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Nepal having extreme opportunities to enjoy
natural beauties plentiful powered by the God almighty.
Its 1400 km snow glacier region, national park with full
of different wild animals, waterfall, green mountains and
valley, snow covered world famous mountains are few of it.
Here we have mentioned only few places which are well known
in the tourism markets. If you are real nature lover &
have full of interest to enjoy the natural beauties of the
Himalayan kingdom Nepal please write to us. We feel proud
to prepare very special tour itinerary for your special
holiday in Nepal.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
 The
name Kathmandu, previously known as Kantipur, derived from
Kasthamandap, a rest house built from the wood of a single
tree. King Yaksha Malla divided the valley into four parts
– Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan and Kirtipur and presented
them to his four children, three sons and one daughter respectively.
Later, the three brothers started an artistic competition
or warfare to outdo each other in impressive constructions.
Thus, the three Durbar Squares were made, so rich in artifacts
and craftsmanship. Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart
of the city. It is most often called the Hanuman Dhoka Palace
by the locals rather than Kathmandu Durbar Square on account
of the big sculpture of the Monkey god – Hanuman placed
at the entrance of the Palace, which is now a museum that
houses the souvenirs of Shah Kings. Visits to the following
are a must, if you have time: The Kumari Ghar – h
ouse of Living Goddess, Shiva Parvati Temple, various shrines
situated inside the square premises, carvings, Bhairav temple.
One can also visit Indra Chowk, Seto Machhindranath temple
and Annapurna temple, which are ten minutes walk from the
square. Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1979.
Pashupatinath
 Pashupatinath
is the sacred shrine of Lord Shiva for all Hindus. Situated
at the bank of the Bagmati River, 5km east of Kathmandu’s
city center, built in the Pagoda style this two-tiered golden
roofed temple holds a very strong religious belief. If a
Hindu takes his/her last breath at Pashupatinath and her/his
body is cremated here and ashes are sprinkled in the holy
water of Bagmati it is believed that her/his soul is released
from the cycle of rebirth and finds the ultimate nirvana
or salvation. Pashupatinath, which dates back to before
400AD is believed guard and protect Nepal and its people.
UNESCO designated Pashupatinath temple as World Heritage
Site in 1979.
Shayambhunath
 Swayambhunath
Stupa is the most ancient and mysterious of all the holy
shrines in Kathmandu Valley. Its origin is related to the
visit of Manjushree – a Bodhisatva sage who created
the Kathmandu Valley from a primordial lake. According to
a legend of 15th century Swayambhu Puran, it is believed
that past Buddha planted a lotus that miraculously blossomed
from the lake. Manjushree, while meditating at the sacred
mountain, had a vision of the brilliant but mysterious light
radiated by the lotus and flew across China and Tibet to
worship it. In order to make it accessible to the pilgrims,
Manjushree drained out water from the lake and thus, the
lotus was transformed into a hilltop and the light into
Swayambhunath Stupa. Hence, the derivation of the title
Swayambhu, which means self-creation. This superior white
mound and glittering golden spire is visible from all sides
of the valley. Both Hindu and Buddhists equally worship
Swayambhunath eve though it is a Buddhist Stupa. Everyday
people ascend the 365 steps to pay a visit to the deity.
Every part of the Stupa holds a religious belief; according
to Buddhism the thirteen gilded circles of the spire symbolize
the thirteen steps that lead to nirvana or ultimate salvation
– Moksha; the eyes on each of Stupa’s four sides
symbolize the God’s all-seeing perspective that the
God is looking everywhere to distinguish justice from injustice.
The third eye on each face of the Stupa symbolizes wisdom.
It is also believed that the only way to salvation is through
Buddhism. Swayambhunath Stupa was listed in UNESCO World
Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Bouddhanath
 The
largest Stupa in South Asia situated 6km east of the city
center Bouddhanath is one of the most auspicious pilgrimage
sites for Buddhists. The huge Stupa stands 36m high on the
ancient trade route to Tibet. It is believed that Bouddhanath
Stupa was built in the 5th century and entombs the remains
of a Kasyap sage who is respected by both Hindus and Buddhists.
