
In Kathmandu, the capital or in its suburbs, to cross a street is to travel across centuries. Shrines, temples, palaces, palace-squares, ageless sculptures and legends that are parts of every brick and stone and gilded masterpiece, make Kathmandu Valley a verifiable living museum.
Kathmandu Durbar Square

Lies in the heart of the capital and is popularly known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace - the Gateway of Hanuman - an ancient seat of Nepalese Royalty. The Palace consists of the huge Royal square imposing a tremendous variety of the temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Most of the buildings were constructed from the 15 th – 18 th centuries. The Palace is named after the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman , and is painted completely red right next to the main entrance (the Golden Gate) of the Palace. He is regarded as the protector of the entire Durbar Square.
Situated on a little plateau across the river Bagmati river, Patan is only 7.8km south-east of Kathmandu city. This city is considered one of the oldest among the three cities of Kathmandu Valley.The city was founded in 3 rd century by King Veera Dev and has the distinction of being the home of the finest Newari craft. The finest Hindu and Buddhist monuments are scattered around but the most important monuments are in the square or close by.
Other features like the Golden window, the royal bath of Sundaru Chowk, the Taleju Temple, and Keshab Narayan Chowk are worth visiting. The four stupas, located in the four cardinal directions, were errected by Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great.
This is a unique city located east of Kathmandu at 1,400m above sea level. With an area of 5 sq. kms. this unique city is divided into 24 traditional localities. It was founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D.Bhaktapur in supposed to have been built in the shape of a conch shell, a scared symbol of Lord Vishnu. The world Bhaktapur means The City of Devotees.
Bhaktapur; at one time an independent city, was ruled by the Malla Kings. They were very religious and gave importance to their artistic heritage which is evident throughout the city. Some of the significant momuments here are:
The Lion Gate: Built by King Bupatindra Malla in 17 th century A.D.
Golden Gate: The main entrance to the famous 55 Window Palace and Royal Taleju. Constructed in 1754 A.D.
The statue of King Bupatindra Malla.
55 Window Palace: This architectural structure dominates the entire Bhadgaon Durbar Square. It is worth admiring.
Vastala Temple.
Pashupati Nath Temple.
Nyatapole Temple.
Bhairav Nath Temple.
A Buddhist stupa on a western hills of Kathmandu. The 2,500 year old monument is a holy site replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. Pilgrims and tourists pass to Swayambhumath's holy premises through a path of 365 steps.Close to the stupa is the Dewa Dharma monastery, noted for bronaze icon of the Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings.
Below are some important dates when pilgrims visit this holy site to take part in religious activities.
1. Buddha Purnima, the birth of Lord Buddha – full moon day of Baisakh (April-May)
2. Gunla, the holy Buddhist month, according to Newari calender (August – September)
3. Kojagrath Purnima (September – October)
4. Samyak Day of the Magh (January – February) every 12 years!
Boudha Nath Stupa
One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monument ever built in the Himalayan Kingdom it is 36m high. The stupa is unique with its three level, mandala style, platforms. The structural features of the stupa is somewhat similar to the Swayambhunath stupa. It was built around the 5 th century A.D.
What Mecca is to the Muslims, this Boudhanath Stupa is for Tibetan Buddhists. Every year thousands of pilgrims flock here from all over the Himalayan region.
During the Buddhist festivals, listed with Swayambhunath above, pilgrims gather to celebrate with great reverance to all Buddhist deities.
Pashupati Nath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is 6km. east of downtown Kathmandu. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty.The two tier magnificient golden temple, with four triple silver doorways, is a unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South-Asia with hundreds of Shiva Lingam shrines and icons Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple is spread out over a large area.
The main entrance, for Hindu people only, is on the western side. Tourists may peak inside, or go on the other side of the river to have a glimpse of the temple complex from above. During the festival of Shivaratri (February – March) 10,000's of devotees and pligrims (many from India) visit this temple and make ceremonial fires.
Situated on a small hillock overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this temple is 12km. east of Kathmandu. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works in metal and wood. This famous temple was built in the 3 rd century A.D. An inscription opposite the temple tells about a historic event which is the first epigraphic evidence of Nepali history. Some of the important sculptures here are:1. Viswo Roop – 8 th Century A.D.
2. Vishnu Vikranta – 8 th Century A.D.
3. Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda – the mythical manbird.
4. Nara Singh Vishnu in his half human and half lion form.
AROUND KATHMANDU VALLEY THE POPULAR HILL STATIONS
- The Hill Resort Village of NAGARKOT, located at 30 km east to the KATHAMNDU , at an altitude of 2099 m , offers great mountain views. NAGARKOT is popular tourist destination for the panoramic view of the great Himalayan ranges and surrounding green valleys . Mountain watchers usually make their way up to the Village Resort, stay overnight in one of NAGARKOT 'S hotels & lodges, then wake up at dawn to watch the sun rise appear over the Himalaya. You will never forget the majestic view of the sunrise from this corner of the earth.
Daman: -
A three-hour comfortable drive towards west from KATHMANDU arrives DAMAN. It is situated at 2322 m above sea level , midway between KATHMANDU & HETAUDA . Its claim to fame is that it has , arguably, the most spectacular outlook on the Himalaya. There are unimpeded views of the entire range from Dhaulagiri to Mt. Everest. There is a viewing tower and it also has one of the best Hill Resort of Nepal. At least an overnight's stay is suggested here before or after the trip to POKHARA CHITAWAN
Dhulikhel: -
To the eastern edge of Kathmandu Valley, there is another popular Hill Resort called Dhulikhel . It lies on the way to Tibet border 60 km east from Kathmandu . This hidden hill resort is slowly gaining popularity as the perfect spot to view the excellent Himalayan panorama .There are very comfortable hotels and lodges. Also , one - day cycle tou r connecting Dhulikhel , Namobuddha and Panauti is popular to enjoy the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley.
Lu
mbani, the birth place of Lord Buddha
Brief description:
Siddharta Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. at the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.
Brief description:

