KATHMANDU VALLEY
The valley comprises the three royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur which share amongst themselves seven World Heritage Sites. The valley is like one vast open-air museum of Newar culture with its colossal ensemble of sculptures, temples, monuments and magnificent art.

The major places of interest in Kathmandu are the Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site), an assembly of palaces, courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the Malla kings; Swayambhu Stupa (a World Heritage Site), one of the holiest Buddhist sites, that keeps watch over the valley from atop a hillock; Bouddhanath Stupa (a World Heritage Site), the largest stupa in the valley that rises 36 m; Pashupatinath Temple (a World Heritage Site), one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world; and Changu Narayan Temple (a World Heritage Site), dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture.

In Patan, the places to visit include the Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site) with its enchanting palace buildings, artistic courtyards and pagoda temples; Mahabouddha, a 14th-century Buddhist monument, which is a fine example of terra cotta artwork; Kwa Bahal, or the Golden Temple, a 12th-century Buddhist monastery exceptionally rich in fine wood-carvings and repousse work; and Kumbheswar, one of the only three temples in the valley with five roofs.

Bhaktapur’s attractions are just as spectacular. They are the Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site) with its 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows and entrance known as the Golden Gate – a masterpiece in repousse art; Taumadhi Square over which presides the towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple; Tachapal Square famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries called maths; Potters’ Square (Bolachhen), where potters mold clay into earthenware; and Surya Binayak, a shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh.

 

OUTSIDE KATHMANDU VALLEY

Pokhara, The natural beauty of Pokhara in mid-western Nepal is simply bewitching. Forming the backdrop are the spectacular Annapurna mountains with the magnificent fish-tailed Machhapuchhre dominating the scene. Adding to Pokhara’s enchantment are the three serene lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. Other places of interest include the World Peace Stupa atop a hill that provides a stunning view of the surroundings; the deep Seti Gorge below which spreads the Green Canyon; and Devi’s Fall, an awe-inspiring waterfall that disappears into an underground passage.

Annapurna, the most popular trekking route in Nepal, begins from Pokhara and leads you through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The Kali Gandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, and Lake Tilicho, the highest lake at 4,919 m, are located here. The highest elevation reached on the trek is 5,416 m.

Royal Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage Site in south-central Nepal, is 932 sq km of subtropical lowlands of sal forests, tall grassland, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. The park is home to 50 species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and reptiles and 525 species of birds. Wildlife found here include the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal Bengal tiger, gaur, wild elephant, gharial and the Gangetic dolphin. Tharus are the indigenous inhabitants of Chitwan. Activities such as jungle safari on elephant back, jungle walk, canoe ride, village tour and jeep drive can be enjoyed in Chitwan.

Lumbini in the south-west is the birthplace of Lord Buddha and a World Heritage Site. An inscription on the Ashoka pillar identifies the Sacred Garden as the place where the Buddha was born. Lumbini has a number of artistic temples and monasteries built through international support.

Changu Narayan : Situated at the end of a long ridge that runs well into the Valley, it is said to have been built by king Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley dedicated to Vishnu, the lord of protection.

FARPING / DAKSHIN KALI TEMPLE : This is popular village amidst a lovely setting by the hillside. It is situated at the southwest corner of the valley. Inhabited mostly by the Newars and Tamangs both of whom are Buddhist by faith, the village is dotted with numerous Mahayana (Lamaism) monasteries.

The temple of Dakshin Kali lies in the south side of Farping village. Kali is a blood thirsty Hindu Goddess. So she is a kali of South. A ritual worship attached by animal sacrifice would be common in this temple. The important days for religious pilgrimage include Tuesday and Saturdays.

NAGARKOT : This is a lovely hill-station lying at an altitude of 7133 feet (approx. 2100m) above the sea level and is not more than 32 kilometers direct east of Kathmandu City. It is a year round holiday resort rich in chlorophyll forestations. As an evergreen area, the pines appear spectacularly beautiful. The panorama of the major peaks belonging to the eastern Himalayas including Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) can be viewed fromhere. The resort stands best at sun-rise and sun-set.

DHULIKHEL : This is an ancient hill town. It is situated 30 Kms east of Kathmandu City on the side of Arniko Highway leading to the Tibetan border. From here one can own a complete panoramic view of the snowy flanks ranging from east to west.

The Khumbu valley in the Everest region is another popular destination for trekkers. Ringed by towering mountains, it is home to three of the world’s tallest peaks: the Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m). A spectacular flight lands you at Lukla (2,850 m) from where the trail leads to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche monastery set against the backdrop of the picturesque Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and finally, the Everest base camp.

PALANCHOK VILLAGE : The road to small ridge-top village of Palanchok via Dhulikhel hill station is 56 Kms from Kathmandu and it is two hours drive to the east of Kathmandu. Here you'll find yourself in the midst of a traditional Nepalese village, which shelters a renowned & marvelous image of Bhagawati.

NAMO BAUDDHA : Namo Bauddha lies in the hillside hamlet of eastern part of Kathmandu valley. It can be reached through two routes, thus forming an interesting hilly circuit for trekkers and adventurers. Most popular route is through Dhulikhel hill station. From Dhulikhel it is about 12 Kms to reach there.

PANAUTI : It is a thriving Newari village with beautiful temples and interesting old houses. The drive passes through the beautiful countryside. The small beautiful town of Panauti is relatively untouched but where festivals preserving the precious tradition of the indigenous Newars are held. It possesses a number of interesting temples, one of which perhaps to be the oldest in Nepal. Besides, it is famous for magnificent woodcarvings.

KAKANI : Situated at an elevation of 6500 feet above the sea level and 25 kms. away from Kathmandu City is hilly Kakani, famous for plenty of terraced fields. Short treks are made possible. The fabulous holiday area of Kakani features enchanting attractions ranging from the beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama, especially of the Ganesh Himal.

PALPA : The township of Palpa bears a rich legacy of traditional art and architecture. Perched on the lap of the spectacular Srinagar hill. Palpa commands a panoramic view of the Himalayas & the plain lowland of the Terai.

DAMAN : For those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view, Daman is the place to go. Located 80 Kms. southwest of the Kathmandu valley, Daman (2400m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range. Daman can be reached in five hours from Kathmandu.

GORKHA : The first King of Shah dynasty established his kingdom in Gorkha and from there the unification of present Nepal was initiated. The Gorkha palace perched at the top of the fortified hill, Manakamana Temple and a cave of Gorakha Nath are places to meditate upon.

BANDIPUR : Located on a 1000-meter ridge, about 140 kms from Kathmandu, Bandipur's hallmark is its beautiful scenery. At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda roofed temple, which houses goddess Durga - town's guardian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorned the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu valley. The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadga Devi temple, which comes alive once a year during the Dashain festival. An impressive view of Annapurna range can be obtained from here.

SIRUBARI : Sirubari is a small village nestled on the southern slopes of a ridge at 1700 meter above sea level. The height and aspect ensure a comfortable climate regardless of any season of the year. The travel time for the average group to reach the village from Pokhara is about 5 hours. The village that is inhabited entirely by the Gurung people is small and compact with neat and clean trails connecting the mainly stone and slate built houses. Sirubari offers attractive valley views stretching away towards the Terai. A short walk above the village gives visitors a spectacular viewpoint in the region.

JANAKPUR : A great religious place for Hindus, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lo rd Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Janakpur is also linked with Kathmandu by air and road.