KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
Touristy Kathmandu Durbar Square is the natural place to begin sightseeing. The old royal palace, running along the eastern edge of the square, takes up more space than all the other monuments here combined. Kumari Chock, home of Katmandu’s "Living goddess", overlooks the square from the south. The square itself is squeezed by the palace into two parts: at the southern and the Kasthamandap, the ancient building that probably gave Kathmandu its name, while the northern part is taken up by a varied procession of statues and temples. The building here is the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty, and they resulted from the great rivalry between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. For visitors today, and for the Nepalese, it was serendipitous that they, and later their off springs, began an artistic warfare trying to outdo each other in splendid contributions. Kings copied everything their neighbors built in an even grander style. A visitor who wanders around the square will see a round temple in the pagoda architectural style, the temple of Goddess Taleju, and an image of Shiva and Parbati sitting together among the many monuments.
Machchhendranath Temple:
The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Also called as Janmadyo or Machchhendra the deity.
Akash Bhairav Temple:
A three-storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra - the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A. D. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chok, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and, the Jagannath Temple. On the right-hand corner, larger wooden latticescreen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.
There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain. Closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.
Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar):
The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
Kasthamandap:
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Ashok Vinayak :
The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap -also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi Dewal :
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
SWAYAMBHU OR MONKEY TEMPLE
The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhunath, or the "the self-existent". In times uncharted by history, Boddhisatwa Manjusri came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's centre, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called it the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the self-existent Lord has been a holy place. Swayambhu's light was covered in time because few could bear its intensity. By the thirteenth century, after many layers were added to the original structure that enveloped the Lord's power, a dome-like shape had been acquired. The stupas central mast was damaged and replaced at that time. Peripheral sources of power were discovered on the hilltop as well and stupas, temples, and rest houses were built to honour them. Images of important deities, both Buddhist and Hindu, were also installed. Today, age-old statues and shrines dot the stupa complex. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri or Saraswati - the goddess of learning. Swayambhu is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world, and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, and Brahmin priests to lay Buddhists and Hindus. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Other monasteries here have huge prayer wheels; fine Buddhist paintings, and special butter lamps, which may be lit after presenting monetary offerings. Swayambhu is a major landmark of the Valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees have climbed the steps on the eastern side for centuries. Statues of the Buddha, mini stupas, monasteries and monkeys make the climb to Swayambhu - which is fairly steep - worthwhile. But for someone who is pressed for time, the western road allows you to get off your transport almost at the base of the stupa.
BOUDHANATH
To ancient travelers along the Kathmandu-Tibet trade route, the one kilometre corridor from Pashupatinath to Sankhu known as the zone of siddhi(Super natural power), where guardian deities dwelt and all wishes were granted. The biggest, most auspicious landmark along this route was-and stills is-the great stupa at BOUDHA (or Bhoudhanath), about 5 km east of downtown Kathmandu. One of the world's largest stupas, Boudha is generally acknowledged to be the most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet- Tibetans simply call elephant, and the full moon of March-April, when ethnic Tamands- the original guardians of the stupa-converge here to arrange marriages, and hundreds of eligible brides are sat around the stupa for inspection. Full moon and new moon days in general attract more pilgrims, since acts of worship earn more merit on these days
PASHUPATINATH
Pashupatinath is the holiest pilgrimage destination in Nepal. There are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines, and temple dedicated to other deities in the complex. A temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in AD 879. However, the present temple was buile by king Bhupatindra Malla in 1697. A gold-plated roof, silver doors and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda construction. Guheswari Temple, restored in AD 1653, represents the female "force". It is dedicated to Satidevi, Shiva's first wife, who gave up her life in the flames of her father's fire ritual. Acircuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth century statue of the Buddha, and eight-century statue of Brahma the creator and numerous other temples. Some other places to visit are Rajeswari Temple, built in 1407, kailas with lingas more than 1,400 years old, Goraknath temple, and the courtyard of Biswarup. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over South Asia offer wordship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. The Bagmati river flows close by the Arya Ghat cremation grounds are here. We strongly advice photographers not to take photos of cremations and of bereaved families. Sadhu, sages who follow the lifestyle of Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and loin-cloth. The main Pashupatinath courtyard may be entered by those of Hindu faith only.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the woodcarvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows-all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are:
The Lion Gate:
Dating as far back as 1696 AD., this gate is guarded on either side by two huge statues of lions. Alongside, there are two stone images of Bhairav (the dreadful aspect of Shiva) and Ugrachandi (the consort of Shiva in her fearful manifestation).
The Golden Gate:
The Golden Gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is surmounted by a figure of the 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 most lovely piece of art in the whole Kingdom: it is placed like a jewel, flashing innumerable facets in the handsome setting of its surroundings. The gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance of the main courtyard of the Palace of Fifty-five Windows.
The Palace of Fifty-five Windows:
This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 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. The Art Gallery: The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. This gallery is open everyday except Tuesday.
The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla:
This statue showing King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is set on a column facing the palace? Of the square's many statues, this is considered to be the most magnificent.
