Kathmandu
The three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur
with its old temples, palaces and cultural life of the
people are the social, religious and urban focal point
of Kathmandu valley. The ancient palaces of Malla Kings,
their stone water-baths, linked with countless episodes
of history and legend, and the consume make skill of the
anonymous artists never fail to intrigue.
Swayambhunath
This is a Buddhist Stupa on a western hill of Kathmandu.
More than 2,500 years old, this ancient landmark is
connected to the visit of Manjushree who created
Kathmandu – a lake then – by draining its waters. The
Stupa of Swayambhu is a hemispherical mound of compacted
earth, and is built to specific rules, and is replete
with symbols. The mound represents four elements of
earth, fire, wind and water. The shrine is bedecked in
colorful player flags. The balconies of Swayambhunath
are ideal for viewing the entire Valley.
Bouddhanath
This is another Buddhist Stupa, but is built on flat
surface, and is the largest in world. It is an various
level of terraces, and is painted in pastel, and is
adorned with prayer flags. It is set in the Mandala
design. The settlement of Bouddhanath has the largest
community of Buddhists.
Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is the holiest Hindu temple in Kathmandu
situated on the bank of sacred river Bagmati. This is
the largest and most important Hindu temple complex said
to have been built before Christ. This temple is
dedicated to Lord Shiva, which attracts tens of
thousands of Hindu pilgrims from South Asia as well as
Hindu devotees from the world. This place is sacred for
Hindus cremations.
Patan (The city of beauty )
Patan locally referred to as Lalitpur and situated at
the south of Kathmandu is the second largest town in the
valley. Patan’s great building boom took place under the
Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Numerous
temples of widely divers style as well as many Buddhist
monasteries are scattered around the fascinating town.
The city is famous for its crafts and metal works, which
are wonderful souvenirs to be carried home.
Bhakatapur (The city of Devotees)
Situated at an altitude of 1,401m. Bhaktapur covers an
area of 4 square miles. Shaped like a conch-shell.
Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. 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. The
palace of 55 windows.
Changu Narayan
This is the most ancient Hindu temple in Kathmandu, and
is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Another fact is that the
complex is built on a peninsula which was not submerged
in water as most of the flat valley once was. The
lavishly decorated two-tiered principal temple stands on
a spacious courtyard, and is literally littered with
artistic and priceless statues, idols and sculptures.
Some date back to 4th century AD.
Beyond the urban milieu of the three ancient cities of
Kathmandu Valley, lies a wealth of culture and nature
waiting to be discovered. Ensconced amidst the lush
greenery are magnificent monuments that are specimens of
outstanding artistic workmanship. The village and small
town such as Bungmati, Khokana, Sundarijal, Gokarna,
Lele, Vajra Varahi and many more dotting the landscape,
provide charming glimpses of rural life.
CULTURAL PROGRAMS
Cultural programs offer a fascinating glimpse of Nepal’s
diverse ethnic and cultural traditions. There are
several places in Kathmandu where folk dances and
musical performances are held every evening. Nepalese
folk dances are an expression of joy. They celebrate the
changing of the seasons or youthful romances. Evening
time in rural Nepal is often filled with the sound of
village song festivals and spontaneous gatherings.
If you want to enjoy Nepalese folk dances but do not
feel like going on a mountain trek, you can go to one of
the cultural programs in Kathmandu for a lively evening
of cultural enlightenment.
Nagarkot
Of the possible resort destinations, Nagarkot (altitude
2, 175 m) is by far the most popular. Located 30 km east
of Katmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite
weekend gateway among those seeking mountain views in
comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range,
stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past
Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the
darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe
inspiring majesty and beauty.
Dhulikhel
The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 km east of Katmandu
on the Arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old
days, Dhulikhel flourished as a trading center handling
commerce between Kathmandu and Lhasa. Today, it delights
visitors with its enchanting cultural heritage and
stunning Himalayan views. Dhulikhel means luxuriating in
unspoiled natural splendor and becoming oblivious to the
cares of the world. The artistic skill and urban ethos
of its Newar inhabitants have created a place of charm
and beauty. There are many vantage points in Dhulikhel
which offer a panorama of the Himalaya that will leave
spellbound. More than 20 Himalayan peaks can be seen in
all their glory. Sunset views are equally spectacular.
Daman
For those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view and
willing to travel the extra distance to find it, Daman
is the place to go. Located 75 km southwest of the
Kathmandu Valley on the highway to the Indian border,
Daman (2,400 m) offers the only unimpeded view of the
entire Himalayan range, sight guaranteed to leave the
early riser spellbound for days to come.
Pokhara
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara
is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled
in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the
starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking
and rafting destinations. Pokhara (population 95000) is
a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of
Fewa Lake and the magnificence of the Fishtailed submit
of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind, it create an
ambiance of peace and magic. This valley, located at an
altitude of 914 m, is only 5 hours scenic drive (200 km)
from Katmandu.
This little hometown of Himalayan water awaits you with
anticipation and excitement. The valley surrounding
Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, and
emerald takes and of course the famous view of the
Himalayas.
Lumbini (Birth place of Lord Buddha)
Lumbini – a place in the south Western Terai of Nepal,
evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of
Buddhists all over the world – as do Jerusalem to
Christians and Mecca to Muslims. For Lumbini is the
place where Lord Buddha – the apostle of peace and the
light of Asia – was born in 623 BC Located in the flat
plains of South – Western Nepal and the foothills of
Churia range, Lumbini and its surrounding area is
endowed with a rich natural setting of domestic fauna
and a favorable agricultural environment. Historically,
the region is an exquisite treasure trove of ancient
ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian
era. The sites described as a beautiful Garden in the
Buddha’s time still retain its legendary charm and
beauty. The places to be visited in Lumbini Garden are
The Ashokan Pillar, Image of Maya Devi, Puskarni – the
sacred pool, Sanctum – sanctorum of the Birthplace, the
Buddhist temple etc. places to be visited around Lumbini
are Kapilvastu (capital of Shakya republic), Arorakot,
Chatradei, Gotihawa Kundan, Nilhawa, Sagarhawa etc.
The nearest town to reach Lumbini is Bhairahawa. which
is connected with Kathmandu and Pokhara by air and road.
Bhairahawa and Lumbini are connected with an all weather
road and regular bus service is available. |