids, leopards and bears. One of the biggest differences between Nepalese National Parks and their counterpart, let’s say, in most of the Western countries is, you will find more life in the parks here – and it is not just wildlife. You’ll find villages, businesses, restaurants and lodges. Chickens running around, traditionally dressed women washing laundry and young girls carrying water jars or firewood on their back. It feels like someone has turned the clock a hundred years back, then suddenly a porter shows up with a big television on his back!

Changu Narayan
This medieval looking temple is said to be the oldest in the valley and perched on the end of the ridge it’s certainly a commanding structure. This magnificent example of 5th and 12th century art and architecture is seldom visited by tourists, though the touts along the shop lined street leading up to the temple can be a bit overwhelming, once inside you can wonder around in peace and quiet. The actual temple standing now, dates back to the 18th century, but the site is at least 15 centuries older. Just behind the temple you can find a script carved stone that is said to be from the 5th century. The temple is easily identified by the imposing Garuda, half man half bird, statue that marks it as a Vishnu Temple (Vishnu is an incarnation of the devious lord Krishna). The site is filled with historically important statues and images and a local guide will give you an in-depth briefing about the temple and it’s history. This site is one of the seven listed World Heritage Sites in Nepal.

Namobuddha
Namobuddha is the place where Lord Buddha took pity on a starving tigress and her cubs. He sacrificed his body to her, enabling the tigress to feed her cubs. It’s a beautiful monastery set on a hill top overlooking the entire region. Climb up from the Stupa to the top of the hill and enter a small shrine to see a carving of the scene of Buddha and the Tigress.

Panauti
A small Newar Town rich in history. In the 14th Century, Panauti reared up as its own independent principality, and the remains of the Royal Palace can still be seen in the center of the town. Though not much to look at from afar, there is much to be revealed in this quaint town. The oldest temple, a reverence to Lord Shiva was built in 1291. The erotic wood carvings on the temple are considered to be masterpieces. The temple complex sits on the conflux of two rivers and a third mystical river is also believed to run through the complex and join the others.