Illustrious Places In Nepal

Sundarijal

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The name Sundarijal means “beautiful waters”. Sundarijal one of the Best picnic spot and most viewed place is a watershed for Kathmandu Valley where several tributaries of the Bagmati River converge and cascade down the hills and mountains into raging waterfalls that are especially forceful right now because of the monsoon rains. It is located in Shivapuri National Park. The spot you can visit in Sundarijal are the waterfalls , greeneries, village, Mulkharka (1768m) and a place on the trail called Chisopani (2194m) where one can view the entire Kathmandu Valley. Chiso means cold in Nepali language and Pani means Water in Nepali language. Thus you can make sense Chisopani means cold water. It is the place where you can feel Cold and fresh water in nature.

It is best suited for those who are travelling with children, enjoy outdoor camping but who do not have enough time for longer treks into the high mountains.

Nepal, Land of Extreme Contrasts

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Nepal is a land of extreme contrasts in climate and geography,
It has a unique topography ranging from lowlands with sub-tropical jungles to arctic conditions in the Himalayan highlands. Within a mere 150 kilometers the land rises from near sea level in the south to over 8000 meters in the North. This, together with the monsoon rainfall along the south facing slopes, has resulted in compacting virtually all climate zones found on planet Earth. As a result, Nepal has been endowed with a great diversity of life-zones providing a home for a large variety of plants, birds and animals.

Lakes In Nepal

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There are number of lakes and tanks of glacial and tectonic origin in Nepal. Mountain lakes like Rara, Phoksundo, Phewa etc., are majestic in extent and beauty.

Rara in Mugu district of western Nepal is the country largest lake. Phewa at Pokhara is another equally famous lake. Phoksundo in Dolpa Distric is yet another big lake but is less well known than Phewa Lake due to its difficult approach. Rupa tal and Begnas tal (Pokhara), Gaduwal tal (Chitwan), Satyavati Tal (Palpa), Khaptad tal (Doti), Barhakunetal (Dang), Surma Sarobar (Bajhang) and Tilicho tal (Manang) are some of Nepals other well-known lakes.

Gosainkunda and other lakes in the Langtang Himal region are of religious significance.

Here are Some famous lakes of Nepal.

Begnas Tal	Rupia Tal
Maidee Tal	Halkhoria Tal
Khaste Tal	Beesh Hazar Tal
Deepang Tal	Gaindhawa Tal
Syarpu Tal	Budhi Tal
Rupa Tal	Sakhunia Tal
Rokum Tal	Badhaiya Tal
Mahadev Tal	Nakhrodi Tal
Kailali	Gadhbhijala Tal

How to get Visa and Visit Different Places Of Nepal

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Tourist visa:

The foreign tourist visiting Nepal shall be granted the tourist visa.

The tourist visa shall be granted for a period in maximum of 150 days in a visa year (Visa years means January to December).

A tourist who has departed before the expiry of the period specified in the visa issued in a visa year shall not be allowed to use the visa by adding the remaining period to another visa year.

If any foreigner who has entered into Nepal towards the end of a visa year desires to spend even the period during which he may stay in Nepal with the tourist visa of the other visa year, he may use such facility.

Provided, however, that the computation of the fees for such period shall be made on the basis of the total period of his stay.
An application for the tourist visa has to be submitted in the format as referred to in Appendix 1.
Further More Please Visit The Official Page Of Nepal Gov.

Paragliding Pokhara Tumbling

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Pokhara Visual Tour, Nepal

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Pokhara, one of the Beautiful place in Nepal

Trekking in Nepal

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Nepal Trekking

Trekking can be summed up as walking or hiking out and about the outdoors on overland journeys around the natural landscape and amongst often amazing and inspiring environments. Trekking is becoming so popular across the world that many trekking and hiking trails and paths have been established and you’ll find many exciting and challenging adventure holidays that either contain trekking in whole or part.

Trekking in Nepal Himalayan mountain range are full of fun and adventures. Nepal trekking and travel provide a suitable place for your never forgetting trekking expedition in Himalayas. Nepal trekking holidays have long been popular with avid trekkers, who come from all over the world to explore the spectacular Nepalese mountains The country enjoys the most dramatic part of the Himalayas, including the Annapurna mountain range and Mount Everest, and there are dozens of outstanding routes where you can go trekking in Nepal.

