Famous places in Nepal

1. FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS Inside Kathmandu Valley Outside Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu Durbar Square : It is a place where the city’s Kings were crowned. Having been built and rebuilt over the generations, it is now the valley’s number one tourist attractions. Most of the temples you see here are a mere three or four centuries old. The entire square was designated as a World Heritage Monument in 1979. The Durbar Square is teeming with shrines and statues. Walk around Kumari Chowk which is a home of “living goddesses”, she comes to the balcony at the scheduled time to welcome the guests. In the southwestern end lies Kasthamandap, Kathmandu’s oldest building and one of the oldest wooden building in the world. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree in the late twelfth century. Visit Basantapur Tower, legends say Malla kings were born on the ?rst ?oor of the tower, held audience in the second, viewed dancing girls on third, and climbed to the fourth ?oor to survey the smoke from the city’s cooking ?res making sure none of the subjects were going hungry. Visit numerous temples dedicated to Hindu goddesses around the square. Durbar Square is always vibrant with the movement of vegetable vendors and antique hawkers throughout the day. Swayambhunath Stupa : On the top of the hill west of Kathmandu value is one of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. It is also referred to as “Monkey Temple” by many tourists because of the large tribes of monkeys that guards the hill. Legends say after the Bodhisattva Manjushri drained the water from the lake revealing the Kathmandu valley, the lotus one the island of the lake was transformed into the hillock, and the blazing light from the lotus became the statue. 365 stone steps lead straight to one of the most sacred Buddhist sites, from where painted eyes of Swayambhunath seem to peer down your soul. Set around the base of the Stupa is a continuous series of prayer wheels, which the pilgrims spin as they circumambulate the stupa. Walk through the clusters of delicately carved Chaitya around. From the hilltop, you will have a bird’s eye view of Kathmandu valley. Early evening views are even more striking as the city lights begin to illuminate. Pashupatinath temple : Pashupatinath is one of the sacred Shiva temples on the Indian sub-continent. It draws devotees from all over India, including many colorful Sadhus (wandering Holy men). It is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Visiting Pashupatinath begins and ends a traditional pilgrimage circuit. Lord Pashupatinath’s supreme holiness stems from hollowed linga enshrined in the main temple and its location on the bank of sacred Bagmati River. Bagmati sanctity makes Pashupatinath Nepal’s most sacred cremation site. After the bodies are burnt the ashes are thrown into the river, where they are carried down to meet Ganges. On the festival of Maha Shivaratri during Feb/Mar lord Shiva’s marriage with goddess Parvati is celebrated with a great fair at the temple. Indian pilgrims come to this place from all around the world to celebrate this festival. As in most Hindu temples in Nepal, the admission inside the temple premises is strictly for Hindus only. For non-Hindus there is more to be seen by heading to the river bank, where you can look down into the temple from terrace hill in an opposite side. Watch the cremation going along the sacred Bagmati river. converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