The Tibetan refugees, who migrated in 1950s to Nepal, settled
around Bouddhanath and today it has become the center of
Tibetan Buddhism in the world where one can still observe
the Tibetan lifestyle in Bouddhanath. Tibetans and monks
in maroon robes with prayer wheels in their hands still
practice the rituals. Devotees still hold big functions
during celebratory in particular occasions, Buddha Jayanti
– Buddha’s Birthday. UNESCO listed Bouddhanath
in World Heritage List in 1979.
Changunarayan
 Changu
Narayan temple is situated on of a peaceful hilltop about
6km north of Bhaktapur near Changu village, which offers
a beautiful view of the surrounding hills, valley and mountains.
This astounding artifact is believed to be an ancient temple
built in the Kathmandu Valley some 1600 years ago. It is
dedicated to Narayan, the incarnation of Lord Vishnu and
is also worshipped by Hindus as the auspicious shrine of
Vishwarupa. The two-tiered pagoda-styled temple, the struts
with the carvings of ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu, the
beautiful metal doors and the artifacts found inside the
premises of the temple all signify the flawless talent of
ancient craftsmen. This grand sanctuary reveals the secret
of ancient Nepal. It was listed in UNESCO World Heritage
Site in 1979.
Bhaktapur
Durbar Square
 Bhaktapur,
the “Ancient city of Asia” was previously known
as “Bhatgaon”. “Bhat” means rice
and “gaon” means village. Since the occupation
of the natives were agriculture and rice was cultivated
in a large percentage the place was so called as Bhatgaon.
These days Bhatgaon has been replaced by Bhaktapur which
literally means the “city of devotees”. “Bhakta”
means devotee and “pur” means place or city.
Bhaktapur is shaped like a “conch-shell” and
is surrounded all over by Hanumanthe River. It is a small
city within an area of 6.88 sq. km which lies 14km east
of Kathmandu. It is the linking city between Kathmandu and
Nagarkot and Kathmandu and Changu Narayan.
One can enter the city through many places. The main entrance
is from the gate located near the parking area of the city.At
the entrance, there are ancient water spouts and shelters
which were originally designed for the traders in ancient
days. On the way to the main city, there is a small temple
built in a Fig tree. Fig is a rare tree which is not found
in every part of the world. The specialty of this tree is
it never dies, but these days they are being less in numbers.
So it’s a good thing that one can still see these
rare trees in Nepal and inside the Kathmandu Valley itself.
Bhaktapur was founded in the 12th century by King Ananda
Dev Malla and was designed in a form of a courtyard. The
city was surrounded with tall walls so it is also called
as “Walled city”. The basic purpose of building
up walls was to protect the citizens and the city from enemies
and intruders. When the city was planned, it was designed
in a religious way. Eight Mother Goddesses - Asta Matrika
were installed on eight geometrical corners of the city
for the divine protection.
Bhaktapur is renowned for its unique traditions,
colorful culture, fabulous festivals, stupendous arts and
architecture and typical Newari lifestyle. Despite of continual
invasions and natural calamity of 1934, Bhaktapur is still
rich in arts on account of its majestic temples, monasteries
and alluring palaces. The major population inside the city
is of Newar community and a very less inhabited by the Brahman,
Chhettris and Shudras. The typical occupation of the people
are Pottery making, weaving and farming which are still
practiced in the same old manner passed through the generations
since medieval eras.
The major attraction of Bhaktapur is the Bhaktapur Durbar
Square. It is an incredible and beautiful example of Nepali
craftsmanship. The main entrance to the Durbar Square is
from the Lion Gate, which was built during the reign of
King Bhuptindra Malla. The precincts of the Durbar Square
is more spacious and less crowded with temples. Once the
precincts of the square were massed with numbers of temples,
but the great earthquake of 1934 destroyed most of the temples,
monuments and even the 99courtyards of the Royal Palace.
Near the Lion Gate, there are marvelous temples of Lord
Rameshwor, Lord Badrinath, Lord Krishna and Lord Shiva.
The major attractions of the square are the Royal Palace,
the Palace with 55 windows and the Golden Gate carved with
the images of Goddess Durga. These artifacts are the incredible
examples of ancient architecture.
In front of the palace with 55 windows and the Golden gate,
there is a statue of King Bhuptindra Malla in the act of
worshipping, which is mounted on a stone pillar. This is
one of the finest example of arts and sculptures of Nepal.
The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the Palace with
55 windows, a three-storied edifice built during the reign
of King Bhuptindra Malla with mind-blowing beautiful carved
windows. The walls are decorated with terracotta pattern
and the top story is surrounded by carved wooden balcony.
