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IN AND AROUND THE KANTIPUR
(Kathmandu Valley)
The
Kathmandu valley has an exotic setting. A tier
of green mountain wall above which tower mighty
snow capped peaks surrounds it. It consists of
three main towns of great historic, artistic and
cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and
Bhaktapur. The Kathmandu valley covers an area
of 218 Sq. Miles. It is situated 1360 m. above
sea level. The seven world Heritage Sites in the
Kathmandu valley designated by the United Nation
Educational, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
are the highlights of the valley. Nepal is the
only country in the world where seven world
heritage sites within 20 km radius.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
The bowl like Kathmandu valley is about 25 km
from the east to west, perhaps 20 km from north
– south. It lies at a height of around 1300
meters, which gives it a temperate climate and
nestles Kathmandu Durbar Square,in the heart of
old city Kathmandu in Basantapur. This complex
of palaces, courtyards and temples, built
between the 12th and 18th centuries. The
founding of the Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka
Palace, dates back to Licchavi times with
considerable renovations by Malla rulers. The
entire Palace Complex here is named after a
monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge
stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right
next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of
the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a
powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square.
Besides this other fascinating part of this
palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar
overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast
Basantapur square where Prithivi Narayan Shah
built mansion to commemorate his victory in 1768
A.D. This building complex is known for the most
intricately carved wooden doorways roof struts
and massive lattice windows full of mythical
figures.
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, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage
Site, is the social, religious and urban focal
point of the city.
There are around 50 temples in the vicinity
including the temple of Royal titular deity,
Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two
courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap(
This pagoda styled 16th century’s Ganesh temple
is supposed to be made from the timber of a
single tree), Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati
Temple, and the inner consisting of Hanuman
Dhoka and the main palace. It also houses two
museums. Important ceremonies, including the
coronation of the Nepali monarch are held in the
Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most parts of the
palace premise are open for tourists throughout
the week during office.
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the
center of Patan city, is a world heritage site
Patan Durbar has many famous sites and unique
ancient newari architectures. Krishna Mandir,
Bhimsen temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabhihar are
just a few among the temples offering you an
ecstasy of paintings, wood and metal carvings.
The Sundari Chowk contains exquisite samples of
woodcarvings, stone and metal sculpture. The
palace has three main courtyards the central and
the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the
complex are a dozen free standing temples of
various sizes and styles. Krishna Temple,
Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya
Varna Mahavihar and Sundari Chowk mark the
architectural excellence of its era. The Sundari
Chowk with the sunken Royal bath of Tusha Hiti
contains exquisite woodcarvings, stone, and
metal sculpture. Patan Durbar Square also houses
a temple of Taleju Bhawani.
One of the three cities in Kathmandu Valley is
separated from Kathmandu only by the Bagmati
River and is the second largest town in the
valley. It is sometimes referred to as Lalitpur,
“the city of beauty”.
SWOYAMBHUNATH
Swoyambhunath 'the Self-Existent One' is
believed to have been established more than
2,500 years ago. Located in a lovely little hill
rock Swoyambhu Nath Stupa is one of the most
fascinating architectural jewels of the world.
An inscription dated 460 A.D. states that the
construction was carried out by King Mandev.
Its main feature the white dome is identified
with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a
thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape
surmounted on the dome. Underneath this towering
structure is a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha
painted on all four sides of the Stupa. The
Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically
stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago
believed to have originated from a legendary
lake of Kathmandu Valley.
As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu Valley was
a lake a long time ago. Right in the centre of
this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine
light a top. When Maha Manjushri a saint from
China heard about this he came rushing all the
way from China to the Valley. He cut through the
southern wall hill of the valley with his divine
sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately
drained the entire lake water making the valley
floor open for a close up view of the divine
lotus light. This holy site in fact is the
massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal.
The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in
Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa.
Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to
Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning.
Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu
deities dot the stupa complex. Large numbers of
Buddhists and Hindus alike visit Swoyambhunath.
Swoyambhunath is perhaps the best place to
observe the religious harmony in Nepal.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Pashupatinath is one of the four most important
religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees.
Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer,
is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in
Nepal. Although the Pashupatinath Temple was
only built in the fifth century and later
renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said
to have existed from the beginning of the
millennium.
This two tiered magnificent golden temple with
gold-plated roof and four triple silver doorways
is unique example of the Nepalese temple
architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu
temple complex in South Asia with hundreds of
Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu
god and goddess insides. Temples dedicated to
several other Hindu and Buddhist deities
surround the temple of Pashupatinath. Nearby is
the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's
consort Sati Devi. As the temple is located on
the bank of the Bagmati River, which is
considered to be the holy River, therefore Hindu
people prefer to be cremated on the bank of this
river - as such visiting this temple would
facilitate our visitors to be acquainted with
the death rituals that are being carried out.
