What To See

Kathmandu durbar square: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
Also known as Kantipur, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Where you find ‘The Living Goddess’ acknowledging the Greetings of devotees from the balcony of her temple residence; Durbar Square with it's array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace holds a sitting place called Kasthamandap from where the name Kathmandu was derived. It is said that Kasthamandap was made from the timber of a single tree. This whole area reflects the ancient place of the Nepalese Royalty.

Swayambhunath: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
Located approx. 4 km/2.5 miles away from the center of the city lies the Buddhist stupa which is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main structure of this stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of bricks and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill demonstrates the mosaic arts of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

Pashupatinath: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has tilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati river, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple is the cremation ground.

Bouddhanath: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
Bouddhanath stupa located 8 km east of Kathmandu city, is one of the biggest stupa in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.

Budhanilkantha:
About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone carving of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Patan: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
This ancient city of Patan also Known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attractions of Patan are:

• Durbar Square: Patan Durbar square, situated in the heart of the city consitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity.
• Krishna Mandir: Built in the seventeenth century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.
• Golden Temple
This three-storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwar in Patan was built in the twelfth century A. D. by King Bhaskar Varma. Located in the courtyard of Kwabahal, this temple is in a class of its own. A golden image of Lord Buddha and a big prayer wheel can be seen on the pedestal of the upper part of the Car while intricate decorative patterns on its outer walls add charm to the mellow richness of the shrine.
• Mahaboudha: A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
• Kumbheshwor: This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.
• Rudra Varna Mahavihar: This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
• The Tibetan Camp: An attraction of a different kind is the Tibetan Camp on the outskirts of Patan. The small Tibetan population living here has set up a number of shrines and stupas as well as several souvenir shops offering authentic Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer wheels of wood, ivory, silver or bronze, long temple horns made of beaten copper, belt buckles, wooden bowls and jewellery. In this area, the Tibetans can be seen weaving carpets by hand.
• Ashokan Stupas: Popularly believed, though not proven without doubt to have been built by Ashoka, the Buddhist Emperor of India, these stupas stand at four different corners of Patan, giving the whole city a monastic character. All these Buddhist mounds were built in 250 A.D.at the time when Buddhism was making headway in the Kathmandu Valley.

Bhaktapur durbar square: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
Situated at an altitude of 1401 m above sea level, Bhaktapur is a unique old town. This city is divided into 24 traditional localities and covers an area of 5 sq km Founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D. Bhaktapur is said to have been built in the shape of conch shell-a sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu. The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees.

Some of the interesting places at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square are:

1. The Golden Gate: The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly molded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of goddess Kali and Garuda (the mythical man bird) and attended by two heavenly nymphs. It is also embellished with mythical creatures of marvelous intricacy. In the words of Percy Brown, an eminent English art critic and historian, the Golden Gate is the loveliest piece of art in the whole country: It is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings.

2. The palace of fifty-five windows: This magnificent palace was built during the reign
Of King Yakshya Malla in 1427 A.D. and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five windows, considered to be a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.

3. Changu Narayan: Listed on UNISCO world heritage site
Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of creation to Hindus. His temple near Changu village is often described as the most ancient temple in the Kathmandu Valley. A fifth century stone inscription, the oldest to be discovered in Nepal, is located in the temple compound and it tells of the victorious King Mandev. The temple now covers sixteen hundred years of Nepalese art history. The temple, built around the third century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood, and metal craft in the Valley. In the words of one tourist guide, "When you look upon Changu Narayan, you observe the complete cultural development of the Valley."

Dhulikhel : This ancient town is situated 32 kilometres east of Kathmandu on the side of the Kathmandu-Tibet border (Kodari) Highway. From here can have a complete unique and delightful view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.

Namo Buddha: It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all- seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. According to the legend, one of the earlier Buddha offered his own flesh to a hungry tiger unable to feed her hungry cubs. It is also a three hour trekking from Dhulikhel through a number of small villages.

Kirtipur:
It is a small town, eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the 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 loom etc.

Dakshinkali:
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.

Nagarkot:
Located 35 kilometers east of Kathmandu an elevation of 2220 meters from sea level, it is one of the most scenic hills station well-known for wonderful sunrise view of the Himalaya during the weather clear. There is range of hotels and guest house it is best to spend the night so that you can be there for the wonderful sunrise early morning. Nagarkot is nearest spots from Kathmandu to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It has also offers a great view of the Valley.

Nagarkot is a unique and delightful destination for short hiking and trekking. For anyone who wants to have little adventure trip without prepared a hike to Nagarkot's surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of green forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock structure. Spring season flowers are beautiful against the peaceful backdrop of the snow-covered mountains.

Daman:
It is situated 80 kilometers south-westof Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-west of Dhaulagiri to far-east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.

Gorkha:
Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the unique Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. This beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.