The building displays the skills in carpentry and wood –carving.
The Royal Palace of Bhaktapur was built
approximately 600 years ago by King Yakshha Malla with altogether
99 courtyards. But the disastrous incident of 1934 badly
damaged this site. Though the palace was renovated it could
not exactly match up with the original design. But still
the Palace looks very beautiful embracing its ancient artistic
jewels. Now there are only 7 courtyards in the palace premises
and the palace has been transformed into a school for the
local children.
Other main attractions of the Square are Mul Chowk, Taleju
Chowk, Kumari Bahal, Sundari Chowk, Kamal Pokhari –
the Royal Bath, Chyasilin Mandap, Siddhi Lakshmi Temple,
Fasidega Temple, Pashupati temple – replica of original
Pashupatinath temple of Kathmandu and is one of the oldest
temples of the valley, Taduchen Bahal – oldest monastery
which has now been converted into a series a shops, Terracotta
temple, Yakchashwore temple, Golden spout, Chardham, Stone
temple of Batsala devi, Bell of Barking Dogs.
Chardham is believed to be the great pilgrimage
for Hindus. People visit Chardham to preach their sins,
but the Chardham was only in India and due to transportation
problem it was difficult to go to India to pay a visit to
the deities. So the clever King built the Chardham here
itself.
The other attractions of Bhaktapur are
Pottery Square, Dattatraya Square and Nyatapola Square.As
pottery is one of the main occupations of the Bhaktapurians,
there is a “Pottery Square” in the city. This
courtyard is also famous as “Pottery Courtyard”.
One can observe the potters working with clay with the aid
of the wheels to make beautiful mud pots. Pot making is
an interesting art. In ancient days, the locals used to
make pots and visit mountains for trading. Tourism basically
developed in Bhaktapur because of trade. Shelters known
as Pati according to the local dialect and waterspouts were
built for traders since there was no accommodation system
as hotels and lodges during those days. People used to leave
certain space at the ground floor for lodging purpose so
that the locals could promote their trade. The same pattern
could be observed at present too but people use these spaces
for their own household purposes. The master plan of this
courtyard was designed some 800 years ago but one can still
see people practicing the same old plan. There are two temples
in potter’s square; Vishnu temple and Jeth Ganesh
temple.
Bhaktapur city was designed in a religious way. The alleys
were designed in a form of a circle and the stone paved
road was designed to lead the way to the religious places.
Following this way you can reach to different temples of
Bhaktapur and can even observe the housing plan of Bhaktapur.
Tall houses are built inside the city and small houses upto
2 storied are built outside the city. There
are two reasons behind this;
1. the citizens were reorganized
according to the caste system on the basis of their jobs
by King Jayasthiti Malla. The lower caste people were secluded
and were commanded to live outside the town whereas the
high caste people were allowed to live inside the town and
were even allowed to build tall houses.
2. the other reason was
the King wanted sunlight to reach all houses. Therefore,
the houses were built in a zigzag way, which let all houses
to face the sunlight. The small houses outside the city
didn’t opaque the sunrays. This zigzag system had
another significance too. It let every house to observe
the festival or activities going in the city that passed
making its way throughthem.
The system can be seen today also which makes you feel that
you are still in the medieval era. The major community is
of Hindus however, few Muslims and Buddhists also reside
in the city revealing unique example of different ethnic
group living hand-in-hand though possessing different religion,
origin and cultures. Thus, one can find few Masjit or Mosques
and statues of Lord Buddha in the vicinity of Bhaktapur.
In accordance with the history, Muslims were actually invited
by King Ratna Malla since Muslims used to manufacture glass
bangles and beads known as Pote in Nepali language. Bangles
and Pote are the auspicious accessories of a married Hindu
woman and these are the important accessories used in the
wedding ceremony. It is believed that if the wife puts on
Sindoor, an auspicious vermilion powder (only used by married
women), wears glass bangles and pote, it will keep her husband
healthy and live longer.
Bhaktapur has many ancient artifacts and
the city system or the lifestyle of the natives is still
conventional. Thus, this city will teach you many important
aspects of Nepalese history. Temples, monuments, palaces,
manmade ponds or reservoirs etc all possessing historical
significance.
