PLACES TO VISIT

PLACES TO VISIT IN NEPAL

KATHMANDU
Kathmandu, the capital and the largest city of Nepal, derives its name from Kasthmandap or “house of wood” a pagoda-style temple. A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, where the clients may catch a glimpse of the Kumari at one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. All around the splendour of historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces. 

• Kathmandu City Tour 

The legends recount that the Kathmandu valley was once a great lake and that Buddhist people believed Manjushiri broached the valley wall with a magical sword, draining the water and creating the Kathmandu valley. The Hindus claim it was Krishna (God of Hindus) who performed the might deed, hurling a thunderbolt to create the Chobar Gorge. The scientists agree that the Kathmandu valley was submerged at one time and the rivers of the valley do indeed flow southwards through the narrow Chobar Gorge. Choose whichever legends you prefer. Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley In Kathmandu valley three cities are famous for sightseeing which called Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu valley provides you ancient Hindus and Buddhist pilgrims historical places where is numerous temples, monasteries and stupas are dominated. All the temples, monasteries and stupas are decorated by enormous arts and architecture. The Kathmandu valley also offers you very old Royal places which built in 12th century ,long historical explanation old museums about political, social and religious happened in the past moment people culture and them life style and grand and fascinating mountain views. 

•  Kathmandu Durbar Square   

Kathmandu Durbar square Pashupatinath is protected by UNESCO world heritage site. Kathmandu Durbar square ( old Royal palace) which built in 12th century. The Durbar square provides you numerous temples, Kumari Bahal ( House of Living Goddess), Kasthamandap (house of wood) and The old museum.

• Pashupatinath 

It is situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof & silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Entrance to the temple precinct is forbidden to non-Hindus. The best view is from the terrace on the wooded hill across the river. The large gilded triple-roofed temple was built in 1696 AD though 300 years earlier there was a structure on this site. The Bagmati River is lined with dharmasalas and cremation ghats including a royal ghat reserved exclusively for members of the royal family. There is usually a cremation in progress on one of the platforms by the river, regarded as holy as it flows into the sacred Ganges. There are many occasions when the faithful take ritual purificatory baths in the river. One of the most colorful is the women’s festival of Teej when dressed in their finest red and gold saris hundreds of women, laughing and singing converge on Pashupatinath.

Pashupatinath is protected by UNESCO world heritage site. Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva a long with the statues, shrine and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in 879AD.However the present temple built by King Bhupatindra malla in 1697AD.A gold plated roof, silver doors and woodcarvings of the finest quality decorate the Pagoda construction. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over south Asia offering( Puja) worship to Shiva tile of lord of destruction.  

• Kapan Monastery

A center of Mahayana Buddhism was established in 1969 by two Lamas i.e. Lama Thupten Zopa Rinpoche & Lama Thupten Yeshe.Since its inception the center has been responsible for introducing thousands to Buddha’s teaching through meditation courses, ectures & retreats.It lies approximately 14km from kathmandu.It lies at top of the small hillock.  

• Budhanilkantha

9 km north of Kathmandu in a small pond at the foot of the Shivapuri Hills lies the half-submerged massive black stone statue of the reclining Vishnu resting on a bed of snakes. Worshippers strew the sleeping Vishnu with offerings of flowers & rice. It is a monumental sculpture from the Lichhavi period.

• Bouddhanath 

The stupa of Bodhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. It is the biggest Stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land and encircled by houses & monasteries, where Rinpoches reside. This colossal Stupa is set on concentric ascending terraces in the powerful pattern of a Mandala. Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels.

Bouddhanath is protected by UNISCO world heritage site. Bouddhanath is among the largest Stupas in the south Asia and it has become focal point of Tibetan Buddhaism in Nepal. The white looms 36 meters overhead. The stupa is located at the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibatan merchants rested and offered prayers have for many centuries. When refuges entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950 AD many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many Gompas and little Tibet Nepal was born. This little Tibet still the best places in the valley to observe Tibetan life style. Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth century. The Bouddhanath is the visual feast of the colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewellery hand-woven carpets, mask and Khukuri (knives) are sold in surroundings stalls.

