Interface-Nepal Places Of Interest

Places Of Interest

KATHMANDU

Bhaktapur

LALITPUR (PATAN)
PLACES OUTSIDE KATHMANDU

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 includes:

Machhendranath Temple: The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath 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, epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnised. Interesting thins to see here are; Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1949 A.D. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal chow, 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 lattice screen hides an enormous gilded faces 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 museum remain closed on Tuesday 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 sixteen 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 Kasthmandap-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.

Tundikhel: A huge green field, flanks one entire side of the city Tundikhel. 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 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' temple 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 water spout called Narayanhity, is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.

Kaisar Library : Located inside the permises 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 kilometres 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 mater pieces 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 fountain with 22 crocodile - headed water spout dating from the mid eighteen century. There is also a swimming pool inside the park.

Swayambhunath: This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four -sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometres west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the level of the Kathmandu Valley.

National Museum: Two and half kilometres west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artefacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays.

Natural History Museum : Situated three kilometres west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillocks 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.

Pashupatinath Temple: Situated five kilometres east of Kathmandu, the temple of lord Shiva- Pashupatinath with two tired golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river.

Guheswari Temple: Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindu 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 Indra 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 tired brass roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant - headed god.

Bouddhnath: The Stupa of Bouddhnath lies eight kilometres east of Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of the biggest in the world.

Gokarna: This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about ten kilometres 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 small town, eight kilometres 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 kilometres 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 picturesque 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 two kilometres south of Shekha Narayan. Dakhsinkali is regards as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offers their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.

Lalitpur (Patan)

This ancient city of Patan also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five kilometres south-east of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temple and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attractions of Patan are:

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. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a master piece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tuhsahity.

Krishna Mandir : Built in the seventeenth century, 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 spires and is completely made of stone.

Mahaboudha: A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra- cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

Hiranya Verna Mahavihar: Located inside kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by king Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Kumbheshwor: This fine tiered temple of lord Shiva was built during the region of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.

Jagatnarayan Temple: Situated at Sankhmul, this tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple has many fine images of stones and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a pillar.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar : This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the 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 in250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancients religious importance.

Acchheswor Mahavihar: It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth century by one Acchheswor by building a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath: The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

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 handicrafts products of the Estate are exhibited in the shopping arcade.

Bajra Barahi: Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometres 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 south-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is the only in Nepal, is open daily including Saturday and government holidays.

Phulchowki: Located around ten kilometres south-east of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking.This place is just 45 minutes drive from the valley and the only place, where snow falls during the winter.A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road.

Places outside Kathmandu

There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley-places of historical importance of noted for natural beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.

Nagarkot:Nagarkot is situated about 35km/22 miles east of kathmandu. It lies between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229m/ 7133ft.above sea level. It is about an hours drive from Kathmandu.It is hailed to be the best for the mountain watchers. People normally spend the night in one of the lodges to see the sun set and sun rise. Nagarkot extends the views all the way from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchanjunga in the east. There are number of walks from Nagarkot, down to cheese factory, Bhaktapur, Sundarijal, Changu-Narayan.

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 ; Gaurishankar (7,134m), Choba Bhamre (6,109m), Manaslu (8,163m) Himalchuli (7,893m), Annapurna (8,091m) and several peaks.

Gosainkunda: One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4360m. 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.This place is also surrounded by Harisiddhi temple, Vishnu Temple, Krishna Temple and Bhagwati Temple, Shiva Temple
and Famous Kali temple.

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 temples struts. The drive is through beautiful courtside.

Namo Buddha: It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It require 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 Gaurishankar 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 kilometres from Kathmandu, Charikot provided a spetacular 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 kilometres north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasure 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 kilometres away from Kathmandu.

Gorkha : Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi 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. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhanath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindu are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhanath.

Gorkha can be reached in about six hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.

Muktinath: The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kilometres north east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 metres.

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 Pokhara Valley: One of the most picturesque spot of Nepal, is enchanted by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200 kilometres 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 metres from Sea level, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara 's numerous lakes, known as 'tal' in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.

Tansen: Tansen is a bright Himalayan town situated at an altitude of 1343 metres above Sea level, on the slopes of Shreenagar Danda.It is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal's most far stretching view of the country 's chief attractions, the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

Lumbini: Lumbini is the birthplace of lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non-violence. It is situated 250 kilometres south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan pillar, remnaths of an old monastery, image 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 eight hours by bus or car.

Rapti Valley ( Chitwan) : From Kathmandu it takes six hours to reach Chitwan. Situated 120 kilometres south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of Chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal's largest forest region 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, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorised agencies to organise such safaris. Visitors may also take river Trishuli or Seti Khola.

Daman: It is situated 80 kilometres south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400 metres. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathing 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.

Namche Bazaar: The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241 km. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region. Accommodations are available at Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Thyangboche, Debuche, Periche, Pangboche, Lobuche and Gorakhshep respectively.

Janakpur: A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimes, trade fairs and other festivals are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days. Janakpur is also linked with Kathmandu by air and road.

Biratnagar: The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industries undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimages spots in Dharan and Barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnagar is linked with Kathmandu by air and road.

Barahachhetra: A few kilometres 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 a temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the twelve century.

Hile : It is situated about 13 kilometres 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 1,677m in the Illam district and is famous for its unique views of Everest and Kanchanjunga. It is the best place for viewing sunrise and sunset. There are a motorable road from Illam to Chhipitar.