Kathmandu
Valley :
The Kathmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural
hub of Nepal, is the first stop for the majority of visitors
to the country. Originally known as the Nepal Valley and
a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities,
each an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant
palaces, brick- paved courtyards and quaint streets.
Swayambhu Stupa : (World Heritage
Site)
Watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its
western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists
sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation
of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu
is also known as Samhengu. The National Museum and the Museum
of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.
Budhanilkantha :
Is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of
the Valley. It is about nine KM from the city center. The
hub of the temple complex is a pond in which lies a great
stone figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils
of a cosmic serpent. It is also known as Bhuijasi.
Bouddhanath Stupa : (World
Heritage Site)
Lies about six km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and
is the largttyest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters
high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens
of stupa design. Bouddhanath is also known as Khasti, or
dew drops, after an account that builders had to use dew
to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe
drought during its construction.
Pashupatinath Temple : (World
Heritage Site)
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath
lies five km east of the city center. The richly-ornamented
pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord
Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence prior
to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the
holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple.
Changu
Narayan Temple : (World Heritage
Site)
Is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12
km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu
god Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda
architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood
and stone carvings.
Kathmandu
Durbar Square : (World Heritage
Site)
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between
the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the
ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece here
is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall
of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar
Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of
the city. There are also three museums inside the palace
building.
Patan Durbar Square : (World
Heritage Site)
Like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange
of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda
temples. The former royal palace complex is the center of
Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing
an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable
monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the
Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Bhaktapur
Durbar Square : (World Heritage
Site)
As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling
of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the
spatial layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows,
situated to the left as you enter through the city gate,
inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed
inside. The entrance to the palace, the Golden Gate, is
a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building
is a medley of temples of various designs.
Nagarkot :
Nagarkot(altitude 2,175m)is by far the most popular.Located
30kms east of Kathmandu.nagarkot is popular for sunrise
and sunset tour. At sunrise,the Himalayan range,stretching
from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to
kanchenjunga in the east.
Dhulikhel :
The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 kms east of Kathmandu
on the arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old days,
Dhulikhel flourished as a trading center handling commerce
Kathmandu and Lhasa. Today it delights visitors with its
enchanting cultural and stunning Himalayan views.Dhulikhel
means luxuriating in unspoiled natural splendor and becoming
oblivious to the cares of the world.
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, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays
and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the
deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The narrow
gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out
the lake which once covered the Kathmandu Valley.
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.
The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is one of excited
vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and
restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and
viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. Pokhara
is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of
Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit
of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambiance
of peace and magic.
Lumbini
:
Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC,
is situated in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. The nativity
site is marked by a stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor
Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred
spot.
Shopping :
Nepal is famous for Handi-crafts items. Handi-crafts from
Nepal were coveted across Central Asia in ancient times
for their superior quality and intricate workmanship. Today,
the skills inherited from the old masters continue to be
practiced with the same devotion to bring you works of art
which you will forever cherish.
Garments, Gems, Jewelry, Khukuri,
Metal-ware, Music cassettes and CDs of Nepalese classical,
folk and sacred tunes, Paper products,Paubha, Pottery, Spices,
Tea, Wood carving, Woolen carpets Statues. The casting of
bronze, brass and copper statuary in Nepal dates back to
the 13th century. Casters in Nepal use the ancient and labor
intensive "lost-wax method" in which ornate figures,
modeled in bees-wax and used to create the earthenware molds,
are melted away and "lost" prior to the actual
casting. |