Destinations
Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital city of Himalayan country Nepal; also known as city of temples. This city has history back to human civilization, which is even represented through its cultures and ancient architecture in different temples. Kathmandu encompasses many destinations for visitors.
Hanuman Dhoka Durbar (Kathmandu Durbar Square)
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are furnished the centuries ago by the ancient rulers – the Lichhabis, Mallas to Shah Dynasties. All the buildings and monuments that we can see today in its premises are the outcomes of the collective endeavors of the predecessors. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nesal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting structures to see in this square.
One of the fascinating pieces here is the 17th century inscriptions that are set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. It is believed that if anybody deciphers this entire inscription, the milk would flow from the spout, which lies just below the inscripted stonewall. Some people say that the inscription contains coded directions to a treasure King Pratap Malla has buried beneath Mohan Chowk of Durbar Square.
There are several museums inside the palace.
The foreigners can visit the museums with a minimal cost of NPR 250 as the entrance fee.
Akash Bhairav Temple
This is a three-storey temple situated 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). The festival of Indra Jatra falls on July or August.
Kumari Ghar (Temple of Living Goddess)
The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the surrounding area of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building is full of beautifully carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari – the living goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. The visitors are not allowed to take the photographs of Kumari and the temple.
Kasthamandap
King Laxmi Narshingha Malla built the temple in sixteenth century. Believed to have been constructed from the wood of single tree, it is located to the west of the Kumari Ghar. The name of the city Kathmandu itself is believed to have been derived from this Kasthamandap. Behind Kasthamandap, there is a small but a very significant temple of Ashok Vinayak, also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi Dewal
Five minutes from Kasthamandap, the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main tourist routes of the chariot festivals of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
Pashupati Nath Temple
The temple of Pashupati Nath is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrines and one of the subcontinent’s greatest Shiva sites. It includes a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the bank of holy Bagmati River.
The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred Linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD, but a shrine may have stood here nearly one thousand years before. The legend says that Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unknown in the forest towards the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The god, grabbed in his horns – broken, was forced to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a Linga and overtime, it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine Linga of Pashupati Nath.
The temple complex has been renovated and improved over the centuries. Entrance to the shrine is only allowed to Hindus. However, one can still get the good view of the sacred temple from vantage points across Bagmati river. Across the river, one can also visit the temple of Guheyeshwori and a classic sixth century one faced Linga of Shiva.
Swayambhu Stupa
The most ancient and enigmatic of all the valley’s holy shrines lies in the western side of the Kathmandu valley, across the Vishnumati River (one of the holy rivers of the valley). The golden spire of Swayambhunath stupa crowns a wooded hillock and offers a commanding view of Kathmandu city. On clear days, one can even view a line of Himalayan peaks. The view is splendid at dusk as city lights flicker one by one and even better when a full moon hangs in the sky.
The Swayambhunath Stupa bears a legend about its establishment, which dates back to the foundation of Kathmandu Valley itself. The legend says that when Manjushree drained the waters of lake to reveal the Kathmandu valley, the lotus of the lake was transformed into the hillock and the blazing light became the Swayambhunath Stupa, now a world heritage site.
Boudhanath Stupa
The biggest Stupa in the valley, also known as Khasti, it is also enlisted in the World Heritage list. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. It lies about six kilometers to the east-north of Kathmandu downtown. The Bouddha Area Preservation and Development committee runs an information center for the convenience of its visitors.
Balaju Baisdhara (Balaju Water Garden)
It is situated just below of the Nagarjun Hill and just three kilometer north from Kathmandu’s tourist place Thamel. The garden is known for its bank of 22 stone waterspouts carved in the shape of sea-dragons. It also consists of religious shrines, fishponds and a replica of the statue of Boudhanilkantha. There is also a swimming pool inside the park.
Budhanilkantha
Situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley, Buddhanilkantha temple is around nine kilometer far from main Kathmandu city. The temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu God Vishnu lying back on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is carved from the single block of black stone. It is believed that ages before the two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were cultivating their field.
Besides Buddhanilkantha temple, there are other two sets of exactly similar, but smaller statues of ‘sleeping Vishnu’ in the valley. One set is in Balaju water garden and another is hidden in the old garden of Hanuman Dhoka Palace of Kathmandu. A prophetic dream of King Pratap Malla generated the belief that the King of Nepal should never visit Buddhanilkantha temple on threat of death. He then built the similar statue in two places.
Lalitpur (Patan)
Lalitpur, also known as Patan, is one of the cities among three of Kathmandu valley and it is adjusting city with Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. While visiting Nepal, it invites visitors because of many monumental and historical places.
Patan Durbar Square
Situated in the heart of the city, it constitutes the focus of visitor’s attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main Chowks and holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity.
Krishna Mandir
Built in the seventeenth century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.
