Kathmandu Valley :
The
Kathmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub
of Nepal, is the first stop for the majority of visitors to
the country. Originally known as the Nepal Valley and a separate
kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities, each an
artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces,
brick- paved courtyards and quaint streets.
Bouddhanath Stupa : (World Heritage
Siste)
Lies about six km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is
the largttyest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high
and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa
design. Bouddhanath is also known as Khasti, or dew drops,
after an account that builders had to use dew to mix the mortar
as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during its
construction.
Swoyambhu Stupa : (World Heritage
Site)
Watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western
side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites
in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of
the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is
also known as Samhengu. The National Museum and the Museum
of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.
Budhanikantha : 
Is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the
Valley. It is about nine KM from the city center. The hub
of the temple complex is a pond in which lies a great stone
figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a
cosmic serpent. It is also known as Bhuijasi.
Pashupatinath Temple : (World Heritage
Site)
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath
lies five km east of the city center. The richly-ornamented
pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord
Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence prior to
400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy
Bagmati river flowing beside the temple.
Changu Narayan Temple : (World Heritage
Site)
Is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km
to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god
Bishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture,
the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings.
Kathmandu Durbar Square : (World Heritage
Site)
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples,
built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the
seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing
piece here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into
the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The
Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point
of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace
building.
Patan Durbar Square
: (World Heritage Site)
Like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange
of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda
temples. The former royal palace complex is the center of
Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing
an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable
monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu
god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
: (World Heritage Site)
As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of
inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the spatial
layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated
to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration.
The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The entrance
to the palace, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse
art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples
of various designs.
Nagarko :
Nagarkot(altitude 2,175m)is by far the most popular.Located
30kms east of Kathmandu.nagarkot is popular for sunrise and
sunset tour. At sunrise,the Himalayan range,stretching from
Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to kanchenjunga
in the east.
Dhulikhel :
The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 kms east of Kathmandu
on the arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old days,
Dhulikhel flourished as a trading center handling commerce
Kathmandu and Lhasa. Today it delights visitors with its enchanting
cultural and stunning Himalayan views.Dhulikhel means luxuriating
in unspoiled natural splendor and becoming oblivious to the
cares of the world.
Dakshinkali and Chobhar
:
The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess
Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu.
Located 22 km from the city center on the southern rim of
the Valley, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and
Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity.
On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The narrow gash in
the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the lake
which once covered the Kathmandu Valley.
Pokhara :
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal,
then Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city
nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the starting
point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting
destinations. The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is
one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many
bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses
and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. Pokhara
is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa
Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre
(6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and
magic.
Lumbini :
Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC, is
situated in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. The nativity
site is marked by a stone pillar erected by Indian Emperor
Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred
spot.
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