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Kathmandu Durbar
Square
While browse around Katmandu Durbar Square you will
visit Hanuman Dhoka, the old and historic palace of
Kathmandu named after monkey God, Hanuman. It is historic
seat of royalty. The Kings of Nepal are crowned and
their coronations also held inside the court yard here.
There is a statue of King Pratap Mall sitting on the
stone pillar in the front and temple of Jagannath from
mediaeval period .Within the walking distance you will
find the tall temple of Taleju from 1549 AD, the large
stone statue of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction,.
the Big Bell and Big Drum and Hindu Lord Shiva and his
consort Parvati peeping from window. Visit the temple
of Kumari, the residence of Living Goddess within the
vicinity. Kumari means the virgin girl. The girl is
selected from Buddhist family. The building has profusely
carved wooden balconies and window screen. Next a very
interesting temple is Kasthamandap which is believed
to be built from a single tree trunk and the name Katmandu
is derived from this temple.
Pashupatinath
Not only is Pashupatinath the most important Hindu temple
in Nepal, it’s one of the most important Shiva
temples on the subcontinent and draws numerous devotees
from all over India each year. Pashupati is considered
to have a special concern for the kingdom of Nepal.
Pashupatinath, an ancient plinth, by the banks of the
holy Bagmati River, stands the 16th century of Pashupatinath
- Shiva, as Lord of all Creatures. The old buildings
on the site were destroyed by Moslem invaders in the
14th century, its stone linga smashed to dust, but it
rose again behind their retreating backs. Succeeding
monarchs reinstated the temple and the images. The flowing
Bagmati is a holy river and the ghats (crematorium)
at its bank are the earnest Hindus truest cremation
center
Swyambunath
The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, situated on the
top of a hill west of the city, is one of the most popular
and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. Geologists
believe that the Kathmandu Valley was once a lake and
legends relate that the hill on which Swayambhunath
stands was an island in that lake. Under the Mallas
various improvements were made and the great stairway
to the stupa was constructed by King Pratap Malla in
the 17th century. From the flattened top of the hill,
the soaring central stupa is topped by a gold-colored
square block from which the watchful eyes of the Buddha
gaze out across the valley in each direction. From the
platform of the spot the splendid changing view of the
valley could be seen with the monkeys running here and
there.
This is a 2500 years old
stupa situated on a hillock about 77 m above the ground
level and over looking Katmandu valley. The painted
eyes on four sides represent the all seeing eyes of
Buddha and are watching all the time wrong doers and
good doers.This is a very religious shrine of Buddhists.
There are two Buddhist monasteries within the complex
and a temple of Haratima where both Buddhists and Hindus
worship this temple. The shrine is just 3 km to the
northwest of Kathmandu city.
Boudhanath
This is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest
in the world. It is a religious center for Nepal’s
considerable population of Tibetans and there a number
of thriving monasteries around the stupa which have
their own self-importance. Bodnath has always been associated
with Lhasa and Tibetan Buddhism. The first stupa is
believed to be constructed some time after 600 CE after
the Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo was converted to Buddhism
by two wives named Bhrikuti and Wen Cheng Konjo but
the current stupa was probably built after the depredations
of the Moghul invaders in the 14th. Century. Stupas
were originally built to house holy relics or to commemorate
an event or place with a structure that symbolizes Buddhist
Beliefs.
Dakshinakali :
It is about 21 km drive through the country to the south
of Katmandu. The spectacular views of beautiful landscapes,
terraced farmlands and Himalayan ranges on the back
ground can be seen while on drive. The road ends right
at the temple. Dakshinkali , the supreme Hindu powerful
Goddess is worshiped and animals like male-goats and
roosters are also sacrificed. This type of rituals take
place twice a week Saturday and Tuesday. On our way
back visit Shesh Narayan temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu
and a Buddhist monastery where you will find the Lama
monks chanting the prayers. Also visit of Chovar gorge
through where the water of the valley is drained out.
Patan Durbar
Square : The ancient city Patan is also known
as Lalitpur, which means city of fine arts lies 5 km
to the south of Katmandu. The whole complex of Durbar
Square consists of different sections of ancient palace
like Sundari Chowk (beautiful court yard) where exquisite
windows and door carving are seen and the Tushahity
(Royal Bath) a master piece of stone carvings and others
are Mul Chowk (main court yard), Keshav Narayan Chowk.
In front of the palace in the main square there is a
statue of King Narendra Malla sitting on the stone pillar.
Next to the pillar there is a famous Krishna Mandir
temple with 21 pinnacles built all in stone. This is
said to be a Shikhara architect from India. Rest you
will see several pagoda style temples like temple of
Bhimsen, and the public bath, dragon headed spout and
the water runs 24 hours. There are also many other famous
Buddhist temple like Hiranya Verna Maha Vihar (the Golden
temple) and Maha Bouddha with ten thousands Buddha's
images. Most of the people of Patan city are Buddhists.
Patan is also very famous in its art work. There are
many fine craftsmen in Patan who produce bronze/brass
art work in different images/statues of Hindu/Buddhist
Gods and Goddesses, silver jewelleries, wood carvings,.
Most of the handicrafts you see in the local shops of
Katmandu valley are produced in Patan.
Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
Durbar Square, City of devotees lies little
aloof from Katmandu and Patan to the east 12 km away.
As soon as you enter the gate of Durbar Square of Bhaktapur
the whole complex is impressive, wider, clean and beautiful
with beautiful Lion Gate,Golden Gate, palace of 55 windows,
Batsala temple, barking Bell, the statue of King Bhupatendra
Mall on a stone pillar, public bath and temple of Pasupatinath
After strolling down to corner lane you come another
big square. On the left you will find the tallest temple
of Nyatapola which means 5 tiers representing symbols
of 5 basic elements of nature such as water,wind,fire,
earth and sky. This ia a highest pagoda temple of Nepal
ever built with architectural perfection and artistic
beauty in 1702 AD by the King Bhupatendra Malla. Next
to Nyatapola is another giant temple of Bhairavnath,
the God of Terror in three story built in 1718 AD. If
you walk ahead for about 20 minutes you will come to
another square of a Dattatraya temple built in 1427
AD from a trunk of single tree. Behind the temple there
is a monastery where you will notice exquistely carved
door frame and windows and also a famous peacock window
back wall of the monastery.
Changu Narayan:
This is the oldest temple of Vishnu built in early 5th
century AD situated at the end of long ridge which runs
well into the valley. This place is to the northeast
20 km from Katmandu through the countryside. It commands
most magnificent views of Katmandu valley and Himalayas
ranges on the back ground. This is also a most important
historical, religious place where one can see largest
number of finest stone sculptures dating back to 5th-9th
century AD. This is also known as living monumental
garden.
Dhulikhel : This
is another country drive trip to the east 30 km on the
side of the Arniko highway connecting to Tibet border.
This is also equally nice place for panoramic viewing
of snowy mountain ranges from Karyolung in the east
to Himalchuli in the west. From the hilltop you can
view colorful landscapes. There are number of luxury
hotels and lodges available for spending the night.
Day return hiking can be done to explore number of villages
during the stay in Dhulikhel.
Chitwan :
The Chitwan National Park (932 sq km) to the southwest
of Kathmandu (only 165 km by overland) and Bharatpur
airport adjoining the park is a mere 25 minute flight
away and the most popular safari destination. More than
43 species of animals are found in Chitwan. Here you
will be going into deep jungle on elephant back or four
wheel drive vehicle to view the wild animals in their
natural habitat. Other thrills are canoe rides on the
jungle river, nature walk, bird watching excursions,
elephant bathing in the river, Tharu cultural village
tour, visit to Elephant Breeding Centre, Gharial Breeding
& Conservation Centre, etc. Many adventurers also
choose to go down by raft. However, if you go for a
jungle safari it is an experience you will remember
for a life time.
Lumbini :
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, born in 623
B.C. situated in the southwest Terai (lowland, near
Indian border) of Nepal, about 250 kilometers southwest
of Kathmandu valley. The Ashokan pillar (discovered
by the famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuehrer), remnants
of an old monastery, images of Buddha's mother Maya
Devi, sacred pond (which Maya Devi took holy bath just
before giving birth to the Lord Buddha), Kapilvastu
(situated about 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the
ruins of historic town of 'Kapilvastu'. The capital
of Shakya Republic where the Lord Buddha lived and enjoyed
his life until his thirtieth year, Kapilvastu has been
identified with Taulaurakot by the archaeologists.)
are the main attractions of Lumbini.
Tansen :
A pristine hill town yet untouched by many tourists.
Tansen offers amazing views of Himalayas. It is situated
at an altitude of 1343m . It is 80 km from Lumbini and
123 km from Pokhara to the south. One can see the panoramic
view of Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west Gauri
Shanker in the north-east. The town sprawls over a steep
ridge and attractive Newar houses line cobbled street.
Interesting walks in the surrounding countryside can
take you to the bank of Kali Gandaki river and the huge
Ranighat palace.
Pokhara Valley
: The Pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque
spots of Nepal. The beauty of the valley is enhanced
by its lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa which have their
source in the glacial region of the Annapurna range
of the Himalayas. Pokhara is situated 200 km west of
Katmandu at an altitude of 900 meter only from the sea
level. For the mountain viewers Pokhara offers the magnificent
views of Machhapuchre (fishtail shape), 5 peaks of Annapurna,
Dhaulagiri, Himalchuli and others. Pokhara is one the
few places in the world to provide such a dramatic views
in a subtropical setting.
From Pokhara you can do
the trekking in Annapurna region, Dhaulagiri region
& Mustang area from 3 /4 days to 4/5 weeks depending
on your time, budget and your physical fitness.
Gorkha :
This is situated 125 km north-west of Katmandu and 115
km to north-east of Pokhara This is the birth place
of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the Great, the founder
of modern Nepal. Hence it is ancestral home of the Shah
kings of Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy
peaks of the Himalayas, there is a beautiful palace
known as Gorkha Durbar. The King Prithvi Narayan Shah
began his campaign to unify the Kingdom from this palace
of Gorkha. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath
and Kali inside the palace precinct. Gorkha Durbar is
certainly one of the most outstanding examples of Nepalese
architecture. From Gorkha one can do around Manaslu
trek for 25 days and end the trek in Pokhara.
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