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 Kathmandu
is the capital city of Nepal. The beautiful rolling green
hills and shimmering snow peaks surround it. In the ancient
time the valley was a big Lake and a monk named Majushree
came from China and drained the valley and started settlement.
Kathmandu valley is also known as a city of temples and Stupas.
The popular heritage sites in the valley are: -
Literarily Pasupatinath means Lord of
all the Living things. According to the Hindu religious belief
Lord Pasupatinath is the almighty God and savior of all human
beings. It is therefore said that all Hindu should pay homage
to Lord Pashupatinath at least once in their lifetime for
their eternal peace and salvation. It is believed that Lord
Shiv with Sakti is the center of the creation, savior and
destruction.
It
is the biggest Stupa In south Asia built in the fifth century.
Before the presen t
day Stupa was build, it was an overnight camp of Tibetan businessman.
The Tibetan Merchants used to offer prayer at the Stupa, which
they had built during their trade trip to Nepal and India.
It was a like a camp of Tibetan traders. In 1950 it was a
refugee camp of Tibetans. Later it was named "Little
Tibet". Today it is best site to observe Tibetan lifestyle,
culture and religious practices of monks.
It is also popular for Tibetan Jewelry, hand-woven carpets,
thankas, masks, khukuri knives and many more Tibetan products.
Located at the heart of city center, Kathmandu Durbar square
was the  royal
residence of united Nepal. Today it is a center of tourist
attraction for ancient palaces and skyscraper temples. There
are hundreds of temples including the temple of the living
Goddess "The Kumari". The erotic carving, fierce
image of Kalbhairab, Garuda, and monky god Hanuman are some
of the outstanding images. Around the square there are very
traditional Newari restaurants. It is the best shopping place
for curios and antiques, flutes, woodcarving, masks, handloom
products, souvenirs and many more. It is a worth visiting
site of Kathmandu valley.
Located on a small hillock, Swoyambhunath overlooks the Kathmandu
city. Swoyambhunath has the legend relating to the present
day Kathmandu valley that in the very ancient time the valley
was a Lake and Bodhisattva Majusree who had traveled all the
way from China had settled on the hill surrounded by lake.
He meditated and got enlighted with Buddha preaching then
he cut a gorge in the southern side of the Lake to drain the
valley. Later during the course of time men began to settle
in the valley. The hilltop was holly place where the Swoyambhu's
light (the self- existent Lord) was existed. Later it was
covered and by the thirteenth  century
more layers were added to the original one. Swoyambhunath
stupa is the most ancient in the world. It is the center of
religious harmony in Nepal. There are many stupas around the
main stupa. The biggest image of Shakyamuni Buddha is there.
Stupas and temples surround the whole hill in one hand and
on the other the wonderful botanical garden is one of the
leisure place of Nepal.
Patan Durbar square is also one of the best architecture sites
of Nepal. The Krishna Temple built by stone is an outstanding
example of Shikhar Saili architecture of Nepal
On the wall scenes from the Mahabharat, the greatest mythological
war is carved. The Sundari Chowk is another example of best
and wonderful woodcarving in Nepal. In side the Patan Durbar
square there are many temples and nearby the square famous
Buddha stupas are located. The site is worth visiting to enjoy
the ancient architecture, which dates back thirteen centuries.
Bhaktapur city was founded in 889 AD. It is 13 km east
from  Kathmandu.
The famous fifty-five windows palace was the royal palace
of Malla king. It is now a museum of ancient history, arts
and architectures. Nyatapola, a five-tired temple is looks
like the hanging tower of Pisa is the wonderful piece of ancient
art and architecture. The Golden gate is an example of the
metal work of Mediaval Nepal. Bhaktapur, in fact is the best
site of the valley to visit.In the Kathmandu valley the three
separate Durbar squares were the capital of separate kings.
There was a keen competition among the three kings to develop
their kingdom basically in the field of art and architectures
and the three Durbar Squares are the result of it.
Budhanilkantha is about 10km north from Kathmandu city center.
Nearby the temple a huge statue of Lord Vishnu is laying,
which is believed some thousand years old but it shows the
stage lying on the cosmic water before the universe was created.
It is a great holly site for all Hindus. Budhanilakantha is
just below the Shivpuri national park, a popular tourist destination.
