Destinations

Kathmandu Valley
Surrounded by a tier of green mountains, the Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. There are main three towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Covering an area of 218 miles, the valley is situated 4,423 ft. above sea level.

It is believed that the Lord Shiva, supreme among Hindu gods, had come down to the Kathmandu valley from the mountain area to remove boredom. The charm of the valley has yet to be diminished. The valley has the architecture started by the Lichhavi and Malla kings.

Swayambhunath:
According to legends, the history of the Kathmandu Valley begins with Swayambhunath (the self-existent). It is believed that Bodhisattva Manjushree had come across a beautiful lake with a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center. So, he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the water of the lake to worship the lotus. Men settled at the bed of the lake and called it the Kathmandu Valley.

Swayambhunath may be the best place to observe the religious harmony in the country. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world. The largest image of Shakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa of Swayambhunath.

Swayambhunath is a major landmark of the Valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjan hill. It offers an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees have climbed the steps on the eastern side for centuries. The main attractions of Swayambhu are the statues of Buddha, mini-stupas, monasteries and monkeys.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: There are innumerable monuments such as Kumari, the living Goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red monkey god, hundreds of erotic carvings, among others. Visitors can also see a round temple in the pagoda architectural style, the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window besides among many other monuments. It is believed that the Goddess Taleju used to play dice with King Jaya Prakash Malla.

The buildings at the Kathmandu Durbar Square were constructed during the time of Malla period. The exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and architecture lure the visitors.

Changu Narayan: The temple of Narayan or Vishnu near Changu village is believed to be the most ancient ones in the Kathmandu Valley. There is a fifth century stone inscription located in the temple compound and it tells about the victorious King Man Dev. Having constructed during the third century, the temple now covers 1,600 years of Nepalese art history. The temple represents the complete cultural development of the valley.

Pashupatinath: It is believed that one day Lord Shiva got tired of his glittering palace on Mt. Kailash, his armies of ghosts and spirits, and even his beautiful wife Parvati. Then, he moved to a forest near the present temple of Pashupatinath. While staying there, the Lord Shiva earned fame and became Pashupati or Lord of Animals. For the last 1,500 years, worshippers have been paying attention to the place, which is regarded as the holiest Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal. There are linga images of Lord Shiva along with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the Pashupatinath area. A temple of Lord Shiva was built in 879 A. D. However, the present temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. The pagoda-style construction is decorated with a gold-plated roof, silver doors, and woodcarvings of the finest quality. There lies the temple of Guheshwari that represents the female force. The temple is dedicated to Satidevi, Lord Shiva's first wife, who abandoned her life in the flames of her father's fire ritual.

Sadhus and sages, who follow the lifestyle of Lord Shiva, are seen covered with ashes and loincloths. 

The temple of Pahsupatinath lies close to the Bagmati river. On the banks of the river, dead bodies are cremated. The cremation site is also known as Aryaghat, where the royals are also cremated. Visitors are not advised to take photographs of cremations and bereaved families.  

Bouddhanath: The stupa of Bouddhanath is considered to be the largest one in the entire South Asian Region. The stupa is main attraction of Tibetan Buddhism. It is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet. Many Tibetan refugees have been living around the stupa of Bouddhanath since the 1950s when they entered Nepal.

The stupa is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century. The stupa is also said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage, who is respected by both Buddhists and Hindus.  

Budhanilkantha:  Budhanilkantha is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site. The main statue of Lord Vishnu is seen reclining on a bed of snake on a pond. The stone sculpture dates back to the fifth century. The site is eight kilometers north of the downtown Kathmandu. The Shivapuri hill is in front of the pilgrimage site.

Natural History Museum: Situated three kilometers west of the downtown Kathmandu and close to famous stupa of Swayambhunath, the museum is the only one of its kind in Nepal. The museum contains about 1400 species of butterflies, fish, birds, mammals and plants from across the country. Visitors can get detailed information about bio-diversity and flora and fauna of Nepal from the museum. The museum remains open everyday, except Saturday, Sunday and other government holidays. Taking photograph inside the museum is strictly prohibited.  

