The Kathmandu Valley
Surrounded by green mountain walls with snow capped peaks, the valley is of unequaled splendor. It consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). The valley floor is 1310 m. above sea level. On your day tour, you will be amazed by the number of temples and stupas, carved wooden struts, golden torahs, and images of various gods that remain from past dynasties. For relaxing views of the sunrise and sunset, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel hill resorts are just a few hours drive away. Visits to religious sites give an insight into the great religions of the subcontinent. Festival days relive centuries-old customs. There are many easy day hikes in pleasant bird and animal filled areas.

The main tourist attractions in Valley include :-

KATHMANDU

Kathmandu’s most impressive sight, Durbar Square, is crowded with ancient temples and palaces reflecting the religious and cultural life of the people. It is also home to Kathmandu’s Kumari, or ‘living goddess’, a young girl believed to be a reincarnation of the goddess Durga
SWAYAMBHUNATH

This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. The 2000 year old Chaityas is known as the ‘monkey temple’ because of its resident swarm of apes. This spectacular Buddhist Stupa, from which the Buddha’s eyes gaze serenely down, lies on a hilltop only 2km from Kathmandu. The views of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley are superb.

BOUDHANATH

The stupa of Boudhanath lies eight kilometres east of Kathmandu. This crossal and ancient stupa, one of he biggest in the world, has the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It was built in the fifth century A.D. on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE

Situated five kilometres east of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple of Lord Shiva is famous for its two-tiered golden roof and silver doors. The area along the bank of the river next to the temple is a designated cremation yard.

PATAN

This ancient city of faces Kathmandu on the southern bank of the River Bagmati. It is a colorful place, with Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments side by side in its narrow, winding streets and unexpected squares. The major tourist attractions of Patan are :

DURBAR SQUARE

The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings.

KRISHNA MANDIR

The first of its kind to be built, this 17th Century temple is the only one in Nepal with shrines entirely carved in stone.

HIRANYA VARAN MAHAVIHARA

12th Century, three-tiered Golden Pagoda of Lord Buddha.

KUMBHESHWOR

A Shiva Temple with an unusual five-tiered roof.

PATAN Industrial Estate

The estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal crafts, carpets, and tonka paintings.

BHAKTAPUR

Situated at an altitude of 1401metres, this is one of the three ancient cities of Nepal. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 square miles, and boasts medieval art and architecture as well as thriving local pottery and weaving industries.

DURBAR SQUARE

This spacious, beautiful square is packed with ancient temples and monuments. These include the colorfully named ‘Lion Gate’ and ‘The Bell of the Barking Dogs.’ It’s a great place to explore and absorb local life.

THE PALACE OF 55 WINDOWS

The palace of 55 windows was built in the 17th century by the King Bhupatindra Malla. Amid the brick walls, with their gracious sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.

NYATAPOLA TEMPLE

Built in 1702, this five-story pagoda is an impressive sight. Staring down at you from the terraces are intricately carved figures of wrestlers, elephants, lions and griffins.

Other Places of Interest:

Kirtipur:

Kirtipur is situated 10 kms. southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient Newar township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilmahu Stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairab are major sights here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.

Daman:

Situated at 2100m. above sea level, 80 km. From Kathmandu, Daman is known for its views of Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa , Gauri Shanker, Cho Oyu, etc. The viewing tower offers an amazing panoramic view of 300 miles of the Himalayan range.

Nagarkot:

Nagarkot is an ancient village, 32km. east of Kathmandu. From here one can see Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks. Nagarkot is located between the Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagatkot commands exceptional views in all directions. Nagarkot is 2229 m. above sea level.

Lumbini

Lumbini, (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) is situated in the south-western plains of the country. Lumbini gardens, dotted with holy shrines, stupas, monasteries and the temple of Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, are the principal attractions. A great pillar from 250 B.C. carries an inscription signifying the birth of Lord Buddha. Beside the Maya Devi temple to the south is a sacred pole where Lord Buddha received his first purification bath. Close to Lumbini is Tilaurakot, an archaeological site over 2000 years old.

Pokhara

This mountainous little valley, unrivalled in natural beauty, is some 200 km. from Kathmandu. With the backdrop of Annapurna Himalayas to the north, and graced with glittering lakes, foaming rivers and majestic caverns, Pokhara is a place not to be missed . It is a rendezvous for many adventure trekkers in the Annapurna region who seek to experience the diverse lifestyles of the mountain people.

Tansen

One of the largest hill towns in Nepal, Tansen (1371 m.) is some 300 km. southwest of Kathmandu. Tansen served as the capital of the tiny kingdom of Palpa before it was annexed into the unified Nepal. Nestled on top of the highest hill in the area, Tansen offers a breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manasalu to the north and the forests and valley farm houses to the south. The town is rich in ancient temples and other places of historical and cultural interest.

Gorkha :

This was the home of Gorkha kings—i.e. the kings of the present dynasty that expanded itself into modern Nepal. The Shah dynasty of Nepal descends from the Gorkha. Located some 160 km. west of Kathmandu, Gorkha is a picturesque hill resort steeped in ancient history. The world renowned Gorkha soldiers were originally from this area. Points of interest include ornate ancient temples and the Royal Palace.


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