It is an ancient historic place preserved by UNESCO as a heritage
site. Located on the northeast side of the valley Changunarayan
is on a small hill overlooking the surrounding valley. The
temple is very ancient one in Nepal built by the then King
Manadeva. The carving and architectures of the temple dates
back the early civilization of the modern age.
Dakshinkali is named after the name of Goddess "Kali".
It is located 18 km south of Kathmandu city center. The area
is rich in bio-diversity and wildlife. It is also a center
of rare bird watching. Hindu believes that Goddess Kali is
the source of energy and power. They worship the goddess throughout
the year in different occasions mostly during the period of
the great festival the Dashain.
Chobhar is the place where Manjushree (The Chinese
monk who had settled the city in the valley) had cut a gorge
and drained the water of Kathmandu valley. It lies on the
way to Dakshinkali. The sound of roaring water in a narrow
tunnel deep down to the gorge below the suspension bridge
is awful. It is worth visiting.
Below the 2700m high Phulchoki hill, Godavari
is the biggest and beautiful botanical garden of Nepal. It
is famous for film shooting and picnic. Wide verities of plants
and flowers are collected there. It is a popular tourist destination
too.
Nagarkot is popular tourist
destination for the
panoramic view of the great Himalayas and surrounding rolling
green hills and valleys. There are world-class hotels and
restaurants. The Everest view tour is a common attraction
to all to view the Mount Everest to the far east. Located
on an altitude of 2099m Nagarkot is the best place for the
beautiful sunrise.
Kakani: -
To the northwest of Kathmandu valley,
Kakani is a best place fort the skyline view of Gaurisankar,
Langtang, Ganesh, Manslu, Himalchuli Himal and many others.
A one-hour drive from Kathmandu to the hilltop, Kakani is
a pristine hill station.
Phulchoki: -
Phulchoki is the tallest hilltop among the surrounding
hills of the valley. It is popular destination for bird watching
where some 250-bird species have been noticed. Beside bird
watching Phulchoki is also popular for rich vegetation and
rare wildlife. Phulchoki is most demanded destination for
a day hike trip.
Chandagiri: -
It is located south of Kathmandu valley
popular for diverse cultural heritages and lifestyle. It is
the best viewpoint to enjoy the Kathmandu valley and the Himalaya
range to north and east. A day trip is the best option to
visit the top of Chandagiri.
Nagarjun: -
On the west side of the valley Nagarjun is rich in
its vegetation and wildlife. The hill track is perfect for
mountain biking. The summer palace of the royal family is
located there.
Shivapuri:-
On the north of the valley Shivapuri is the most beautiful
hill among the surrounding hills. It is the main source of
water for Kathmandu valley. The rich wildlife and vegetation
and the Monastery are its major attractions. Shivapuri is
best for a day hike and also is a part of the three-day trek
from Kathmandu – Shivapuri- Trisuli -Chisapani- Nagarkot.
Dhulikhel: -
Dhulikhel is another famous tourist destination of
Nepal. It lies on the way to Tibet  border
60km east from Kathmandu. There are very comfortable hotels
and lodges. Dhulikhel is famous for a clear view of the Himalayas.
A one-day cycle tour connecting Dhulikhel, Namobuddha and
Panauti is popular to enjoy the outskirts of the Kathmandu
valley.
Daman:-
is on the south of Kathmandu on the way to Hetauda. A three-hour
comfortable drive from Kathmandu reaches Daman. Daman is the
best viewpoint to view Everest from a closer look from the
periphery of Kathmandu. It is also one of the best hill station
of Nepal.
TOURIST DESTINATIONS BEYOND KATHMANDU
VALLEY
Manakamana is about 100km from Kathmandu on the way
to Pokhara and Chitawan. There is a temple of Manakamana Devi
(The Goddess of wishes fulfiling), who fulfills the prayers'
wish. After three hours drive to Krintar a 10 minutes cable
car ride over the mighty Trisuli River takes to reach the
temple. It is located on a hill that overlooks the Trisuli
basin and the hill settlements. Manakamana visit can be made
a part of Pokhara or Chitawan trip.
Gorkha is the Historic place of Nepal from where the
late great king Prithivi Narayan Shah had unified Nepal in
one country under one roof. The Gorkha Durbar, the royal palace
of the late the great king is the best site to observe and
experience the 300-year-old administrative system of Nepal.
Gorkha is the gateway to Manaslu trek and expedition.
Lumbini is holly shrine for Buddhist as well as Hindus.
