The Kathmandu (Capital City): Situated at an altitude
of 4500ft and founded in the 8th Century A.D. the valley of
Kathmandu is composed of three royal Cities, Kathmandu, and
Patan & Bhadgaon. The valley surrounded by tiers or green hills
topped off by snow capped peaks covers an area of 218 sq. miles.
Kathmandu has always been a renowned center for Buddhism and its
art where you will find the stupa of Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath
and hundreds of temples depicting Buddhist and Hindu
theology-complex blending of Hinduism & Buddhism where by legend
and reality live side by side.
Durbar Square: It is the historic seat of royalty. The
Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the
religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that Kings
of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized.
Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King
Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., Kal Bhairav, the God of
destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi
Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum
and the Jagannath Temple. On the right-hand corner, large wooden
lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of SwetBhairav. The
screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There
are also Numismatic and Tribhuvan Musum inside the Hanumandhoka
Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums.
Both the museums remain closed on Tuesday and government
holidays. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites
of Nepal.
Temple of Kumari: The temple or the residence of Living
goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanumandhoka
Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and
window screens. The kumari -the living Goddess, acknowledges the
greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
Swayambhunath: The history of the Valley, according to
the legends, begins with Swayambhunath, or "the self existent".
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Stupa. It is
around 2000 years old. The Stupa, which forms the main
structure, is made of brick and clay supporting the lofty
conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on
the four-sides of the spire base are the eyes of Lord Buddha. It
is three kilometers west of Kathmandu City, and is situated on a
hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. This hill is a
mosaic of small chaityas and pagodas. Swayambhunath is, perhaps,
the best place to observe the religious harmony of Buddhist and
Hindu, in Nepal. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu
Valley. This is the one of the UNESCO cultural heritage sites of
Nepal.
Bouddhanath: The Stupa of Boudhanath lies eight
kilometers east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa,
one of the biggest in the world, features all the eyes of Lord
Buddha. It has become the focal point of
Tibetan Buddhism. Lichchhavi king Kana Dev built it in the fifth
century AD. It is built on an octagonal base, inset in the
design of Mandala with prayer wheels. This is the one of the
UNESCO cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple: About five kms from Kathmandu the
famous Pasupatinath Temple renowned for its superb architecture,
its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors. Thousands of
devotees converge here on an annual pilgrimage on the occasion
of Maha Shivratri, the night of Lord Shiva falls in the month
February. Entrance into the temple-precincts is permitted only
for the Hindus but other can clearly see the temple and rituals
beings performed inside from the eastern bank of the Bagmati
river. The temple was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage
Monument list in 1797.
Budhanilkantha: About eight Kilometers north of Kathmandu,
at the base of shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of
Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snake. This is one of the
masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This
fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems
to float in water.
The City of Patan: This ancient city of Patan is situated
on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five
kilometers Southeast of Kathmandu. Lalitpur, "The City of
Beauty" is another name for Patan. The city is full of Hindu
temples and Buddhist monuments exhibiting skillful carvings.
Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, Patan is also known
as the city of architecture and craftsmanship.
Durbar Square: This whole square is a cluster of fine
pagoda temples and stone statues, it is at the same time the
business hub of the city. At every step one comes across a piece
of art or an image of a deity, testifying to the consummate
skill of Patan's anonymous artists. The ancient palace of the
Malla kings and the stone baths associated with various legends
and episodes of history are especially interesting to visitors.
The stone temple of Lord Krishna and the Royal Bath (Tushahity)
with its intricate stone and bronze carvings are two other
masterpieces in the same vicinity. This is the one of the UNESCO
cultural heritage sites of Nepal.
Patan Industrial Estate: Patan Industrial Estate is
situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. This
industrial Estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as
wood carvings, metal crafts, carpets and thangka paintings. For
the convenience of the tourists there is a shopping arcade where
all the handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited in the
shopping arcade.
The City of Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon): Bhaktpur means "the
city of devotees". Situated about 14 Km east Kathmandu was
founded in 9th Century by King Anand Dev. About 4000 feet above
the sea level this city renowned for its pottery and weaving
industry.
Durbar Square: The main square of the city contains
innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as
lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla,
Dattatraya Temple etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra
Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the
palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List
in 1979.
Palace of 55 Windows: Being built by King Yaksha Mall in
1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in 17th
Century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved, is
a masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple: This five storied Pagoda Style temple
was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. well known for
its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest
pagoda structure in the Kathmandu
valley.
Kirtipur: It is a small town, eight Kilometers southwest
of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is
located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many
things to offer like old shrines and temples, old
houses. Some of the folks are typically dressed in traditional
costumes and can be spotted working on looms.
Chobhar: Situated 9 Kilometers South-west of Kathmandu,
this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley
drains through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of
Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top
one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.