Only Hindus are allowed inside the Pashupatinath
courtyard. It covers the area of 281 hectors.
In the middle of the spring (Feb.-March) every
year there occurs a festival called “Shivaratri”.
The word Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord
Shiva. On this day many devotees visit the
Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial
fire. Most of the devotees spend the night
offering prayers to Shiva. This festival
attracts tens of thousand of pilgrims from India
besides the locals.
BOUDHANATH STUPA
One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist
monuments ever built in Nepal, probably one of
the largest in South Asia, Boudhanath is an
imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The
Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala
style Platforms surrounded by colourful private
family houses. The mandala design in Bouddhanath
is a copy of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet. The
stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap
sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus.
Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in
Nepal. The site is considered very much like
Mecca for the Tibetan Buddhists and every year
tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the
Himalayan region visit the stupa. This is one of
the few places in the world where Tibetan
culture is both accessible and unhindered.
According to a very popular legend long time ago
the kingdom of Kathmandu was under terrifying
draught. King Dharma Deva was very worried. An
astrologer advised him that only the sacrifice
of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the
dry royal water spout could make the rain fall
in the country. And in the following night he
commanded his son to go to the dry water spout
inside the royal palace compound at mid night
and behead the person shrouded in white robe
without looking at him. The Prince obeyed his
father but to his great horror only to find it
was none other than his own father.
In order to atone the big sin and in removal the
prince said to have built this great stupa. As
an entry point of ancient Nepal-Tibet trade
rout, the site is popularly frequented by
Tibetan visitors. During Lhosar festival the
pilgrims worship the Buddhist deities, light the
increase and butter lamp day and night. Every
twelve year a special ceremony is observed with
great gusto and fervor. During that time they
dance, play musical instruments, chant and
hymns.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur
covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur
or "the City of Devotees" still retains the past
glory of the Malla rulers reflected at the
Durbar Square. The city is also known as Khwopa
or Bhadgaon or as an ancient Newari town, it is
the third largest city in the Kathmandu valley.
The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar
Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate and
the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The
Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as
the entrance to the main courtyard of the
Fifty-five Windowed Palace. The Palace of
Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign of
King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was
remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the
seventeenth century. The art Gallery of
Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains ancient
paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist
traditions of various periods.
It is a home to Traditional art and
architecture, pottery and weaving industries,
rich local customs and culture, and the
every-day life of Bhaktapur people. Bhaktapur is
also known by woodcarving artists, for it's cap
known as Bhadgaon Topi, and for it's curd known
by Nepalese as the `Bhaktapur ko Dahi' (meaning
Curd made in Bhaktapur). Tourists visiting the
city also take the time to relax and observe
other interesting happenings in the city such as
children's playing outside their home and in
temple yards, busy and color-full open markets,
women's making clay-pots, weaving, and
sun-drying crops and vegetable products.
CHANGU NARAYAN TEMPLE
Changu Narayan is located at the height of 1541
m. in Bhaktapur. It is the oldest temple in
Kathmandu valley dating back to 323 A.D. King
Hari Dutta Verma built the temple. This temple
complex has been founded on the base of single
rock. Changu Narayan is the temple of Vishnu the
Preserver. The Hindu prays to Changu Narayan as
Garuda Narayan and the Buddhists call it “Hari
Hari Hari Vahan Lokeshwor”. There is a stone
pillar established by King Mandev in 464 A.D. It
is embellished by the best examples of stone,
wood, and metal craft. On the struts of the
two-tiered Changu Narayan Temple, are the ten
incarnations of Narayan. A sixth-century stone
statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu. Garuda,
half man and half bird, is the steed of Vishnu,
and his life-sized statue kneels before the
temple. It was listed in the UNESCO world
heritage monument list in 1979.
THIMI
A name derived from the world "Chhemi" meaning
"Capable people" is well known for its colourful
painted masks, dolls & for its terracotta work
including delightful peacock & elephant flower
pots and imaginatively moulded candle stands &
ashtrays. This village of Thimi lies on the old
road to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu.
NAGARKOT
The lovely hill station at 32 km north-east with
an elevation of 2175m offers a panoramic view of
the Kathmandu valley to the west and Indrawati
rivar valley to the east. It is quite popular
for an overnight
DHULIKHEL
The ancient newari town of Dhulikhel is
situated 30 Km east of Kathmandu on the side of
the Araniko (Kathmandu – Kodari) highway. An
important link in the trade route to Tibet,
Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be seen
in the lovely –lined streets and temples.
Pleasant climate with spectacular view of
Himalayas are the attraction of Dhulikhel.