Shiddhartha, prince of  Kapilbastu
later Shakyamuni Buddha and today Gautam Buddha was born at
Lumbini 2600 years ago. Mayadevi, mother of Gautam Buddha
gave birth him on the way to her maternal home. His father
wanted him to become a great emperor but on the contrary prince
Shiddhartha left the palace at midnight and disappear in the
search of peace. On a full moon night in Bodhgaya he had a
direct realization of Nirvana and eternal peace. Then the
mortal prince transformed into Buddha. Buddha is called the
light of Asia and the prophet of Buddhism in the world. He
traveled the world preaching Buddhism. Today Buddhism has
become the main religion of millions of people. Lumbini the
only one holly place to all Buddhists is in Nepal. The popular
sites in Lumbini garden are a Ashoka pillar built by the emperor
Ashoka in 250BC, Mayadevi temple, pool where Lord Gautam Buddha
had his first bath and many other ancient sites.
According to the master plan prepared by a Japanese architect
Kenzo Tange Lumbini, now is being developed as a Buddhist
pilgrimage site by Lumbini development trust, The Lumbini
village is being developed as a tourist residential village
with all facilities. There are different stupas and Gompas
developed by different countries like China, Japan, Thailand,
Srilanka, Korea, Burma and others. Lumbini is not only a holly
land but also a peace land too where you can have peace in
its true meaning.
Tansen is one of most popular hill station of Nepal.
It is nearly 350kmsouth west of Kathmandu. It is one the way
to Lumbini from Pokhara. On the hill top, Srinagar is a fantastic
viewpoint from where one can enjoy the low land of Terai and
the world highest and longest Himalaya range at a time. Tansen
Bazaar is a very ancient Bazaar of Nepal and traditionally
operated. The handloom and metal work of Tansen is famous
even in the outside Nepal.
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world
in term of wild  life
and vegetations. There are 14 National parks expanding from
the low land of 100m. to 8848m above the sea level. Citawan
national park is one of the richest national park in the world
in vegetation and wildlife. In early days it was a hunting
reserve of the then rulers the Ranas. Later government declared
it as a protected area under the name of Royal Chitawan National
Park. The attractions of the park are royal Bengal tiger,
one horned rhino, migrated and local birds, elephants, and
many more wild animals. Roaming around the National park on
the elephant back is the most exciting moment. Inside the
park and outside there are luxurious hotels and restaurants.
The excess is easy and comfortable by both air and surface.
- Out of
the 75 districts of Nepal Mustang is one of most prominent
Himali district famous for tourist. Jomsom is the districts
headquarter located at 3000m above the sea level. It is famous
for its traditional culture and lifestyle. Muktinath, located
on an altitude of 3749m above the sea level, is holly site
where both Buddhists and Hindus visit every year for holly
bath and get eternal peace and salvation from the cycle of
rebirth. Upper Mustang or Lo Mangthang is another famous tourist
destination. Lo Mangthang, the walled capital city of Mustang
was known as the hidden kingdom of Nepal.
is
another holly lake of Mustang where many Nepali and Indian
devotees visit to have a holly bath. The world famous river
the Kaligandaki is originated from Damodar Kunda, is another
tourist attraction for rafting. The long Kaligandaki basin
is famous for Saligram (Balck stone). Kaligandaki gorge is
the worlds' deepest gorge and a comfortable trekking valley
of the world.
Located about 4000m above the sea level, Gosaikund
is a famous holly shrine of Hindu and Buddhist. According
to the Puran, Lord Shiv had gone into the icy Kund (lake)
to calm down his burning throat from the poison he had swallowed,
which had appeared during the time of Samundra Manthan. Devotees
say that there is an image of Lord Shiv underneath of the
Kund. Nearby the Gosaikund there are many glassier lakes,
which are also, consider as holly Kund. Gosaikund is the nearest
trekking destination inside the virgin part of the great Himalayas
from Kathmandu
.
Namche Bazaar is the gate way to Mt.
Everest base camp, Khumbu valley and many other Himali destinations.
It is a beautiful Himali settlement of Sherpas. Living with
the Sherpas for few days sharing their culture and tradition
is an opportunity to experience the Himali Tibetan based culture,
tradition and life style.
