| SIGHT SEEING IN NEPAL |
The very mention of
Nepal invokes visions of high snow capped mountains and diverse
cultures. Long before westerners were able to scale the sacred peaks,
the Nepalis had established temples, monasteries, palaces and complex
townships to rival the technologies of the world. Within a short
radius of Kathmandu UNESCO has designated 7 World Heritage Sites.
This is a country of intriguing mixtures of ethnic diversity, nature,
architecture, arts and cultures. If you have limited time and you
wish to familiarize yourself with Kathmandu and its offerings, a
sight seeing tour would be the answer.
Major Sightseeing places in and around Kathmandu
Valley
The Kathmandu valley has a traditional as well as
a modern setting. Surrounded by mountains on all sides, the valley
consists of three cities of historic, cultural and political importance
- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The valley is at 1136 m. above
sea level. |
| Pashupatinath Temple: |
The
Pashupatinath is the temple of Lord Shiva. It has two golden roofs
and silver doors as part of its famous architecture. It is the holiest
Hindu temple. From the banks of the Holy Bagmati River, which flows
through the temple complex, you can observe the daily cremations.
|
| Swaybunath Stupa: |
A
climb of about 400 stones steps leads you to the 2600 year old stupa,
where it is said, that Buddha taught the Dharma. It is also known
as ``monkey temple'' for the numerous monkeys which inhabit the
surrounding forests and attempt to steal whatever you carry. |
| Boudhanath Stupa: |
This is one
of the largest Buddhist Stupas (enclosing the remains of an eminent
Lama) in the world. Many other monasteries surround this Stupa.
|
| Patan City: |
| The
very ancient city of Patan is about 5 km south of Kathmandu. The
Newari people who mainly inhabit this region are regarded as the
indigenous people of the Valley.
The Newaris are acclaimed for their architecture, wood carving and
creativity, using silver and gold. This is a city of grand and ancient
architecture.
|
| Bhaktapur: |
| Situated
at an altitude of 1400 m., some 14 km east of Kathmandu, is this
medieval city. This city is famous world wide for its temples, palaces
and production of clay pots. |
| Nagarkot: |
| How
can you visit the Kingdom without venturing to one of the most relaxed
mountain resorts. Here, on clear morning and evenings, you can observe
the Himals, bathed in sunlight, Only one and half hours drive from
Kathmandu.
|
| Dhulikhel: |
| This ancient Newari settlement
which is 30 km east of Kathmandu offers superb sunrise and sunset
views of the 17
Himals. |
| Kakani: |
| Thirty kilometers
north west of Kathmandu is the tranquil village of Kakani (famous
for vegetables), with fabulous views of the Kathmandu Valley, the
Ganesh mountains and other peaks. |
| PLACES OUTSIDE KATHMANDU VALLEY
Pokhara:
202
km. west of Kathmandu is the tranquil setting of Pokhara, situated
on the shores of Lake Fewa Tal at 830 m. From the roof tops of the
hotels and guest houses you can observe the snow capped peaks of
the Annapurnas, Machhapuchhare, Dhaulagiri etc. Across the lake
local fisherman in their dugout canoes ply their trade and tourists
attempt the art of paddling. Remember when visiting Pokhara please
slow down your walking to enjoy this relaxed lifestyle.
Lumbini
Lumbini
Nepal, is the birth place of Lord Buddha and is listed as a World
Heritage Site.
The main attraction is the Sacred Garden consisting of historic
treasures of the region. The Maya Devi temple is an attraction not
only for pilgrims and tourist, but also for archeologists, for here
is a bas relief of Maya Devi giving birth to Buddha. Also there
is the oldest monument in Nepal, the Ashoka pillar erected by the
famous Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 B.C. Many more interesting sites
await you. Lumbini is connected to Kathmandu via a one hour flight
or eight hour bus trip.
|