• Swayambhu nath

Swayambhunath

Atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swayambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley lake. For centuries an important center of Buddhist learning, the painted eyes of the Buddha gaze out from all four sides of the monument. Constructed to specific rules each with a symbolic meaning, the stupa of Swayambhunath is a model of its kind. Its? dazzling white hemispherical mound represent the ladder to nirvana, itself symbolized by the umbrella on the top. The whole is hung with multi-colored prayer flags whose every flutter releases holy prayers. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence.

Swayambhunath is protected by UNISCO world heritage site. The History of the valley, according to the legends begins with Syambhunath or the self-existent in times uncharted by history, Budhisattva Manjusiri came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake center, so he cut a Gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called it the Kathmandu valley from then on the hill top of the self existent lord has been a holy place. Syambhu is the major land of the valley and looks like a become below the Nagarjun hill. It provides excellent views of the Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu city also provides you other very famous and interesting gods and goddess temples which will take you the spiritual way. The Kathmandu city offers you life style of Newar people and them colorful festival. 

• Natural History Museum 

Situated three kilometers west of the downtown Kathmandu and close to famous stupa of Swayambhunath, the museum is the only one of its kind in Nepal. The museum contains about 1400 species of butterflies, fish, birds, mammals and plants from across the country. Visitors can get detailed information about bio-diversity and flora and fauna of Nepal from the museum. The museum remains open everyday, except Saturday, Sunday and other government holidays. Taking photograph inside the museum is strictly prohibited.

Patan

 Introducing Patan

Patan is located about 5 km south of Kathmandu in the Kathmandu Valley and on the southern side of the Bagmati River.Among the 3 royal cities in the valleyatan is also the one.

Its a place for viewing fine arts of woods and stones carvings, metal statues,ornamental architecture,including dozens of Buddhist monastries and Hindu temples,and more 1200 monuments.

Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the “city of fine arts” and is the oldest city in the valley. This Buddhist City is said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts & crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these are the Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Kumbheshwar temple, Jagatnarayan temple & the Mahabouddha temple. Patan is enclosed within 4 Buddhist stupas set on the four-corners of the outer boundaries of this ancient city. A tour of Patan would also include a visit to the Tibetan refugee village to witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets using age-old methods of dyeing and finishing. 

This city is also known for its rich tradition of fine arts and handicrafts.It is also known as the birthplace of master craftsmen and artists such as Arniko and Kuber Singh Shakya.

• More information about Patan

The official name of the city is "Lalitpur"which means City of Beauty.This city is located in the district also called Lalitpur. Patan's population (as of 2006) is close to 200,000.The city is comprised of 22 municipal wards.Patan is the third largest city in Nepal.The economy of Patan is based on trade,commerce,tourism,art,handicrafts and agriculture.

Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon meaning the “city of devotees” lies 14 km east of Kathmandu. It is the home of medieval art & architecture and still retains its rich medieval aroma. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for it’s pottery and weaving. Bhaktapur is the most charming and the best preserved of the valley?s three cities. The intricately carved temples, alleyways and timeless atmosphere of this place is simply intriguing. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of the barking dogs, Nyatapole Temple, Bhairavanath Temple, Dattatrya Temple, Pujari Math etc.

• Bhaktapur City Tour

The Bhaktapur city is protected as a UNESCO world Heritage site. Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, it means city of the Devotees. It is the third major town of the valley and in many ways the most mediaeval. The Bhaktapur is on of the most charming architecture showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient.

• The Golden gate 

 The golden gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The Golden is the mostly lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom.

