WHAT TO SEE IN AND AROUND KATHMANDU VALLEY

  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.

Living Goddess Kumari

  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.