Nepal Travel Information |
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| Places to see |
Boudhnath:
Boudhnath is one of the biggest stupa in the word. The base of the stupa takes the shape of a Mandala (symbolizing earth): on this four tiered base sits the dome (symbolizing water): then comes the spire (symbolizing fire): the umbrella (symbolizing air); and the pinnacle (symbolizing ether).The Buddha's watchful eyes gaze out in four directions from the square base of two normal eyes and the 'nose' is not at all but the Nepali number one, signifying the oneness of all life.
The spire is made up of 13 steps, representing the 13 stages on the journey to nirvana.This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world.
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, including many colorful Sadhus, those wandering ascetic Hindu holy men. Shiva is the destroyer and creator of the Hindu pantheon and appears in many forms. His 'temple' forms are probably best known, particularly his appearances in Nepal as the cruel and destructive Bhairab, but he also has peaceful incarnation including those of Mahadev and Pashupati, the lord of the beasts. As the shepherd of both animals and humans, Shiva as Pashupati shows most pleasant and creative side.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
It is the historic seat 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.
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, Jaganath, numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood). This is very much the center of old Kathmandu and watching the would go by from the terraced platforms of the towering Maju Deval is a wonderful way to get a feel for the city. Although many of the buildings around the square are very old.
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 Lord Buddha. It is situated on a hillock about 77, above the level of the Katmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal
Bhaktapur:
The third of the valley's ancient cities is another century-long rival of Kathmandu. It has an impressive number of artistic treasures; it is rightly called "a living museum" as well as the most medieval city of the valley.The oldest part of the town is around Tachupal Tole (Dattatraya Square), to the east.
Bhaktapur was the capital of the whole valley during the 14th to 16the centuries and during that time the focus of the town shifted west, to the Durar Square area. Much of the town's great architecture dates from the end of the 17th century during the rule of King Bhupatendra Malla.
Patan:
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors. Patan Durbar Square is situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors' 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 or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity.
Changu Narayan:
The beautiful and historic temple of Changu Narayan stands on a hilltop at the eastern end of the valley, about four km north of Bhaktapur. Although the temple dates from 1702, when it was rebuilt after a fire, its origins go right back to the 4th century and many important stone images and sculptures dating from the Licchavi period.
Lumbini:
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened. One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world's millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. The main attraction at the Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden spread over 8sq km and possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrines is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashokan Pillar.
The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. more ...
Pokhara Valley:
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley(827m), is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the Fish-tail summit of Machchhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalaya. Situated 200km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well as by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.
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