• The place fifty five windows 

The place fifty five windows is the magnificent place was built during the region of King Yakshya malla1427 AD. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design is a considered to be a unique mabzer piece of wood carving. Nyatapola temple; The five- storey,30 meter-high Nyatopola temple is notly the highest temple in the whole Kathmandu valley, but also is known one of the best example of Nepalese traditional architecture temple.The temple was built in 1702 AD and its design was so elegant and its construction well done.

  

• The art gallery

The art gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist tradition of various periods description. The near of the Durbar square the statue of the Bhupandra malla. This statue showing King Bhupatandra malla in the act of worship is set one column facing the place. The square has many others statues, this is considered to be the most magnificent. In Bhaktapur others more temples can be seen with a full of wonderful and magnificent arts and architecture. Bhaktapur's people life style and them culture enchants you and enable to give you great experience in your life time. Bhaktapur also offers you such a glory woodcarving Handicrafts and colorful thangka paintings place. In Bhaktapur offers you many others interesting things which always able to difference experience than yours own.

Kirtipur
Perched on twin hillocks and clinging to a saddle about 5 km south west of Kathmandu lies the village of Kirtipur. A long flight of steps leads up to Kirtipur from the valley floor & a motorable road goes part way up the hill. Steep paths link brick houses built on terraces. The villagers dressed in traditional costume work on ancient looms. The people are well known for their strength and valour. Many historical battles were fought and won by the inhabitants of Kirtipur.

Chandeshwari
Chandeshwari shrine is located north of the sprawling trading town of Banepa near Dhulikhel. A track leads northeast past the town hospital to the temple on the bank of a forested gorge. The temple is dedicated to Parvati, whom they called upon to slay ?Chand?, the most fearsome of the demons. It thus became known as Chandeshwari, “the slayer of Chand”. The main attraction is a remarkable fresco of Bhairav, painted on the western wall of the main structure. The torana and struts of the three-tiered temple are richly carved with the eight Astha Marikas, or “Mother goddesses” and eight Bhairavs.

Changunarayan

The road access to Changunarayan, 18 kms east of Kathmandu is from behind Bhaktapur. Alternatively, it is a 45 minutes walk up from the Sankhu road, across the Manohara River, using the old pilgrim?s route or a pleasant half-day hike along the ridge from Nagarkote on the eastern valley rim. The lavishly decorated two-tiered temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1702, but the earliest inscription in the valley dated 467 A.D. testifies to the considerable talents of the Licchavi King Mandeva I, Nepal?s first great historical figure. The temple stands in a spacious courtyard, littered with priceless stone sculptures from the 4th to 9th century A.D. (Licchavi period). This golden age of classical Newari art produced masterpieces that were entirely religious in character.

Chovar
Carved out of a hillside, the Chovar gorge is the only outlet for all the waters of the valley. Legend has it that Manjushree, an ancient saint cut the mountain with his magical sword, to drain out the water from the Kathmandu Valley which was then just a lake. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of the hill with a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks. Just beyond the gorge is a temple of lord Ganesh. The main image of the shrine is a massive rock, naturally carved.

Dakshinkali
Dakshinkali is 45-minute drive south from Kathmandu. Located in a dark valley at the confluence of two streams, the shrine of Dakshinkali is the most spectacular of all Kali temples. Animal sacrifices are offered to this deity signifying fertility and the procreative powers of the Female, every Tuesday & Saturday. The animals are presented to the priest who will ritually decapitate them with a khukuri knife & bathe the black stone image of Kali in blood.

Dhulikhel
30 kms east of Kathmandu lies the small resort town of Dhulikhel set on a hill top, enveloped in copper soiled terraces with magnificent views of the central Himalayan peaks. Dhulikhel is well known for its sunrise views and a number of day trails lead along the north ridge of the town. A good way to get a glimpse of Nepalese village life.