2. Boudhanath Stupa : On the eastern side of Kathmandu is a huge stupa of Boudhanath. This is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is the sacred place for Buddhist pilgrims. Once you enter the stupa complex it resembles Bharkor street of Tibet with a considerable population of Tibetans, number of thriving monasteries and many small shops selling Tibetan artifacts. Boudhanath is one of the few places in the world where Tibetan culture is accessible, vibrant and unbound. Around the base of the stupa, there is a circular mound of 108 small images of Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. A brick wall around the stupa has 147 niches, each with four or ?ve prayer wheels bearing the immortal mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’. It is also possible to walk to upper layers of the stupa. In late afternoons, you will ?nd the monks chanting prayers around the stupa which will produce a spiritual vibe around the complex. Always remember to walk around the stupa clockwise. Budhanilkantha : Located 8 kms from Kathmandu lays the creator of all life, the god who reclines on the cosmic sea. It is said from his navel grew a lotus and from the lotus came Brahma, who in turn created the world. The 5 meters long image of Vishnu lies on a most unusual bed: the coils of a multi-headed snake. It was sculpted during Licchavi period, probably outside the valley and laboursely dragged here. The snake’s 11 hooded head rise protectively around Bishnu’s head. Narayan’s four hands hold four symbols of Lord Vishnu: a chakra (representing a mind), a mace (primeval knowledge), a conch shell (the four elements) and a lotus seed (a moving universe). Devotee visit here all along the day, bringing offerings which they hand to Brahman priest. The priests are the only ones allowed to walk around Lord Vishnu’s body. This image created in the 7th or 8th century is the most impressive, if not the most important, Lord Vishnu shrine in the country. Patan Durbar Square : Patan also known as Lalitpur is the second largest city inside the valley. Patan has a long Buddhist in?uence and the four corners of the city are marked by Stupas said to have been created by great Buddhist emperor around 250 BC. Durbar Square forms the heart of Patan. The Durbar Square is closely packed with temples, and with far more concentration of architecture then anywhere around the valley. Extraordinary varieties of monuments built over centuries blend into a magical whole, each perfectly been placed and balanced. Originally this was a site a pre-Licchavi palace and later it became a favored site for the wealthy nobles who ruled Patan. Visit Krishna Mandir an exquisite example of a stone architecture. Walk around the unique Buddhist monastery of Golden temple. As you stroll through you will come across neighborhood dedicated to metalworking or stone carving, past ancient bahals and temples. Bhaktapur Durbar Square : Bhaktapur also known as ‘Bhadgaon’ is the third largest town in the valley. The stone embedded street links a string of temples, monastery, courtyards and monumental squares. You will quickly notice how vibrant the town’s cultural life is with strong communities of potters, woodcarvers and weavers. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is much larger and much less crowded then compared to other two durbar squares. Just upon entering the square you will notice the substitute signs of four great Indian pilgrimage sites. Most recognizable is the ?nely carved Bansi Narayan Mandir of Bishnu. The northern side of the square is dominated by the royal palace, most of which dates back 300-400 years. Back out in the square, fames palace of 55 windows stretches off the east. Visit Nyatapola temple, this five-roofed standing 30 meters is the tallest temple in Nepal, so perfectly balanced it has survived numerous earthquakes since its construction in 1702. In Potters square you will see hundreds of vessels of all shapes and size set out to dry. The brick paved windings street, interesting side lanes and courtyards branching off it revels the heart of Bhaktapur. Nagarkot hill : 35 kms from Kathmandu on the eastern rim of the valley is the hill of Nagarkot (1,950m). This place offers a great mountain view. On a clear weather, views extend all the way from Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west, past Mt. Everest to Kanchenjunga in the west. While the mountains are relatively distant compared to the intimate view you will experience. Nagarkot is also a famous destination for sunset and sunrise view. Between Octobers to March the trip to Nagarkot will be always rewarded with the view. If you walk an hour to the view tower at the highest southern point on the ridge will give you 360 degrees view from a lookout tower on the ridge. Although you can make some pleasant strolls in the surrounding country, there is an array of an interesting downhill converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

3. return hikes. Changunarayan temple : About 22 kms from Kathmandu, the beautiful temple of Changunarayan stands at the eastern hilltop of the valley. It is the valley oldest proven existing temple. Although the temple dates from 1702, the origins of the temple go back to the fourth century. Changunarayan temple is endowed with glorious metal works and woodcarvings and its courtyard is an authentic museum of a ?ne ancient stone sculptures. This double roofed temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan and is exceptionally beautiful, with quite amazing intricate roof struts depicting multi-armed Tantric deities. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple itself. The much older images found in the temple courtyard are of equal interest. There are various images of lord Vishnu carrying the symbols associated with the god in his four hands. In the southwest corner, there are several notable images including Vishnu as Narsingha, his man-lion incarnation. There are also several beautiful hikes that can be started from or ended in Changunarayan. Dhulikhel : 32 km from Kathmandu is the well preserved Newari town, mountain view point, hiking and biking hub of Dhulikhel. The peaks on the view stretch from Langang Lirung (7,246m) in the east through Dorje Lakpa (6966m) to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar (7,145) and Melungtse (7,181m) in the west. The magni?cent sunrise and sunset from Dhulikhel makes it one of the tourist attractions. The proximity to both natural beauty and historic town has added to Dhulikhel’s charm. The Old town is an interesting area to wander around, with some ?ne old Newari buildings and several interesting temples. This area is comprised exclusively of four and ?ve storey brick mansions, many with ornate wooden lattices in place of a glass window. The older buildings held together only by mud mortar, show some serious crack from the infamous 1934 earthquake. One night stay in Dhulikhel is always recommended to explore this beautiful town and glimpse sunset and sunrise over Himalayas. The surrounding country side offers interesting walks. Dakshinkali : At the southern edge around 22kms from the valley cleft between two hills and at the con?uence of two rivers lies the temple of Dakshinkali. It is the famous Hindu pilgrimage destination. This temple is dedicated to goddess Kali, and twice a week faithful Nepalese journey here to satisfy her bloodlust. Frowning and emaciated, with protruding tongue and red eyes, decked with necklace of skulls, Kali is an aspect of Shiva’s consorts Durga, appearing in a fearsome way to battle the evil. Sacri?ces are made to the goddess on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the creatures to be sacri?ces must be uncastrated male animals. Saturday being Sacri?ces are made to the goddess on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the creatures to be sacri?ces must be uncastrated male animals. Saturday being a major sacri?cial day parade of goats, chickens, pigs and even buffalo are brought here to have their throat cut from their head and the blood ?ows freely in the complex. During the annual celebration of Dashain in October the temple is literally washed with blood and image of Kali is bathed with it. Non Hindus are not allowed into the actual compound where Kali’s image resides. Witnessing the sacri?ce is the strange and for some confronting experience. The pathway behind the main temple uphill offers good views. Everest experience ?ight/Mountain ?ight : Are you in Nepal to view the majestic mountains including the mighty Mount Everest? Do you have time to trek to the mountains region of the country to glimpse magni?cent Himalayas or trekking itself does not interest you? If the answer to the latter is no and former is yes, do not worry you can have a life time experience by hour long Everest experience ?ight. This scenic ?ight departs every morning from Kathmandu domestic airport. This ?ight provides brief but stunning views of an encyclopedic assortment of peaks. After taking off from Kathmandu airport the ?ight curves and ?ies over Dhulikhel towards Jiri offering panoramic views of peaks like Langtang (7246m), Mt. Shishapangma (8027m), Mt. Dorje Lakpa (6975m) and Mt. Lapchi Kang(7367m). Now the ?ight banks towards north to provide close-up view of four 8000’s giants Mt. Makalu(8479m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), Mt. Everest (8848m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8153m). It passes over Namche Bazaar and glides back over Solu passing by Mt. Numbur (6956m) and the bulk of Gauri Shankar (7145m). After completion of this scenic ?ight every passengers will be handed over the completion certi?cate stating that have felt Mt. Everest through their heart. Individual converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