Some iconic treks include Everest Base Camp trek, Langtang Trek,Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, Safari in the Jungles of chitwan or climbing island peak and mera peak in Everest region of the highest trekable peak in the Nepal. Nepal is great for trekking with most countries having a range of Trekking options to suit beginners to the most experiences of trekkers. Take a look at our Trekking Holidays for inspiration. The Himalayas, over the centuries, have attracted trekkers, mountaineers, pilgrims and ascetics. Since time immemorial its rugged heights crowned with snow and draped in vast glaciers has lured man to pit his courage and ingenuity against its dangerous challenge.

Trekking holidays in the Nepal, Himalayas. Walking & trekking tours in the Nepal Himalayas. Trekking is basically walking but a little more hardcore. Often it involves hiking in mountainous areas, carry gear for overnight camping and covering long distances over anything from a day or two to a few weeks. It is difficult to distinguish trekking from walking but for the purpose of our site the difference is that trekking involves staying in a different place each night and normally carrying your gear whilst walking is done from a set location that you return to each day.

Below the snowline at 18,000 feet, nature appears to relent and from the austere magnificence of the heights brings down to a different world of cascading water falls, lush green forests, flower-bedecked meadows and a variety of flora and and fauna. Here the rivers flow clear blue and icy.
Here nestle small villages and hamlets with their diverse local customs, dances, folklore and architecture. The people are as vibrant as their surroundings and in many cases innocent of the sometimes dubious benefits of modern civilization.

Since ancient times, ascetics have climbed into these inhospitable heights in search of peace. In doing so, they have established places of pilgrimage that have become more than household names since their fame has spread to all parts of the world. Names like Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet, Tengboche Monastery in Nepal, and of course Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, Gangotri of Uttarakhand. Then there is Amarnath in Kashmir and Hemis in Ladakh.

Those first mountaineers - whether ascetics, pilgrims, traders, hunters or shepherds - had no special training or climbing techniques, but acquired a high degree of skill from necessity and constant practice. Having to cross the mountain passes at heights ranging from 1500 m to 5,800 m, they designed ingenious equipment, food and clothing from indigenous material to help them combat the intense cold and negotiate the treacherous snow and ice.

For a vast number of people, the Himalayas appear to be the Shangri-la, to others, the abode of God.

Trekking in the Himalayas is now quite enjoyable and has become comparatively easy with the development of lightweight equipment and clothing with booming tourist infrastructure. There are difficult treks as well as easy treks, long and short treks. Vehicles, helicopters and aircrafts are also available to explore the Himalayas according to one's resources, taste and leisure time. But you still find people in remote mountain villages who maintain the age old traditions(nepalvisitors.com) and have not changed for generations. There is much that is new and interesting in the Himalayan villages.

Stan Armington has rightly said that "Trekking is neither a wilderness experience nor is it a climbing trip". Even at a height of 12,000 to 14,000 feet in secluded valleys, there are small village settlements tending their flocks of sheep and goats or herds of Yaks of nomadic shepherds and Gujjars. As a result, there are people on the trail to guide and help you - the trekkers. Articles of daily necessity are also available in these small hamlets. Even in the remote areas one can easily mix with the people and 'live off the land". Most westerners find it difficult to comprehend this aspect and visualize their trekking trips to be the same as those organized in their national parks or in wilderness area of their respective countries.

Almost all the Himalayan valleys are full of rural settlements and the population gradually thins out with the rise in altitude. One always finds people on the trekking trails and there is no dearth of information as to trekking routes and directions. Hill people are traditionally very hospitable and this adds pleasure to trekking in the Himalayas more than anywhere else. Some people believe that trekking in the Himalayas is a climbing trip where they have to negotiate rocky cliffs, thick jungles and uncharted routes. But this is not so. In almost all Himalayan regions, the local people have well developed trails. There are routes from one village to the other, between adjoining mountain pastures and across well defined high altitude passes, where people travel from one valley to other for trade, cultural exchanges, religious activities and inter - marriages.

These mountain trails and high passes normally do not require any mountaineering skills or artificial climbing aids. Of course, at places, they are covered with snow and may have crevasses. However, these obstacles can usually be crossed without the aid of mountaineering equipment like ropes and pitons. There are only a few difficult treks which need mountaineering techniques or equipment. An example is the trek to the Nanda Devi Sanctuary in India or a trek across several high passes which require special equipment to negotiate the glaciers.

