The political, cultural and commercial hub of Nepal is your first stop for nearly all traffic to the nation. From ten UNESCO World Heritage Sites, seven ethnic heritage sites are in Kathmandu Valley.
The history of the Valley starts with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who awakened a passing throughout the neighboring mountains to drain out the seas and also make it inhabitable. Over time, a tasteful urban culture emerged, built on a exceptional synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism.
Dynasties went and came. The arts and trade flourished. Its profoundly spiritual Newar inhabitants assembled fabulous cities and arty temples which brought devout pilgrims in addition to rampaging invaders. From the late 18th century, after the founding of contemporary Nepal in more or less the current boundaries, Kathmandu has been made that the capital. Kathmandu, the greatest city in Nepal is located at an altitude of 1,350m.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
An intriguing piece here is that the 17h -century stone inscription set into the walls of the palace together with writings in 15 languages. Even thus far, all of the significant social and state ceremonies, for example, solemnization of all coronations are performed in one of the courtyards within this complicated. Additionally, there are museums inside the palace building. There’s an entry charge of Rs. 250 for overseas visitors. Your ticket into the Square entitles one to see all of the museums.
Walkabout. A vibrant and educational walk that offers you a sense of Kathmandu begins at Rani Pokhari, the huge pond in Jamal with all the clock tower (Ghanta Ghar). The initial stretch of this street leading southwest out of here is named Kamalachhi. It’s lined with bikes and garment shops and brings one to the stone-paved marketplace square of Ason, in which the Annapurna temple presides on the motley of spice, grain and petroleum stores. Keep on walking and you visit Kel Tole after departure stores overflowing with metal utensils. Further on is that the intersection of Indrachowk together with the temple of Akash Bhairav inhabiting one side. The following stop following pruning your way through the road lined with fabric stores is the stone-paved plaza of Makhan, in which the Taleju temple towers above a row of handicraft stores. Walk through Durbar Square into the junction of Maru in which you’re surrounded by temples of shapes and sizes.
Heritage Walk
A stroll through chosen historic sites seldom seen. This revitalizing walk begins at Teku, south of old Kathmandu, resulting in Wonder Narayan, a 17th century temple devoted to Lord Bishnu. Constructed through Hyumat Tole, you may arrive in Kusah Bahi, a Buddhist courtyard built in 1754. The next stop is your Narayan Dewal, yet another Bishnu temple (built in 1865) using a little Ganesh temple in the entry. Walk to Tukan Baha, constructed in the 14th century for a replica of the Swayambhu stupa. Admire the Ram temple in the Ramchandra Dewal before attaining Jaisi Dewal, a Massive Shiva temple built in 1688. Saunter down to Kohiti to examine the Buddhist and Hindu sculptures in this submerged water fountain. Walk through Chikan Mugal and stop by in the Atko Narayan Dewal, a significant Bishnu temple constructed in 1857, prior to visiting the namesake of town, the Kasthamandap pavilion. Following a further afield walk, hit the last destination, the Bhimsen Dewal, built in 1655 and committed to the primary deity of traders.
Swayambhu Stupa watches across the Valley in the top of a hillock on the western side only 3 km west of town centre. The stupa is among the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its institution is connected to the production of the Kathmandu Valley from a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also referred to as Samhengu and can be recorded as a World Heritage Site. It’s also among the earliest and glorious Buddhist shrines in the world that is reportedly two thousand decades. The four sides of this stupa is adorned with all the eyes of Lord Buddha and the temple is also called the watchful eyes of Buddha.
Located below Nagarjun hill approximately 3 kilometers northwest of town centre, Balaju is well known for its bank of 22 stone water spouts (hiti) carved in the form of sea-dragons throughout the 18th century. Devotees take ritual baths beneath the gush of water from Balaju, also referred to as Lhuti. Additionally, this is an perfect spot for amusement and comfort. There are lots of beautiful folk songs dedicated to the Balaju Water Garden.
