Kathmandu Valley
The Valley consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level, the Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in Kathmandu include:
Kathmandu is the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. The city is at 1336 m above sea level. The valley covers an area of 218 square miles. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above, which tower mighty snow – capped peaks. The Kathmandu valley hosts three districts, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur (Patan) and Kathmandu, famous for their historic, artistic and cultural aspects. These three districts were part of different empires in the period of the Mallas (1200AD), great rulers of the area. The Kathmandu valley hosts seven World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO in Nepal. The valley is famous for the scenery, beautiful countryside, ethnic clans, monasteries and thousands of temples. The city is also called the city of temples.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowed and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see her are Taleju Temple built by Mahendra Mall in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the god of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Mall, the Big Drum, the Jagannath temple and Kasthmandap. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Goddess Kumari (the only living goddess in the world): Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the only living Goddes in the world, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth, The temple Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival the king of Nepal seeks the Kumari’s blessing.
Machchhendranath Temple: The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Also called as Janmadyo or Machchhendra the deity.
Goddess Kumari (the only living goddess in the world): Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the only living Goddes in the world, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth, The temple Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival the king of Nepal seeks the Kumari’s blessing.
Machchhendranath Temple: The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. Also called as Janmadyo or Machchhendra the deity.
Akash Bhairav Temple: A three-storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra – the God of Rain.
Kasthamandap : Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Ashok Vinayak : The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap -also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh. Jaishi Dewal : Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
Tundikhel : A huge greenfield, flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhei. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south western end of Tundikhel is a 59.29m. Tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara (or Bhimsen Stambha). Sundhara-fountains with golden waterspouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.
Martyr’s Memorial (Sahid) Gate : It is located between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple. The memorial arch contains the statue of the late King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and the busts of four martyrs.
Bhadrakali Temple : As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main “Shakta” temples of Kathmandu city.
Singha Durbar : A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. Singha Durbar was the private residence of Rana Prime Ministers. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty’s Government of Nepal.
Narayanhity Durbar : It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity, is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.
Kaisar Libreary : Located inside the premises of Ministry of Education, Kaisar library is a great centre of rare and valuable books and manuscripts. It is open for the public except Saturdays and other government holidays.
National Museum: Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government holidays.
Natural History Museum: Situated three kilometers west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock this museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited
Pashupati NathTemple: Pashupatinath is the other popular name of Shiva. Shiva in the form of Rudra was imagined by the early Aryans and later was worshipped in the form of a Linga, a Phallus, a vertical piece of stone placed in an upward position on a round pedestal. The Indus Valley civilisation in Pakistan has shown that the peo- ple there worshipped Shiva in the form of a Linga in about the 3rd century BC. Besides south Asia, archaeological excavations in some ancient cities of Europe have revealed that the linga-worship cult ex- sited there too.
Situated 5 km. east of kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva,Pashupati Nath, with tow tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus,although only Hindus are allowed inside temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Guheswari Temple : Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. and surrounded by a wood called Shleshamantak Van (the forest of citrus fruits) is Satidevi, a beloved wife of Lord Shiva, fell apart while Lord Shiva maddened with grief over the death of the wife, kept walking wildly bearing her decaying body on his shoulder. It is one out of 51 Shaktipeethas of Satidevi. It is believed that Lord Indra, the king of the Heaven along with other gods had resided at ease at this place. Devout can find their inner wishes turn into reality. Satidevi is described as the one with red complexion, eyes like red lotus petals, clad in red attire, and seated on red lotus. Guhya (Secret) symbolizes the inner pain and sorrowful conditions one is forced to endure in this life. She is also worshipped as a power, Shakti, which heals the hidden pain. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.
Chabahil : The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka, in the third century B.C. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.
Chandra Vinayak : The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200m. north of Chabahil Stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny image of Lord Ganesh, the elephant -headed god.
Boudha Nath Stupa: The stupa lies 8 km. east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO World heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu): About 8 km. north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of pond and seems top.
Balaju Water Garden: Situated about 5 km. north-east of Kathmandu, this garden features fountains with 22 crocodiles-headed water spouts dating from eighteenth century. There is also a large swimming pool inside the park.
Swoyambhu Nath Stupa:, This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be about 2000 years old. Painted four sides of spire’s base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km. west of Kathmanfu city aqnd situated on a hillock about 77 m. above sea level of Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the valley. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Gokarna : This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about ten kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant back. On the northern side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
Sankhu: It is a typical Newari town, with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, up a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a historical temple with a beautiful view of the local area.
Sundarijal: It is famous for its scenic beauty.There is magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk after the motorable road.
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: Situated nine kilometers South-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but pictuesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.
Shekha Narayan : Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali: The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.
Patan: Patan is an ancient city on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five km. southeast of Kathmandu. It is also known as the city of artists. The city is famous for the monuments, temples, gateways and wonderful carvings. Patan Durbar Square situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors’ attraction. The Durbar Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Kesar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpieces of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Krishna Temple: Built in 1637 AD. the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made by stone.
