Sightseeing in Nepal

Sightseeing in Kathmandu:
Durbar Squire (Hanumandhoka) (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
This large squire is the historic seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Squire, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. There are so many temples around Durbar Squire, one of Living Goddess - Temple of Kumari is located in the vicinity of the Durbar Squire palace. The building has many carved wooden balconies and window Screens. Foreigners (Non Hindu) may enter the courtyard, but are not beyond that point. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from well wishes from her balcony carved window. Photography is prohibited. The Kumari Goddess is also known as the Virgin Goddess.

Pashupati Temple (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu (near to International Airport) on the banks of sacred Bagmati River, the temple of lord shiva Pashupati Nath, with its two tiered golden roof and silver doors, it is a center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Entrance to the main temple is permitted to Hindus only, yet visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river and the Arya Ghat cremation grounds ( only Hindu's) are here. We strongly advise phographers not to take photos of cremations and of beresved families. Sadhus, sages who follow the lifestyle of Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and Loin-cloths. They ask for money in case you want to take their Photos.
 
Buddhanath Stupa (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
The stupa of Budhanath lies eight kilometers east of Kathmandu. On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is said to have been build by Lichchhavi King Mana Dev in the fifth century A.D. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The Boudha area is a visual feast, Colorful Thangkas, Tibetan Jewelry, hand-woven Carpets, Marks, and Khukuri Knives are sold in the surrounding stalls. Top

Budhanilkantha:
About eight Kilometers north of Kathmandu , at the base of Sivapuri Hill, is a remarkable, colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This stone sculpture is a Lichchhavi period, fifth-century statue. It sits in the middle of a small pond and seems to float on the surface of the water. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Swayambhu (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or the “the self-existent”. In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri Came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a Lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the Lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called it the Kathmandu Valley.

From then on the hilltop of the Self-existent Lord has been a holy place.Swayambhu is, perhaps best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The Stupa is amont the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan Monks and Brahmin priests to lay Buddhists and Hindus. This is a major landmark of the valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun Hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley. Top

Kritipur City:
It is a small town, eight Kilometers southwest 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 see such as old shrines and temples, old houses, and people dressed in traditional costumes while working on ancient looms.

Chobhar:
It is situated nine kilometers southwest of Kathmandu . This place is famous for its gorge. All the waters of the Valley drain through it. Legend has it that the God Manjushri cut the gorge to drain out Kathmandu Valley which was then a lake. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a Hill. From this point, one has a complete vuew of snow-capped mountains peaks, just beyond the Chobhar Gorge, there is the 17 th .century temple of Jal Vinayak . The main image of the temple is on a massive rock. Only a small part in front vaguely resembles an elephant's head. The image at Jal Vinayak is different from other images of Lord Ganesh. Top

Dakshinkali:
The temple of Dakshinkali is sutuated about - kilometers south of Kathmandu and beyond Kritipur. Dakshinkali is an important place of pilgrimage, dedicated to the Goddwss Kali, Shiva's consort in her reincarnation as the goddess of Desruction, drawing over 400,000 pilgrims a year. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer prayers and animal sacrifices to Goddess Kali. The temple is tantric in nature and it is a favorite worship place of the Hinds. Saturday and Tuesday are good days to visit, as there is always a massive crowd of worshippers who come from all parts of Nepal . Apart from the religious aspects, the site has also been developed as a popular picnic sport. Top

Godavari Botanical Garden:
This is perhaps the most popular picnic ground for the Kathmandu Valley people. The plants are of wede variety and the flowers, when incugnj bloom, make the atmosphere sparkle in colors. In fact, most of the Nepali film songs and dances are shot here. You may wish to visit the Nau and Panch Dhara ponds or take a hike up the 2,700-meter Pulchowki Hill nearby. The hill is famous for Bird Watching in Nepal.

