In and Around Kathmandu

Bouddha Nath Stupa

This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist Shrine of South Asia. King Man Dev belonging to the Lichhabi dynasty built the ancient colossal Chhorten in the 6th century AD. It rests on a series of three terraces and from the bird's eye view it takes the relevant shape of a lotus flower, which indeed remains a very holy object for the devout Buddhists of the entire world. The Chhorten is surrounded by a circular market, which forms a part of Tibet Town. In this case also the four directions, meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people and their commitments all day all night. The Chhorten embraces the authentic philosophy of Mahayan the faith of which is known as Lamaism in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet. It also proves a world Heritage Site.

 

Pashupati Nath Temple

The Temple of Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva in his incarnation, as lord of all animals- including man is Nepal’s holiest and most important Temple. What the Vatican is to the Christians, Mecca to the Muslims, Pashupatinath is to the Hindus of the world. The Temple and the complex around it are revered by believers from Nepal and India as the holiest shrine of Hinduism. Shiva the most scared of Hindu gods is commonly worshiped in the form of a Shiva-lingam, a phallic symbol that is usually displayed atop a base called a yoni, symbol of female genitals. Located about 5km Northeast of Kathmandu situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River, amidst many other lesser Temples, Pashupatinath, is always bustling with the activities of devotees and pilgrims, congregations attending funeral services (if you are lucky you can observe Hindu system of cremation). The Temple of Lord Pashupatinath stands in the middle of an open courtyard. It is a square shaped Pagoda Temple built on a single platform measuring 23.6m from the ground. There are gilt doors on all four sides of the Temple. Inside the Temple there is a narrow walk engulfing the sanctum from where one can have a closer view of the Shivalinga. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Tourists other than Hindu can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. By the way, Bagmati River is not wide at all, either with brave waters.
 

Panauti

Standing in a peaceful valley roughly 8 Km south of Banepa, the small beautiful town of Panauti is at a junction of the rivers Roshi and Pungmati. Similar to that of Ilahabad in India, a third ‘invisible’ river is declared to join the other two at the confluence point. This Town is relatively untouched but where festivals preserving tradition of the indigenous Newars are held. It possesses a number of interesting temples, one of which perhaps be the oldest in Nepal. Besides it is famous for magnificent woodcarvings. Panauti once stood at the junction of important trading routes and had a royal palace in its principal square. Today it’s just a quiet backwater, yet all the more interesting for that. Concerning trek, an interesting walk leads from Dhulikhel to Panouti. The pleasant two-hour stroll starts off south from Dhulikhel, then turns west crossing rice-fields and running along the course of tiny stream. It eventually hits the Banepa - Panauti road a little north of the town.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is the place where once Manjushree Bodhisatto stood and watched the lake in the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is at the eastern periphery of the Kathmandu Valley. The hilltop called Nagarkot at more than 2,000 meters above the sea level is the second highest peak in the Kathmandu Valley. After an hour long exciting and winding drive you will be above to feel the cool breeze of air blowing endlessly into your face, and see the widest range of Himalayas including Mount Everest with our bare eyes from here. It is also one of the best spots to visit for unmatched sunrise and sunset views.

Kirtipur

It is a small town, eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses, the people typically dressed in old traditional costumes, people working on ancient loom etc.

Chobhar Gorge

Situated nine kilometers South-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All of the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.

Dhulikhel

This ancient town (population 9812 & altitude 1440m) is small but has long history. Records show that it has been around for more than 500 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 statues everywhere. You will think you have wandered into a cultural theme park. There are many vantages in Dhulikhel, which offer a panorama of Himalayan that will leave you spellbound. More than 20 Himalayan Peaks, including Annapurna, Ganesh, Langtang, Phurbi Chyachu, Gauri Shanker and Lotse can be seen in all their glory.
 

Dakshinkali Temple

The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 18 km. south from Kathmandu and just 2 km. of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visits this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot and the nearby, is a lovely temple to the Tantric Goddess Bajrayogini and a meditation cave of the Buddhist teacher "Guru Rimpoche" (Padmasambhava).
 

Changu Narayan Temple

The temple of Changunarayan is one of the Kathmandu Valley's oldest temples. The richness of Changunarayan 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 image 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 it is featured on the ten rupee note. The most interesting one would be the half day hike along the hill ridge route from Nagarkot to Changunarayan.

Budhanilkantha Temple

About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill as a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Bishnu, reclining of the bed of Snake. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.