Trekking is more enjoyable than climbing the peaks and offers spectacular scenic beauty. The Himalayan region, till now, has been comparatively less affected by the modern urban civilization with its industrial pollution. It provides an opportunity to be in natural surroundings and to get away from the milling crowds of the cities. The trekker usually returns home rejuvenated, and with new enthusiasm to take up the challenges of city life.

The Himalayas, the "abode of snows", extends from Assam in eastern India west to Afghanistan. It is a chain of the highest and youngest mountains on earth and it encompasses a region of deep religious and cultural traditions and an amazing diversity of people. A trek in Nepal is a special and rewarding mountain holiday. If you have the time and energy to trek, don't miss the opportunity to leave Kathmandu and see the spectacular beauty and the unique culture of Nepal. Fortunately for the visitor, there are still only a few roads extending deeply into the hills, so the only way to truly visit the remote regions of the kingdom is in the slowest and most intimate manner - walking. It requires more time and effort, but the rewards are also greater.

Instead of zipping down a freeway, racing to the next "point of interest," each step provides new and intriguing viewpoints. You will perceive your day as an entity rather than a few highlights strung together by a ribbon of concrete. For the romanticist, each step follows the footsteps of Hillary, Tenzing, Herzog and other Himalayan explorers. If you have neither the patience nor the physical stamina to visit the hills of Nepal on foot, a helicopter flightprovides an expensive and unsatisfactory substitute. Trekking in Nepal will take you through a country that has captured the imagination of mountaineers and explorers for more than 100 years. You will meet people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed in generations. Most people trust foreigners.

Nepal Visitors affiliated companies are the trekking holiday specialists with over twenty years experience in running Nepal trekking holidays as well as trekking peaks, expedition, sightseeing & cultural tours and overland holidays. They offer the best treks to the biggest region like everest, annapurna, langtang, dolpo, kanchenjunga, dhaulagiri, mustang, makalu, manaslu and best selling trekking trips for Everest Base Camp trekking, the Annapurna Circuit in Nepal, and tibet and bhutan trekking, expedition, culture & festival tour are amongst the most well known routes that they cover. But they don?t just offer the classic treks; their comprehensive range of trekking holidays and cultural tours take you in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & India, from off-the-beaten-track adventures along forgotten pathways to tours that visit vibrant Buddhist festivals and stunning cultural sights. Wherever you want to go, Nepal Visitors has to provide and recommended you the perfect adventure holiday and best travel service operator for Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan & India

Major Trek Routes of Nepal
There are many criteria that might influence your choice of a trek. If you have the time and are in reasonably good condition, the Everest walk-in trek, which allows you a glimpse of both lowland villages as well as the high Himalaya, is the best choice. If time is a constraint, check the various that are less than a week long, or if you don't want to trek to a high elevation, look at the treks listed under low altitude treks. If you are an experienced trekker, and want to go to one of the newly opened regions of Nepal, such as Mustang, look at the list of restricted area treks.

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Nepal Mountain Flight.

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Image via Wikipedia
Mountain Flight In Nepal.

For those tourists who are restricted by time or other considerations from going to trekking, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalayas in just one hour.Only awe-stricken silence can come close to
match the experience of going on a mountain flight to encounter the tallest mountains of the earth. Mountain flights offer the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and the Tibetan Plateau. Mountain flights appeal to all category of travelers and have become a popular tourist attraction of Nepal.

For the traveler who is unable to make a trekking trip to the mountains, Mountain flight has become a popular tourist attraction of Nepal. This is one hour flight from Kathmandu Airport which includes view of the highest mountains in the world viz Dorje Lhakpa (6966m), Gaurishanker, Chhoyu (8201), Pumori (7161m), Nuptse (7855), Mt. Everest (8848m) and many more. It's a once in a lifetime experience.

To be at any remote corners of the Nepal the Himalayan Kingdom, which due its geographical diversity does not have enough roadways and airfield for quick transport service, is not a problem for visitors. Wherever your destination is, we with guarantee can reach you to your destination and this has been made possible by our extensive domestic air network, which has provided an excellent service of Helicopter Charter. The helicopters can be used for various purposes: from enjoyment, trekking and mountaineering expeditions to rescuing, technical and scientific works. No other means of Transport will be able to manage the rescue operations in such an efficient and instant manner then the Helicopters. For all these purpose Helicopter Charter Flights are being immensely popular in Nepal.

