HIGHLIGHTS IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

The Kathmandu valley the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal is famed for its natural beauty and historic, holistic place. The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting, Green Mountain walls above which tower mighty snowcapped peaks surround it. It consists of three main cities Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets.

HANUMAN DHOKA – Duly recognized as a world Heritage site by UNESCO this particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of this city. The Durbar Square, with its old palaces and temples, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here the Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see are: - Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. - Gigantic figure of Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction. - Basantapur Durbar or Nautalle Durbar - Coronation Platform (Nasal Chok) - The hall of Public Audience (Gaddi Baithak) - The Big Bell - Big Drums - The Jagannath temple.

KUMARI – THE LIVING GODDESS : Kumari the only living Goddess in Nepal resides in her abode at the Kumari Bahal located at the Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Kasthamandap: It lies 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 the single tree. It houses the beautiful images of four Vinayaks (Surya Vinayak, Chandra Vinayak, Jal Vinayak and Karna Vinayak) of the Kathmandu valley.

BUDHANILKANTHA :Jalasaya Narayan popularly known as Budhanilkatha about 12 km north of Kathmandu, at the Shivapuri foothills is the largest Vishnu lying on a coiled five headed serpent carved in a single stone. Jalasaya Narayan is Lord Vishnu for Vaisnavas, Lord Shiva for Shivas, and Lord Buddha for Buddhists. This outstanding artwork of Lichhavi sculptures dates back to some 1500 years.

SWOYAMBHUNATH STUPA (WORLD HERITAGE SITE)- The Swoyambhu stupa with its dazzling thirteen golden rings on the white hemispherical body representing four elements of life stands on the top of a hillock to the west of the Kathmandu city centre (3 km). The thirteen golden rings represent thirteen stages of enlightenment on the way to ‘nirvana’ symbolized by the pinnacle on the top of those rings. Visitors often call Monkey Temple. There are the all – seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on the sides of spire. The hill of Swoyambhunath is a mosaic of small stupa and pagoda temples.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE (WORLD HERITAGE SITE) - The Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples in the Hindu world. Hindu worship the deity in the inner sanctum of the temple in the names of Lord Shiva means the enlightened one or Pashupati means free from worldly bondage or Mahadev means the Supreme God throughout the year. The holy river called Bagmati flows nearby the Temple. Cremation sites along the holy river are the most sacred place for Hindus to burn up their deceased ones. Only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate.

BOUDDHANATH STUPA (WORLD HERITAGE SITE)- Bouddha at the eastern suburb of Kathmandu is one of the largest stupa in Nepal. The painted eyes of Lord Buddha on the huge white dome are very impressive. One hundred and eight images of Lord Buddha and one hundred and forty seven prayer wheels “mane” decorate the base of the “Stupa. The Stupa stands on the massive three levels Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family houses. This stupa is said that to have been built in 5th century AD.

KIRTIPUR: It is a small town, eight kilometers southwest of Kathmandu on the top of a 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 looms, etc.

DAKSHINKALI: Dakshinkali is one of the very important places of pilgrimage regarding Hindu goddess, which dates back to immemorial. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Apart from the religious performance this place has also been developed as a popular picnic spot.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE: The square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The main attraction of Patan Durbar Square is the ancient Royal Palace itself.

KRISHNA MANDIR: Built in seventeenth century, the temple of Lord Krishna is the only temple in Nepal having 21 shrines and is completely made of stone.

MAHABOUDHA: The Buddhist temple in terracotta structure made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved.

HIRANYA VARNA MAHAVIR: This three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor(Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century.

TIBETAN CENTER: It is a place where one can see the spinning, dying and weaving of Tibetan carpets.

PATAN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE: Patan Industrial Estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as woodcarving. Metal crafts, carpets, thanka paintings, and the likes.

GODAVARI: Situated at the foothill of Phulchoki this place has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaon.One of the holy place in Nepal, it is also a good picnic spot amid dense forest. It is the only Royal Botanical Garden in Nepal.

PHULCHOKI: Located around ten kilometers southeast of Patan, this mountain, 2759m high, is a good spot for hiking. Rhododendrons of different varieties and colors from pure white to dark red are found here. A Buddhist shrine is situated on top of the hill, which can be reached through the jeepable road.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQAURE: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion gate which is adorned with the lovely stone figures of Hanuman, Bhairav and Narasingh Narayan. The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the courtyard of the 55 Window Palace. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the "Bell of Barking Dogs".

