Kathmandu Durbar Square : The seat of
royalty till the last century Kathmandu Durbar Square is a
wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and
streets. The most note worthy among them are the Hanuman dhoka
palace complex, the living goddess and the Taleja temple.
Patan Durbar Square : No where else can be seen a compression of
marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan
Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, what dominates all
others in grace and grandeur in this complex is the 17th century
Krishna mandir. Other landmarks within the square are the
marvelous Tushahity, Sundarichowk, Taleju-Temple etc. The Golden
temple and the terra-cotta temple of Maha Bouddha are the
highlights in the vicinity.
Patan Museum : The Patan museum inside Patan Durbar in the
Durbar Square specialises in bronze statues and religious
objects, which add up to nearly 900 items. Some of the art goes
back to as early as the 11th century. Most of the statues are of
Buddha . Vishnu Lokeswar and Devi, covering both the Hindu and
the Buddhist iconology.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square : Of the valleys three Durbar Square,
the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved. Still
emanating the medieval aura. This splendid palatial complex has
its gems in such artistic masterpieces as the 55-windows palace,
the Golden gate and the Taleju. The 15th century Dattatreya
temple and the world famous peacock window.
Swayambhunath Stupa : One of the world's oldest Buddhist
shrines, the stupa graces a hilltop, 77 m. above the valley
bottom. This huge dome-like structure is surrounded by 13 gilded
rings representing 13 Heavens and an elaborate canopy.
Pashupatinath Temple : One of the most sacred Hindu shrine in
the world. The two – storied pagoda houses a sacred Clingum or
the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back
to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the
early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated
roofs and silver-coated doors.
Changu Narayan Temple : Which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu,
boasts of being the oldest pagoda dead 424 AD is the believed to
be the oldest of all such written records. More place to visit
and study in valley and around: (if you have time and
interested):
Dakshinkali : Canopied by four gilded serpents spiralling up to
make up the pinnacle, this open shrine is dedicated to the
ferocious Hindu female deity. Dakshinkali its location in the
midst of a soothing jungle. Just 20 km. South from the valley.
Kakani : At 1982 m. sea level is one of the most remarkable
mountain balconies for viewing a chain of Himalayan peaks and
sun set. The place 29 km. to the north of Kathmandu. Godavari :
Godavari is a preferred place for devotees, the royal Botanical
Garden attracts all those who love nature in its pristine form.
The peaceful garden is also a preferred place for watching birds
and lies 22 km. south of Kathmandu.
Boudhanath Stupa : One of the world's largest stupa of its kind.
The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is
set in the octagonal mandala design. Also set into the riches
around this huge structure are the hundreds of prayer wheels and
the 108 images of the Buddha adoring the Stupa. Another notable
aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen
monasteries around it.
Sankhu : Sankhu is north east from Kathmandu. This unspoiled
Newar settlement is best known for its cultural richness as well
as the 17th century Vajra Yogini shrines atop a nearby mountain.
Adding to its medieval grandeur are the quaint streets and rows
of old artistic buildings and temples.
Bungamati : This village is has some of the most defined culture
in all Nepal. Its main highlights are the Macchendranranth
temple and a Buddhist monastery. Bungamati is equally famous for
its dextrous wood-carvers.
Nagarkot : At a height of 1985 meters above sea level. The
hilltop is visited for viewing beautiful sun rises and sun sets
on the clear day Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shanker and the
Everest can be seen.
Surya Vinayak : It is one of the valleys four main Ganesh
shrines. It is in Bhaktapur. Devotees throng this temple to pay
homage and offer animal sacrifices to the elephant-headed deity.
The place is also pleasant to view the Bhaktapur city as well as
the Himalaya Panorama.
Natural history Museum : It has fine display of Himalayan
butterflies, snakes and plants. Rare birds and insect species
Dhulikhel : This old Newar town is rich in culture and for
temples and stupas. From here long mountain range can be seen.
National woodworking museum : The building of museum itself it
the museum and contain very finely carved pillars, windows,
doors and struts. Also there are wood carving samples that go
back the Pujari Math.
National Bronze Art Museum : It has a collection of same of the
finest pieces of bronze created by valley artisans and the
number of items (about Hindus and Buddhist religion) is about
900.
Bronze and Brass Museum (Pujari Math) : The Bronze and Brass
museum is housed near the pujari Math. Much of the displays have
been restored and are in excellent condition.
Chovar Gorge : Manjushri (Buddhist saint) came upon a huge lake
long ago and saw a huge lotus emanating bright light at its
centre. So he cut a deep gorge in the wall of the lake and let
the water gout in order to observe and worship the lotus. The
bed of the lake because Kathmandu valley and the place where he
cut the lake is said to be Chovar. An intricate cave is located
there as well as a Ganesh Temple.
Pokhara City Tour : If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal,
Pokhara is its centre of adventure. An enchanting city nestled
in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point form many of
Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The
atmosphere on the shore 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 fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6977 m.)
rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an
elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel
to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of
flowers which proper in its environs. Indeed, the valley
surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers,
emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the
Himalaya. Finally, Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route
extending between India and Tibet. To this day , mule trains can
be seen camped on the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to
trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of
the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous
warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gorkha soldiers. The
Thakali, another important ethnic group here, are known for
their entrepreneurship
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