It’s about 9 kilometers from town centre. The heart of this temple complex is a pond where lies a 5 meter (17 ft ) long fantastic stone figure of Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The figure was estimated to have been discovered buried in the floor in its first state over million decades back. It’s also referred to as Bhuijasi. Hindus throng for this sacred pilgrimage nearly everyday to do puja however a large number of worshippers could be understood at a variety of festivals, particularly on Haribodhini Ekadashi that drops between October/November, the day considered the sleeping Lord Bishnu wakes up.
Bouddhanath Stupa is located approximately 6 km east of downtown Kathmandu and is the biggest stupa in the Valley and among the biggest on the planet. The same as the Swayambhunath, the stupa this is overly has four sides together with an watchful eyes of Lord Buddha. Each of the Buddhist throng for this stupa to get involved in the sacred rituals throughout the Buddhist festivals.
Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site can also be Called Khasti. There are over 45 Buddhist monasteries in the region. Many have schools which educate young monks such as those pictured here.
A data counter, run from the Bouddha Area Preservation & Development Committee (Ph: 4471368) provides assistance for people.
Changu Narayan Temple is located on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 kilometers to the east of town. Among the best and earliest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is adorned with beautiful stone and wood carvings and is reported to be the oldest pagoda style temple in Nepal constructed sometime in 323 A.D.. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site and provides a panoramic view of the encompassing at 125 meters.
Pashupatinath Temple. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic emblem, of Lord Shiva in addition to the notable gold plated silver and roofs coated doors.
Spiritual pilgrims and sadhus, such as the one pictured here, traveling all of the way from the distant regions of India to go to this sacred sight, particularly during Shivaratri (the night of Shiva) that drops between February/March. Though these devotees have denounced ancestral possessions, each includes a Sadhu ID (identifications card) to openly cross over the boundary between India and Nepal.
Fans signify Pashupatinath’s presence before 400 AD. Devotees can be seen carrying ritual dips in the sacred Bagmati river flowing with the temple, plus a World Heritage Site. The crematorium is simply beyond the temple and it’s a dream of virtually every feign to be cremated from the side of Pashupati Aryaghat following his passing.
Kirtipur, (population 40, 378 – 2001 Census) a little town is located on a ridge 6 kilometers south of Kathmandu. It was the very first place to be assaulted by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768. Kirtipur provides quaint streets lined with artistic homes and temple squares and fantastic views of Kathmandu Valley. The people are famous for their ability in construction and weaving along with other early loom. The earliest educational institute, Tribhuvan University is found in the base of the hill.
The temple of Dakshinkali is devoted to a few of the most significant Hindu Goddess Kali and is now among the most well-known areas of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from town centre on the southern border of the Valley beyond Pharping village, the shrine is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. The narrow gash from the hills was created by Lord Manjushree to empty out the lake that once covered the Valley. A majestic view of snow clad mountain could be looked at in the hilltop near.
PATAN
There’s an entry charge of Rs. 200 per overseas visitor. 1 remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna — Krishna Mandir constructed entirely of rock with infrequent rock carvings on its walls constituting the epic wars out of Ramayana and Mahabharata.
It’s among the earliest Buddhist monasteries in Kathmandu Valley and reflects the complex structure of the Malla period. A two-step platform contributes to the courtyard having a hallway named Dalan. There’s a shrine devoted to Shakyamuni directly across the entry.
Kwa Bahal, also referred to as the Golden Temple, is a Buddhist monastery courtyard relationship to the 12th century. It’s a five-minute walk west and west by the northern end of Durbar Square. The monastery building is adorned with exceptionally handsome wood-carvings and repousse work. Artistic pictures are scattered round the courtyard, and devotees could be seen offering worship in the numerous shrines here. Entrance fee
Rs. 25.