There are many manmade ponds or the reservoirs
in Bhaktapur. These were constructed for water supply purposes
especially drinking and drainage purpose so that people
did not have to go farther to bring water as there was no
water supply to individual houses as on these days. Another
reason was as all the houses were made up of woods or woods
were massively used while building a house and perhaps they
could catch fire very easily, so in order to protect the
houses from fire these reservoirs were made. Altogether
there are twelve ponds in the city. The city plan was total,
complete and perfectly independent though it was made on
the remote days. One of the ponds’ name is Nyatapola
pokhari or Mirror pond as the image of Nyatapola temple
is clearly reflected on the water of the pond. These ponds
are still used by the locals though water supply is provided
in most of the houses.
Another stupendous product of Bhaktapur
city is the ‘Peacock Window’, the most well
known wood carving of Nepal. It is placed in the Pujari
Math, which was built by King Yakcha Malla. The Peacock
Window was presented to our King and Queen as a wedding
gift by the Germans in 1973 during the inauguration function
of ‘Renovation project of Pujari Math’. The
Pujari Math has been now converted into National Museum
of wood carving.
The road down the Pujari Math leads towards
an old temple of Lord Vishnu named as Adka Narayan temple.
‘Adka’ means trapped. The sculpture of Lord
Vishnu is actually placed as if the deity was trapped. This
temple bears a historical importance, as it is approximately
600 years old. In the precincts of the temple you can see
old ladies making cotton threads out of bulk cotton with
the aid of wooden wheels. With these cotton threads they
prepare wicks – dhup or batti in Nepali, which is
used for worshipping the deities. The Adka Narayan temple
lies outside the main town.
Following the road ahead of Adka Narayan,
you can march to Dattatraya Square, which lies in Tachupal
tole. The square is named after Dattatraya temple. It is
a 600 years old temple designed in pagoda style. The pillars
and struts of the temple are made up of wood and bear beautiful
carvings. At the main entrance of the temple there are two
identical statues of wrestlers who are called as temple
guardians. In front of the temple, a figure of Garuda is
mounted on a column in the act of worshipping the god. You
can see the statue of Dattatraya viewing outside from the
temple’s first floor’s window. It is said that
Dattatraya is a tantrik – black magician and he is
the son of Lord Vishnu and Shiva. In the periphery of Dattatraya
Square, there are other monasteries, replica of peacock
window, Bhimsen temple and a platform. All the temples are
built on perfectly rectangular bases, however, the Bhimsen
temple does not have a rectangular base. It is said that
Bhimsen is not a god rather a human being, therefore, his
statue is placed in the first floor of the temple whereas
the other statues of other gods are installed in the ground
floor itself.
The right side of the Bhimsen temple leads to the main street
or the highway of the city. On the way to the main city,
there is a temple known as Nhasa Dya meaning “God
of Music”. As music does not possess any shape and
size, as it is intangible, the temple does not bear any
statue representing the god rather it has three holes resembling
the gods, as music also comes from hollow objects. Bhaktapur
is famous for its traditional dances and typical Newari
music – the precious Nepalese culture and wonders
for the tourists.
Following the street negotiating through
the Nhasa Dya temple, you can reach the Bhairav temple located
in the Taumadhi tole. This is a three storied, pagoda styled,
400 years old temple, yet another fine example of Nepali
architecture and artistic grandeur, which was rebuilt after
the destruction caused by the 1934’s earthquake. It
has carved golden windows that make the temple even more
beautiful.
The other tremendous creation of the Nepalese
craftsmen and ancient architects in this area is the Nyatapola
temple. ‘Nyata’ means five in Newari, so this
literally means that the temple is five-storied pagoda styled
edifice built on a tall platform. This is the tallest temple
of Kathmandu Valley that stands 30m from its plinth. The
pillars and the struts of the temples are constructed from
the carved woods. Along the sides of the stairway, there
are identical stone statues of men holding their weapons,
elephants, lions and griffins. These are the temple guardians.
It is said that each temple guardian is ten times stronger
than the preceding ones and the goddess inside the temple
is 100 times stronger than them. This temple is dedicated
to goddess Laxmi – Goddess of Wealth. Small bells
are affixed at the edges of the roofs, which tinkle when
moved by the soft wind. Nyatapola is the only temple, which
withstood the damages caused by the earthquake of 1934.