Dakshinkal: The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about
two km south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is one of the very
important places of pilgrimage in relation to Hindu goddess,
which dates back to time immemorial. Every Tuesday and Saturday,
pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal
sacrifices performed.
Changu Narayan: Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of
creation to the Hindus. The temple of Changu Narayan is said to
be the most ancient temple in the Kathmandu Valley. Although it
was rebuilt in 1702, its origin goes back to the 4th Century.
Located on the top of a spur rising in the eastern part of the
valley, it is 22 kilometers from Kathmandu. It was listed in the
UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Nagarkot: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal,
famous for sunrise and sunset. It is situated 32 km east of
Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 m above the see-level. The
panorama of the major peals of eastern Nepal Himalayas including
Sagarmatha, (Mt. Everest), can be seen from here. Himalayan
peaks like Manaslu(8,163m) Ganesh Himal (7,111m) Lang tang
(7,246m) Choba Bhamre (6,016m) Gaurishankar (7,134m) and Numbur
(6,957m) are also seen on a clear day. A motor able road links
Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.
Dhulikhel: Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient Newari town
situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu
Kodari Highway) and has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range.
From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa
and Buddhist Monastery, is highly recommended. Panauti, a
village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent
woodcarvings, is a short distance from Dhulikhel.
Namo Buddha: It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It
requires an easy drive or good walk to get there. There is an
amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by
an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all-seeing eyes of
Lord Buddha. According to the legend, one of the earlier Buddha
offered his own flesh to a hungry tiger unable to feed her
hungry cubs. It is also 3 hrs. Trekking from Dhulikhel through a
number of small villages.
Pokhara: The Pokhara Valley is one of the most
picturesque spots of Nepal. The beauty of the Valley is enhanced
by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa. Which have their
source in the glacial region of the Annapurna Range of the
Himalayas? Pokhara is situated 200 km west of Kathmandu located
at an altitude of 900 meters from the see-level for the mountain
views Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri,
Manaslu, Machchha-puchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.
Pokhara is one of the few places in the world to provide
dramatic views in a subtropical setting. One can start from here
trekking to different routes depending upon days available, A
must for visitors.
Chitwan: The main attraction of Chitwan is Royal Chitwan
National Park which is situated 120 km southwest of Kathmandu.
This is one of Nepal's first and largest forest region with
range of wildlife the rage great one horned rhinoceros, several
species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water
dolphin, crocodile, more than 400 species of birds, and the
elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to Chitwan may view game on
elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips and Jungle
treks. Royal Chitwan National Park is known to be Asia's best
managed National Park. This trip could be more interesting if
combined with white water Rafting.
Lumbini: Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha is the
pilgrimage destination of the world's millions of people
faithful to the schools of Buddhism. UNESCO lists this nativity
site, identified by Indian Emperor Atoka's commemorative pillar
as a world Heritage Site. The main attraction is the Sacred
Garden spread over 8sq km and possessing all the treasure of the
historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for
pilgrims.
Lumbini was so important that the world community, particularly
the United Nations and the Government of Nepal, has launched a
master plan for the maintenance and preservation of Lumbini.
Gorkha: Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan
Shah the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill
overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a beautiful old
palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive Temples
of Gorkhanth and Kali inside the palace precinct. Gorkha can be
reached in about 6 hours by road from Kathmandu and four hours
from Pokhara. A side trip Manakamana temple on the way to Gorkha
is very enjoyable and interesting.
Tansen: Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the
most popular summer resort in the western Nepal on account of
its position and climate. It has the most extensive views of the
country's chief attraction, the Himalaya from Dhaulagiri in the
west to Gaurishanker in the northeast. It takes just seven hours
by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen. The town's mostly Newar and
Magar inhabitants have long been known as staunch warriors. The
kings of Tansen wielded great power over western Nepal in the
fifteenth century.
Muktinath / Jomsom: The famous temple of Muktinath lies
in the district of Mustang and is situated 18 km north east of
Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 meters. The temple is
situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair
weather. During the festival of Janai Purnima, Hindu devotees
gather here to pay homage to lord Muktinath. It is believed that
all miseries are relived once you visit this temple. Another
famous temple of Jwala Mai, the goddess of flame, is situated
about hundred meters south of Muktinath. There are two ways to
get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. One should either take a direct
flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom or hike for couple
of hours via Kagbeni or trek all the way from Pokhara, which
takes about 7/8 days. There is also an air service from Pokhara
to Jomsom
Mustang: Jomsom is the district headquarters for the
Mustang region of Nepal. Too many people, however, Mustang
implies the area of Nepal that extends like the thumb into
Tibet.
Bandipur: Located on a 1,000m ridge in Tanahu district
some 140 km from Kathmandu, Bandipur's hallmark is its beautiful
scenery. Bindabasini temple, Bandipur's guardian deity has the
rich wooden carvings and detailed brass works that adorn the
temple are replicas of those found in many old pagoda structure
of the Kathmandu valley.
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