Godavari
18 kms south of Kathmandu lies the Royal Botanical Gardens at Godavari. With its rushing streams and shady meadows it is a popular picnic spot. It also has a notable collection of orchids, cactii & ferns. A quiet path leads to the Godavari Kunda, a spring where the sacred water of the Godavari river pours from the mountains.

Kakani

The village of Kakani lies 29 kms north west of Kathmandu City. Famous for magnificent views of the sun setting over the north western Himalayan range; the Ganesh Himal massif, Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Choba Bhamare (6,016 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Annapurna (8,091 m). The drive to Kakani & back along the Trishuli Road is scenically rewarding with green forest & mountain grandeur on one side and fertile river flats and terraced hillside cultivation on the other.

Nagarkot
The tiny settlement of Nagarkot clings to a hilltop 36 kms east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,099m. It is one of the best vantage point to view the peaks – from the Annapurnas to Everest, the peaks seem no more than a day’s walk away. It is also possible to do a day hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel along the valley rim.

Nagarjun
Nagarjun, a prominent forested hill, west of Kathmandu topped with a Buddhist stupa with superb views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Kathmandu valley. A dirt road winds to the top (2,096m) though a trek would take two hours. A return trail descends the southwest side of Nagarjun to Ichangu Narayan and reaches Kathmandu via a dirt road that eventually comes out behind Swayambhunath.
Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha meaning “hail to the Buddha” a sacred site, where according to legend Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress & her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa depicts the moving story. A dirt road (suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles) leads up to Namo Buddha from Dhulikhel. A different trail returns descending south through a forest heading west up a long vale for a round trip walk of six to seven hours, or 2 to 3 hours to Panauti.

Phulchowki
The triple peaked hill of Phulchowki the “flower-covered hill”, is highest on the valley rim at 2,762m. Lying 20 kms south east of Kathmandu, a road winds its way to the top where a small shrine is built to the mother of the forest, Phulchowki Mai. The trail up to the top takes about 4 hours through lovely rhododendron & oak forests crossing the motorable road a couple of times. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the white peaks from Himalchuli to the Everest. There is a trail connecting Phulchowki to Pharping on one side and Panauti on the other.

Shivapuri
Shivapuri, at a height of 2,732m, allows one a 360 degree view of the Himalaya in the north & the Kathmandu valley in the south. The trail up to Shivapuri hill leads through small farming villages & a protected forest of Rhododendrons & orchids with little mountain streams running through it. This can be made into a most enjoyable full day’s programme.

Pokhara & Begnas
Pokhara valley is a scenic 6-hour mountainside drive or a 25 minute flight west of Kathmandu. It is famous for its lakes and its location beneath the towering Annapurna massif. It is highly recommendable to visit this scenic valley, stay in small resort hotels with views of the magnificent Himalayan peaks, go boating on the calm waters of the Phewa and the Begnas lakes or go on tours or day hikes in the nearby hills or if time permits, on a well organized trekking holiday.
Further 12 km east of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from highway to Kathmandu lies the Begnas Lake offering the perfect nature retreat because of its relative seclusion. Splendid hiking, boating and fishing opportunities can be found here. The Begnas Lake Resort, located on a hillside of unspoiled forestland with guest rooms built on rice terraces close to the lake offers magnificent views over tranquil waters of the Begnas, beautiful ethnic villages on the opposite hillsides and the snowy mountain peaks from every room.

Tansen
Tansen, a colourful hill town is situated at an altitude of 1,450m. It is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its location and climate. It has the most extensive views of the country?s chief attraction the Himalaya; from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishankar in the north east. Walking around Tansen town is interesting or short day hike to Ridi can be a rewarding experience. It takes just five hours by car from Pokhara to reach Tansen or just a couple of hours drive from Lumbini.

Lumbini
Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Gautam Buddha, is the pilgrimage destination of the world?s millions of Buddhists. The main attraction at Lumbini remains the sacred garden spread over 8 sq. kms and possessing all the treasures of this historical area. The Mayadevi temple (under reconstruction) is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. This site, identified by the Indian Emperor Ashoka?s commemorative pillar is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had her bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. Other attractions include the various monasteries and stupas erected by different Buddhist countries.