It faced only minor damages whereas many monasteries, temples,
monuments and palaces were completely destroyed. Nyatapola
temple is very famous for its incredible workmanship.
Bhaktapur consists museums too. There are three museums
in Bhaktapur viz; the National Bronze Museum that lies within
the premises of Durbar Square, the National Art Gallery
that is located in the Palace with 55 windows and the National
Wood Carving Museum that is located in Pujari Math within
the precincts of the Dattatraya Square
The temples, monuments, monasteries, spouts are so well
maintained in Bhaktapur that it will make you feel that
you are in the medieval times itself. The sculptures, arts
and the architecture bear the artistic philosophy and are
the great embellishment of the sumptuous workmanship and
craftsmanship. The locales still following the traditions
and cultures passed through generations. You can even notice
that most of the people still wear the typical Newari dress;
women wear Haku patasi (Black saree with red border, typical
Newari attire) and men wear Daura suruwal, which reflects
the charm of Newari tradition, costumes and culture. Bhaktapur,
a world heritage site is as an atavistic city, which is
a living example of the superior art and crafts, subtle
workmanship, fine architecture and beautiful history and
culture.
Patan Durbar
Square
 Patan
City embraces yet another world heritage site of Nepal popular
for excellent curio materials, ancient sculptures, fine
arts and crafts, fabulous culture and amazing architecture.
Patan city is also known as Lalitpur, which means “city
of fine arts”. “Lalit” in Newari means
art and “pur” means place or city. Patan city
from its very ancient days is very popular for its influencing
arts and crafts. The ancient name of Lalitpur is “Yupgram”.
“Yup” means the big and tall wooden pillars,
which are placed inside the big stupas. Therefore Patan
is also called as “Yalansi” but its is mispronounced
as Yala. Lalitpur was trade center in ancient days and the
trade center city was called Patan in those days. Patan
is also the birth place of the great and famous architect
and artist “Araniko”. The Chinese Emperor was
very much impressed with Araniko’s artistic talent
so he called him to China to build the monasteries in “Pagoda
style”.
Patan was the city of Buddhists particularly
the center of Bajrayani Buddhist religion so we can see
the influence of Buddhist religion in numerous temples of
Patan. This city was designed keeping in mind the circle
of Buddhist religion. Malla Kings in a form of a “Lotus
flower” designed Patan some 1600 years ago. This city
too has a major community of Newars and others of Chhettri,
Bahun and Shudra Walking down towards the Patan Durbar Square,
you can first visit the Ratna Vihar. It is a beautiful monastery
designed in a rectangular base and Pagoda style. The majestic
statue of Gautam Buddha is installed inside the monastery.
This monastery is designed in a form of a courtyard, which
is the center of knowledge. At the entrance there are two
stone statues of Lions, which are the temple guardians.
Just after the entry gate two shelters are built at two
sides of the passage. At the precincts of the monastery
there are Mandalas and a big Bajra. The Mandalas stand for
the comas – the sanctified area of the great mystery
in the center of which the domain of the gods is to be found.
It also represents the circle of life.
Mandala is a round peak mounted on a square base column.
Bajra also known as thunderbolt is the enlightenment or
the sign of knowledge. It is installed on a small column.
After strolling around the precincts of this monastery,
take a 7-8 minutes walk from the Ratna Vihar and then you
will reach the main attraction of Patan city – “The
Patan Durbar Square”.
The majestic Patan Durbar Square is yet another example
of the extraordinary ingenuity of the Nepalese artists and
architects. The precinct of the Durbar Square is not spacious
but is crowded with beautiful temples and monuments. The
main attraction of the square is the “Royal Palace
of Malla Kings”. As there was the system of courtyards
in the ancient days, Patan Durbar Square too have three
impressive courtyards viz; Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and
Mani Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Mul Chowk is the oldest courtyard
where the shrine of the secret family deity of Mallas, King’s
prayer room and Vidya Mandir are housed. At the corner of
the Mul Chowk, there is a three storied, octagonal, pagoda
styled temple of Taleju Bhawani also known as Degu Talle.
It is the patron goddess of Malla dynasty. The other courtyard,
Sundari Chowk is very famous for Tusha Hiti, which was the
Royal Bath. The Royal Bath lies below the ground level i.e.
it is sunken and is decorated beautifully with carved stones.
