 Kathmandu Valley:
The Kathmandu valley, the political, commercial & cultural hub of Nepal is the first stop for majority of visitors to the country. Once separate kingdom in itself, contains three important cities:- Kathmandu/ Patan/ Bhaktapur(Bhadgaon) each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyard and tranquil streets. There are seven UNESCO world heritage sites in the valley.
KATHMANDY
Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square):
This Durbar Square with its old temples & palaces, epitomizes the religious & the social life of the people. It is here the kings of Nepal are crowned & the coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see are: Taleju temple, Gigantic figure of Kalabhairab, Nautale Durbar, Nasal Chowk, the hall of public audience (Gaddhi Baithak), the statue of King Pratap malla, the big bell, the dig drum, Jaganath temple. Temple of “Kumari” the living Goddess.
Swaymbhu Stupa: This stupa watches over the valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. This huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal & its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known the Monkey temple because of the multitude of the monkeys there. This is 2000 years old stupa.
Boudhnath Stupa:
 This lies about 6 kms to the east in down town Kathmandu & is the lagest stupa in the valley. It looms 36meter high and present one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. There are more than 25 monasteries in the area.
Pashupatinath Temple:
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. Pashupatinath lies 5 kms east of the city center. The richly ornamented pagoda temple houses the sacred linga (Shiva Linga) or phallic symbol of lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 200 BC. Near the temple there are crematoriums in the Bank of Bagmati river.
Budhanilkantha:
This is situated below the Shivapuri hill at about 9 kilometers in the northern end of the valley. From the city center. The hub of the temple complex is a pond in which lies a great figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent.
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PATAN
Durbar Square:
 It is an enchanting row of palace buildings, artistic courtyards & graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious & social life, & houses a museum containing an array of bronze statue & religious objects. One remarkable monument here is 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Kwa Bahal:
It is also known as the Golden Temple, a Bhuddhist temple dates back to 12th century. This building is embellished with exceptionally fine wood carvings & repose work. Artistic images are scattered around the courtyard & devotees can be seen offering worship at many shrines here.
Mahaboudha:
This Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terracotta art form which points to the skill of Patan’s ancient craftsmen with a variety of building styles.The 16th century monument is built in Shikhar style which is unusual in a city of pagoda roofs. This is the monument also known as “The Temple of 9000 Buddhas”.
Tibetan R. camp:
It was set up in 1960 under the initatiative of the International Red Cross & the Swiss Development Corporation, in co-operation with the Government of Nepal. It is aimed to help the Tibetans . For those looking to bring home fine Tibetan carpets. This is the best place to shop.
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BHAKTAPUR
Durbarsquare:
 Once you enter the big gate you find the unique art & architecture with the special layout. The 15th century Palace of 55 windows, National art gallery, The Golden gate , big bell, Mahadev Temple, Batsala temple,Bishnu temple, Royal Pond etc are some of the highlights of the square .
Taumadi Square:
The towering five roofed Nyatapola temple presides over the square. The monument gracefully soars in to the sky a top a five story plinth. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figure of deities & mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.
Dattatreya square:
The square takes its’ name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Vishnu & Shiva. The national wood carving & bronze museums are also housed here.
Potter’s square:
It has a display of fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square. The elephant headed lord Ganesh is the patron of potters, thus the Jeth Ganesh temple is also in the square.
Changu Narayan:
It is situated 12 kms east of city on the ridge overlooking the valley. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. One of the finest & oldest specimens of pagoda architecture .The scared complex is world heritage site.
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HILLSTATIONS BEYOND THE VALLLEY:
Nagarkot:
 Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort, situated 34 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,250 meters from the mean sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt.Everest) can be seen from here. Peaks like Manaslu,Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Choba Bhamre,Gauri Shankar & Numbure are also clearly seen from here.
Dhulikhel:
It is situadted at an altitude of 5500 feet above the level,30 kms east of Kathmandu on the Kodari/ Tibet highway, scenic & ancient town. From here one can have a panoramic views of the Himalays especially during sunrise & sunset .This area also offers you the hiking/trekking opportunity in the surroundings.
Namobuddha:
This place is situated atop a hill which is three hours walk to the south of Panauti, is popular as the meditation ground of Namobuddha. This is an historically important place where a prince said to have sacrificed himself for the shake of sick & hungry tigress & her cubs.
Balthali Village:
It is a typical place with immense scenic beauty ,offers good views of mountains, rivers & hills.It is 1 hr 30minutes drive from Kathmandu to Khopasi where Nepals’ one of the 1st hydroelectric power station is situated & one has to walk for 45 minutes to get to the Balthali Village Resort(1650m). Good for trekking/ hiking & mountain biking.
Balaju:
This consists of a sprawiling garden of stone water spouts(Bahis Dhara), religious shrines, fish pounds & a replica of the statue of Budhanilakantha. Balaju is known of its tank of 22stone water spouts (hiti) carved in the shape of sea- dragons. Peaceful settings of the garden is able to attract people in here.
Nagarjun Hill:
It is named after a famous sage. There is a stupa at the top & the Nagarjun Reserve is well known for its wildlife including Leopard, deer,monkeys, birds, squirrel, & other species are seen. The hill tracks also are good for mountain biking.King’s summer palace is also situated a top the hill.
Kritipur:
Situated on a ridge 6 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu this ancient township is a natural fortress & has a proud & courageous history. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with artistic houses & temple squares. The Chilamchu stupa & the Bagh Bhairab temples are the important sights here. The historic 16th Century town has many things to offer.