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, the Batsala temple and the Bell of barking dogs, etc. The statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent. Beside this you will visit National Art Gallery, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 Windows, Stone Temple of Batsala Devi , Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatraya Temple and Pottery square
If you need some more details here are details
The National Art Gallery:
Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.
The Golden Gate:
Is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 windows. Built King Ranjit Malla, the Gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvellous intricacy.
The Palace of 55 Windows:
Was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpieace of woodcarving.
The Stone Temple of Batsala Devi :
Which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style of architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 A.D. was used to sound curfew during that time.
Nyatapola Temple:
This five-storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures; two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and Baghini and Singini the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structureand subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple:
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but later chaned into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D. by king Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav the god of Terror.
Dattatraya Temple:
Built in 1427 A.D. this temple is said to have been built from trunk of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows?
PATAN CITY
Patan city is the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five kilometers Southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddihst monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carving. Patan This city is the home of Nepals finest craftsmen. These skilled artisans produce exquisite brass, bronze and copper statues of a variety of Hindu and Buddhist deities, silver jewels, sacred paubha paintings,and other handicraft. Noted for its craftsmen and mental workers, it is known as the city of artists. The major tourist attractions of Patan are:
Krishna Mandir:
Built in the seventeenth century by King Siddhi Narasing Malla, 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 shrines and is completely made of stone. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics-the Ramayana and the Mahabharata,have been engraved on its friezes.
Mahabouddha:
A little further from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces. It was constructed by an architect named Avay Raj.
Kumbheshwor:
Kumbheshwor temple in Patan and Nyatapola temple in Bhaktapur are the only temples in the Valley with five roofs, with the exception of the round five tiered Pancha Mukhi Hanuman of Kathmanduís Hanuman Dhoka Palace. This temple of Lord Shiva was built during thereign of King Jayasthiti Malla. Later a golden final was added to it. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.
Jagatnarayan Temple:
It is a tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu in red brick. Situated on the bank of Bagmati river (Sankhamul), the temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
Varna Mahavihar:
This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
Temples of Machchhendra Nath and Min Nath:
The pagoda of Red Machchhendra Nath, built in 1408 AD is situated in Tabahal. Red Machchhendra Nath, also known as Avalokiteshwor and Adinath Lokeshwor is housed here for six month. For the rest six months the idol is taken to its shrine in Bungamati. The temple of Min Nath is situated in Tengal, on way to Tabahal. The temple of Min Nath is supposed to be older than the temple of Red Machchhendra Nath.
Kathmandu Valley
The Valley consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level, the Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in Kathmandu include:
Tundikhel :
A huge greenfield, flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhei. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara (or Bhimsen Stambha). Sundhara-fountains with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.
Martyr's Memorial (Sahid) Gate:
It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and the busts of four martyrs.
Bhadrakali Temple:
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main "Shakta" temples of Kathmandu city.
Singha Durbar:
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. Singha Durbar was the private residence of Rana Prime Ministers. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
Narayanhity Durbar:
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic waterspout called Narayanhity, is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.
Kaisar Libreary :
Located inside the premises of Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great centre of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except Saturdays and other government holidays.
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 sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
Balaju Water Garden:
Situated about five kilometers North-west of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile headed waterspout dating from the mid eighteenth century. There is also a swimming pool inside the park.
Natural History Museum:
Situated three kilometers west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock this museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited
Guheswari Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.
Chabahil :
The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.
Chandra Vinayak :
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200m. North of Chabahil Stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant -headed god.
Gokarna :
This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about ten kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant back. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
Sankhu :
It is a typical Newari town, with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, up a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a historical temple with a beautiful view of the local area.
Sundarijal :
It is famous for its scenic beauty.There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk after the motorable road.
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.
Chobhar:
Situated nine kilometers South-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but pictuesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.
Shekha Narayan:
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali :
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about twenty kilometers south of Kathmandu. 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.
Bungmati and Khokana
From a distance, you could almost mistake BUNGMATI for a well-preserved Tuscan village: scrunched together on a hillock, its tall, brick houses, with their tiled roofs sloping in different directions, look distinctly Romanesque. The bus stops along the road a short walk northeast of the town.
Close up, Bungmati is quintessentially Newar, and what at first looks like a tiny village quickly envelops you in its self-contained universe. All alleys eventually lead to the broad, teeming central plaza and the whitewashed shikra of Machhendranath , whose more ancient Newar name is Bunga Dyo ("God of Bunga"). According to legend, Bungmati marks the spot where Machhendranath, having arrived in the valley in the form of a bee to save it from drought, was "born" as the valley's protector-rainmaker. Each summer at the end of Patan's Rato Machhendranath festival, the god's red mask is brought to the Bungmati temple for a six-month residency, but every twelfth year it is kept here through the winter and then pulled by lumbering chariot all the way to Patan.
One kilometre to the north, KHOKANA resembles Bungmati in many ways, but somehow lacks the character and magnetism of its neighbour. It's locally renowned for its mustard oil, and in season the presses run full tilt. Khokana's pagoda-style Shekali Mai Mandir , a massive three-tiered job, honours a local nature goddess. Midway between Khokana and Bungmati stands the poorly maintained Karya Binayak , another of the valley's four Ganesh temples
The Zoo:
Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo has many animals,birds and reptiles in its collections mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in 17th A. D.
