Places of Interest in Nepal, Nepal Places of Interest.
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NEPAL PLACES OF INTEREST


KATHMANDU VALLEY
The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by tier upon tier of green mountain walls above which tower mighty snowcapped peaks. It consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). The Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. It is situated at 1336 m above sea-level. From the air, the oval shaped Kathmandu Valley, the hub of the Country looks like a large chess board with the sacred river Bagmati and its tributary Bishnumati wending their way to the south. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is named after Kasthamandap, an imposing pagoda near Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The city was built in its present form by Gunakama Dev in 723 A.D.


KATHMANDU:
Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Hanuman Dhoka - Kathmandu Durbar SquareInteresting things to see here are Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD), Gigantic figure of Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction.) Basantapur Durbar or Nautalle Durbar, built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah .Coronation Platform (Nasal Chok) the Hall of Public Audience (Gaddi) Baithak) ,the statue of King Pratap Malla ,the Big Bell .Big Drums, and ,the Jagannath Temple. There is also a temple of Pancha Mukhi Hanuman inside the old palace. This is one of the only two such structures in Nepal, the other is in Pashupatinath. Opposite the entrance to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace stands the Krishna Mandir. It is one of the few octagonal temples in Nepal.

On the right hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous glided face of Sweta Bhairav, a fascinating masterpiece of popular art. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.

Just before entering the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka Palace, there is a temple of Shiva-Parvati, on the left. The deified couple, carved in wood and beautifully painted, look graciously down from the centre window of the upper balcony.

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. A nominal fee is charged to enter the courtyard of Hanuman Dhoka Palace where one can get exposed to a visual feast of carvings and mouldings on the nine storey pagoda of the palace. The main ceremonial umbrella suspended above his head and wrapped in a scarlet cloak, he squats on a stone plinth. The image of hanuman was kept by King Pratap Malla.

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. It was built by Jaya Prakash Malla, the last Malla King of Kathmandu. Though certain aspects of Kumari-worship and her annual festival parade existed among the Nepalese in the ancient times also, the chariot festival in the present form was inaugurated by him in the mid-eighteenth century. The non-Hindu visitors may enter the courtyard, but may not go beyond that. The Kumari acknowledges their greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

Kumari, who is also known as the Virgin Goddess has got some specialties, that she must be of the Newari Shakya caste, a virgin with no body marks of injuries. When she attend on puberty she is replaced by another Kumari.

Kasthamandap:
It lies near the temple of Kumari. It is said to have been built by King Laxmi narshingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. Also known as Maru Sattal is houses the beautiful images of four Vinayaks (Surya Vinayak, Chandra Vinayak, Jal Vinak and Karna Vinayak) of the Kathmandu Valley.

Machchhendra Nath Temple:
The temple of Sweta Machchhendra Nath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. It has two-tiered bronze roof. The temple is built in a courtyard full of votice stupas and statuaries. It is surrounded by residential houses and busy shops. The god within the shrine is Padmapani Avalokiteshwor, worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists. This deity is also called Janmadyo or Machchendra.

Akash Bhairav Temple:
It is 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.

Ashok Vinayak:
The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap. It is also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.

Mahankalsthan:
On the western section of the Tundikhel is situated the temple of Mahankal. This temple houses an ancient gigantic image of Mahankal. This image of Mahankal is one of the masterpieces of ancient Nepalese structure.

Dharahar & Sundhara:
It is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 AD. Dharahara is also known as Bhimsen Stambha. Sundhara fountains with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of Dharahara. Sundhara was also built by Bhimsen Thapa.

Singha Durbar:
It is a grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. Once the private residence of Rana Prime Ministers, now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal. Some years ago, major part of it except the facade was destroyed by fire. All portions of it have already been rebuilt.

Narayanhity Durbar:
It is the present Royal Palace. This inherited the name from the temple of Narayan. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.

Budhanilkantha:
About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base of Sivapuri hill is a remarkable, colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on the bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculpture of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water. It is a famous place of pilgrimage for Hindus. Buses for Budhanilkantha are available at Ranipokhari.

Swayambhunath: Swayambhunath Stupa (Buddhist Chattya) in Nepal.
This is one of the world's glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. The Chaitya which forms the main structure is made of a solid hemisphere of brich and clay supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gift. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are the all- seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometers west of Kathmandu city, and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Valley. The hills ls is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda temple.