Mahaboudha : A litle further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
Hiranya Verna Mahavihar : Located inside kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by king Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
Kumbheshwor : This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August. Jagatnarayan Temple : Situated at Sankhmul, this tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
Rudra Varna Mahavihar : This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
The Ashokan Stupas : There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city’s ancient religious importance.
Acchheswor Mahavihar : It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth century by one Acchheshwor by building a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of The Kathmandu Valley.
Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath : The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.
The Zoo : Situated at Jawalakhel, the zoo has many animals,birds and reptiles in its collections mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in 17th A. D.
Patan Industrial Estate : Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan) near Sat Dobato. This Industrial Estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal crafts, carpets and thangka paintings. For The convenience of The tourists there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products of the Estate are exhibited in the shopping arcade.
Bajra Barahi : Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometers south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worth while.
Godavari : Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to The soutlh-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is the only in Nepal, is open daily including Saturdays and government holidays.
Phulchowki : Located around ten kilometers southeast of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeep able road.
Bhaktapur is also known as Bhadgaon and was founded in 889 AD. by Kind Anand Dev. Situated at an altitude 1401m. It covers an area of four square miles and is flanked by Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers. Bhaktapur means ” The city of Devotees” in the Sanskrit language.The city lies 14 km. east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport and trolley buses.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Golden gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of 55 windows built by king Ranjit Mall, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The palace of 55 windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the bricks walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in the Durbar square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhar style architecture in Nepal. There is bronze bell in the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the “Bell Barking Dogs”. This colossal bell placed in 1737 AD. was rung to signal curfew during those days. The main square of city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gat, the statue of Bhupatindra Mall, the picture Gallery, the Batsala temple etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Mall in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace.It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a popular tourist place of Nepal and located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round.
Dhulikhel:
Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa and Buddhist Monastery, is highly recommended. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarvings, is a short distance from Dhulikhel
Kakani :
Located 29 kilometres north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holiday area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are; Gaurishanker ( 7,134m.), Choba Bhamre ( 6,109m.), Manaslu ( 8,163m.), Himalchuli (7,893m.), Annapurna (8,091m.) and several other peaks.
Daman:
It is situated 80 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-west of Dhaulagiri to far-east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.
Gorkha :
Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithvi Narayan Shah- the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhanath. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours from Kathmandu and in about four hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.
Manakamana: This is a temple of the wish fulfilling Goddess on top of a hill in the Gorkha district. It is a scenic and pilgrim site. Innumerable devotees have touched the soil of this holy place and it continues till this day to offer solace and peace to all those who choose to lay their wearied heads on the loving lap of the wish fulfilling mother. To reach this temple we can experience cable car, which is first introduce in Nepal.
Devghat:
This holy place is a popular of pilgrimage spot. It is situated at confluence of Kali Gandaki Trisuli Rivers. It lies just north of Royal Chitwan National Park. During Makar Sakranti festival in Janaury, Hindu Devotees gather here to take holy dips in the river.
Pokhara Valley:
The Pokhara Valley – one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa. Situated 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827 meters from the sea-level, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara’s numerous lakes, known as ‘tal’ in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.
Phewa Lake – It is situated at an altitude of 784m above the sea level with an island temple at the middle of the lake. The reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna can be seen in its serene water. Thick forest lies on the adjoining southern slopes of the lake.
Begnas and Rupa Lakes – Begnas & Rupa lakes lies in the northeast of Pokhara valley at the distances of 13 km from the main city. These lakes are located at the foothill of Begnas-mountain and are separated by the Pachabiya hill.
Seti River Gorge – It carved by Seti – Gandaki is one of the natural wonders of Pokhara. KI Singh Bridge at the Bagar, Mahendra Pool & Prithivi Highway Bridge near Bus Park provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by the turbulent flow of white water like milk.
Devi’s Fall – Davi’s waterfall locally known Patale Chhango in the southern bank of the Pokhara valley is where the stream flowing from Fewa Lake collapses and surges down the rock into a deep garge, leaping through several potholes.
Mahendra Cave – Mahendra Cave lies north of the Pokhara valley. It is a large limestone cave, which is one of the few stalagmite stalactite caves found in Nepal.
Tibetan Village – Tibetan Village Tashiling in the south and Tashil Palkhel in the north of Pokhara Valley is the two Tibetan villages, which is inhabitant by the Tibetan people who keeps themselves busy by producing and trading woolen carpets and other handicrafts.
Museum – One museum displays the life styles and history of Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharu and other one natural history museum and is functioned by the Annapurna Conversation area project. Butterflies, insects, birds and wildlife found in the Annapurna region.
Barahi Temple – This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara, Built almost in the middle of Fewa Lake, this two -stories pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protector’s deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen especially on Saturday.
World peace Stupa – World peace Pagoda a massive Buddhist Stupa, is situated on top of hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point, which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.
