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Kathmandu valley is overwhelming. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. The valley consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. It is situated 4,423 ft. above sea level.
In Kathmandu itself there are many sights and the countryside around it is stunning. Wherever you look, theres always something of interest: a small ancient temple, a small statue, a sadhu in bright saffron robes meditating or a Tibetan monk spinning his prayer wheel.
The highest concentration of attractions is within the area of Durbar Square. Just off the square is Freak Street which is well past its prime but still has a bit of the flavor it had when it was a hangout for Western hippies during the 60s and 70s.
The neighborhood of Thamel is somewhat of a tourist ghetto but it offers a wide range of cuisines and souvenir shopping. A plethora of cheap hotels and guest houses provides a surprisingly wide range of services (international calls, faxes and massage shops among them).
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