Dakshinkali:
Literally meaning of the Kali of south, this temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the Hindu goddess of power & victory. It is located 20 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu & is famous for its natural surroundings. Every Tuesday & Saturday, animals are ritually sacrified at this temple. On the way to this destination there are a lot of scenic things such a river gorge, fishpond, cave , monasteries & temple, etc.
Gokarna:
This lovely royal game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, Lies about 10km northeast of Kathmadu. Now this site offers 18holes GOLF course & has a beautiful 5 star resort (le Meridian).
Sankhu:
Sankhu is a sleepy town beneath the Gum Bihar religious complex.With in the complex is the temple of Bajra Yogini built in the 17th century. The area has been an important religious site since 4th century & has excellent woods & bird life. This is also an old Newari town having typical Newari architecture ( intricately carved wooden / brick temples & houses) with the traditional living style of the people.
Shivapuri Hill:
Shivapuri provides most of the water to the Kathmandu valley. It is closest to the Himalayas. A trekking can be organized in this hill where one can enjoy the scenery and the sight of unique wildlife . A visit to the Buddhist Monastery & a Nunnery set high on the hill, are the added advantages.
Nuwakot(2.5hrs. ride)
A historic hill town bearing the history of more than the tow & half century. This was the place form where King Prithvi Narayan Shah the founder of modern Nepal launched several unification campaigns. Nuwakot palace, Bhairavi temple, Taleju temple, & the view of Langtang range is very interesting here.
Phulchowki:
It is about 2700meters from sea level. Phulchowki is the tallest hilltop surrounding the Kathmadu valley. This place is described as the bird watcher’s paradise where there are more than 250 species of birds been in sight. During the February-March-April this hill is covered with the colorful rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal.
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Gorkha:
Gorkah is the birth place of king Prithivi Narayan Shah, the great founder of modern Nepal & also the ancestral home of the Shah Kings of Nepal. Gorkha can be reached in about 5 hours from Kathmandu.
Manakamana Temple & Cable car:
 This is the temple which is dedicated to one of the Hindu Goddess ‘Manakamana’(wishfullfilling goddess) situated 125 kilometers west of Kathmandu has the picturesque view of mountains.This place is now accessible by the cable car . This can be visited on the way to Chitwan or Pokhara.
Tansen:
It is a small Newari town of approximately 20000 people which is on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini ( the birth place of Lord Buddha). The Great attraction of Tansen are Srinagar Hill, ancient culture of people, excellent mountain view ,old palaces temples & its serene atmosphere.
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LUMBINI:
 Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, apostle of peace. It is situated 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. Ahokan pillar, Buddha birth sotorne, remains of an old monastery images of Buddha’s mother “Mayadevi”, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. Lumbini Garden,World peace stupa, Chinese monasteries, Shrilanka Monasteries , Japanese monasteries are the other important landmarks of Lumbini. Good Hotels are available.
Tilaurakot:
Tilaurakot is 27 kilometers west of Lumbini is the ancient capital of Kapilbastu, the Kingdom of Shakya dynasty in which family lord Buddha was Born. Chinese Traveler who visited this place 2500 years ago reported seeing numerous stupas, monasteries & the palaces here.
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Royal Chitwan National Park (CHITWAN):
Royal Chitwan National Park is situated 120 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu in Chitwan district. The rare one horn rhinoceros, several species of deer, bear, leopard, dolphin, crocodile, birds & tigers, etc. live in this park in their natural habitat.This is UNESKO’s World Heritage Site.This is the best jungle safari park in Nepal having the world class infrastructures.
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POKHARA:
 One of the most scenic & exciting valley in Nepal is the Pokhara valley. This entire area of famous for trekking & lies 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu six hours by car & 30 minutes by flight from Kathmandu. It is an enormous sunlit playground of green hills, lakes, forests, rivers, waterfalls, terraced fields. For the mountain lover the Annapurna range & the Fishtail Peak, just appear to be infront with over whelming views.
Sirubari Village:
This is the first model village situated 20 kilometers southwest of Pokhara, designed to experience village life tourism. This village allows a panoramic view of western Himalayas from Mt.Annapurna to Mt.Dhaulagiri. It offers a unique experience of home stay for foreign visitors with local Gurung families. A living vibrant culture cupled with the beauty of nature of offers eco-cultural tourism in Nepal.
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Jomsom:
Amidst the high Himalayan settlement of Tibetan-speaking people is a serene village called Jomsom. It among the very few places in Nepal from where the Himalayan peaks can be admired at such a close range & yet from a safe altitude of only 8000 feet. Giant peaks like Nilgiri, Dhaulagiri & the Annapurna Range seem almost at touching distance. Jomsom is not popular trekking destination in Nepal but also the gateway to Upper Mustag “Kingdom” with in the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. Jomsom is also the gateway to the Muktinath temple(Vishni Temple) that holds great religious significance to both Buddhists & Hindus.
Namche Bazaar:
The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest. It is 241 kilometers from Kathmadu & the distance is generally covered with 15 days by trekking. Nowhere else can you immerse yourself so totally among the highest mountains on earth & travel among the legendry Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla or Syangaboche in the Everest region.
Tyangboche monastery & Everest view hotel:
Tyangaboche monastery is the biggest monastery in Khumbu or Everest region. This monastery is situated in the highest altitude. There are a lot of people fly to this monastery by helicopter & fly back to Kathmadu since this is the beautiful site from scenic point of view & spiritually powerful for Buddhists. Everest view hotel is equipped with all modern amenities & situated at the hightest altitude in the world
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Janakpur:
Janakpur is a great place, famous as the birth place of Sita, the consort of lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki). This is the area to witness the typical living of the people of Terai.
Barahachhetra:
Baraha is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Barahachhetra is the holy place for Hindu pilgrimage which lies on the bank of Koshi river in the east. |
