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Kathmandu
Valley:
The Valley consists of three main cities of great historic
and cultural interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336
meter above the sea level, the Kathmandu Valley covers
an area of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions
in Kathmandu include :
Machchhendranath
Temple:
The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at
Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It
is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Also called
as Janmadyo or Machchhendra the deity.
Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar):
The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari,
is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
The building has profusely carved wooden blaconies 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 its name from this temple.
Ashok
Vinayak:
The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak
is situated behind the Kasthamandap -also known as Kathmandu
Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi
Dewal:
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi
Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still
one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra
Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
Akash
Bhairav Temple:
A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called
Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed
outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival
of Indra - the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka
(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
Chok, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla,
the Big Bell, Big Drum and, the Jagannath Temple. On
the right-hand corner, larger wooden latticescreen hides
an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen
is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.
There
are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside
the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited
inside the museums. Both the museums remain . closed
on Tuesdays and government holidays.
Tundikhel:
A huge greenfield, flanks one entire side of the old
city Tundikhei. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu
valley are located in the periphery of this area. At
the south western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. tower
built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known
as Dharahara (or Bhimsen Stambha). Sundhara-fountains
with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of
this great tower also belonging to the same period.
Martyr's
Memorial (Sahid) Gate:
It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali
temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the
late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and the busts of
four martyrs.
Bhadrakali
Temple:
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate
stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple
is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main
"Shakta" temples of Kathmandu city.
Singha
Durbar:
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style.
Singha Durbar was the private residence of Rana Prime
Ministers. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's
Government of Nepal.
Narayanhity
Durbar:
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water
spout called Narayanhity, is situated at the southern
corner of the Palace.
National
Museum:
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National
Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts
from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological
and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum
is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays.
Natural
History Museum:
Situated three kilometers west of Kathmandu city behind
the famous Swayambhunath hillock this museum has a unique
collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals,
plants and a variety of fossils collected within the
country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited
Kaisar
Libreary:
Located inside the premises of Ministry of Education,
Kaisar library is a great centre of rare and valuable
books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except
Saturdays and other government holidays.
Budhanilkantha:
About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base
of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of
Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snakes. 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.
Balaju
Water Garden:
Situated about five kilometers North-west of Kathmandu,
Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile headed
water spout dating from the mid eighteenth century.
There is also a swimming pool inside the park.
Swayambhunath:
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 kilometres west of Kathmandu city and is
situated on a hillock about 77m. above the level of
the Kathmandu Valley.
TEMPLES:
Pashupatinath
Temple:
Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu, the temple
of lord Shiva- Pashupatinath with two tiered golden
roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture.
Visitors can clearly seen the temple and the activities
performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank
of the Bagmati river.
Guheswari
Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy
temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter
the temple courtyard.
Chabahil:
The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been
built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor
Ashoka, in the third century B.C. There are ancient
statues around the Stupa.
Chandra
Vinayak:
The temple of handra Vinayak is situated about 200m.
north of Chabahil Stupa. This double tiered brass roofed
temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant
-headed god.
Bouddhnath:
The Stupa of Bouddhnath lies eight kilometers east of
Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of
the biggest in the world.
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 a pagoda of Gokarneshwor
Mahadev.
Sankhu:
It is a typical Newari town, with many fine old buildings
and temples. Beyond the village, up a long flight of
stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a historical temple with
a beautiful view of the local area.
Sundarijal:
It is famous for its scenic beauty.There are magnificent
waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an
ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk after
the motorable road.
Kirtipur:
It is a small town, eight kilometers south-west 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,
the people typically dressed in old traditional costumes,
people working on ancient loom etc.
Chobhar:
Situated nine kilometers South-west of Kathmandu, this
place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the
valley drain through it. There is a small but pictuesque
temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top
one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain
peaks.
Shekha
Narayan:
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple
of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans
of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are
Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan
and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali:
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers
south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as
one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit
this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices
to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed
as a popular picnic spot.
Lalitpur
(Patan):
This ancient city of Patan also Known as Lalitpur or
the city of fine arts is about five kilometers southeast
of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and
Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attractions of
Patan are:
Durbar
Square:
Patan Durbar square, situated in the heart of the city
consitutes 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.
Krishna
Mandir:
Built in the seventeenth 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.
Mahaboudha:
A litle further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this
Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands
of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure
is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural
masterpieces.
Hiranya
Verna Mahavihar:
Located inside kwabadehal, this three storey golden
pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth
century by king Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey
of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and
a large prayer wheel.
Kumbheshwor:
This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during
the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here
on the Janai Poornima day in August.
Jagatnarayan
Temple:
Situated at Sankhmul, this tall, imposing temple of
Lord Vishnu. The temple has many fine images of stone
and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
Rudra
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 believed to
have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka 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.
Acchheswor
Mahavihar:
It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth
century by one Acchheshwor by building a temple to house
an 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.
Temple
of Machhendranath and Minnath:
The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D.
is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is
taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of
Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal
Nyatapola
Temple:
This five-storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King
Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform.
On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures; two
famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins
and Baghini and Singini the tiger and the lion goddesses.
This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for
its massive structureand subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath
Temple:
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but
later chaned into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D.
by king Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its
artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav the
god of Terror.
Dattatraya
Temple:
Built in 1427 A.D. this temple is said to have been
built from trunk of a single tree. Near this temple
is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.
Surya
Vinayak:
Situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, the
temple of Ganesh is placed in a Sylvan setting to catch
the first rays of the rising sun. It is a good picnic
spot flanked by many attractive landscapes.
Changu
Narayan:
Situated at the end of a 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.D
Panauti:
It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with
some very lovely temples and interesting old houses,
particularly beautiful area some fourteenth century
wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful
countryside.
Namo
Buddha:
It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires
an easy drive or good walk to get here. 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
Pokhara
Valley:
The Pokhara Valley - one of the most picturesques spot
of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas,
and Rupa. Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu,
Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu
and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at
an altitude of 827 meters from the sea-level, Pokhara
offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu,
Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara's
numerouslakes, known as 'tal' in Nepali offer fishing,
boating and swimming.
Rapti
Valley (Chitwan):
From Kathmandu it takes six hours to reach Chitwan.
Situated 120 kilometers 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 than
350 species of birds and the elusive 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 safaris. Visitors may also take river raft trips,
driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti
Khola.
Daman:
It is situated 80 kilometers south-westof Kathmandu
at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. Daman is located
on the Tribhuvan 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 telescopes. Daman
can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.
Namche
Bazaar:
The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with
that of Sagarmatha (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 km. 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.
Accommodations are available at Lukla, Namche bazaar,
Thyangboche, Debuche, Periche, Pangboche, Lobuche and
Gorakhshep respectively.
Janakpur:
A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace
of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. There is an artistic
marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popoularly known as
Naulakha Mandir. Religous festivals, pilgrimages, trade
fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha
Panchami and Ram Navami days. Janakpur is also linked
with Kathmandu by air and road.
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