Patan Durbar Square: There are many famous sites besides unique architecture in the Patan Durbar Square. The Krishna Mandir (temple), which is considered to be the best example of stone architecture of Nepal, was constructed to honor an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Scenes from the Mahabharat that are carved on the walls of the temple bring us to the Mahabharat war, Asia's great mythological war.

The temple of Bhimsen is a fine sample of metal craft. Hiranya Varna Mahabihar, the golden temple, is regarded as the best place to visit. The Newar monastery has wall paintings, the 14^th century statues and scriptures. The Patan Durbar Square, the best artistic sites of Nepal, has temples of Ganesh, Shiva, Narasingha, Taleju, among others.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: In the Sanskrit language, the word "Bhaktapur" means "the city of devotees." The ancient cultural city that was founded by King Anand Dev in 889 A. D. is also known as "Bhadgaon". The palace complex depicts the prosperity of the Malla period and shows how the craftsmen had worked during that time. In the palace complex, the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows stands. The palace was home to many kings of Bhaktapur.

It was King Bhupatindra Malla, who constructed the massive gateway to the Durbar Square during 1696 to 1722.  The big bell, the golden gate, five-storey temple of Nyatapola, the Bhairav Temple, the Dattatreya Square with its wood carving and metalwork museums are the other monuments of Bhaktapur. Though the massive earthquake of 1934 destroyed the city, it still reflects the traditional Newari culture and architecture.

Apart from these, there are a number of other attractive destinations in the Kathmandu Valley. They include Chobhar Gorge, Jawalakhel Zoo, Dakshinkali, Balaju Water Garden, Budhanilkantha, Godawari Botanical Garden, Nagarkot, Kakani, Nagarjun, Shivapuri, Chandragiri, Phulchowki, Dhulikhel, Panauti, Banepa and Sankhu.

The Kathmandu Valley is also rich in museums and art galleries. The National Museum is the most popular museum. Located on the way to Swayambhunath hill. It has ancient artifacts and interesting mementos of recent kings and recently used firearms. Other museums worth visiting include the Tribhuvan Museum, the museum of natural history, Keshar library, the national bronze art museum, the national art gallery, the national woodworking museum, the bronze and brass museum, Asha Archives and Patan Museum.

Kirtipur: Situated 10 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, Kirtipur is an ancient Nerwari township. It has a proud and courageous history. Major attractions of this township are the Chilamchu Stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairab. Locals have been able to preserve their traditional cultures and lifestyles.

Gokarna & Sundarijal: Gokarna is a popular place maong pilgrims and visiting tourists. Lying some seven kilometers northeast of the downtown of Kathmandu, the protected area of Gokarna is also a popular site for seeing wildlife and various species of birds.

Sundarijal is another peaceful place that lies near Gokarna. The meaning of “Sundarijal” is “pure water”. There is a beautiful water fall in the area.

Destinations outside the Kathmandu Valley

Pokhara: Pokhara is known as a center of adventure. Lying around 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, the city is the main gateway to major trekking and rafting destinations. As a remarkable tourist destination, many visitors visit Pokhara every year. One can view the reflection of fishtailed summit of Mt. Machhapuchhre in the Phewa Lake in Pokhara. One can also see the spectacular panoramic view of the Annapurna Range. Unique traditional Gurung culture is one of the attractions for visitors in Pokhara. 

Chitwan: Chitwan is another interesting place to visit due to the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) where one can see a wide variety of wild animals, including Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, among others. The area is also famous for bird watching. It is easier to reach the site by air and by road.

Resorts and lodges are available to suit one's budget both in and outside the national park. One can experience jungle safaris, elephant ride, canoeing and cultural programmes during the stay in Chitwan.

Gorkha: Lying to the west of Kathmandu, Gorkha is a hill bazaar. It is the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty, which rules Nepal today. The Gorkha Durbar, which was constructed by the then King Prithvi Narayan Shah, attracts the visitors. The visitors can get fantastic views of lush green valleys and the Himalaya beyond from the Durbar as it is visible all around the area.