Nagarkot (Sun Rise and Sun Set, and Mt.Everest):
Nagarkot lies on a ridge 32 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu along the rim of the valley at an altitude of 2,174 meters. It takes an easy hour's drive to get there following the same route till a kilometer ahead of Bhaktpur. This place is the popular sport for viewing the early morning sunrise and evening sunset over the mountains, layout of Kathmandu Valley below. On a clear day Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shankar, and Everest can be seen from here. Spending a night at Nagarkot to view the sunrise across the mountain range is money well spend.

Dhulikhel:
Dhulikhel, a small town 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu, lies along the Arniko Highway to Giri (trekking start point of Everest reason) and Tibet . This is a lovely place famous for its scenic beauty and old traditions. This is yet another place for the magnificent mountain views. The snowy panorama as seen from Dhulikhel shows the Himalayas all the way from Karyolung in the east of Hiunchuli in the west. Spending a night at Dhulikhel to view the sunrise across the mountain range is money well spent. Top

Kakani:
Kakani lies on 29 kilometers north-west of Kathmandu , at an altitude of 2,073 meters. The main attraction of this beautiful sport is the mountain-views. Straight ahead the Ganesh Himal range unbelievably close and beside it stands Langtang Lirung. Other peacks visible from Kakani are Annapuran II, Himchuli, Lenpogang and Gauri Shanker. It has commanding views of Mountain landscape with Himalayas Panorama with cold weather; this is almost like a virgin place for visitors. The road of Kakani also offers beautiful views, once you are through the pass and out of the Kathmandu Valley from Balaju seems light years away. Although the valley is terraced 1000 meters from top to bottom, many trees have been left behind and prosperous-looking house dot the hillsides. There is a century old summer villa used by the British Embassy.

Sightseeing in Bhaktapur:
Sight Seeing in Bhaktpur (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site) :
About fourteen Kilometers east of Kathmand. Bhaktpur means “ the city of devotees” in the Sanskrit language. It is also known as Bhadgaon and was founded in 889 A.D by King Anad Dev. Today it covers an area of four squire miles and is flanked by Khasa Khususng and Hanumante Riveres. The Bhaktpur Durbar squire is in the middle of city. The palace of Fifty Five Windows stand in the squire and it was home to many kings of Bhaktpur. Among other monuments in the Bhaktpur are the big bell, the Golden Gate, the five-tiered temple of Nyatapola , the Bhairab Temple , and the Dattatreys Squire with its woodcarving and metalwork museums. Surrounded by beautiful farming area, the traveler to Bhaketpur will easily fall in love with the city. Bhaktpur is perhaps the most popular of the three Newar towns of the Kathmandu Valley . The city is still a living proof of the highest craft standards in this part of the world. After seeing all of these monuments of the Kathmandu Valley , the visitor needs to realize that, of course, the World Heritage Sites are only the tip of the iceberg. Top

Thimi
Thimi (pop. 32,000) is a farming town situated 8 km east of Kathmandu on the way to Bhaktapur. It is known for excellent papier-mache masks and earthen pots, which are often seen spread out on the streets to dry. Homespun cotton cloth is another Thimi specialty. Balkumari temple is the town's religious and social center. It is one of the major temples in the Valley dedicated to the mother goddess. Another important shrine is the temple of Karunamaya, the Buddha of Compassion.

The villages of Bode and Nagadesh near Thimi offer a close look at the Valley's farming communities. Bode is noted for its Neel Barahi temple and as a leading producer of beaten rice. Siddhi Ganesh is the main shrine in Nagadesh

Sight Seeing in Patan:
Patan (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
Patan formally known as Lalitpur, epitomizes the art and architecture of the Kathmandu Valley . “Lalit means Art “ and “Pur means Palace” a very appropriate title indeed for a city that is the site of nearly two hundred beautiful temples and the home of many skilled artisans. But the local inhabitants themselves prefer to call their town “ Yala”. This is a remarkable and different feature of Patan in comparison to Bhaktpur and Kathmandu is her Buddhist Heritage. The Patan Durbar Squire is the main attraction. There are Patan Royal Palace , three equally impressive Courtyards, The Mool Chowk, the Sundari Chowk, and the Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk., Krishna Temple an editice made completely out of stone, Charnarayan Temple , Bhimsen Temple , Golden Temple , a little further to the north of the Durbar Squire is Pantan's most attractive Buddhist Temple and etc. Top

Bungmati and Khokana:
Four Kilometers immediately south of the Tibetan Refugee Camp in Jawalakhel of Patan, are the enchanting 16 th .Centure Newari towns of Bungamati and Khokana. These are two settlements in the Kathmandu Valley that have been least affected by modern changes and as worth a visit.