Gorkha Durbar: This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace offers panoramic view of snow peaks Manaslu and Himalchuli.

Manakamana:
Mankamana is a famous the wish-fulfilling Hindu Goddess pilgrimage site for Hindus located south of Gorkha district. Mankamana temple overlooks terraced fields, and the Trisuli and Marshyangdi river valleys. The hilltop (1302m) also offers a vantage point for taking in the breathtaking view of the Manaslu, Himalchuli and Annapurna massifs to the north.

The cable car takes you up on a spiritual adventure to the abode of Mankamana. Cable car base-station is about 104 km, west from Kathmandu and about 102 km east from Pokhara. From the base-station at Cheres one can get to Mankamana temple in 10 minutes.

Pokhara:
Pokhara is situated in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley, which is a widening of the Seti Gandaki valley The Seti River and its tributaries have dug impressive canyons into the valley floor, which are only visible from higher viewpoints or from the air. In no other place do mountains rise so quickly. In this area, within 30 km, the elevation rises from 1000 m to over 7500 m. The Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu ranges, each with peaks over 8000 m, can be seen from Pokhara and there is a lake named Phewa Lake, three caves (Mahendra, Bat Cave and Gupteswor) and an impressive underground fall (Patale Chhango or Devi's Fall) where the water from the Phewa Lake thunders into a hole and disappears. From the southern fringes of the city 3 eight-thousanders (Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu) and, in the middle of the Annapurna range, the Machapuchare (Nepali: Machhapucchare: 'Fishtail') with close to 7000 m can be seen.

Bandipur:
Bandipur is an ancient trading town of quaint streets and charming atmosphere. It is situated on a ridge top south of Dumre which lies 135 km out on Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. Bandipur can be reached after a two hour climb from Dumre. While the other trading posts of the Nepali hills have modernized, Bandipur retains its age old cultural attributes, still having its temples, shrines, holy caves and a Newari architecture that harks back to the Kathmandu Valley of old.

Tansen:
Situated at an altitude of 1343m above the sea-level, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal's most far stretching views of the country's chief attractions with Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west and to Gaurishanker in the north east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

Chitwan National Park:
Chitwan National Park is situated in southwestern Nepal and covers 932 sq. km. This is Nepal's first famous national park for the wildlife safaris. You can see wild elephants, wild footed gaurs (the world's largest wild cattle), leopards, the wild boar, sloth bear and several species of deer including the spotted, barking and hog deer. Here is the home of the one-horned rhinoceros and it harbors one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal tigers. The swampy areas and numerous ox-bow lakes are a prefect for marsh crocodiles. The park hosts 450 species of birds and also Tharu people who have unique cultural traditions. In Chitwan there are many hotels inside and outside of the park. Usually visitors spend 3 days and 2 nights here, but it is also possible to stay longer if you desire.

Lumbini:
Lumbini situated south west of Nepal. Lumbini is the hallowed birthplace of Buddha. The Buddha The main attraction at Lumbini is the sacred Garden that is spread over 8 sq km and possess all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple, currently under renovation, is the main attraction for pilgrims and archeologist alike. This is where we find a bass relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother, giving birth to him as two Hindus gods shower him with lotus petals and holy water. Shakyamuni Buddha was born in Lumbini, in Southern Nepal, twenty five hundred years ago. Lumbini has a holy ground for Buddhist all over the world. A large stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. An important part of Lumbini is the temple of Mayadevi giving birth to the lord Buddha, as she holds into a branch. It hasbeen well worn by the strokes of the barren women hoping for fertility. To the south of the temple there is a pool where queen Mayadevi is said to have bathed and also to her son for his purification. A quiet garden, shaded by the leafy 30 trees (the type of under which Buddha received enlightment) and newly planted forest near by lord an air of tranquility which bespeaks Buddhas teachings.
Myanmar temple that was built with the contribution from Burmese Buddhist. The monastery is an attractive white structural monument with a golden pinnacle soaring into the sky. The China temple, a beautiful pagoda styled temple with many prayer and meditationcells.
The Korean Temple is a beautiful monument having many remarkable images of Buddha. Besides these, there are others like Nepal Buddha temple and the Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery. Other countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam are also contributing to build more temples and monasteries.

Muktinath:
Muktinath at the height of 3,800 meters is one of the most important pilgrimage center for both Hindus and Buddhists. The most prominent shrine is the Vishnu temple where 108 sprouts pour forth water considered to be holy from uniquely fashioned shape of cow heads. This water is channeled from a stream running above the temple built in Tibetan style and contains huge brass idols of Vishnu, Shiva, Brahma, and Kali. Nearby is another temple where water gushes out of a rock and this water is considered even more holy. There is also a Buddhist Gompa (monastery), and a pagoda-type temple dedicated to Jwala Mayi (goddess of fire). This temple shielded by curtains has the existence of outlets for natural gas that oozes from the rock and feeds the temple flame.