In ancient days or medieval times, there
were four gates in this city at four different poles. In
order to make the city more beautiful the city was segmented
in four different parts; Dipawali Nagar (Guitel) in the
east corner, Shilapur Dangiri (Pulchowk) in the west side,
Lalitaranya (Kumbheshwore) at the north side and Matinagar
(Lagankhel) at the south side. Five different shrines were
installed at four different geometrical corners of the city
for the divine protection. They were Balkumari temple at
east, Khadgayogini at west, Chamunda devi at north and Batuk
Bhairav and Mahalaxmi at south. And the Royal Palace with
golden gate is situated in the center of the city. The palace
is very popular for its tremendous carved struts and wooden
pillars and windows
In front of the Sundari Chowk of the Royal
Palace, there lies an octagonal edifice. This is the temple
of Lord Krishna known as Krishna Mandir. This temple is
completely made up of granite. Behind this temple, there
is a beautiful waterspout with a statue of the Queen installed
in the center of the spout. Water comes out from the fourth
finger of the Queen as it is said that the Queen was of
lower caste and in ancient days people did not drink water
touched by the lower caste people. So to make people realize
that even she was pure and normal like others, this waterspout
was built. Beside Krishna Mandir or just infront of the
waterspout, there is a big bell called the “Taleju
Bell”. This bell was rung whenever a visitor especially
a subject wanted to visit or appeal to the King. Just after
the Taleju Bell there is a beautiful temple dedicated to
Lord Shiva and is known as “Hari Shanker Temple”.
The wooden beams supporting the roofs of the temple are
carved beautifully. It is a three storied, pagoda styled
temple where the edges of the roofs are filled with small
bells. Just after this temple, there is a small white temple
of Lord Vishnu. In front of Vishnu temple, there is a gilded
statue of King Siddhi Narsingha Malla in worshipping posture.
The statue is affixed on top of a stone column facing the
Royal Palace. The statue is protected by the hood of the
Naag – King cobra and at the top of the cobra’s
hood there is a sculpture of small bird. You can even see
a statue of Hanuman – Monkey God on the roof of the
Royal Palace as in a walking position.
Then comes the huge edifice of Jagat Narayan or Char Narayan
beside the Vishnu temple built on bricked plinth in a pagoda
style. This two storied temple has wooden carved struts
carrying the beautiful portrays of Gods and Goddesses. It
is believed to be the oldest temple of the Durbar Square
bearing a high historical importance. Then after this temple
there comes the temple with unique design and magnificent
architecture, Krishna Mandir. This temple is also dedicated
to Lord Krishna, a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. This temple
was built during the reign of King Siddhi Narsingha Malla
in the 17th century and is made completely only out of stones.
This temple is simply extraordinary and is another major
attraction of the square beside the Royal Palace. The carved
pillars, walls and the balconies of the temple are stupendous
bearing the scenes of the great epics, the Mahabharat and
the Ramayan that make the temple very unique and majestic.
Along the stairway there are two big statues of Lions as
temple guardians. Krishna Mandir is the principle venue
on Krishnastami – the birth date of Lord Krishna,
when people even from distant places pay a visit to the
deity. Krishna Mandir is a masterpiece of the ingenuity
of Nepalese artists and architects. In front of the temple,
there is a gilded statue of the Garuda, vehicle of Lord
Vishnu, in a praying posture facing the temple, which is
mounted on a stone pillar.
After Krishna Mandir, there is a big and beautiful temple
known as Vishwanath Mandir dedicated to Lord Shiva. The
entrance of the temple is guarded by two stone elephants
and a Shiva Linga is placed inside the temple. A column
is raised facing the temple with a stone statue Taleju Bhawani
on top. The struts of the temple are surmounted with erotic
carvings. It is a two storied, pagoda styled temple, where
small bells are affixed at the edges of the roofs that tinkle
when a gentle breeze flows.
Just infront of the Vishwanath temple or
next to the Royal Palace is Manga Hiti, a water conduit,
which lies below the ground level of the temples or the
palace or it is sunken. Here we can see three gargoyies.
Above Manga Hiti i.e. just next to the Palace there lies
a pavilion, which is known as Mani Mandap. This was used
for the Royal Coronation. But these days we can find vendors
with their curio showpieces and accessories and the Royal
palace has been transformed into a Museum.