Mahabouddha
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square, lies this Buddhist temple made of bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
Hiranya Verna Mahavihar
Located inside Kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
Kumbheshwor
The fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on Janai Poornima in August.
The Ashokan Stupas
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by Emperor Ahoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city’s ancient religious importance.
Achheswor Mahavihar
It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth century by one Achheshwor by building a temple to house and idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchok the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Temple of Machhindranath and Minnath
The pagoda of Red Machhindranath built in 1408 AD is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tagal on the way to Tabahal.
The Zoo
The only zoo in Nepal is situated in Jawalakhel. It has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collections mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in seventeenth century.
Bajra Barahai
Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometers south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.
Godavari
Situated at the foothills of Pulchowki, Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the south-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is open daily including Saturday and government holidays.
Phulchoki
Located about ten kilometers south-east of Patan, this mountain, 2758 meter high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a drive.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur, located in the eastern side of Kathmandu valley, is the smallest district among 75 districts of Nepal. It is popular for many things like curd, cultivating land and different palaces and ancient erotic sculptors in Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace with 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The Palace of 55 windows was built in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the entrance of the temple which is also known as the Bell of Barking Dogs. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to signal curfew during those days is superior artistry of the Golden Gate at Bhaktapur. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Batsala Temple and many others. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace of the many windows.
The National Art Gallery
The gallery contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periodicals and descriptions.
Nyatapol Temple
This five storey pagoda was built in 1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple
This temple was first built as a one storey pagoda but later changed into a three storey temple in eighteenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav; the god of terror.
Dattatraya Temple
The temple was built in fifteenth century. This temple is said to have been built from the trunk of a single tree. Near this temple, there is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock window.
Adjusting Places of the Valley
Dhulikhel
The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 kilometer to the east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old days, Dhulikhel flourished as a trading center handling commerce between Kathmandu and Lasha. Today, it delights visitors with its enchanting cultural heritage and stunning Himalayan views. Accommodation is available in resorts, hotels and lodges at Dhulikhel.
Dhulikhel is a small town with a long history. Records show that it has been around for more than five hundred years. The artistic skill and urban ethos of its Newar inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty. Streets lined with bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, sloping tile roofs, pagoda temples and sacred statures everywhere. You will think you have wandered into a cultural theme park.
The major places of worship here are the Narayan and Harisiddhi temples which are adorned with profuse wood carvings. The Gokhureswar Mahadev Temple, a thirty minute walk to the eastern part of town, is a peaceful and scenic spot. The Bhagawati temple is situated at a height in the western part of Dhulikhel and dominates the skyline. From here, you can get a beautiful vista of the town and surrounding areas.
There are many vantage points in Dhulikhel which offer a panorama of the Himalaya that will leave you spellbound. Looking out over low hills and valleys, the mountains rise up in an extended arc stretching from the far left to the far right. More than twenty Himalayan peaks can be seen in all their glory. You should get up early in the morning to watch the first rays of the sun hit the summits and their colors change. Sunset views are equally spectacular.
The most popular activity for visitors in Dhulikhel is doing nothing. For something more strenuous, we recommend bird watching. You can sit back in your hotel garden and admire the winged creatures fluttering from tree to tree. The forests around Dhulikhel harbor many species of exotic birds.
For adventurers, there are hiking around the countryside, visiting nearby pilgrimage sites and mountain biking. Walking trails pass through Tamang villages and terraced fields providing you an insight into rural Nepal. The shrine of Namura of Namo Buddha, where the Buddha in a past life is said to have offered his own flesh to a starving tigress, is four-five hours on foot. The center of attraction at the village of Panauti (two to four hour walk) is the temple of Indreswar Mahadev, the oldest existing pagoda structure in the Kingdom.
Mountain biking is a joy with hill trails and rough roads radiating in all directions from Dhulikhel. Some popular routes are Dhulikhel to Panauti and back to Dhulikhel, Dhulikhel to Banepa to Nala and back to Dhulikhel and Dhulikhel to Namura to Dapcha to Panauti to Banepa and back to Dhulikhel. Rafting on the Sun Koshi river, 25 kilometer away, there is another diversion.
Kakani
Kakani lies 23 kilometer north of Kathmandu on the way to historical district Nuwakot. The way to Kakani from Kathmandu leads nearby Balaju Water Garden. On the way, travelers pass through forested hills and Tapoban (Osho Mediation Center).
Kakani is a less crowed and more pristine destination which provides excellent mountain views of Ganesh Himalaya, Langtang and other Himalayas. The offerings of nature provide the impetus to visit Kakani, and nature lovers will hail the close up view of Himalayan range to the north, as well as the beautiful oak and rhododendron forests on the slope leading down to Balaju. Accommodations are available in hotels and lodges.
