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Places
Of Interest
Kathmandu
| Patan | Bhaktapur
| Outside the Valley | Popular
Hill Resorts
The
valley of Kathmandu as the main attraction consists
of three main cities of great historical and cultural
interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur
(Bhadagaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336 m. above
the sea level, the Kathmandu Valley covers an area
of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in
Kathmandu and outside include:
| Kathmandu
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Durbar Square: Bashantapur It is the historical
seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old
temples and the 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 AD. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction,
Nautalle Durbar, Coronation
Nasal |
| Chowk,
the Gaddi Bsithak, The statue of King Pratap Malla,
the big bell, Big Drum and the Jaganath Temple.
On the right-hand corner, larger wooden lattice
screen hides an enormous glide face of Sweata
Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the
Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic
and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka
Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside
the museums. Both the museums remain closed on
Tuesday and government holidays. |
Temple
of Kumari ( Kumari Ghar): The temple or the residence
of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity
of Hanuman Dhoka. 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.
Kasthamandap:
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have
been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning
of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed
from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu
derives is name from this temple.
Swaymbhunath:
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist
Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted
on the four sides of the spire bases are the all seeing
eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilo-meters west
of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about
77m. above the level of the Kathmandu Valley.
Bouddhanath:
The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies eight kilometers east
of the Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa
is one of the biggest in the world.
Budhanilkantha:
About 8 km north of the Kathmandu, at the base of
Shivapuri hill as a remarkable colossal statue of
Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of the snakes. This
is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of
Lichchahvi period. This fifth century statue is in
the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
Gokarna:
This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna
Safari Park, lies about ten kilometers north-east
of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer
can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant back.
On the northern side of Gokarna, is as pagoda of Gokarneshwor
Mahadev.
Pashupatinath
Temple: Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu,
the temple of lord Shiva-Pasupatinath with two tiered
golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb
architecture. Visitor can clearly seen the temple
and activities performed in the temple premises from
the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. Only Hindus
are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.
Guheswari
Temple: Near Pasupatinath is located another historic
and holy temple of Guheshwari. Only Hindus are allowed
to enter the temple courtyard.
Changu
Narayan Temple: Situated on a ridge over looking
the valley, about 12 kilometers of the city. It is
dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest
and the oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the
temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone
carvings. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site.
Kirtipur:
Situated on a ridge 6 km. south west of the Kathmandu
having about 35000 population. The ancient township
is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous
history. The chilamchu Stupa and the temple of the
Bagh bhairav are major sight here. Kirtipur offers
quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple
squares. The people are known for their skill in building
and waving.
Dakshinkali
and Chobhar: The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated
to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular
places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km. from
the city center on the southern rim of the valley
past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded
on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animals sacrifices
are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at
Chobhar gorge. The gash in the hills was made by Manjushree
to drain out the lake which once covered the valley.
Lalitpur
(Patan): This ancient city, also known as Lalitpur
or the city of fine arts is about five km south-east
of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu graceful pagoda
temples and Buddhist monuments. Patan is also listed
as a World Heritage Site. The major tourist attractions
of Patan are:
| Patan
Durbar Square |
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Situated
in the heart of the city constitute the focus
of visitor's attraction. The Square is full
of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted
for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar
square consists of three main chowks or courtyards,
the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav
Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its
centre a masterpiece of stone architecture,
the Royal bath called Tushahity.
Mahaboudha:
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square
lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks
in which thousands of the fourteenth century
Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
Iba
Bahi: Is situated about a two minutes walk
south of Durbar Square. It is one of the oldest
Buddhist monasteries in the Kathmandu Valley
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and
reflects the sophisticated architecture of Malla period.
there is a shrine dedicated to Shakyamuni right across
the intrance.
Krishna Mandir: Built in the seventeen century,
the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position
in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to
be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture
in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21
spires and is completely made of stone.
Kumbeshwar:
This temple situated at the northern part of Patan,
is dedicated to Shiva. It was founded in 1392 and
oldest exiting temple in the city. It is also one
of the only three temple in the Valley with five roofs.
The two ponds here (Konti) are believed to be connected
by a subterranean channel to the holy Gosaikunda lake,
which lies several day's walk north of Kathmandu.
Temples
of Machchhendra Nath and Min Nath: Each year for
six month the Red Machchhendra Nath (also known as
Avalokiteshwor and Adinath Lokeshwor) resides here
and for remaining part of the year it is taken to
the shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Min Nath is
situated in Tengal and is believed to be older than
the Temple of Red Machchhendra Nath.
Rundra
Varna Mahavihar: This unique Buddhist monastery
contains fine and amazing collection of images and
statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that
the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this
monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees
can be seen here even today.
The
Ashokan Stupas: There are four ancient stupas
popularly belived to have been built in 250 B. C.
by Emperor Ahoka at the four corners of Patan. The
four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi
and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These
stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious
importance.
Achheswor
Mahavihar: It was established towards the beginning
of the seventeenth century by one Achheshwor by building
a temple to house and idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar
has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the
Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands
a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Godavari:
Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki,Royal Botanical
Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from
Patan city runs to Godavari to the south-east, passing
through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba
and Badegaun. It is the only in Nepal, is opened daily
including Saturdays and government holidays.
Phulchowki:
Located about 10 km south-east of Patan, this mountain,
2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist
shrine is situated on the top of the hill, which can
be reached through a jeep able road.
| Top |
| Bhaktapur
(Bhadgaon) |
 |
Although
the "youngest" among the three royal
cities, Bhaktapur is carrying the oldest image.
It is situated at an altitude of 1.401 meter
from the sea level. Bhaktapur covers an area
of 4 square miles shaped like a conch-shell.
Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Pottry
and weaving are its traditional industries.
The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu.
The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur includes:
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| Durbar
Square: The main square of the city contains
innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces
like the Lion Gate, the statue of the King Bhupatindra
Malla, the picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the
Palace of 55 windows, the Batsala temple and the
Bell of barking dog, etc. The statue of the King
Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is palace
of the many statues available in Nepal, this is
considered to be the most magnificent. |
The
Nyatapola & Bhairavnath as frame for the famous
Bisket Jatra Nyatapola Temple: This five storey pagoda
was built in 1702 A. D. by King Bhupitendra Malla.
It stands in a five terraced platform. On each of
the terraces squat a pair of figure; two famous wrestler,
two elephants, two lions, two griffins, Baghini and
Singhini the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is
one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive
structure and subtle workmanship..
Bhairavnath
Temple: This temple was first built as a one storey
pagoda but latter changed into a three-storey temple
in 1718 A. D. by King Bhupatrindra Malla. The temple
is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated
to Lord Bhairav-the god of Terror.
Dattatreya
Square: Dattatreya Square takes its name from
the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed
combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and
Shiva. Set in a maze of streets lined with richly
ornamented houses, the squar is famed for its many
ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National
Woodworking Museum is also housed here and the Brass
and Bronze Museum is across the street.
Changu
Narayan: Situated at the end of the long ridge
which runs well into the valley, it is said to have
been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A. D. and said
to be the oldest temple in the valley.
| Top |
| Outside
the Kathmandu Valley |
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Pokhara:
A fabled sopt for a closeup of the high Himalaya,
Pokhara is one of the main starting points for
trekking and lies on the foot of the Annapurna
Himal (8.091m) alonng the lake Fewa. Just a
mere 40 min flight or a 5 hours drive brings
you there.
Gorkha:
The historical city of the founder of the modern
Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah, you can enjoy good
views on the Himalaya and visit this historical
place too! Gorkha lies between Kathmandu and
can easily be combined with
|
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| travel
from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan to Kathmandu
or v/v. |
Lumbini:
The historical birthplace of Lord Buddha, located
near the southern border to India, can be reached
by road and flight. You might visit also the nearby
city of Kapilavastu, the archeological site and city
of Siddartha Sakya's Kingdom before becoming the Lord
Buddha.
Chitwan:
The well known National Park, needless to explain,
one of the best spot's to enjoy wildlife in Nepal.
Famous for the great one horned rhino, eleohant and
te Bengal Tiger and other species of Deer, Antelope,
Birds and Plant Life.
Endangered
Species:
Tiger,
Rhino, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Brown bear, Assamese
macaque, Gangetic dolphin, Wolf, Wild elephant , Giant
horn-bill, Swamp deer, Wild yak, Tibetan antelope,
Black buck, Four horned antelope, Musk deer, Pigmy
hog, Haspid hare, Pangolin, Gharial, Indian bustard,
Saras crane, Impean pheasant, Python.
Wildlife:
One
horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Snow-leopard, Clouded-leopard,
Red panda, Blue-sheep, Long snouted fish eating Gharial,
wild elephant , buffaloes, bisons, blue bull, brown
bear, leopard, crocodiles and many varieties of cat,
dog, deer and antelope fmilies and 840 different species
of wet-land, migratory and residential birds.
| Top |
| Popular
Hill Resorts |
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Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of
Nepal. It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu
at an altitude of 2175m. above the sea level.
The panorama of the major peaks of eastern
Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt.
Everest) can be seen from here.
Fascinating mountain view from Nagarkot
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Dhulikhel:
This ancient town is situated 30 kilometers eaast
from Kathmandu. From here one can have a coplete panoramic
view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east
to Himalchuli in the West.
Daman:
It is situated 80 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu
at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. Daman is located
on the Trivuwan Highway in between Kathmandu and the
town of Birgunj. For the view of the Breathtaking
grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in
one glittering are from far-west of Dhaulagiri to
far -east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no
better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted
with long range telescope. Daman can be reached in
hours from Kathmandu.
CLIMATE
AND CLOTHING :
Nepal's
climate varies with its topography. The climate ranges
from tropical to arctic varying with the altitude
(29,028 ft. to a little below 1,000 ft. above sea-level).
The Terai region, which lies in the tropical section
of the country, has a hot, humid climate. The mid-land
regions are pleasant all the year round, although
winter nights are cool. The northern region, at an
altitude above 1 1,000 ft., has an alpine climate
with a considerably lower temperature in winter.
Seasons
& Clothing : Nepal has four seasons: (a) March-May
- Spring, (b) June-August - Summer, (c) Sept-Nov.
- Autumn, (d) Dec-Feb -Winter.
Clothing
depends on place and time. It is recommended that
one have both light and warm clothing. For summer
in the Terai or Kathmandu, only light clothes are
needed.
RELIGION
AND CULTURE :
Hinduism
and Buddhism are the two major religions of Nepal,
the only Hindu state in the world. Hindus and Buddhist
live together in a friendly way. They worship both
Hindu and Buddhist deities and celebrate festivals
of both religions. The Kumari, or virgin goddess of
Kathmandu, for instance, is a Hindu goddess, but selected
from a Buddhist clan for worship.
A
remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious harmony
that exists, particularly between the Buddhist and
Hindu communities. The People are extremely religious
and observe from day to day the traditional customs
and rites that both religions command. The rich cultural
heritage of Nepal can be seen in the diverse social
customs and frequent socio-religious festivals which
spill into the streets and squares of the cities and
villages. There is hardly a day or a place where one
can not see the celebration of some sort of festival,
however small.
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