Lumbini: Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is the sacred ground for the Buddhists. Shakyamuni Buddha was born in this place more than 2500 years ago.  Visitors from different parts of the world visit this place every year. The temple of Mayadevi is an important part of Lumbini. It has a stone image of Mayadevi giving birth to Lord Buddha. There lies a pool where Queen Mayadevi is said to have bathed and given her son his first purification bath. One can still see the Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 B. C. to mark the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Apart from religious and historical importance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the rural life of southern part of the country.  

Tansen: Lying on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini, the highest point of Tansen area is Srinagar hill, which is about 4,300 meters above sea level. Inhabited by Newars and Magars, Tansen is famous for the ancient culture and friendly people.  It is also one of the best places to see the mountain peaks. The charm of Tansen is yet to be spoiled by modernity.

There is the temple of Amar Narayan in Tansen. The artistic temple was built during the time of Amar Singh Thapa, one of the champions of the Anglo-Nepal war. The temples' woodcarvings are remarkable.  There is also a huge door in the heart of the city. The door is known as Baggi Dhoka. The hand-woven Dhaka is popular among the Nepalese.

Different kinds of traditional dance and song of the local communities attract the people. The number of visitors has been increasing in this hill destination for the last several years.

Kakani: Situated at a height of 1982 meters above sea level, Kakani lies to 29 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. This is a beautiful hill destination. Beautiful alpine scenery and the magnificent Himalayan range can be viewed from Kakani. A panoramic view of Mt. Ganesh Himal can be seen from this holiday site.

Nagarkot: Nagarkot, lying 32 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, is another hill destination. Famous for its natural beauty and fresh environment, Nagarkot is situated at an altitude of 2,175 meters above sea level. One can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other Himalayan peaks from Nagarkot, which is also considered to be the best place for viewing the sunrise and sunset.

Dhulikhel: Lying about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the side of Arniko Highway, Dhulikhel is an attractive tourist destination.  The ancient town with scenic beauty offers one the snow-capped mountain ranges from east to west.

Panauti: Situated on the confluence of two small rivers, Panauti is an ancient town. The 14^th-century wooden struts of temples are attractions for visitors. 

Namo Buddha: Lying on a hill near Panauti, it is considered to be a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is also a suitable place for short treks.

Daman: Located about 80 kilometers south of Kathmandu, Daman is another beautiful site. One can have a breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peak—Mt. Everest and many other peaks like Dhualagiri, Gauri Shankar. A view tower has been installed there for visitors to see mountains and the natural setting around it.

Helambu: Situated about 72 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, Helambu is an idyllic cluster of Sherpa villages. There are some Buddhist monasteries in the area, which is regarded as the trekkers' paradise.

Gosainkunda: It is one of the most famous religious sites of Nepal. Lying in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu, the religious site has nine different kundas (ponds) such as Sarswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Soorya Kunda, Ganesh Kunda.

Bandipur: Situated about 140 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, Bandipur is a beautiful township with Newar community in Tanahun district. Located on a ridge of 1,000 meters high, the township is rich in wood carvings and brass works. The pagoda-style Bindabasini temple is considered to be the guardian deity of Bandipur.  The Mahalaxmi temple and the temple of Khadga Devi are also popular there. The Mahalaxmi temple is an exquisite example of wood works. It is believed that the Khadga Devi becomes alive during the time of Dashain festival every year.

Sirubari: Located at a height of about 1,700 meters above sea level, Sirubari is a small village of Gurung community. Although it is just a 20 kilometers southeast of Pokhara, a major tourist hub, it takes about five hours to reach the village as one has to climb up a hill after leaving a motorable road. One can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan range after completing a short trek above the village. The clean trails, stone and slate-built houses and the typical culture of the hospitable Gurung community gives one an unforgettable experience. Since visitors have to stay at homes as guests, it can an important opportunity for them to be familiar with the unique Gurung culture and lifestyle.