National Museum:
Located at Chhauni, two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, a twenty-five minute walk from Hanuman Dhoka, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays. Museum Hours: Summer : 10:30 am - 4:30 pm (Feb. 13 to Nov. 16) Winter : 10:30 am - 3:30 pm (Nov. 17 to Feb. 12) On Fridays : 10:30 am - 2:30 pm round the year

Natural History Museum:
This Museum, the only of its kind in Nepal is situated three kilometers west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. Run under the Tribhuvan University this museum has over 14,000 unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Established in 1975, the museum provides detailed information to the tourists about nature observations, study of high altitude birds, alpine flora and fauna, etc. It is open during the office hours every day except Saturdays and government holidays. Entrance is free. Photography inside the museum is strictly prohibited.

Pashupatinath Temple:
Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati river, the temple of Lord Shiva-Pashupatinath with two-tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha-Sivarati. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only however, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. Bus, minibus, tempos and taxi for Pashupatinath temple are available at Ratna Park.

Guheswari Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheshwari. This is a shrine of Goddess Sati (Parvati); Lord Shiva's consort. But the temple of Guheshwari houses no image of any goddess. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Chabahil:
The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is built by the side of road to Bouddhanath. This Stupa is older than Bouddhanath and built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, in the third century BC after her marriage with a local prince called Devapala. That is why Chabahil is also known as Devapatan. There are some ancient statues around the Stupa.

Chandra Vinayak:
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200m west of Chbahil Stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh. Chandra Vinayak is one of the four Vinayaks of Kathmandu Valley. The other three are Jal Vinayak of Chovar, Surya Vinayak of Bhaktapur and Karya Vinayak of Bungmati (Patan).

Bouddhanath:
The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies eight kilometers east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa, one of the biggest in the world, has the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It was built by Lichchhavi King Ma na Dev in the fifth century AD. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. Ratna Park and Shahid gate are the main bus stops for Bouddhanath.

Gokarna:
This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about ten kilometers northeast of Kathmandu. It is situated on the bank of the river Bagmati. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary at the gate or by arrangement with a travel agency. On the northern side of Gokarna, on the way to Sundarijal, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev which stands on one side of the Bagmati gorge.

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, an 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 southwest 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. Regular buses and minibuses for Kirtipur depart from Ratna Park.

Chobhar:
It is situated nine kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. This place is famous for i is top one can have a completed view of snow-capped mountain peaks. Just beyond the Chobhar gorge, there is a temple of Jal Vinayak. The main image of the shrine is on a massive rock. It extends outside the temple on the back, only a small part in front vaguely resembles an elephant tusk. The image of Jal Vinayak is different from other images of Lord Ganesh.

Shekha Narayan:
The picturesque shrine of Shekha Narayan stands on a hillock beneath a stalactite rock. 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. There are ponds with fishes at the base of Shekha Narayan.

Dakshinkali:
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shakha Narayan. Dakshinkali is one of the very important places of pilgrimage regarding Hindu goddesses, which dates back to time immemorial. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Apart from the religious performance, this place has also been developed as a popular picnic spot.

Kakani:
This place, 1982m. above sea-level and located 29 kilometers northwest of the Kathmandu city, is famous for the magnificent view of the Valley. It overlooks the northwestern Himalayan ranges against the vastness of the blue sky. The fabulous holiday area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Kakani are Gaurishanker (7,1234m), Choba Bhamre (6,016m), Manaslu (8,463m ), Himalchuli (7,893m), Annapurna (8,091 m) and several other peaks. One should not also miss to watch the majestic view of sunset that Kakani offers.

A trip to Kakani along the beautiful mountain highway, Trishuli Road, is scenically rewarding with green forest and mountain cultivation on the other. The road to Kakani begins at Thamel and terminates at Kaule from where the road Kakani bifurcates. The vehicles can go right upto the top of Kakani. It takes about one and half hour to reach Kakani by car from Kathmandu. There are frequent bus and other vehicle services from Thamel to Kaule.


LALITPUR (Patan):
This ancient city of Patan is 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 Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known as the city of artists. The major tourist attractions of Patan are:

Durbar Square:
Patan Durbar Square,Patan Durbar Square situated in the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. One can rummage for treasures in the various shops around the square.

The main attraction of Patan Durbar Square is the ancient Royal Palace itself. It consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Min Keshab Narayan Chowk. In the north eastern corner of the courtyard is the triple rotted octagonal tower of Taleju Bhawani Temple built by King Shree Niwas Malla in 1667. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity. Between the central Mul Chowk and Main Keshab Narayan Chowk there is a temple of Degu Taleju.