Daman
For those seeking the ultimate pan Himalayan view, Daman is the place to visit.It's located 80kms southwest of the Kathmandu valley, Daman (2,400m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes.

Fascinating Regions Dolpo
The best known of the many isolated high Himalayan valleys across the northern Nepal, Dolpo preserves one of the last remnants of traditional Tibetan culture. Legend says it’s a bayul, one of the “hidden valleys” created by Guru Rinpoche as a refuge for devout Buddhists in troubled times. Surrounded by high mountains including the Dhaulagiri massif to the southeast rand cut off by high passes closed by snow half the year, Dolpo’s easiest access is from Tibet, where its’ people emigrated from perhaps thousand of years ago.
Upper Dolpo shelters about 6,000 people, whose lives revolve around Buddhism, barley, and yaks; their villages (over 4,260 meters) are among the highest settlements on earth. A large portion of Dolpo has been set aside as Shey-Phoksumdo National Park, at 3,555 sq.km. The park shelters blue sheep, Himalayan black bear, leopards, wolves and the elusive snow leopard. Largely thanks to “The Snow Leopard” book and Oscar nominated movie, “Caravan,” Dolpo is the best known of Nepal’s remote northern border regions. One needs to get trekking permit from Department of Immigration in Kathmandu or Pokhara to visit this fascinating region. Check out travel faq for more information on this. Phoksumdo lake at 3,627m is the most fascinating part of the whole trek in Dolpo. The lake is a basin of unearthly turquoise blue ringed by rocky crags and forest, framed by snowcapped peaks.

Rara Lake
Rara lake, the largest lake of the country, is a major destination among the treks in western Nepal. The lake, located within the Rara National Park, is perched on a high shelf, encircled by gray ridges and pine forested hills inhabitated by beers, jungle cats and deer. The trail leading to the lake was built as a horse trail for His Majesty King Mahendra’s 1964 visit to Rara. Access to Rara Lake is from Jumla, which can be reached by flight or by walking for around ten days from Surkhet in western Nepal. A trip to the lake and back to Jumla takes just about ten days.

Kanchanjunga
Kanchanjunga, referred as “Five Great Treasures of the Snows”, is the third highest mountain of the world that lies at the eastern border of Nepal at an altitude of 8,586m. It takes at least two weeks’ walk to reach the destination, Khangchenjunga base camp. There are two Kanchanjunga base camps – north and south, and the usual trek involves reaching either of them. It is possible to visit these both camps, but it takes a much longer time and moreover both are very difficult to cross. This region requires a trekking permit from Department of Immigration from either Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Upper Mustang – Kingdom of Lo
Upper Mustang, an arid barren land with pockets of fertile oases, is very different from any other parts of Nepal. In fact, the kingdom of Lo share similar culture and geography of Tibet. The lifestyle of Lo, people of Lo, is also unique and to date remains untouched by modernity. The trek to Upper Mustang requires a trekking permit from Department of Immigration of Kathmandu or Pokhara. You should remember to get trekking permit only through the registered trekking agencies. The trip to the capital of Mustang and back takes around two weeks and can be done by partly retracing the way in or by taking a circuitous trail through the outposts of this ancient pilgrimage.

Janakpur
A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.

Biratnagar
The second largest city of Nepal, Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in dharan and barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with kathmandu by air and road.

Barahachhetra
A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.
Antu Danda
It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 m. In the Illam district and is famous for its unique views of Mt.Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is the best place for viewing sunrise and sunset.
The name of namche bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241-kms. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region.

Rapti Valley (Chitwan)
From Kathmandu it takes 6 hours to reach chitwan. Situated 120-kms south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal’s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile, more Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to chitwan may view game of Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safari. Visitors may also take river raft, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.

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