Patan Industrial Estate:
Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. This Industrial Estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal crafts, carpets and thangka paintings. For The convenience of The tourists there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited in the shopping arcade.
Bajra Barahi :
Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometers south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.
Godavari :
Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to The soutlh-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is the only in Nepal, is open daily including Saturdays and government holidays.
Phulchowki :
Located around ten kilometers southeast of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeep able road.
Changu Narayan :
Situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the Valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A.D. and said to be the oldest temple in the Valley.
Nagarkot:
Is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 m. above sea level. A panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest 8848 M) can be seen from here. A magnificent sunrise and sunset can be enjoyed from here.
Kakani :
Located 29 kilometres north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holiday area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are; Gaurishanker ( 7,134m.), Choba Bhamre ( 6,109m.), Manaslu ( 8,163m.), Himalchuli (7,893m.), Annapurna (8,091m.) and several other peaks.
Gosainkunda :
One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4360 m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132 kilometres north east of kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south, the Lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati, Bhairav, Sourya and Ganesh Kunda, etc.
Dhulikhel :
This ancient town is situated 30 kilometres east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari Highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.
Panauti :
It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with some very lovely temples and interesting old houses, particularly beautiful area some fourteenth century wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful countryside.
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.
Timal Narayan :
The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit the villages of the Tamang people who live in this area.
Palanchowk Bhagawati :
7 kilometres north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of Palanchowk Bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of Goddess Bhagawati.
Charikot :
About 133 kilometers from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spectacular mountain view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.
Helambu :
Helambu situated about 72 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11 kilometers away from Kathmandu.
Gorkha:
Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithvi Narayan Shah- the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. It's the first capital of Nepal. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhanath. Gorkha is very enjoyable, interesting and one of the hiostorical places.
Muktinath :
The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kilometers north east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 meters. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.
The Muktinath valley is full of many natural and cultural attraction. Amongst them , the " Muktinath Temple Complex" with various natural. Cultural and spiritual manifestations , is the canter attraction . In straight terms, Mukti means " Salvation" & Nath is " Lord ", " Muktinath" therefore. Is the lord of "salvation" , & the valley, " The salvation Valley". A pagoda style " Vishnu Temple " lying amidst the sacred poplar groove dominates the temple complex. The Vishnu temple is a syambol of religious symbiosis between the Hindu &the Buddhists, of which later worship Vishnu as " Avalokiteshvara . It is said, that the poplar groove grew of the walking sticks left here by the 84 grate magicians from India on their way to Tibet "
There are 108 brass waterspouts, shaped in cow`s heads, along the courtyard of Vishnu temple. Those spouts are also associated with the 84 magicians. Each magician is belived to have ladled water to the spouts from the scared lake of Manasarowar,in western Tibet . A holy bathe under all these spouts is said to bring salvation !
Another attraction in the temple complex is the Jwala Mai Temple, Where the eternal flame gifted by Brahma burn is little caves. Among Buddhists, the temple is popular as Salamebar Dolamebar Gompa, the temple of the miraculous fire. The temple is situated south of the Vishnu temple.
Pokhara Valley :
The Pokhara Valley - one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa. Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827 meters from the sea-level, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara's numerouslakes, known as 'tal' in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.
Sarangkot:
Sarangkot a stunning Himalayan Panorama visible from Sarangkot including: Hiunchuli, Annapurna I (8091m) Annapurna III 7,555m), Gangapurna (7,454m) & Machhapuchhare (fish tail) and Dhaulagiri (8167m).
Tansen:
Situated at an altitude of 1343 m. above sea level. Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal because of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal's most far stretching views of the country's chief attractions, the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north east. It takes just 4 hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.
Lumbini :
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and nonviolence. It is situated 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan pillar, remnants of an old monastery, images of Buddha's mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tansen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.
Rapti Valley (Chitwan): From Kathmandu it takes six hours to reach Chitwan. Situated 120 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, the main attraction of Chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal's largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife- the rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to Chitwan may view game of elephant back excursions, nature walks, and canoe trips, from window and on Jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors may also take river raft trips, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trisuli or Seti Khola.
Daman:
It is situated 80 kilometers southwest of 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.
Barahachhetra :
A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the twelth century.
Hile :
It is situated about 13 kilometers north of Dhankuta Bazaar. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt.Everest) Makalu, Lhotse and Kumbhakarna.
Antu Danda : It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 m. in the llam district and is famous for its unique views of Everest and Kanchenjunga. It is the best place for viewings sunrise and sunset. There is a motorable road from llam to chhipitar.
Bandaipur:
Bandaipur is situated in between Kathmandu and pokhara at an altitude of about 2,000 meters. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in one glittering are: Hiunchuli, Annapurna I (8091m) Annapurna III 7,555m), Gangpurna (7,454m) & Machhapuchhare (fish tail) and Dhaulagari (8167m) Manaslu. You will see very nice Gurung village.
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