Kathmandu
City
Known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here
you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess, who acknowledges
the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple
residence. Kasthamandap – the source of the name Kathmandu
and supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and
the Durbar Square ate with it's array of temples overlooked
by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the ancient place of the Nepalese
Royalty.
Swayambhunath
Located approximately 4 km/2.5 miles, Buddhist stupa this
is said to be 2000 years old. The stupa which forms the main
structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth
supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper
gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the
all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small
Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Pashupatinath
Situated 5 kilometers ease of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath
temple is one of the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord
Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the
bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda
style has gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors
will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of
River Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden
to all non Hindus. Pasupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage
on the day of Shivaratri, which falls in the month of February/March.
Behind the temples are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath
 This
stupa, eight kilometers east of Kathmandu City is one of the
biggest in the world of its kind. It stand with four pairs
of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous
behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built
by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It
is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The
shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas of Buddhist priests.
Patan
 5km/3miles
away from Kathmandu city. Patan also known as Lalitpur, is
the city of fine arts, enclosed within 4 stupas said to be
built in 3rd century AD, by Emperor Ashoka. You will see the
Durbar Square, the Patan Durbar which houses a bronze collection,
the Krishna Temple built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya
Varna Mahavihar and Mahaboudha Temple.
A trip to The Tibetan Refugee Camp and the
Handicraft Centre will also be done while visiting Patan,
where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets
and moulding of metal statues.
Bungamati
A Typical Newar village, lying 11 km./7miles south of Kathmandu,
founded in 7th century AD, possesses one of the most important
God of Kathmandu Valley known as Matsyendranath – the
God of Rain and compassion, worshiped equally by Hindus and
Buddhists, He was accredited by the people for introducing
rice plantation in the valley. A tour of this village combined
with Khokana imprints a beautiful impression on the visitors
mind through it's set up and primitive way of living.
Budhanilkantha
It is situated about eight kilometers north of Kathmandu at
the foot of Shivapuri range. Here one can see the image of
Vishnu reclining on the bed of snakes dating back to 5th century
AD.
Harisiddhi
This is a small village 10km/6miles south east of Kathmandu.
It is a very unique village in the sense that no villagers
wear leather shoes inside the village. All visitors are requested
to wear cloth shoes while visiting this village. A tour of
Harisiddhi can be done in conjunction with Godavari or Phulchoki.
Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur)
 Also
known as Bhaktapur meaning the city of devotees, this place
is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 km/9
miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the
9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is
at the height of 4600 ft. above see level. In Bhadgaon you
will visit the Durbar Square with it's array of temples overlooked
by the palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla.
The Nyatapola Temple also built by King Bhupatindra Mall,
is the best of example of Pagoda style and stands of five
terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures two famous
strong men,two elephants, two lion two griffins and two goddesses.
Time permitting, a visit to the museum of Thanka painting
can also be considered.
Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries.
The most interesting places for tourists are: Bhaktapur Darbar
Square that includes- The Golden Gate, The Palace of 55 Windows,
The Stone Temple of Batsala Devi- The Art Gallary, Nyatapola
Temple and Dattatraya Temple. The entry fee of Bhaktapur Durbar
Squar is U.S.$10 per person
Thimi
 Clay
pottery is the traditional occupation of this village which
is on the way to Bhaktapur. Here one can witness the making
of clay pots, flower vases etc. and buy them very cheaply
if they so desire.
Banepa
Capital of entire region in the middle of the 15th century,
this small commercially active Newar Village lying 27km/ 17
miles ease of Kathmandu city has catered to the people of
the neighboring areas unnoticed to it's own past. When Nepal
had trade relations with Tibet, this place was an important
enroute trade centre. Tour of this village gives a good combination
of history, rural life and scenic beauty.
Dhulikhel
Situated at an altitude of approx. 1800 m / 5500 ft above
the sea level and 32/20 miles east of Kathmandu City. It is
famous for it's vantage location in viewing the Himalayan
ranges from Cho Olyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west.
Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing sunrise and sunset.
Changunarayan
 The
temple of Changunarayan, located at distance of 14km./9miles,
in universally acknowledged as the most stately example of
Pagoda style in Nepal. It is considered to be one of the greatest
artistic legacies of the Lichhavian era. Changu is one of
the ancient historical places situated on a hillock with conical
shape. It is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in
the valley from early 3rd century AD.
Dakshinkali
Literally meaning the Kali of the south, this temple is dedicated
to Goddess Kali ,a Hindu goddesses of power./ A sacrifice
ceremony of goats, chickens, ducks etc. is held every Tuesdays
and Saturdays. The temple itself is located in forested canyon
and lies 19km/ 12 miles from Kathmandu City.
Daman
Situated at a height of 2100 m./7500 ft. above sea level,
and a distance of 80 km/50 miles. Daman is known for it's
vantage location in viewing the Himalayan peaks such as Mt.
Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje
Lakpa, Gauri-Shanker, Cho Oyu etc. There is a view tower from
where one can have a panoramic view of 300 miles of the Himalayan
ranges.
Godavari
Situated 16 km/10 miles from Kathmandu city, Godavari located
at the lap of Phulchoki hill is well known for it's prized
butterfly population including rare collector's items. The
Royal Botanical Garden also located here has a wide ranging
collection of high altitude orchids and cacti. This place
is also recommended to the bird watcher.
