"Nepal is a land of sublime scenery,
time-worn temples, and some of the best
hiking trails on earth. It's the kind of
country that lingers in your dreams long
after you leave it. This is why so many
travellers are drawn back to Nepal,
armed the second time round with a
greater appreciation of its natural and
cultural complexity, a stout pair of
walking boots and a desire for sculpted
calf muscles." Lonely planet Travel
Guide.
Here are the interesting places to see
in Nepal:
Kathmandu Durbar Square (Kathmandu City)
Durbar literally mean Palaces is in the
heart of old city Kathmandu in
Basantapur. . Kathmandu valley was
divided into 03 kingdoms from 9th
century onward till 1768 AD. The
founding of the Palace dates back to
Licchavi times. With considerable
renovations by Malla rulers and later
the Ranas, construction was accomplished
progressively over many centuries.
There are around 50 temples in the
vicinity including the temple Taleju
Bhawani which was brought from Indian
continent by Mallas with them in around
9th Century. The Durbar is divided into
two courtyards, the outer comprising
Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati
Temple, and the inner consisting of
Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace.
Important ceremonies, including the
coronation of the Nepali monarch, are
held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Most parts of the palace premise are
open for tourists throughout the week
during office hours.
Kumari, Virgin lady recognized as
Goddess in the valley by both Hindus and
Buddhists families. Kumari is selected
from one specific clan called Shakya
residing near by the square at around
the age of 3 / 4 and brought up here in
the palace till her maturity.... She is
highly worshipped by the peoples of
Nepal and put strong belief on her. She
lives in the palace during the period
and very limited occasion she got chance
to come out from the Palace....
 Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square another royal palace
complex of the then Malla Kings during
17th century is situated in the center
of Patan city. This was taken as the
youngest Kingdom. The Square and its
surroundings provide very good example
of ancient Newari architecture. Patan
City is taken as Buddhist city and can
be seen many Buddhist shrines, stupas,
monasteries etc.
The palace has three main courtyards the
central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To
the west of the complex are a dozen free
standing temples of various sizes and
styles. Krishna Temple widely worshipped
on Krishna's Birthday, Bhimsen Temple,
the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna
Mahavira and Sundari Chowk ( the bathing
complex of the then Malla King's ) mark
the architectural excellence of its era.
The Sundari Chowk with the sunken bath
of Tusha Hiti, contains exquisite
woodcarvings, stone, and metal
sculpture. Patan Durbar Square also
houses a temple of Taleju Bhawani. In
this complex, there is amazing museum of
art where the collection of Hinduism and
Buddhism are displayed.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square another palace
complex of the Malla King's during 9th -
18th Century is located in the center of
Bhaktapur. The Square is one of the most
charming architectural showpieces of the
Valley as it highlights some of the
finest medieval arts of Nepal. The main
items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar
Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden
Gate and the statues of kings on stone
monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected
by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to
the main courtyard of the Fifty-five
Windowed Palace.
The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was
built during the reign of King Yakshya
Malla in A.D. 1427 and was remodelled by
King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th
century. The art gallery of Bhaktapur
Durbar Square contains ancient paintings
belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist
traditions of various periods. This
gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
Beside this complex amazing 5 storied
Nyatapola temple and Duttatreya temple
complex is great to enjoy. The narrow
lanes with puppets and handicrafts,
wooden carvings on sale is worth walking
around. Bhaktapur is popular for its
woodcarving and pottery art.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swoyambhu literally means 'Self-Existent
One.' Swoyambhunath is believed to have
been established more than 2,500 years
ago. An inscription dated 460 A.D.
states that the construction was carried
out by King Manadeva. By the thirteenth
century Swoyambhunath had developed into
an important Buddhist learning site.
The history of Kathmandu Valley is said
to have started with the beginning of
Swoyambhu. The largest image of the
Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a
monastery next to the Stupa. Behind the
hilltop is a temple dedicated to
Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of
learning. Statues and shrines of
Buddhist and Hindu deities dot the Stupa
complex.
Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus
alike visit Swoyambhunath. Swoyambhu is
perhaps the best place to observe the
religious harmony in Nepal. The Stupa is
atop a hill, and requires considerable
walk. There is also a road that leads
almost to the base of the statue.
Boudhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan
culture in Nepal. The 36-meter-high
Stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the
largest stupas in South Asia.
Bouddhanath Stupa was renovated by
Licchavi rulers in the eighth century.
The Mandala design in Bouddhanath is a
copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.
The Stupa is located in the area of
ancient trade route to Tibet where
Tibetan merchants rested and offered
prayers for many centuries. When
refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the
1950s, many decided to live around
Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete township
has developed around Bouddhanath. The
Stupa is said to entomb the remains of a
Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists
and Hindus. Smaller stupas are located
at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio
shops, and restaurants surround
Bouddhanath.