4. window seat is always guaranteed in this ?ight. Whichever sides of the plane you may choose to be seated you will have an equal chance to view the mighty Himalayas. This ?ight is once in a life time experience. If you are coming to Nepal for very short period do not miss this experience. Authentic Nepali dinner with cultural shows : Do not miss to enjoy an authentic Nepali dinner with cultural dinners once you are here in Kathmandu. This is one of the wonderful experiences to taste typical Nepali food which we call “Dal Baht” with lentils. You will be surprised with the variety of Nepalese dishes that will keep on coming. The server with a gentle smile in their face will name you every item in Nepali as well as in English language before serving you. Along with the food you will be kept entertained with typical Nepali folk shows. You will get a chance to see the dance performance of different ethnic groups of Nepal in theirs unique cultural uniform. In this show, your taste buds will be engaged with delicious food and your eyes and ears will be entertained by unique and beautiful Nepali traditional music. You will indeed admire the live folk dance with their traditional musical instruments. The evening will end, but the memory of this evening will last for a long time. Bungmati & Kokana village : 10 kms from Kathmandu is a classic Newari twin village of Bungmati and Kokana dating from the sixteenth century. This brick huddle atop a hillock, centered in central square, is one of the better preserved Newari villages in the valley. Bungmati is also a renowned center for woodcarving. There are many chaityas and a huge prayer wheel. Between Bungmati and Khokana, the Karya Binayak Temple is dedicated to lord Ganesh. The view from this place is spectacular. Walk through the cobbled alley, pass several woodcarving shops. You will witness traditional Nepalese life with woman weaving, knitting and hand sewing and men working in their ?elds. This part of the valley has not been touched with modernization yet and has not changed over the last couple of centuries. Walk 15 minutes from Bungmati to arrive village of Khokana. Although smaller than Bugmati, this village has retained many traditional aspects of Newari life and is famous for mustard oil press. The street is always lined up with a woman sitting in the sun to spin wool, chat and massage their babies. At the end of the square is a multistoried temple to the local mother goddess Shekali Mai. Morning, excursion to these twin village is always recommended. We Travelsmith Nepal are a premium destination management company based in Kathmandu, Nepal. We are experts in crafting a private luxury family, incentives, adventure trekking, casual, and tailor-made tours to the Himalayan destinations of Nepal, Bhutan, and Tibet providing you with a memorable experience. CONTACT US Travelsmith Nepal Pvt. Ltd.  Pashupati Sadak, Gyaneshwor-33, Kathmandu, Nepal  +977-1-4425046 , +977-1-4425047  +977-9841675418  info@travelsmithnepal.com  bibek@travelsmithnepal.com converted by Web2PDFConvert.com

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