Nepal Tourism

The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336 m above sea level and covers an area of 218.sq. miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The skillfully built temples and palaces, delicately engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three historical cities stand testimony to the Newars's artistic achievements.

Machchendranath Temple:-
The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendrea Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. The deity is also called Jammadyo or Machchhendra.

Akash Bhairav Temple:-
A three-story temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, the God of Rain.

Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square) :-
It is the historic of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The Screen in removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.

There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays and government holidays.

Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar) :-
Kumari (Vestal Virgin), or the living Goddess, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Teleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple of kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has instricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.

Kasthamandap:-
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Ashok Vinayak:-
The small but very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kashtamandap. It is also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.

Jaishi Dewal:-
A five-minute walk from Kasthmandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.

Tundikhel:-
A huge green field known as Tundikhel flanks one entire side of the old city. Some of the important landmarks of the Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of the Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A. D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. The sundhara fountains with golden water spouts, situated at the foot of this great tower, also belong to the same period.

Martyr's Momorial (Sahid) Gate:-
It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah Dev and the busts of four martyrs.

Bhadrakali Temple:-
At the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate, stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of the main "Shakti" temples of Kathmandu city.

Singha Durbar:-
A grand imposing palace built in the neo-classical style, Singha Durbar was the private residence of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

Narayanhity Durbar:-
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace. Foreigners are allowed to visit the Royal Place on Thursdays from 13:00 hrs - 15:00 hrs.

Kaisar Library :-
Located inside the premises of the Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great center of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except on Saturdays and other government holidays. The library is open from 9:00 hrs - 17:00 hrs (summer) and from 9:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs (winter).

Budhanilkantha:-
About 8Km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century status is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Balaju Water Gardens:-
Situated about 5km north-west of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile-headed water spouts dating from the eighteenth century. There is also a large swimming pool inside the park.

Swayambhunath:-
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all-seeing eyes of Load Buddha. It is 3km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

The National Museum:-
Located about 2km west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday/Monday and government holidays.

Natural History Museum:-
Situated 3km west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

Pashupatinath Temple:-
Situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Guheswari Temple:-
Near Pashupatinath Temple is another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Chabahil The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashok, in the third century BC. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.

Chandra Vinayak:-
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200m north of Chabahil stupa. This double tiered brass-roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant headed god.


Outskirits of Kathmandu

Boddhanath:-
The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Gokarna: -
This lovely Royal Games Sanctuary, also known as gokarna Sfari Park, lies about 10 km north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary . On the norther side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

Sankhu:-
It is a typical Newari town, with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, upon a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogii, a historical temple which offers beautiful view of the local area.

Sundarijal:-
It is famouts for its scenic beauty, There are magnificent waterfalls. Cateracts and rock fomations. It is an ideal picnic spot, just a short hike away from the motorable road.

Kirtipur:-
It is a small town, 8km southwest of Kathmandu and situated atop a hill. Trinbhuvan University, Nepal's premier seat of education is located at the foothills of Kirtipur. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the folks are typically dressed in traditional costumes, and can be spotted working on looms.

Chobhar:-
Situated 9km southwest of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill from where one can take in a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Shekha Naryan:-
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapr, Visankhu Narayan of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Naryan of Bhgaktapur,k Visankhu Naryan of Patan and Ichangu Naraytanb of Kathmandu.

Dakshinkali:-
The temple of Kakshinkali is situated about two km south of Shekha Naryan, Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple ogto offer their prayers and animal sacrifices are made to the goddess. This place is also a popular picnic spot.

Places to see in Nepal