Tours in Nepal (Nepal Sightseeing Tour Places)
Kathmandu Valley
The Kathmandu valley, the political, commercial
cultural hub of Nepal is famed for its natural beauty and
historic, holistic place. Once a separate kingdom in itself,
it contains three fabled cities, Kathmandu, Patan &
Bhaktapur. Each is an artistic exposition of graceful temples,
elegant palaces, brick paved courtyards and quaint streets.
As a whole, the valley is surrounded by tier upon tier of
green mountain walls above which tower mighty snow capped
peaks. The valley is rich in places of pilgrimage for both
Hindus and Buddhists. Both of their deities well side by
side by both tantric symbolism and ancient animistic beliefs.
A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu as the land
of gods surrounded by beautiful mountain around. It is said
that there were as many temples as there were house and
many idols as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts
one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical
monuments and shrines ever built.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Duly recognized as a world Heritage site by UNESCO
this particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square
lies in the heart of this city. The locals know this area
by its old name "Hanuman Dhoka" Palace Square
an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. Hanuman Dhoka Palace
complex consists of a huge Royal Square exposing a tremendous
variety of temples dedicated to different Hindus gods and
goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th
to 18th century.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Three kilometer west of Kathmandu city complex locates the
one of the worlds most glorious Buddhist Stupa, it is said
to be 2000 years old. Visitors often call it "Monkey
Temple". The main structure brick and clay which supports
a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt.
There are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on the four
sides of spire. Being situated seventy meter above the level
of valley, the hill of Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small
stupa and pagoda temples. Aside, in front of the temple,
one of the famous goddess with the shrine of Ajima called
"Harati Mata" is there. This temple of goddess
believes to be famous in the way of tantric. Both the stupa
of Lord Buddha and temple of a goddess are surrounded by
other temples and Tibetan monasteries. Being located in
the top level of valley, this place is famous for visitors
for sightseeing.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pasupatinath temple being the temple of Lord Shiva possessed
its two-storied golden roof and silver doors and is famous
for its superb architecture. The temple is situated 5 kilometer
east of Kathmandu heart, on the banks of sacred Bagmati
River. Being one of the most important Hindu temples, this
is a center of annual pilgrimage. From time immortal, the
Pasupatinath area has contained numerous temples, stupa,
monasteries, images and inscriptions. Not only is the Pasupatinath
area a pilgrimage site for the Hindus and it is also an
important cultural treasury for the whole world. Only Hindus
are permitted to enter from the main gate.
Bouddhanath Stupa
One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever
built in Nepal, Bouddhanath is an imposing structure standing
some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three levels
Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family
houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much
like those of Swayambhunath stupa except its finial displaying.
It is much bigger than Swayambhunath Stupa and lies on the
valley floor where s former one stands on the hilltop. This
stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan located on lovely little plateau across the Bagmati
is only 7-k.m southeast of Kathmandu. This city roughly
inhabited by some 125000 people in considered oldest of
all three cities of Kathmandu valley. This city founded
in 3rd century AD. By King Veera Dev has a finest Newar
crafts since time immemorial. Meaning the city of fine arts
has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments
scattered in and around. The most important monument area
of course is Patan Durbar Square. Recognized by UNESCO as
a world heritage site. The Square has been described as
one of the most picturesque collection of buildings that
have been set up so small a place by the piety of oriental
man. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the
medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century as the golden
period of Nepalese art and architecture. The important things
to be seen in this area include the Golden Gate and the
Golden Windows of the old Palace, The beautiful piece of
traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with
21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari chowk, a
perfect piece of the classic work in stone. Royal Taleju
temple, Viswa Nath Temple and Char Narayan temple are the
finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the
temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking
the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures
scattered in and around the square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Situated at an altitude of 1401 meter above sea level Bhaktapur
only is a very unique old town. This city divided into 24
traditional locality covers an area of 5 square kilometers.
Founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD Bhakatapur is said to
have been built in the shape of conch shell a sacred symbol
of Lord Vishnu. The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees.
Before the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent
principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who were very much
devoted to religion, culture and art. During the period
many magnificent temples and mansions were built. This period
is remembered as golden period in the Nepalese art and remains
a unique example.
Changu Narayan Temple
The temple of Changu Narayan situated on the hillock of
Dolagiri to the north of Bhaktapur is one of the oldest
temples in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 5000ft. This
temple has its distinct historical and architectural significance.