Sight Seeing in Outside of Kathmandu Valley :
Pokhara:
Pokhara is located roughly 220 Kilometer west of Kathmandu. Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is a center of Adventure and beauty. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley. It is the starting point for many of Nepal 's popular Trekking and Rafting Destinations. Pokhara is a place if remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake, Rupa Tal, Beganas Tal and the magnificence of the Fish-Tailed summit of Machhapurche ( 6,977 M) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. The valley of surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalayas. Mountains views of Pokhara's sights are the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range, which forms it backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8,081 m.) it is Machhapurchhe, which dominates all others in this neighborhood. There are other places Phewa Lake (famous for beating), Barahi Temle (most important monument build in a center of Fewa Lake), Seti Gandaki River, Davi's fall, Mahendra Cave, Bindhyabasani Temple, Annapuran Reginal Museum and the hill-top location of the World Peace Pagoda commands a great view of Pokhara.

Jomsom/ Muktinath:
Easily accessible via a 20 minute flight from Pokhara, it lies nestled beneath the splendor of mount Nilgiri. Jomsom at an altitude of 2700 m. lies tucked in between tow giant mountain ranges, the Annapurna and Dhaulagari-both reach out to the sky beyond 8,000 m. at their highest points, and although there ranges are around 35 kilometers apart, consider yourself to be technically positioned at the bottom of the world's deepest gorge, the Kali Gandaki Valley with a sectacular view of Mt. Nirgiri looming ahead like a huge snowy pyramid. About 18 kilometers north west of Jomsom, there is a very famous temple of Lord Muktinath (3,749 M) situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. The temple is very famous for Hindus pilgrimage from Nepal as well as from India too. Top

Gorkha:
Pokhara is located roughly 118 kilometer west of Kathmandu follows the Prithivi Highway to Pokhara till the Abu Khaireni and thereafter , one takesthe diversion going northwards for another 18 kilometers.The temples of Gorakhnathand Klie within the Gorkha Durbar are certainly outstanding examples of Nepal architecture.Only Hindus are allowed to enter the palace premises, it is worthwhile walking up the stairs for the commanding view of the surrounding mountains views. Treks to the Manaslu Region being from here. Gorkha is a hill bazaar and the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty, which rules Nepal today. Gorkha was also the name given to the fearsome soldiers (mostly Thakur, Magar and Gurung) under his command.

Lumbini:
Limbani, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is sutuated 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu . Abroken Pillar erected in 249 BC by the first major Buddhist ruler of India , Emperor Ashoka, proclaims in a now extinct script that the Buddha was born there and that the emperor made there pilgrimages to the holy sport. Lumbani's status as a garden of peace has recognized the world over and Buddhists are undertaking its development from everywhere. An import part of Lumbani is the temple of Maya Devi. It has a stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch. To the south of Temple is a pool where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed and given here son his first purification bath. Lumbani is beginning to receive Traveller's from worldwide and archaeologist's attention after centuries of neglect. This place is worth seeing and lifetime remembers. In the same sprit, the Government of Nepal formed the Lumbani Development trust to oversee the development of the entire Lunbani area as a religious and pilgrimage center. In the Sacred Garden, you can visit - Myanmar Temple, Royal Monastery, International Gautami Nums Temple, Lotus Stupa, Dharmaoday Nepal Monastery, Ladak Kagyud Monastery, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara, Mahabodhi Society of Calcutta and Manang Monastery. Top

Enquiry

Book this Package

Tell a Friend

Print this Page

Activities in Nepal

Trekking Regions