The Kathmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is
the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. Originally known as
the Nepal Valley and a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled
cities, each an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick-
paved courtyards and quaint streets.
Boudhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath Stupa lies about six km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the
largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the
most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site,
is also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had to use
dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during
its construction.
Patan City & Durbar Square
Patan city, one of the three queen cities-the other two being Kathmandu city and
Bhaktapur. Patan city is the city of fine arts. Places of interest here are the
Durbar square, Krishna Mandir, Mahavihar - Golden Temple of Lord Buddha built in
the 12th century, the octagonal tower of Taleju Bhawani Temple, structures of
Bhimsen Temple, Viswanath Temple, Chyasin Dega and Mahabauddha dedicated to Lord
Buddha, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar known as “golden temple”, the three storied
golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (lord buddha), Rudra Varna Mahavihar, a unique
Buddhist monastery, the Tibetan Centre, etc.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge
stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is
linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake.
Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu. The National Museum and the Museum of
Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.
Budhanilkantha
Is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley. It is about
9 kms from the city center. The hub of the temple complex is a pond in which
lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a
cosmic serpent. It is also known as Bhuijasi.
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies five km
east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga,
or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence
prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati
river flowing beside the temple.
Changunarayan Temple
Is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the east of the
city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest
specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood
and stone carvings.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th
centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An
intriguing piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall
of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social,
religious and urban focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside
the palace building.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such
is the art and architecture and the spatial layout here. Bhaktapur also known as
Bhadgaon is a home to medieval art and architecture and was the site for
Burtoluchhi’s "Little Buddha". The urban city covers an area of 4 sq. miles & is
shaped like a conch-shell. Bhaktapur means the ‘city of devotees’ and pottery &
weaving are its traditional industries. The major sights of Bhaktapur include
Durbar square, the main square, lion gate, statue of King Bhupatindra Malla,
temple of Bansi Narayan, the National Art Gallery, the Golden Gate, Palace of 55
Windows, Batsala Temple and the Naytapola temple which stands on a five-terraced
platform is the tallest pagoda in the valley and is famous for its massive
structure and subtle workmanship. Near the Dattatreya Temple is a monastery,
which now houses the woodcarving museum.
Pokhara
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center of
adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it
is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting
destinations. The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is one of excited
vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging
recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the
clouds. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa
Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m)
rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic.
Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Gautam Buddha where the apostle of peace,
compassion, non-violence and universal brotherhood was born in 624 B.C. It is
the most sacred place of Buddhism and lies in the Terai about 250 km south west
of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. Exploration and excavation of the
surroundings area revealed the existence of a brick and sandstone sculpture
within the temple itself, which depict the scenes of Buddha Birth.
Very recently, several Buddhist countries have built several beautiful shrines
in Lumbini. An international committee has also been set up for the development
of this sacred historical place. Visit to Lumbini, is not only for spiritual
enlightenment but also for solace and satisfaction that one normally gets in a
calm and peaceful place like it.
Kapilvastu
About twenty-five hundred and some years ago, Kapilvastu was a small republic
situated beneath the Churia or Shiwalik range of the foothills of the Himalayas.
The first description of Kapilvastu is by the Chinese historian and pilgrim,
Fa-hien who visited Lumbini and Kapilvastu in 403. A.D. When he reached the
site, the city was marked by desolate ruins and mounds. A few monks and common
people lived there. Excavation of Kapilvastu and the surroundings was started
from 1899 and Kapilvastu was located in 1901. Proper excavations were conducted
in 1967 and onward by the department of archaeology, His Majesty’s Government
(HMG). More important details are yet to be revealed after further excavations.
Kapilvastu is an important native place of Buddha where he spent his first 29
years of life. Kapilvastu is associated with several incidents of his life such
as: meeting the sick person, meditation of Saint Asit, competition with Shakya
youth, shooting of an arrow to cause the spring of water to gush out and so on.
When Buddha got enlightenment in Bodhgaya at this place 500 Shakyas and 8
princes adopted Buddhism. At this place he preached his father and Son Rahul
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