UNESCO has proclaimed seven sites in the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites鈥?Kathmandu Durbar Square; Pashupatinath Temple; Bodhnath; Svayambhunath; Patan Durbar Square; Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the Changu Narayan Temple.

Historically; the valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century; Bhaktapur was its capital when two other capitals; Kathmandu and Lalitpur; were established. After the annexation of the valley by the Gorkha Kingdom; and subsequent establishment of the valley as the capital of their empire; the designation of 'Nepal' was extended to every land they conquered. Pictures From History Carola van Wijk