Next to Vishwanath temple is Bhimsen temple. This temple
is also built in Pagoda style, yet another creation of the
Nepalese architecture. It is a three-storied edifice, which
has an artificial marble facade. Here also numbers of bells
are hung on the edges of the temple’s roofs.
The other main attractions of Patan are
the Golden temple – the most attractive Buddhist Temple
which is also known as the Hiranyavarna Mahavihar, Kumbheshwore
temple, a five storied temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, Mahabouddha,
a stone carved temple with hundreds of Buddha’s portrays,
Uma Maheshwore temple, Bishwakarma temple (God of craftsmanship),
Rato Macchindranath temple, Mimnath temple, Rudra Varna
Mahavihar, yet another exemplary monastery for fine art,
architecture and beautiful carvings and Ashoka stupas located
in different places of the city which was built by the Emperor
Ashoka to commemorate his visit.
Dhulikhel
The Newar town of Dhulikhel (altitude 1,440 m) offers a
traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Situated
just past Banepa some 32 km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel
is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to
the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range. Once an
important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel
has a glorious past which can be witnessed in the lovely
buildings and intricate woodcarvings found along the shop-lined
streets and in the temples.
Nagarkot
Of the possible resort destinations, Nagarkot
(altitude 2,175 m) is by far the most popular. Located 30
km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite
weekend getaway 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. The local
habitants of Nagarkot enjoy their birthplace everyday.
Kakani
23 km northwest of Kathmandu, is a less
crowded and more pristine destination which provides excellent
mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Annapurnas.
The offerings of nature provide the impetus to visit Kakani
(altitude 1,982 m) and nature-lovers will hail the close-up
view of Ganesh Himal to the north, as well as the beautiful
oak and rhododendron forests on the south slope leading
down to Balaju.
Pokhara
Situated on the lap of the Annapurna mountains, Pokhara
is the most popular adventure hub of the country. 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 is a place of remarkable
natural beauty. The serenity of Fewa Lake and the magnificence
of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising
behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. At an elevation
lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to
it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of
flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley
surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers,
emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the
Himalaya.
Lumbini
Located in the Terai in south-central Nepal,
Lumbini is the hallowed birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam,
the Shakya prince, the eventual Shakyamuni and the ultimate
Buddha - the Enlightened One. This nativity site, identified
by Emperor Ashoka's commemorative pillar erected over 2,200
years ago and rediscovered in 1896, is the quintessential
Buddhist heritage site, currently renaissanced by the internationally-supported
Lumbini Development Project. A World Heritage Site, the
main attraction at Lumbini is the Sacred Garden that is
spread over 8 sq. km. and possesses all the treasures of
the historic area. The Mayadevi temple, currently under
renovation, is the main attraction for pilgrims and archeologists
alike. This is where we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the
Buddha's mother, giving birth to him as two Hindu gods,
Brahma and Indra, shower him with lotus petals and holy
water. There is also a sacred stone marked with a "foot
imprint" of Emperor Ashoka which had been placed here
to mark the exact birthplace. Nearby, stands the Ashoka
Pillar-the oldest monument so far found in Nepal. The Pillar
was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his
pilgrimage to the sacred site. The inscription on it authenticates
Lumbini as the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC.
To the south of the Pillar is the sacred pond - Puskarni
- where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving
birth to the Buddha. The treasury of cultural and archeological
riches scattered around Lumbini evokes the time and aura
of the Buddha. Moreover, a host of stupas, monasteries,
meditation centers and courtyards being constructed in the
International Monastery Zone by various countries such as
Japan, China, India, Thailand, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka,
France and Germany embodying their respective architecture
reflects the world brotherhood envisaged by the Apostle
of Peace some 2,500 years ago.
Tilaurakot
(Kapilvastu)
An important archeological site lying 27 km to
the west of Lumbini, Tilaurakot evokes the ancient palace
of King Suddhodhan, Siddhartha Gautam's father, where the
Buddha spent his formative years as a Shakya prince. Scattered
foundations of the ancient palace, stupas and monasteries
made of kiln-baked bricks and clay mortar are abundant here.
The most sacred spot here for Buddhists is the palace's
eastern gate through which the Buddha had departed on his
search for enlightenment. A must for archeology and history
buffs. The other sites of interest to pilgrims are Dharampaniya,
Gutihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa, Ramagram and Sagarhawa near
Tilaurakot. Write to us for detailed descriptions of all
these places.
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