NYATAPOLA TEMPLE: This five-storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and the subtle workshop. This temple was built for goddess Laxmi.

BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE: This temple was built as a one-storey pagoda which is dedicated to Lord Bhairav – the god of Terror.

DATTATREYA TEMPLE: This temple is said to have been built from the trunk of a single tree. It was built in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla.

SURYA VINAYAK: It is a shrine of Ganesh; the elephant headed God, situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun.

CHANGU NARAYAN: It is said to have been built in 323 A.D by King Hari Dutta Varma. It is said to be the oldest temple in the Valley.

NAGARKOT: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 kilometers east at an altitude of 2,175m above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalyas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. The resort village of Nagarkot is generally held to be the best mountain watchers who make their way up to the village, stay overnight in one of Nagarkot’s lodges or hotels than rise at dawn to see the sun appear over the Himalayas.

BEYOND THE VALLEY There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley – places full of history and historical remains, or remarkable for their beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.

DHULIKHEL: The ancient town is situated 30km east of Kathmandu on the side of Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari Highway). It is the lovely place for its scenic beauty and old tradition. From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. There is a medieval township, Banepa between Kathmandu and Dhulikhel.

DAMAN: It is situated 80 km southwest of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. For the view of the breath taking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in the glittering arc from far west of Dhaulagiri to far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), there is no better place than Daman. Many lovely panoramic views, sweeping vistas of nature are the exquisite masterpieces of Daman. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.

MANAKAMANA Goddess Manakamana is highly noted as a wishful filling goddess through out the country. It is said that she is the younger sister of goddess Kali. She is regarded to be a very sacred goddess. The temple is important from the historical and agrological point of view. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus. By CABLE CAR from Kurintar pilgrims can visit to Manakamana Temple, which takes only 10 minutes to reach there.

POKHARA VALLEY Pokhara valley is an enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley with an elevation of 827 meters above the sea level and is 200 km west of Kathmandu valley. It is a combination of the long arrays of world famous snow clad peaks, emerald lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges and picturesque villages.Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Mt. Machhapuchhre (the magnificent Fish Tail mountain), five peaks of Annapurna Himalayas and others. Pokhara numerous lakes known as TAL in Nepal offering the fishing, boating and swimming, which ensure the famous Phewa lake, Begnas, and Rupa lakes of Pokhara. Pokhara is also referred as the center of adventure. It is starting point for a most of popular trekking and rafting destination. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of Machhapuchhre (6977m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic...More about Paradise Pokhara valley just Click Here

Fewa Lake It is situated at an altitude of 784m above the sea level with an island temple at the middle of the lake. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Begnas and Rupa Lake- Begnas & Rupa lies in the northeast of Pokhara valley at the distances of 13 km from the main city. These lake are locates at the foothill of Begnas, mountain and are separated by the Pachabiya hill.

Seti River Gorge It carved by Seti – Gandaki is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. KI Singh Bridge at the Bagar, Mahendra Pool & Prithivi Highway Bridge near Bus Park provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water like milk.

David’s Fall David’s waterfall locally known Patale Chhango in the southern bank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from Fewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep gage, leaping through several potholes.

Mahendra Cave Mahendra Cave lies north of the Pokhara valley. It is a large limestone cave, which is one of the few stalagmite stalactite caves found in Nepal.

Tibetan Village Tibetan Village Tashiling in the south and Tashil Palkhel in the north of Pokhara Valley is the two Tibetan village, which is inhabitant by the Tibetan people who keeps themselves busy by producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicrafts.

Barahi Temple: This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara, Built almost in the middle of Fewa Lake, this two –stories pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector’s deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen especially on Saturday.

International Mountain Museum Land Area : 100 Ropanies (5.10 Hectares, 12.58 Acres) Land purchase by NMA on : 4th Aug 1985, costs Nrs.12000.00 per Ropani Foundation Stone : Laid on 1st Nov. 1995 by the Honb’l Minister for Tourism Mr. Chakra Prasad Bastola Soft Opening : On 29th May 2002 by the famous climbers Ms. Junko Tabei and Mr. Appa Sherpa, graced by Honb’l Minister for culture, tourism and civil aviation Mr. Bal Bahadur K.C. Grand Opening : 05th Feb 2004 by the Rt. Honb’l Prime Minister Mr. Surya Bahadur Thapa Plinth area of Building : 3110 Sq. Mt. Total Display and facility area : 4250 Sq Mt