Because of its location and size, it
seems much larger than the Swoyambhunath
Stupa, with the same hemi-spherical dome
symbolizing the emptiness from which
everything emanates. On top is the
harmika painted on each side with the
eyes of the Buddha symbolizing
awareness, and above the spire with its
13 stages to the canopy. At ground level
there is a brick wall with 147 niches
and 108 images of the meditational
Buddha inset behind copper prayer
wheels. Early morning and evening are
the times to visit Bouddha to join the
local residents in kora (walking the
pilgrim's circuit, sometimes with
Tibetan pilgrims on their hands and
knees).
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is one of the four most
important religious sites in Asia for
Shiva devotees. Pashupatinath, dedicated
to Shiva the Destroyer, is the holiest
Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal.
Although the Pashupatinath Temple was
only built in the fifth century and
later renovated by Malla kings, the holy
site is said to have existed from the
beginning of the millennium.
A gold-plated roof, four silver doors,
and wood carvings of the finest quality
decorate the pagoda temple of
Pashupatinath. Temples dedicated to
several other Hindu and Buddhist deities
surround the temple of Pashupatinath.
Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori
dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi.
Behind the temple is the River Bagmati.
On the banks of Bagmati are raised
platforms used as cremation sites for
Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside
the Pashupatinath courtyard.
Pashupatinath, in a limited sense,
literally means the Lord of the Animals.
But animal is also a term that denotes
the animal like instincts in human
beings. Capable of destroying instantly
every evil force either with his trident
or the third eye, when it comes to his
devotees, the Lord Pashupatinath
destroys their ignorance. Be it an issue
of material gain or release from the
cycle of mortal existence he is the
height of compassion, generosity, as
well as consciousness.
Shiva has been worshipped in Nepal from
the beginning of the Neolithic
civilization in the Kathmandu Valley,
with scientific archaeological studies
and findings around the temple proving
that the god Pashupatinath was
worshipped here from about the beginning
of the Christian era. From about the 7th
century onwards it became the first and
foremost temple of Nepal, with kings,
aristocrats and the rich offering a
great deal of wealth and land in trust
to the god, making it one of the richest
temples in Nepal. Many temples and
statues around the temple were added
making it a big complex rather than just
a temple. The main God or the Lingam of
Pashupatinath is carved on a blackish
stone, with four faces engraved on four
sides of the Linga.
The temple starts swarming with devotees
around 4am every morning. However the
top of the hill to the east of the
temple is the ideal place for the non
Hindu visitor to view the temple, its
rich surroundings, and below on the edge
of the Bagmati river the ghats where the
dead are brought to be cremated.
Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan is the temple of Vishnu,
the Preserver, in the village of Changu
in Bhaktapur. The origins of Changu
Narayan goes back to the fourth century.
A fifth century stone inscription in the
temple proclaims it as one of the oldest
shrines of the Kathmandu Valley. The
temple is believed to be sixteen hundred
years old. It is embellished by the best
examples of stone, wood, and metal
craft.
On the struts of the two-tiered Changu
Narayan Temple, are the ten incarnations
of Narayan. A sixth-century stone statue
shows the cosmic form of Vishnu. Garuda,
half man and half bird, is the steed of
Vishnu, and his life-sized statue kneels
before the temple.
The stone inscription (dated 464 A.D.)
placed in front of the Changu Narayan
temple describes in detail the story of
Dharma Eva a King of Nepal who died
suddenly, with his young son succeeding
him to the throne. The son later after a
series of victories in war inscribed his
victory on a stone pillar and placed it
in front of the Changu Narayan temple.
It is written in poetry and in an
academic Sanskrit which is something
like an encyclopedia of the then
society, tradition and culture. It
starts with an invocation to the Vishnu
of Doladri proving that Changu Narayan
or the Doladri Narayan is much older
than the date on the in- scription of
464 A.D.
Situated on a beautiful hill the square
two storied temple stands in the centre
of a brick paved courtyard, with the
main structure raised on a three tier
diminishing plinth, with doors on all
four sides, although the western door is
the main en- trance to the sanctum. The
doors have pairs of carvings of animals
such as lions, horses, griffins and
elephants, with the main western door
richly carved in brass, with a brass
tympanum above the door. (one of the
most beautiful pieces of brass work of
medieval Nepal).
Lumbini - Birth Place of Buddha
Lumbini associated with the birth of
Lord Buddha is of extreme archeological
importance and also a UNESCO Cultural
Heritage Site. It is said that Prince
Siddhartha Gautam, who later became
Buddha the Enlightened One, was born in
the gardens of Nepal's Lumbini in 623
B.C. The main shrines of Lumbini are the
newly restored Mayadevi Temple, the
Ashokan Pillar behind the temple and the
Lake Shakya Puskarini where Mayadevi is
said to have bathed before delivering
the little Buddha into the world.
