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Kathmandu
Valley
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| Kathmandu
Valley Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and previously known as kantipur,
is named after Kasthamandap, an imposing pagoda near Hanuman Dhoka
Palace. The city was built in its present form by Gunakama Dev the
then ruler of Nepal in 723 A.D The kathmandu valley consists of three
main cities kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur. The major tourist attractions
in Kathmandu Valley include: |
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Durbar
square ( Hanuman Dhoka)
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| Kathmandu's
Durbar Square is commonly called Hanuman Dhoka for its association
with the statue of god Hanuman, the staunch devotee of Lord
Rama, at the entrance of the residential places of the former
Newar Kings. The
nine storied pagoda styled Vasantapur Durbar with its screened
and latticed promenades, its decked- over roof brackets on the
fourth floor and upwards are outstanding features of the palace
architecture. |
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A succession of king built and elaborated on the name " Durbar"
or Palace Square. This area flourished in the 17th century "
Golden Age" of Kathmandu Valley. |
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Swoyambhunath
Stupa
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A
two thousand years old Buddhist stupa a top a hillock on Kathmandu's
west side has many stone sculptures, a museum, a Buddhist Library
and a number of monas teries. Swoyambhunath is one of the holiest
pilgrimage center for the Buddhists and one of the world's most
glorious Buddhists Chaityas. |
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It
is three kilometers west of Kathmandu and situated on a hillock
about 77 meter above the level of the Kathmandu valley. |
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Pashupatinath
Temple
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| One
of the sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva known as
Pashupatinath temple 6 km from kathmandu is situated on the
bank of the scares Bagmati river. The Pashupatinath temple is
one of the holiest shrines for the Hindus. The temple of Lord
Shiva- Pashupatinath with twittered golden roof and silver doors
is famous for its architecture. |
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are about two hundred and thirty- five temples of different
architectural styles. Only the Hindus are allowed entrance here,
however, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities
performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the
Bagmati river. Dead bodies of Hindus are brought for cremation
at the Pashupatinath Burning ghat on the bank of river Bagmati.
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| Gokarna
Safari Park |
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Gokarna safari park 10 km east of Kathmandu provides elephant safari
for viewing wild animals and birds such as spotted dear, peacock etc.
It has a resort and a restaurant as well. |
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| Bauddhanath
stupa |
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The
stupa of bouddhanath lies eight kilometers east of kathmandu.
This colossal and ancient Buddhist Stupa one of the biggest
in the world is a center for Buddhist pilgrims. Lichchhavi king
Mana Dev in the fifth century A.D It is built on an octagonal
base inset with prayer wheels called "Mane" built it.Tibetan
Thankas carpets, wood carvings and other Buddhists souvenirs
are sold by the shops around the stupa. |
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| Kakani
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| Kakani
at 270 meters is 12 kilometers north west of kathmandu. It is another
famous hill top view point commanding a dazzling skyline of several
famous peaks of the Himalayas Ganesh Himal, Langtang and many other.
There is an ideal forest for hiking as well. A lodge with restaurant
is available for overnight stays. |
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| Patan
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| Patan
Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square situated in the heart of the
ancient city patan six kilometers south from kathmandu constitute
the focus of visitor's attraction. The square is full of ancient
palace temples and shrines are noted for their exquisite carvings.Krishna
Mandir, Hiranyabarna Mahabihar and many other temples and towers
and Sundarichowk in the palace enchant the visitors.
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can see the Mahabouddha temple made of only mud bricks containing
a thousand carved figures of Gautam Buddha. |
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| Achheswor
Mahabihar |
| Achheswor
Mahabihar is situated at the highest point in the western side of
the patan town of pulchowk. It commands the panoramic view of the
kathmandu Valley as a whole the Himalayas with its ever shining snow
ranges in the North green mountain range in the East, South and West.
One of the hundreds of such monasteries in Kathmandu Valley Achheswor
Mahabihar commands a unique position with its hoary history of Buddhist
tradition and culture. |
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| Patan
Industrial Estate |
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The ancient city of patan is the seat of handicrafts and cottage industry.
The production of the traditional handicraft goods is carried on in
most of the houses here. With a view to boost up the scattered cottage
industries patan industrial Estate is set up. Patan industrial Estate
is worth a visit for its handicrafts, carpets, metal -works and idols
etc. on display and for sale. |
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| Godavari
Botanical Garden |
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at the foothill of the mountain phulchowki Godavari is a storehouse
of splendid natural beauty. Apart from being one of the holy places
in Nepal, It is also a marvelous picnic spot amidst dense forest.
Godavari is renowned for the only Royal Botanical Garden in Nepal.
The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast passing
through the small, old towns of Harishiddhi, Thaiba and Bedegaon.
This is a paradise for the nature lovers. |
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| Bhaktapur
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Bhaktapur
Durbar Square Bhaktapur Durbar Square 40 km east of kathmandu
includes the farmers Golden gate, the palace of 55 windows,
lion gate, the picture gallery. Nearby are the Dattatraya temple,
Peacock window, a treasure house of ancient wood carvings and
the Nyatapola temple, the tallest pagoda structure in the valley.
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| Nyatapola
Temple |
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five storied pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by king Bhupatindra Malla.
It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of terraces squat a
pair of figures of two famous wrestles, two elephants, two lions,
two griffins and Baghini and singhini the tiger and lion goddesses.
Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones
immediately below, while the lowest pair of the two strong men Jaya
Malla and Phatta Malla were reputedly ten times stronger than any
other men. This is one of the tallest p[pagodas and is famous for
its massive structure and workmanship. |
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Dattatraya Temple |
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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 the king Yakchhya Malla
and repaired in 1458 A.D by King Biswa Malla. |
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| Bhaktapur
Industrial Area |
| Bhaktapur
is known as an agrarian town. Yet it is renowned for wood carvings,
pottery, etc Bhaktapur industrial Area set up with a view to boost
up the traditional wood carvings pottery industries is worth visiting
for its handicrafts wood crafts, china clay potters on display and
for sale. |
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| Nagarkot |
| Nagarkot
2300 meters above sea level and 35 kilometers from Kathmandu commands
a magnificent view of several Himalayan peak is including Mt. Everest.
A popular picnic spot for the kathmanduties, Nagarkot is famous for
the early sunrise view of Mt. Everest. From here one can have a birds
eye view of kathmandu Valley in the west and enchanting scene of the
gushing flow of the perennial Himalayan river indravati in the east.
Lodges with modern amenities are available at moderate rates Springs
and summer visits make Nagarkot a crowded sport sometimes. |
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| Dhulikhel
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| Dhulikhel
is an ancient Newar town situated 30 kilometers east of kathmandu
along the Arniko Highway that leads to the Nepal- China border Kodari.
Dhulikhel is probably the closest view point to the Himalayan range.
An unparalleled glimpse of Mount Everest to Ganesh Himal can be arrested
from here. Dhulikhel is a pleasant resort to watch the panoramic view
of the Himalayan ranges in the sun rise and sunset and relax throughout
the day time. |
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| Daman |
| Hill
Top view points with overnight Accommodations |
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Daman is situated 80-km southeast of Kathmandu on the Tribhuwan Highway
that links the capital city with the southern border town Birgunj.
It sits at 2400 meters and from a view tower there with a long range
telescope, you will have a breathe taking panorama of the Himalayan
peaks clear from the Karyolung Himal, The Mt. Everest in the east
to Mt. Dhaulagiri, Gurja Himal in the west. Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal
Langtang and Gaurishanker Himal of the central Himalayas are also
visible. This is the only point where from one can watch the fascinating
sun rise and sun set view over the whole range of Himalayas of Nepal
and probably only one place in the Himalayan OSHO world. |
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| Lumbini
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Lumbini
the birthplace of lord Gautam Buddha, the apostle of peace,
compassion and nonviolence, is 22 km west of Siddhartha Nagar
in the mid- western terai. Lumbini, the most important Buddhist
pilgrims center is being developed under UN Sponsored international
project. Relics like a stone pillar erected by the Indian Emperor
Ashok in 250 B.C recently restored buildings and temples including
the temple of Maya Devi, Buddha's mother, ancient stupas and
monasteries and the quite garden with beautiful surroundings
enhance religions, historical and cultural and cultural importance
of Lumbini. |
| Kathmandu
to Bhairahawa ( Lumbini) flight is available.It is about 270
km from Kathmandu by road. It is situated near southwest border
with India. Accommodation in deluxe class Hotel is available
at sacred Lumbini Garden. |
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Pokhara |
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pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque spots of Nepal.
The beauty of the valley is enhanced by its lovely Lakes Phewa
Begnas and rupa, which have their sources in the glacial region
of the Annapurna Machhapuchre range of the Himalayas. Pokhara
lies about 200 km northwest of Kathmandu and its connected by
air as well as by a seven hour bus ride from kathmandu.Famous
for its scenic beauty the valley of Pokhara has hill lakes,
forests, rivers, waterfalls, farms, fields and trekking routes
(lovelier than Mustang). |
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The panorama of Fish- tail peak (Machhapuchre) and the Annapurna
range of mountains provide a feast for the eyes. Fishing, boating,
caves, bathing, and picnicking afford entertainment and relaxation.
A number of starred hotels, lodges and cottages are available
for comfortable accommodation. |
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| Places
of Interest |
| Phewa
Lake:This lake with a cluster of tourist class hotels, restaurants,
lodges, travel and trekking agencies and groceries lies some four
or five kilometers west of the heart of Pokhara town. Boat and dugout
canoes are available on rent for pleasure trips on the lake. But one
should not swim in the lake without consulting the local people. Pokhara
is the gateway to stark trekking to Dolpa, mustang, Lomanthang, Annapurna,
Manang, Dhorpatan, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. |
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| Begnas
Lake: Surrounded by high hills on three sides, Begnas lake lies
some 20 kilometers east of Pokhara. It is a circular, clean water
lake with its bed filled with underwater vines that makes swimming
risky. But given that the water level is high, boating is safe. |
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| Rupa
Lake: Rupa in Nepali language means beauty. Hence its name tell
how it is. Sitting on a bowl like ravine some two kilometers high
above the Begnas Lake, the rupa Lake commands a panorama around and
is worth visiting for a short hike. |
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| Bindabasini
Temple:The temple Bindabasini dedicated to one of the devi's numerous
manifestations is located at the south western fringe of the old pokhara
town overlooking Pokhara town. This is also a fine vantage point to
catch sight of the picturesque pokhara town and admire the high looming
Himalayas. |
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Barahi temple:This temple is nestled in Phewa water. A good
number of pokhara in habitants visit Barahi temple regularly. The
visitors to the temple ride a canoe or boat. The temple nestled island
also serves as an amusement park for worshippers and picnickers. |
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| Mahendra
Cave:Named after the late king Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah, father
of the ruling monarch King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, this two
- kilometer long cave is bifurcated at one point leading to two dark
holes, the limestone walls of which bear innumerable stalagmites and
stalactites. But with the collapse of one of the holes, the cave length
has been shortened. |
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| David
Falls:The waterfall plunging into an abysmal hole into the riverbed
is named after an American tourist called David who, while peeping
into the hole when he was in Pokhara decades ago, accidentally fell
into the abyss and never appeared. |
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tour packages, please click here
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