Nepal earthquake: Kathmandu landmarks before and after quake, in pictures

The Kathmandu valley, famed for having seven Unesco World Heritage Sites, has been devastated by a 7.9 magnitude earthquake. The earthquake hit a heavily populated area of Nepal, including the capital, Kathmandu, and its impact spread far beyond the Kathmandu Valley. Strong aftershocks were felt an hour after the initial earthquake. Here is a selection of photos showing how some of the country's most famous landmarks have been affected by the quake.

People search for survivors under the rubble of collapsed buildings in Kathmandu's Durbar Square

A monk inspects the damage at Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the monkey temple, in Kathmandu

Damaged buildings in Durbar Square in Kathmandu

People inspect the damage to the collapsed landmark Dharahara, also known as the Bhimsen Tower, in Kathmandu.

A pillar where a statue of Garud, a Hindu divine character, stood is partially damaged after the earthquake at the Basantapur Durbar Square in Kathmandu

The damage at Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the monkey temple, in Kathmandu Rescue workers dig through the rubble of a collapsed building in Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu Durbar Square in Kathmandu