The most authentic and oldest ever inscription is located
in the precinct of Changu Narayan. The oldest inscription
dated 464 AD is a credited to have been set up by Lichchshavi
King Manadeva. The erection of Garuda Piller by Manadeva
is expression of his devotion and reverence to Chang Narayan
as learnt from the inscription, points that the temple of
Changu Narayan was built sometime before 464 AD
Pokhara Valley:
Pokhara valley is situated at an altitude of 827 meters
above the sea level and is 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu
valley. Prithivi Raj Marga is the highway linked with by
Bhairahawa by Siddhartha Raj Marga [Sunauli border] It is
a combination of the long arrays of world famous snow clad
peaks, emerald lakes, turbulent rivers with deep Georges
and picturesque villages inhabited by Magar, Gurungs and
Thakalis. Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri,
Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, five peaks of Annapurna Himalayas
and others. Pokhara numerous lakes known as "Tal"
in Nepal offer fishing, boating and swimming, which ensure
the famous Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes of Pokhara. Pokhara
is also referred as the center of adventure. It is the starting
point for most of the popular trekking & rafting destination.
The serenity of Phewa lake and the magnificence of Machhapuchhare
[6,977m] rising behind it, creates an ambiance of peace
and magic
Phewa lake is situated at an altitude
of 784m above sea level with an island temple at the middle
of the lake. It is second largest lake in the kingdom. Temple
situated at the island is the two storied pagoda dedicated
to the boar magnification of Ajima. The reflection of Mt.
Machhapuchhare & Annapurna can be seen in its serene
water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes
of the lake.
Begnas & Rupa Lake: lies in the northeast
of the Pokhara valley at the distance of 13kms from the
main city. These lakes are locates at the foothill of Begnas,
mountain and are separated by the Pachabiya hill.
Seti River Gorges carved by Seti-Gandaki is
one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. K.I. Singh Bridge
at Bagar, Mahendrapool & Prithivi Highway Bridge near
Bus Park provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful
rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white
water.
Davi's fall locally known Patale Chhango
in the southern flank of the Pokhara valley is where the
stream flowing from Fewa Lake collapses and surges down
the rock into a deep gage, leaping through several potholes.
Mahendra cave lies at the north of the
Pokhara valley. It is a large limestone cave, which is one
of the few stalagmite stalactite caves found in Nepal.
Tibetan Village Tashiling in the south
and Tashii Palkhel in the north of Pokhara valley is the
two Tibetan village which is inhabitant by the Tibetan people
who keeps themselves busy by producing and trading woolen
carpets and other handicrafts.
Museum: One museum display the life styles
and history of the Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharu and other
one Natural history museum and is functioned by the Annapurna
Conservation area project. Butterflies, insects, birds and
wild life found in the Annapurna region.
Mountains Views: Spectacular Panorama of
the Annapurna range forms the backdrop of Pokhara valley.
The mountains stretching from east to west includes Annapurna
I to IV. It lies at the distance of 40kms from the valley
and at the elevation of 900m. Among these Annapurna. Annapurna
I (8.091m high is the highest peak. Mt. Machhapuchhare with
its pyramid shape dominated all the other neighboring Peaks.
The other peaks are Mt. Dhaulagiri 8167m, Lamjung Himal
6983m and Manaslu 8163m and Himalchuli.
Barahi Temple: This is the most important
religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle
of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the
boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectors deity representing
the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially
on Saturday, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake
to be sacrificed to the deity.
World Peace Pagoda a massive Buddhist Stupa,
is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa
Lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine
is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views
of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there
by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.
Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious
activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati,
yet another manifestation of Shakti. The park like grounds
offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturday and Tuesday when
devotees flock there to offer sacrifices, take on a festival
local flavor.
Pony treks are becoming more popular by
the day. With a landscape varying from the even lakeside
to small hills with the most famous view in the country.
Pokhara provides a magnificent opportunity for sightseeing
on horseback.
LUMBINI
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of
peace and compassion. It is 21 km west of Bhairahawa and
285 km southwest of Kathmandu. It is a place of pilgrimage
for Buddhist as well as place of reverence for peace lovers
of any religious faith throughout the world. In Lumbini
the central attraction is the sacred garden with Maya Devi
temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha, Ashoka Pillar
pinpointing the birth place of Buddha and Shakya Tank where
Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, is supposed to have
taken a dip before bringing forth the baby - Lord Buddha.
Around this holy site, there are remnants of Monasteries
and Chaityas built over the centuries following Buddha's
birth in 632 BC.