Several other places near Lumbini are
linked with stories connected to Buddha
and Buddhism. Lumbini is about 300
kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. Bus
and flights to Bhairawa which is about
22 kilometers from Lumbini, are
available from major cities. From
Bhairawa transport services to Lumbini
are easily available. Food and
accommodation facilities are available
in Lumbini and Bhairawa.
Besides these, there are others like the
Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharmaswami
Buddhist monastery. Other countries like
Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, etc
are also contributing to build more
temples and monasteries.
Lumbini also has a museum and a research
center for Buddhism. At present the
Lumbini Development Trust is
implementing a master plan to develop
Lumbini designed, by Prof. K. Tange of
Japan.
Pokhara City
Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal,
Pokhara is its center of adventure. An
enchanting city nestled in a tranquil
valley; it is the starting point for
many of Nepal's most popular trekking
and rafting destinations. The atmosphere
on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of
excited vitality as hipster backpackers
crowd the many bars and restaurants
exchanging recommendations on guest
houses and viewpoints, both by the lake
and above the clouds.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural
beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and
the magnificence of the fishtailed
summit of Machhapuchhare (6,977 m)
rising behind it create an ambience of
peace and magic. At an elevation lower
than Kathmandu, it has a much more
tropical feel to it, a fact well
appreciated by the beautiful diversity
of flowers which prosper in its
environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding
Pokhara is home to thick forests,
gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of
course, the world famous views of the
Himalaya.
Pokhara is a part of a once vibrant
trade route extending between India and
Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be
seen camped on the outskirts of the
town, bringing goods to trade from
remote regions of the Himalaya. This is
the land of the Magars and Gurungs,
hardworking farmers and valorous
warriors who have earned world-wide fame
as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis,
another important ethnic group here, are
known for their entrepreneurship.
Nagarkot Hill Station
Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of
Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic
spots in Bhaktapur district and is
renowned for its spectacular sunrise
view of the Himalaya when the weather is
clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot
from Kathmandu to spend the night so
that they can be there for the
breathtaking sunrise.
Nagarkot has become famous as one of the
best spots to view Mount Everest as well
as other snow-topped peaks of the
Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It
also offers an excellent view of the
Indrawati river valley to the east. With
an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot
also offers a panoramic view of the
Valley and is described by visitors as a
place whose beauty endures year round.
Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot
in the spring when surrounding valleys
break out in a rich kaleidoscope of
different coloured flowers. The flowers
are beautiful against the serene
backdrop of the snow-covered mountains.
Ever popular among the tourists are the
short treks and picnics which Nagarkot
offers. Treks from Nagarkot are unique
and delightful. For anyone who wants to
have an adventure without exerting much
efforts, 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
verdant forests, flower-covered meadows
and unusual rock formations.
Dhulikhel Hill Station
Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town
situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu
on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari
Highway). From here one has a panoramic
view of the Himalayan range. From the
main town, a short visit to Namobuddha,
with the Stupa and Buddhist Monastery,
is highly recommended. Panauti, a
village noted for its numerous temples
with magnificent woodcarvings, is a
short distance from Dhulikhel.
Daman
For a view of the breathtaking grandeur
of the world's highest peaks from the
far west of Dhaulagiri to the east of
Mt. Everest, there is no better place
than Daman. It lies eighty kilometers
south-west of Kathmandu on the mountain
highway known as Tribhuvan Rajpath and
has a view tower fitted with a long
range telescope.
Manakamana Temple
The temple of Manokaman, a very popular
pilgrimage in Nepal, is a temple of one
of the manifestations of the Hindu
goddess Bhagwati. Bhagwati is believed
to have the power to fulfill wishes. It
lies 125km to the west of Kathmandu. It
is a steep three hour hike from Abu
Khaireni Kathmandu-Gorkha Highway.
Cable-cars also take travellers to
Manokamana
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park (‘Chitwan’ means
"in the heart of the jungle’) covers 932
sq. km. in the flat lowland region of
southern Nepal which is listed in the
World Heritage Site of UNESCO and
regarded as on of the best managed park
in Asia. This is the first National Park
of Nepal established in 1973 to preserve
a unique eco system significantly
valuable to the whole world. It is one
of the most important sub-tropical parks
on the Indian subcontinent with
populations of the endangered Royal
Bengal tiger, Greater One-horned
rhinoceros, Gangetic dolphin (Platanista
gangetica), Wild Asian elephant, Gaur,
Golden Monitor lizard, Gharial crocodile
and many more.
