around the Kathmandu Valley

1. Bhaktapur-- Nepal's most intact medieval town (prof Aryal, www.mountainkingdoms.com, catch the sunrise at Nyatapola temple
2. Nagarkot or Dhulikhel!! or Kakani (Himalayan views Oct-March), panorama takes in 5 of 10 tallest peaks incl 8848m Sagarmatha (Everest)
3. Bungamati (Newari Village), Khokna, Chobar & Kirtipur (these four villages could be linked in a 2 day ramble, almost Arcadian glimpse into Newari village life. Chobar straddles a gorge spanned by a metal suspension bridge, http://www.nepalvillageresort.com/. Khokna known for a strange goat biting competition, Kirtipur for its weaving & Bungamati for wood carving & mustard oil production)
4. Kopan Monastery http://www.kopan-monastery.com/ 40 min walk from Bodhnath but reachable by taxi, intensive month long Nov meditation courses
5. Dakshinkali (Tue & Sat morning bloodthirsty goddess Kali appeased with bloody sacrificies of live animals at this holy Hindu site. Nestling in a gorge in stunning woodland, always bustling with pilgrims
6. Banepa, Panauti & Dhulikhel: 10 min walk off main highway from Banepa --> impressive Chandeshwori temple, town is a convenient stop on way to Panauti (exquisitely picturesque ancient town famous for numerous patis [rest-platforms] & stunningly carved Narayan temple. Dhulikhel is a pretty village perched on top of a hill with great mountain views & a good place from which to start treks to Langtang
7. see Chitwan NP