Pokhara is the finest natural city of the world. It
is Nepal's tourism capital and the second largest tourist
destination too. Pokhara is famous for its natural beauty
and close view of Himalays. The world highest peaks like Annapurna
1st. Dhaulagiri and Manaslu can be seen very close. These
peaks can also be viewed from a luxury hotel room. About 30%
of the total arrivals of tourist visit Pokhara. Pokhara is
also said a lake city of Nepal. There are more than seven
beautiful lakes all are linked by a trekking trail.
It is a beautiful waterfall formed from the outlet
of  Fewa
Lake. Why it is named Davi's fall might be the matter of interest.
Trekkers named Devin and David one day had their bath down
to the Fewa dam but unknowingly the doors of the dam opened
to reduce the water level. Both the trekkers did not notice
the signal to run away and sadly they were washed way and
one of them mysteriously disappeared down into the underground
passage beneath the fall. Since then the fall was
named Davi's fall. It is worth visiting site of Pokhara.
Sarangkot is a small hill on the north west side of Pokhara.
It is the best place for sunrise and Mountain View like Machhapuchre
(Fishtail), Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri range, Lamjung
Himal, Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal. Tourists reach there
early in the morning to view the rolling sunrise and the dazzling
mighty snow peaks in the morning tender sun.
Fewa Lake is the finest lake of Nepal. It is 41/2km
long and 200m to 1km width. Boating on the lake is an exciting
and most interesting moment. In the middle there is an island
where Barahi temple is located. Every day thousands of visitors
visit the temple. Surrounded by the green forest and lakeside
city, Fewa lake reflects the beautiful images of Machhachapuchre.
Begnas lake is located 13km east of Pokhara city. This
lake is in a round shape and is surrounded by green hills.
On the north beautiful Annapuran fourth Himal is overlooking
the lake. While boating on the lake the images of the mountain
is seen into the lake. There is regular buses and taxis service
to Beganas lake and cycling also is also popular.
Seti River is originated from the beautiful mountain the Machhapuchre
Himal.
The water is milky white and cool. The river before entering
into the Pokhara city has been disappeared into a narrow natural
tunnel and has appeared in some places. It is another natural
wonder of Pokhara. Its width is hardly 2 meters and the depth
is more than 20 meters but you can not see the bottom of the
river. Mahendra Pul (bridge) is the right pace to view the
dreadful rush of the river through a narrow gorge.
South of the Pokhara valley there is a beautiful cave.
The cave has different branches but the end has not yet been
met. The main part of the cave is some 20m down. The bottom
is wide and spacious. There is an image of Lord Shiv. One
of the branch of the cave goes towards the Devi's fall and
after a 20 meters easy walk one can reach near the fall. It
is a very wonderful moment to stand just below the fall inside
the cave. Gupteshor Mahadev cave is a religious site for the
Hindus. Many Hindu devotees visit the cave in different occasions.
It is located on the north of Pokhara valley some 10km from
the city center. This is the most popular cave of Nepal It
is also unexplored. There has been made necessary arrangement
for the visitor with service of the guides. Nearby the cave
there is another cave named Chamere cave or the bat cave where
hundreds of bats are live. Both caves are worth visiting.
It is one of finest piece of sight seeing destination in Pokhara.
Located on a small hilltop, world peace stupa is the best
place to view the Himalaya range just in front of your eye.
Overlooking the Fewa Lake the stupa site is well managed.
The access is easy and both options trekking for one hour
and driving are available to reach the stupa.
On the northeast side of Pokhara valley, Kahu
Dada is another viewpoint center of Pokhara. There is a tower
to view the mountain range and the valley. It is the best
option for a day hike. It takes about 2 hours gentle walk
to reach the hilltop through villages and bushes.
Among
of the entire sight seeing destinations in Pokhara IMO is
the newly opened destination. Located on the south east of
Pokhara city IMO is only one mountain museum in the world
of its kind where mountaineering history including the climbing
information and climbers' details are preserved and displayed.
For the interested one an artificial wall of mount Manaslu
has also been constructed. The meseum has preserved the climbing
records and equipments of all the famous climber of the world.
Located right in the city center, Bindabasini is the popular
pilgrimage site of Hindus. On a small hill the temple is beautifully
locates and maintained. It is the best site of Pokhara to
experience the Nepalese religious belief.
In the fiftieth decade many Tibetan refuge had inflexed into
Nepal. They are settled in different part of the country.
In Pokhara there are four Tibetan refuge camps. All these
camps today are like the Tibetan villages where they are maintaining
Tibetan culture, tradition and lifestyle. To experience the
Tibetan culture at least one center is worth visiting. |