The park is easily accessible (only
165km) by bus from Kathmandu and
possible by flight as well. Bharatpur
airport adjoins the park is a 25 minutes
away (there are daily flights from
Kathmandu). One can raft down in
Trishuli River for one or two days to
reach the park. The Resorts and hotels
inside and outside park offer amazing 2
nights 3 days programme of high quality
Bardia National Park
Bardia National Park is situated in the
mid far western Terai, east of the
Karnali River. The park is the largest
covering 986 sq km. and most undisturbed
wilderness area in the Terai. About 70%
of the park is covered with forest with
the balance a mixture of grassland,
savannah and riverine forest. Bardia was
a royal hunting reserve of Nepal's Rana
rulers from 1846 to 1950. It became a
National Park in 1988. The approximately
1500 people who used to live in this
valley have been resettled elsewhere.
Since farming has ceased in the Babai
Valley, natural vegetation is
regenerating, making it an area of prime
habitat for wildlife.
The park provides excellent habitat for
endangered animals like the rhinoceros
wild elephant, Royal Bengal Tiger, swamp
deer, black buck, Gharial crocodile,
marsh mugger crocodile and Gangetic
dolphin. Endangered birds include the
Bengal florican, lesser florican,
silver-eared mesia and Sarus crane. More
than 30 different mammals, over 200
species of birds, and many snakes,
lizards and fish have been recorded in
the park's forest, grassland and river
habitats. A good number of resident and
migratory birds are found in the park.
It is also the home of one of the last
known herds of wild Elephants.
From Nepalgunj it is approximately 95 Km
and takes 3 hrs Jeep/ Car drive crossing
Babai River and from Ambassa it is 12 Km
which is not concrete and takes rough 1
hour. You can fly to Nepalgunj from
Kathmandu ( everyday afternoon flights
available) or can drive to Nepalgunj.
Ambassa lies in the East West Highway
can be reached by the Bus services from
Kathmandu. You can arrive this point
from Nepal India West Boarder called
Mahendranagar by Bus...
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu is known for its birds, with
over 280 species including 20 species of
duck, ibices, storks, swamp partridges,
herons, egrets, bengal floricans and
other many exotic and migratory
waterfowl not found elsewhere
Annapurna Region Trekking
Annapurna is the most important region
of Nepal for the development of Tourism
and Adventure Trekking. Since the first
ascent of Annapurna I by French
Adventure Climber Maurice Herzog in
1953, Adventure Trekking becomes very
popular in Nepal.
There are three major trekking routes in
Annapurna Region: to Jomsom Muktinath ,
to Annapurna Sanctuary ( Annapurna Base
Camp), and a circuit of the Annapurna
Himal itself. Pokhara is also a good
starting place for short treks of one to
four days, such as Ghorepani Trekking,
Ghandruk Trekking and others. Mustang is
also geographically a part of the
Annapurna region, but because treks to
Mustang are subject to special
restrictions. About two-thirds of the
trekkers in Nepal visit the Annapurna
region. The area is easily accessible,
hotels in the hills are plentiful, and
treks here offer good scenery of both
high mountains and lowland villages.
In this category we include our Trekking
programme to Annapurna Base Camp of 10
days, Annapurna Round Trekking of 20
days, Ghorepani Trekking of 08 days,
Muktinath Trekking of upto 10 days. This
Trekking region is greatly developed in
terms of Hotels, Lodges, Telephone
facilities and so on.
Everest Region for Trekking
he Everest area is situated in eastern
Nepal and is expanded in the Sagarmatha
National Park, established in 1976 with
an area of 1148 square kilometers. The
park is largely composed of the rugged
terrain and gorges of the high
Himalayas. Mount Everest 8848 meters
(29,028ft), the highest mountain in the
world, which is known in Nepal as "Sagarmatha"
the goddess mother of the world, has
long been the greatest attraction for
nature lovers and trekkers alike.
Solukhumbu, the heartland of the Everest
Region and an integral part of the
Himalayan mystique, thus provides a
welcome destination for these
adventurers.
Throughout these trekking programmes
trekkers are overwhelmed with the views
of unbelievable peaks, Buddhist
monasteries, and friendly Sherpa
villages. The local people believe that
the Pangboche Monastery actually has in
its possession the real scalp of this
Himalayan legend Yeti. As we proceed
slowly , we will have plenty of
opportunity to visit monasteries and
Sherpa homes of this region. Incredible
views of Everest and the surrounding
peaks are the inescapable fare while we
ascend Kala Patthar.
People who have fully acclimatized may
trek to the Everest Base Camp but
without doubt, for many people the main
highlight will be the magnificent views
which unfold from the summit of
Kalapathar - the extraordinary ice
sculptures of the Khumbu Glacier, Nuptse
and the south-west face of Everest
itself.
Perhaps in viewing Everest in this way,
you will be fulfilling a long held
desire.
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