Chagunarayan
The temple of Chagunarayan is one of the oldest temples of Kathmandu valley. The richness of Chagunarayan is surpassed only by wealth of the greatest temple of Pashupati. The temple is sitting on the hillock called Changu – the name derived from the name of the god. Around the temple you will see the stone images of Garuda – the half bird half man that is the vehicle of Lord Vishnu – another name of Changunarayan. The superb image of Lord Vishnu astride the Garuda to the left of the main temple door is of such importance in the Nepal’s art history that is featured on the ten rupee’s note. The most interesting one would be the half day hike along the hill ridge route from Nagarkot to Changunarrayan.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is licated 30 kilometer to the east of Kathmandu city on the valley rim. Nagarkot is the favorite weekend gateway for those who seek Himalayan scenery and rural serenity. From Nagarkot, you witness the stunning view of mountains that extend all the way from Dhaulagiri in the west past Mount Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east. The surrounding countryside of Nagarkot is great for walking.
Nagarkot is situated at an elevation of 2,175 meter and provides a grandstand panorama of the Himalaya. You can see five of the world’s ten tallest mountains from here. The snow peaks look especially gorgeous during sunset and sunrise.
Surrounded by terraced hillsides and picturesque farm houses, the hilltop resort is the epitome of an idyllic escape – with only the wind and the sound of rustling leaves to disturb you .Bird Watching is a joy in the forests here. Short hiking options abound. The most popular walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Chagu Narayan – with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Another preferred trail leads south from Nagarkot to Nala and Banepa on the highway to Tibet.
Outside the Valley
Daman
It has some of the most fantastic views of the Himalayas. It has a great view of the mountains from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest. Daman is halfway between Kathmandu and Hetauda at 75 kilometer from Kathmandu city. It is definitely worth visiting.
There is a viewing tower that has a telescope. On the side towards Hetauda, there are some interesting rhododendron forests, which is especially worth seeing during spring.
Daman by car is about three hours from Kathmandu and four hours from Hetauda. It makes a nice day trip from Kathmandu to come here by car for the day. Accommodation and food items in Daman are available in hotels and resorts within affordable and best rate. You can also make an excellent bike ride to here, but it is a really tough ride. This is one of the best places of Nepal waiting for those who want to please themselves from natural beauty.
Chitwan
If you wanted to see birds and animals in Nepal, this is where you would come. For animal lovers, Chitwan National Park offers them an opportunity of a life time to see Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, various species of birds and butterflies. Your choice of resorts and lodges are located in the region. Most include elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoeing and cultural activities.
Chitwan is known as Chitwan National Park, mainly because the city’s main attraction is the national park itself. Chitwan National Park is included in the list of world heritage sites, this protected area has a forest with area of 932 square kilometers. Seven world class resorts run by park concessionaire are located inside the park alone. Other numerous resorts and hotels are located outside the park, all giving tourists with more options for price and services. One horned rhinos and Bengal tigers are the main two animals that are famous in the park. Spotting them while on a safari will be the joy of a life time. To spot Bengal tiger, you might have to extend your stay in Chitwan a little longer. Altitude of the park ranges from 150 meter to 815 meter. Over fifty different mammals and 450 species of birds are located in the park.
Chitwan is also a place to learn about the Tharu people. The traditional dance and songs are performed in resorts and lodges entertainment. Chitwan National Park is the main attraction in the region. This park is regarded as the best national park of Nepal and is also the most developed one. Elephant Breeding Center and Crocodile Farm are two other most visited locations in the park. Main activities in Chitwan are Jungle Safari, Bird Watching and Boat Tour. Jungle Safari is the most popular one. You will travel into the deep forest riding on elephant back; you will witness the preserved natural assets of Nepal, flora and fauna. World’s one of the most endangered species, Bengal Tigers are found abundant in Nepal, many in Chitwan National Park. If it’s your day, you might see them too.
The other major animal you will see is the one-horned rhinos whose famous place to live on earth is none other than Nepal. The park is also famous for bird watching, and boat tours. A walk to nearby villages is also a recommended thing to do.
Behind travel inside Chitwan National Park, there are other options like trekking, rural tourism and Nepal’s low land travel. Chitwan is nearer tourism destination from Kathmandu Valley. It is easy to reach by road and by air. By road it is accessible in less than 5 hours and by air nearby Bharatpur airport around 20 minutes flight from Kathmandu.
Pokhara
Pokhara is situated at about 830 meter from sea level, and is located 200 kilometer west of Kathmandu valley and can be reached by plane in 30 minutes or in 6 hours by road. Pokhara is the next destination after Kathmandu for many adventure and pleasure trips in and around Pokhara. Pokhara is often called the enchanting Himalayan valley with a heart of major actions and adventures. The city is surrounded by beautiful snow-caped mountains, with a magnificent lake of crystal-clear pure Himalayan water, all year round pleasing weather, and friendly people of Pokhara will greet you with a smile and leave you with the most unforgettable moments in your life. There are many places to visit in Pokhara.
The Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in Nepal, is one of the most visitable place of Pokhara, offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections on the lake. One can easily find a place to sit back, relax and enjoy great meal while enjoying scenery here. You will also enjoy boating on the lake. Most hotels and guest houses have traditional designs and layouts which match with the surrounding views. Besides the Fewa Lake visitors will enjoy Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake within surrounding of Pokhara.
In the end of Fewa Lake there is Davis Fall from where the lake’s water passes out is one destination in Pokhara. The water fall directly goes into a deep and narrow canal with no ends. It is believed that this deadly waterfall took the life of a tourist named Davis, who fell down into the canal and was never found and that is why it is named Davis Waterfall.
A river named Seti Gandaki (White River) passes through Pokhara city, it has made deep gorge. The seti Gandaki flows right through the city, it runs completely underground at many places. There is a local myth that the entire land of Pokhara Floats on the Seti River. Rivers in Nepal are known for their strength and the purity as entire source is from the Himalayan range.
Mahindra Cave is located about 10 kilometers north from central Pokhara. It is a natural site located across the Seti river pass the Batulechours village. Beside these places there are many other places to visit in Pokhara namly Barahi temple, Pokhara Museum, Annapurna Museum, Bindhayabasini temple, world Peace Pagoda and Sarankot on the top of Pokhara as head of the city.
Lumbini
Lumbini is birth place of Lord Buddha. It is located in the plain south of the first foothill of the Churia range. Lumbini is a sacred place for Buddhists from all over the world, standing on an equal footing with holy places sacred to other world religions. A veteran Asian traveler and author of several books writes, ‘As millions of Christians look to Jerusalem for inspiration, as millions of Muslims turn to Mecca, so do three hundred million Buddhists see in the sacred Kingdom of Nepal, a pillar left by the great Emperor Ashoka to mark the site where Buddha was born.
The Ashoka Pillar discovered in 1895 by a German archaeologist, white wandering the foothills of the Churia range, a massive stone pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC to pay homage to the birth place of the Buddha. It is said that the Indian emperor visited Lumbini Garden in the twentieth year of his coronation.
King Piyadasi, beloved of the gods, having been anointed twenty years, came himself and worshipped saying: “Here Buddha Sakyamuni was born. He caused a stone pillar to be erected because the worshipful one was born here. The village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and a recipient of wealth.”
The next visible monument in Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi containing a stone relief depicting the birth scene of Lord Buddha. The bas-relief shows Maya Devi supporting herself by holding on to a branch of a Sal tree, and the newborn infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal. Two celestial figures are engaged in the act of pouring water and lotuses from the heaven, indicated in the sculpture by a delineation of clouds. The Maya Devi shrine has been worshiped by both Hindus and Buddhists since the beginning of the Christian era and is believed to have been built over the foundation of at least one earlier temple or stupa.
To the South of the Maya Devi temple is the famous sacred pool of ‘Puskarani’, believed to be the same sacred pool in which queen Maya Devi bathed just before giving birth to Buddha. It is also believed to be the same sacred pool in which queen Maya Devi bathed just before giving birth to Buddha. It is also believed to be the pool where the infant Buddha was given his first purification bath. The structure consists of three projecting terraces in descending order and is riveted with the brick masonry.
Rara Lake
The Rara Lake lies at Mugu district of Karnali in western Nepal. The region is made up of long ridges covered with forests and alpine pastures enclosed with high valleys. The lake can be accessed by flight, walk and within couple of years will be accessed by bus also. Travel to the place is not only to see the majestic lake; you will enjoy different cultures, life style and landscape of Nepal.
The lake is situated in the semi-Himalayan zone. Though the lake is on highlight time and again it is still waiting people to show its own beauty and that is lacking because of basic infrastructural development. But visitor will not experience any shortage of accommodation and foods on the surrounding of the lake and on the way to it.
Alongside the trail to mountain, there are series of picturesque villages and a distinctive culture and traditions of the local people residing in the area, which provide visitors a unique experience and make them fell a wonderful holidays. One more major attraction in the region is that there is a Rara National Park. It is considered to be the dream for any nature lovers, as it provides a look of many rare species of animals and birds including the gaur, musk deer, yellow-throated martin and a wide variety of birds such as pheasant, Kalij and dove are also in the park.
Travel to the lake will be multi-dimensional travel experience with full of adventure, Nepalese culture and Nepali language’s root culture.
Outside Nepal
As a travels and tours agency based in Nepal, we have outbound destinations for travelers. These destinations are India, Bhutan, Tibet, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and Europe. As visitors time and interest we have different sorts of travel plan to these destinations. You need not worry about your travel plan because we are here to assist to you on the basis of your time frame, budget and interest, for that you only need to let us know.