Mahabouddha could be attained by walking east by the southern end of Durbar Square and then turning into the submerged water taps. This Buddhist monument is a great illustration of terra cotta art type which points into the ability of Patan’s ancient healers with many different construction styles. The 14th century monument’s obelisk-like layout can be unusual in a town of pagoda roofs. .
Oku Bahal is located a few steps beyond Mahabouddha and is among the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan. The stone-paved courtyard is enclosed with a two-story construction with gilded roofs. The wood-carvings on the roof are particularly appealing. The location is peppered with sacred images and other tiny shrines.
Walkabout. Apart from these much frequented tourist attractions, you will find other historical components of Patan worth .
The Central Zoo at Jawalakhel is a nice diversion following a tour of the cultural sights. The only event in Nepal, wasfirst created in 1932 with a Rana Prime Minister as a personal zoo and opened to public in 1956. It houses roughly 106 species of birds and above 665 distinct creatures and contains 14 of the 38 endangered creatures of Nepal. Entry for overseas people costs Rs. 60 (Rs. 25 for kids under 10).
Its principal goal is to allow the Tibetan refugees to do something effective and encourage themselves. The carpet industry of Nepal is practically run from the Tibetan refugee families and the carpet factories are a fantastic source of employment for them to become self reliant efficiently. Aside from the carpet business, Tibetan refugees can also be engaged in to handicrafts also there are lots of handicraft centers providing work opportunities to the families of the refugees using its gains going for the schooling, sanitation, health care of the Tibetans from the Refugee Camps such as the physically disabled and mature Tibetans.
BHAKTAPUR
Durbar Square. As you walk , you can’t but be overcome by a sense of inner harmony. This is the art and design and the exceptional design here. The Palace of 55 Windows constructed during the time of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 located to the left as you enter through the town , wreak havoc. The National Art Gallery is also placed indoors. The palace entry, the Golden Gate called Sunko Dhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece from repousse art. In the front of the palace construction is a medley of temples of different designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares from the Valley, the Durbar Square at Bhaktapur is the best preserved one. There’s an entry charge of Rs. 30 for SAARC nationals and Rs. 500 for additional overseas visitors.
Taumadhi Square is located to the east of Durbar Square attained by a narrow brick-paved lane. The monument soars to the sky atop a five-story plinth.
Dattatreya Square takes its title in the Dattatreya temple devoted to some three-headed blend of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. If you would like to have the sense of this conventional urban design of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Place in a number of roads lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famous for its most ornate Hindu monasteries called Math. The earliest construction in Bhaktapur was increased throughout the reign of the past Malla King, Yaksha Malla who dominated the Valley until it had been split into three Kingdoms among his three heirs.
A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings one Bolachhen, also called Potter’s Square due to many potters found here bright wet clay into various sorts of earthen ware. It’s a screen of refreshing pottery made to dry in the open square. This location could be approached by Taumadhi Square. The elephant-headed Lord Ganesh is the patron of all potters, hence the Jeth Ganesh temple at the square.
Siddha Pokhari, a pond dating back into the Lichhavi period, is much better called Ta-Pukhu, meaning large pond. Though located at the bus stop, it gives a serene setting with its sashaying fish as well as the rock images of distinct Hindu and Buddhist Gods.
Surya Binayak is among Kathmandu’s most popular pilgrimage areas, 12 km east of the centre. It’s been positioned in this way to capture the first rays of sunlight in the daytime. Located in a thick woods to the south of Bhaktapur, it’s a 20-minute walk in the trolley bus terminal. It’s also among the favourite picnic spots offering tasteful views of Bhaktapur and other captivating landscapes.
Thimi (population 48,000) is a farming town located 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the road to Bhaktapur. Beautiful temples and other religious shrines scatter its own streets. It’s famous for its artistic masks and earthen pots, frequently seen distribute on the roads to dry in sunlight. It can be known as a conventional pottery area with nearly 80 percent of the populace still involved in pottery. Handspun cotton fabric is just another Thimi specialization.