Krishna Mandir:
Built in the seventeenth century by King Siddhi Narsingh 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 Terracotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces. It was constructed by an architect named Avay Raj.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar:
This three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. It is located in the courtyard of Kwabahal. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, placed on the pedestal, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel. There are a wealth of gem like carvings on its walls and a complete life of Buddha in gold relief.

Jagatnarayan Temple:
It is a tall, imposing temple of Lord Bishnu in red brick. Situated on the back of Bagmati river (Sankhamul), the temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.

Rudra Barna 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.

The Ashokan Stupas:
There are four ancient stupas, popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi (way to Sankhamul), and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupa given evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.

Accheshwor Mahavihar:
It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth century by one Accheshwor by building a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. It has 30 rooms including a monastery. "Dhyankuti"research area, training area, library, review rooms and guest rooms. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Temples of Machchendra Nath and Min Nath:
The pagoda of Red Machchendra Nath, built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. Re Machchendra Nath, also known as Avalokisteshwor and Adinath Lokeshwor is housed here for six months. For the rest six months the idol is taken to its shrine in Bungmati. 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 Machchendra Nath.

The Jawalakhel Zoo:
The Zoo is situated at Jawalakhel. Here are many animals, birds and reptiles, mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. It is the only zoo in Nepal. There is a beautiful pond inside it built by King Siddhi Narshing Malla. It is open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Tibetan Centre, Jawalakhel:
It is extremely interesting place where one can see the spinning, dying and weaving of Tibetan carpets. This centre has also a well-stocked show room.

Patan Industrial Estate:
Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Langankhel in Lalitpur District near Sat Dobato. This Industrial Estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carving, metal crafts, carpets, thangka paintings and the likes. It is very interesting to see how these goods are made in the different workshops. For the convenience of the tourists, there is a Shopping Arcade within the premises of this Industrial Estate. Almost all handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited in the Shopping Arcade.

Bajara 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. Buses for Bajra Barahi are available at Lagankhel.

Godavari:
Situated at the foothill of Phulchowki this place has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan City runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Tahiba and Badegaon. One of the holy place in Nepal, it is also a good picnic spot amid dense forest. It is the only Royal Botanical Garden in Nepal. Fish hatchery and a marble quarry also are located here. It is open daily including Saturdays and government holidays. Buses for Godavari are available at Lagankhel.

Phulchowki:
Located around ten kilometers southeast of Patan, this mount, 2758m high, is good spot for hiking. Rhododendrons of different varieties and colours from pure white to dark red are found here. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road.


BHAKTAPUR (Bhadgaon):
Bhaktapur, situated at an altitude of 1401m, is a home of medieval art and architecture. The urban city covers an area of 4 square miles. Shaped like a conch-shell, Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport and by trolley buses. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include:

Durbar Square:
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, the replica of Pashupatinath Temple, etc.

The Lion Gate which was built Bhaktapur Durbar Squareduring the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla is adorned with the lovely stone figures of Hanuman, Bhairav and Narasingh Narayan. The statue of Malla King 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.

The Picture-Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools of Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.

The Golden Gate has Kali and Garuda, the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu and is attended by two sky nymphs. This gate is embellished with 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 masterpiece of wood carving.

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". When it peals, the local dogs start barking. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 A.D. by King Rankit Malla, was used to sound curfew during his reign. The bell is rung every morning while worshipping Goddess Taleju.

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 Singhini - the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below, while the lowest pair of the strong men, Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla, were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. The temple was built for Goddess Laxmi.

Bhairavnath Temple:
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti Malla, and later changed 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:
This temple is said to have been built from the trunk of a single tree. It was built in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla and repaired in 1458 A.D. by King Bishwa Malla.

Pujari Math: (Near the Dattatraya Temple)
Temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows. This Monastery was built by King Yakchhya Malla and later renovated by the then priest Ram Duti Giri.

Surya Vinayak:
It is a shrine of Ganesh, the elephant headed God, situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. The view of the city of Bhaktapur is seen from here with snow peaks in the background. Nestling in a thick forest, it is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes. It is easily accessible by trolley bus.

Changu Narayan:
Situated at the end of the long ridge which runs well into the Valley, it is said to have been built in 323 A.D. by King Hari Dutta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the Valley. It is situated about 153m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. An all-weather motorable road connects it with Bhaktapur city.

Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175m above sea-level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8,463m), Ganesh Himal (7,111m), Langtang (7,246m), Choba Bhamre (6,016m), Gaurishanker (7,134m) and Numbur (6,957m) are also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motorable road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.

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