Kakani
is about 28 km/24 miles north west of Kathmandu city. Besides
the view of the Himalayan peaks like Manslu, Himalchuli and
Annapurna. It is also famous for it's landscape. Wild animals
and birds are available in the forest of Kakani.
Kirtipur
It is a small town 8 km/5 miles south-west of Kathmandu on
the top of a hill near Tribhuvan University. This historical
town has many things to offer – old shrines, temples
and old houses. One can also witness people in traditional
costumes weaving their requirement of cloth on looms.
Chovar
Is 8 km/5 miles south west of Kathmanu City. 'Chovar' is famous
for it's gorge which is said to have been cut by Manjushree
to drain the water out from Kathmandu Valley which was then
supposed to be a lake. This gorge is the only outlet for all
the rivers of the valley and is always combined with the excursion
to Dakhsinkali.
Khokana
Is a small Newar village on the southern flank of Kathmandu
valley and about 11 km/7 miles from Kathmandu city established
in 7th century AD by the mighty Licchhavi rulers of Nepal.
It is a unique village in the whole of Kathmandu valley because
of it's aloofness from modern civilisation.
Kodari
is the border point between Nepal and Tibetan Region of People's
Republic of China. The 114 km. Road from Kathmandu takes about
4 to 5 hours each way. It is a beautiful drive through country
side. On this road one can see beautiful mountain, snow fed
rivers, natural hot spring, village life etc.
Nala
is a small isolated village 27 km/17 miles east of Kathmandu
situated on the southern slope of a mountain over looking
the beautiful green valley. The whole village has gained a
mystical valley atmosphere due to it's set up and a typical
temple of Bhagawati a classic example of pagoda architecture.
There is also a 9th century AD temple dedicated to Lord Lokeshwor
– a Buddhist God.
Nagarjun
is about 10 km/6.2 miles from Kathmandu City. There is a Buddhist
shrine at the top which is very holy for both Buddhist and
Hindus. To reach the top one has to climb for about 15 to
20 minutes. From this point a panoramic view of the Himalayan
ranges can be seen.
Nagarkot
is situated about 35 km/22 miles east of Kathmandu and from
here one can see Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas.
Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu valley in the west and
Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commands accelerating
views in all directions. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229
m/7133 ft. above sea level.
Panauti
is an ancient village, 32 km/20 miles south east of Kathmandu
situated on the banks of Punyamati river. A leisurely walk
throughout this tiny village will reveal it's antiquity to
the visitors, a must in Peanut is a visit to the 14th century
AD Hindu temple of Shiva locally known as Indreswor Mahadev.
The wooden struts supporting the temple are splendid example
of wood carving of that era, which till date remain unchallenged
in the entire Kingdom.
Phulchoki
It is one of the most prominent peak 2829 m/9050 ft. high,
which surrounds the valley of Kathmandu. This mountain, as
it's name suggests (Phul means flower in Nepali) is a natural
garden of wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris and other native
flowers. The summit is a rich grove of rhododendrons of various
hues. A jeepable road leads to the top of the hill where there
is a Buddhist shrine. A youthful hiker stands a good chance
of scaling the peak in a little more than three hours. The
place has all the makings of a peaceful reason area.
Sankhu
is a small village 20 km/12 miles north east of Kathmandu.
This village was the last stop for the traders going to Lhasa
from 7th till 19th century AD. The village is a legend in
itself. Here one can also see a beautiful temple of Bajra
Yogini, a Buddhist Goddess of power, if one is willing to
walk for 50 minutes uphill.
Tika Bhairav:
A small peaceful spot 16 km/10 miles south of Kathmandu City
is name after the Tantric God Bhairav. One can combine this
place with 3 typical Newar villages of Chapagaon, Sunakothi
and Thecho. Off all the villages, Chapagaon treasures one
of the earliest statue of Brahma – the Hindu God of
creation – from the early 7th century AD and thus deserves
special attention.
Natural History Museum
The only of its kind in Nepal is situated 3 km west of Kathmandu
city, behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. Programmed
under the Institute of Science, this Museum has over 14,000
of unique collections of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds,
mammals, plants and fossils recorded with the country. Near
by there is another National Museum, one can have a general
idea of the historical and archeological objects on show since
it houses a remarkable and wide range of weapons of war antiques.
Gorkha
The town of Gorkha located at a distance of 144 km/90 miles,
north west of Kathmandu was the ancient Kingdom of the present
Shah Kings. The motorable road ends just below the Gorkha
town and all tour of this place has to be done on foot. Gorkha
palace located on top of a hill overlooking the town of Gorkha,
can be reached after a steep uphill climb of an hour and a
half. Though the main palace courtyard is closed to all foreigners
one can however enter the outer part, which offers a spectacular
birds eye view of the Gorkha town. For the more energetic
hiker, a further climb of half an hour is suggested. This
particular point known as Upalla Kot gives the best aerial
view of the palace. Gorkha can be reached by road in conjunction
with Pokhara or a same day trip can be undertaken from Kathmandu.
POKHARA
Pokhara is the most beautiful city in Nepal. The city is situated
200 km west of Kathmandu, is the starting point of Nepal's
popular trekking and rafting destinations. The elevation of
Pokhara is approximately 915 meter from the sea level. This
is the magic city in the sense that you can enjoy exotic view
of Machhapuchhre [6977m] very close from Pokhara city. Moreover,
Pokhara offers panoramic views of five peaks of Annapurna,
Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Himchuli etc. The valley is famous for
natural and cultural beauty that has more than seven lakes,
out of them Fewa and Rupa are very attractive for tourists.
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