PANAUTI
The small beautiful town of Panauti, Stands in a
peaceful valley
about 25Kms east of Kathmandu at a
junction of the 2 rivers. It possesses a number
of interesting temples and interesting old
Newari houses, besides it is famous for
magnificent woodcarvings. An interesting 4 hours
hike from Dhulikhel to Panauti is an interesting
experience who want to enjoy the country side
but have limited time.
BUNGAMATI
Bungamati once an autonomous provience in
Kathmandu valley came into exixtance as early in
the 7th century. The village 10
KM south from the heart of Kathmandu, still not
affected by the
changes in lifestyle of the urban population.
People are still living
the life that they know best simply from the
past several century. This Newar village is rich
with hard working and cheerful in inhabitants,
who make their living by farming and then
utilized the spared time with masonry, carpentry
and other manual works. The women enjoys
weaving, knitting, tailoring apart from lending
hand in farming. Wood carving of this village is
gaining popularity.
 KHOKANA
This ancient Newari village of Kathmandu was
once very popular for its large production of
mustard oil. There could be no better place than
Khokana to enjoy Himalayan range seen from
Kathmandu and learn the Newari lifestyle. The
culture, traditional house and people with the
traditional attire are another added attraction.
From working schedule to eating habits they have
their own choices, which do not match with other
ethnic groups of Nepal.
GODAVARI
The foothills of Plulchowki (9050ft)is the most
delightful setting of extreme natural beaty with
in easy reach of Kathmandu, situated 10
kilometers southeast of Patan. Godavari offers
an excellent insight of the rural scene, filled
with open fields and Royal Botanical Garden
attractively lay out with imputed exotics and
local plant verities. The fern, Orchid house,
Japanese garden are particularly popular.
Godavari includes subtropical or warm
temperature climate, 529 species of plants are
to be found including pink morning glories,
yellow corydalis and many more. Forested hill of
Phulchowki, that rises above the inhabitant
sections. This lush region is the home of many
plants, including four varieties of oak trees,
In addition, dark chestnuts, wild walnuts, red
rhododendrons and Himalayan maples are but in
few species.
PHULCHOWKI
Phulchowki, the highest hill (2762m) near by
Kathmandu lies 20KM south-east. A four hours
gentle up-hill from the base through lovely
Rodendendron and oak forest leads one to the top
of the hill. This good hiking spot has one trail
connecting to Pharping on one side and Panauti
on the other. The hill is famous for colorful
flowers, varaities of birds breath taking view
of himalaya and snow in the winter
GOKARNA
Gokarna lies about ten kilometers north-east of
Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted
deer can be viewed in the Gokarna Safari Park.
International standard 18 hole Golf course has
been in operation within the park. On the
northern side of Gokarna, is the famous
Gokarneshwor Mahadev temple.
SANKHU
A typical Newari town, with many fine old
buildings and temples, was once the trade route
to Helambu and Tibet. The village is famous for
an important seventeenth century old temple of
tantric goddess, Bajra Yogini.
SUNDARIJAL
An ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk
after the motor able road is famous for its
scenic beauty with magnificent waterfalls and  rock
formations. The great political leader and first
elected democratic prime minister of Nepal, Mr.
B.P. Koirala, had spent 15 years in a prison,
turned into a museum, is located here.
KIRTIPUR
Kirtipur is a small town, eight kilometers
southwest 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, temples, old houses, the
people typically dressed in old traditional
customs, people working on ancient loom etc.
CHOBHAR GORGE
The Chobhar gorge is the only outlet for all the
water of the valley. It is situated nine
kilometers southwest Kathmandu. The temple of
Adinath on the top of the hill with a
magnificent view of the snow capped peaks is the
major attraction apart from a temple of lord
Ganesh just beyond the gorge.
PHARPING
The village situated at south-west cornor of the
valley on the way towards Dakshinkali temple is
inhabited mostly by Newars and Tamangs whom are
Buddhist by faith. The temple of Bajra Jogini is
the major attraction of this village.
SHIVAPURI 
The Hindu holy hill, Shivapuri, at a height of
2,732m, allows one a 180 degree view of the
Himalaya in the north & the Kathmandu valley in
the south. A hiking trail up to Shivapuri hill
passes through villages & a protected forest of
Rhododendrons & orchids with mountain streams
running through it. Stay here to view sunset and
sunrise as well as snow topped picks of himalyan
range of eastern Nepal including the Everest.
KAKANI 
Located 29 km northwest of Kathmandu with
elevation of 6500ft is the fabulous holiday area
of Kakani featuring attractions ranging from
beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent
Himalayas particularly, the Ganesh Himal. Other
peaks closely seen are: Gaurishankar (7,134m),
Choba Bhamre (6,109m), Manaslu (8,163m),
Himalchuli (7,893m), Annapurna (8,091m) etc.
International Mountaineers Memorial Park pays
homage to the brave mountaineers and also
informs visitors on the dangers involved in
mountain climbing |
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