"Chitwan National Park" was added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 1984. Chitwan is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. The park is inhabited by the rare Asiatic rhinoceros and Bengal Tiger. Besides these, there are many elephants, birds and butterflies.
Davi's Falls
: - Sarankot: -

Sarangkot is a small hill on the north west side of POKHARA. It is the best place for Sunrise and Mountain View like Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri range, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal. Tourists reach there early in the morning to view the rolling sunrise and the dazzling mighty snow peaks in the morning tender sun.
Fewa Lake: -
Fewa Lake is the finest lake of Nepal. It is 41/2km long and 200m. to 2 km width. Boating on the lake is an exciting and most interesting moment. In the middle there is an island where Barahi temple is l
ocated. Every day thousands of visitors visit the temple. Surrounded by the green forest and lakeside city, Fewa lake reflects the beautiful images of Machhachapuchre.Begnas Lake: -
Gupteshor Mahadev Cave: -

South of the POKHARA valley there is a beautiful cave. The cave has different branches but the end has not yet been met. The main part of the cave is some 20m. down. The bottom is wide and spacious. There is an image of Lord Shiv. One of the branch of the cave goes towards the Devi's fall and after a 20 meters easy walk one can reach near the fall. It is a very wonderful moment to stand just below the fall inside the cave. Gupteshor Mahadev cave is a religious site for the Hindus. Many Hindu devotees visit the cave in different occasions.
Mahendra Cave
: -It is located on the north of POKHARA valley some 10 km from the city center. This is the most popular cave of Nepal. It is also unexplored. There has been made necessary arrangement for the visitor with service of the guides. Nearby the cave there is another cave named Chamera cave or the bat cave where hundreds of bats live. Both caves are worth visiting.
OTHER POPULAR DESTINATIONS
The Temple of Great female deity MANAKAMANA is about 120 km from KATHMANDU on the way to POKHARA and CHITAWAN. She is "Wish fulfilling" goddess and is popular among the Hindu devotees & specially among the newly married couples. After three hours drive to KURINTAR from KATHMANDU and 10 minutes cable car ride over the mighty TRISULI River, you can reach the temple. It is located on a hill that overlooks the TRISULI basin and the hill settlements. MANAKAMANA Temple visit can be made a part of POKHARA or CHITAWAN trip.Gorkha: -
GORKHA is the historic place of Nepal from where the late great king Prithivi Narayan Shah unified the country of Nepal. At the time he came to the power Nepal was broken up into numerous small principalities but by the time he died he had created a unified state country under one roof.It is 128 km to the west of KATHMANDU and on the way to POKHARA . The GORKHA Palace , the old royal palace of the great king , is the best site to observe and experience the 300 year old administrative system of Nepal. Gorkha is the gateway to Manaslu trek and expedition. This historic site is worth visiting place also to understand the geographical terrains of Nepal. Gorkha visit can be added up as a three hour short trip while on the way to POKHARA & CHITAWAN .