Chitwan (Rapti Valley) :
From Kathmandu it takes six hours to reach Chitwan. Situated 120 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of Chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal’s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife- the rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to Chitwan may view game of elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on Jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safaris. Visitors may also take river raft trips, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. Royal Chitwan National Park is home to the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth bear, wild boar, gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2 species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, leopard the elusive Bengal Tiger and over 450 species of birds and various other reptiles. It is listed in the world heritage site. Apart from jungle safari, there are many places which are quite interesting to visit: Elephant Breeding Centre, Crocodile Farm etc.
Lumbini :
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and nonviolence. It is situated 250 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. The broken Ashoka pillar, remaints of an old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tansen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.
Maya Devi temple, Ashoka pillar, Pushkarni pond: One can see Maya Devi temple, the place where Maya Devi gave birth to the lord Buddha. An Ashoka pillar, which has inscriptions identifying the spot as the birthplace, ruins of ancient stupas and monasteries. Recent excavations have turned up a stone bearing a “foot imprint”, indicating the exact place of birth. Pushkarni pond where Queen Mayadevi took bath before giving birth. The International Gautami Nuns temple is also found here which is a replica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu.
Lumbini Museum: Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, and Kapilvastu Museum (situated 27km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot) are other places to see in this region. The Kapilvastu museum has ruins of ancient capital of Sakya kingdom where the Buddha spet his his youth as Prince Siddhartha.
Visit Sacred Garden in morning. It is spread over 8 sq.km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. Today as part of the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many countries have built or are building temples, monasteries or stupas near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. Temples or shrines that have finished their construction so far are Myanmar Temple, International Gautami Nuns Temple, China Temple, The Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara.
Gotihawa is in the Kapilvastu district, about 31 kilometers west of Lumbini. Gotihawa is regarded a very important religious place for Buddhists all over the world. It is believed that Krakuchanda Buddha, who came before Sakyamuni Buddha, was born and attained nirvana in Gotihawa.
Kudan is in about four and a half kilometers south of Tilaurakot. It is where King Suddhodhana met Lord Buddha.
Niglihawa is situated about 32 kilometers northwest of Lumbini. Emperor Ashoka visited Niglisagar during his pilgrimage, built a stupa and set up a pillar. It is believed that the Kanakmuni Buddha, who came earlier than Shakyamuni Buddha, was born, enlightened, and met his father in this place.
The Ramgram Kingdom was 60 kilometers to the east of the holy place of the Buddha’s birth. The King of Ramgram Kingdom was one of the eight Kings who obtained Buddha’s relics and he also built a pagoda, which is named Ramgram Pagoda.
Sagarhawa is in the northwest of Niglihawa. Archeologists have identified this site as the “Palace of massacre of the Shakyas.”
Tilaurakot is about 25 kilometers west of Lumbini that extends over an area of two and half miles. Tilaurakot is the exact site of ancient Kapilvastu due to its general consonance of local bearings and geographical conditions as described in the Buddhist texts and travel accounts of Chinese pilgrims.
Janakpur :
A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popoularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religous festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days. Janakpur is also linked with Kathmandu by air and road.
Namo Buddha :
It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get here. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all- seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Timal Narayan :
The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit the villages of the Tamang people who live in this area.
Palanchowk Bhagawati :
This place 7 kilometres north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of Palanchowk Bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of Goddess Bhagawati.
Charikot :
About 133 kilometers from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spectacular mountain view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.
Helambu :
Helambu situated about 72 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11 kilometers away from Kathmandu.
Namche Bazaar :
The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241 km. from Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region. Accommodations are available at Lukla, Namche bazaar, Thyangboche, Debuche, Periche, Pangboche, Lobuche and Gorakhshep respectively.
Biratnagar :
The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in Dharan and Barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with Kathmandu by air and road.
Barahachhetra :
A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.
Muktinath Temple:
Muktinath: Mukti (Salvation) Nath (god) holds great significance for all spiritual people in the south Asian sub continent. Muktinath (the provider of salvation) has been one such holy site, where thousands of devotees flock for attaining the much sought after moksha.
The famous Muktinath is a sacred place both for Hindu and Buddhists located in Muktinath Valley lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kms. Northeast of Jomsom in the north central part of Nepal, at an altitude of about 3800 meters at the foot of the Thorong La mountain pass (part of the Himalayas). The site is close to the village Ranipauwa, which sometimes mistakenly is called Muktinath as well
Named after highly referred Muktinath shrine the valley is one of religious place in Nepal for both Hindus and Buddhist. Hindus call it Muktichhetra (Place of salvation) is one of the four religious sites & It is also one of the 51 Sakti peetams.
The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.
Tansen :
Situated at an altitude of 1343 m; above the sea-level. Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s chief attractions, the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.
Gosainkunda :
One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4360 m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132 kilometres north east of kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south, the Lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati, Bhairav, Sourya and Ganesh Kunda, etc