Heritages From Nepal

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Kathmandu Valley

The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. The seven include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.
Long Description
The Monumental Zones represent the highly developed architectural expression of religious, political and cultural life of Kathmandu Valley, with a concentration of monuments unique and unparalleled in the world. It is the principal centre
of settlement in the hill area of Nepal and one of the prime cultural foci of the Himalayas. Pashupatinath is also Nepal's most renowned Hindu creation site. Changu Narayan Temple is an impressive double-roofed temple which is said to be the most ancient Vishnu temple in Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu, the capital, is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal. Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of a very rich culture, art and tradition. The valley, roughly an oval bowl, is encircled by a range of green terraced hills and dotted by compact clusters of red tiled-roofed houses. A remarkable legend says that the valley was once covered by a lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri raised his sword of wisdom and sliced a passage through the mountain walls, draining the water and creating the first settlements.
The valley embraces most of Nepal's ethnic groups, but Newars are the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the valley's splendid civilization. Kathmandu Valley is composed of seven Monumental Zones with three historical palaces within their essential urban settings (Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur), two Hindu centres (Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan ), and two Buddhist centres (Swayambunathand Boudhanath ).
The city of Kathmandu is a melting pot for the nation's population, not only today but also in times past, which probably explain the rich cultural heritage of the city. Kathmandu with its unique architectural heritage, palaces, temples and courtyards has inspired many writers, artists, and poets, both foreign and Nepalese. It boasts a unique symbiosis of Hinduism, Buddhism and Tantrism in its culture, which is still as alive today as it was hundreds of years ago. The religious influence can be openly seen in the city. Most of the principal monuments are in Durbar Square , the social, religious and urban focal point of the city, built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla kings of Nepal. Some of the most interesting are the Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, and the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jaganath Temple.
Another intriguing piece here is the 17th-century stone inscription that is set into the wall of the palace, with writings in 15 languages. It is believed that if anybody deciphers this entire inscription, milk would flow from the spout, which lies just below the unscripted stone wall. Some people say that the inscription contains coded directions to a treasure that King Pratap Malla has buried beneath Mohan Chowk of Durbar Square.
Lalitpur or Patan, just across the holy Bagmati River about 14 km east of Kathmandu city, is a fabulous city of great historic and cultural interest. Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) is situated at an altitude of 1,401 m. Shaped liked a conch-shell, Bhaktapur means the 'city of devotees'.
Pashupatinath, 5 km north-east of Kathmandu Valley, is one of the most important Hindu temples. It is Nepal's most sacred Hindu shrines and one of the subcontinent's greatest Shiva sites, a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river.
Historical Description
The Kathmandu Valley has been the politically and culturally dominating part of Nepal. Its legendary and documented histories are so interrelated that these are difficult to separate. A political establishment of the area is dated to the beginning of the Christian era, the Kirati period. This was followed by the Kichchhavi Dynasty from the 3rd to 9th centuries. Patan is believed to have expanded into a consolidated town by the end of the 7th century. The town of Kathmandu was established by a later Lichchhavi king. After the 9th century, there is a dark period until 14th century and the arrival of the Mallas, which is an important period for the flourishing of Nepalese art and architecture. These developed into a growing spiritual orientation towards Tantrism, making it difficult to separate purely Buddhist from purely Hindu art. From the middle of the 13th century, the city of Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) prospered and became a major training centre. The valley was divided into three rival kingdoms, competing between themselves and bringing the artistic expressions to the highest point by the mid 18th century. In 1769 the valley was conquered and united by a leader coming from the outside, Prithvi Narayan Shah. He made Kathmandu his royal city, and the Hanuman Dhoka Palace his residence. In 1833 and 1934, two catastrophic earthquakes brought destruction, and some of the monuments had to be rebuilt using much of the original elements and decoration.

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

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Lumbini, The Birthplace of the Lord Buddha

Brief Description

Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. in the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.

The Committee decided to inscribe this site on the basis of criteria (iii) and (vi). As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha, the sacred area of Lumbini is one of the holiest places of one of the world's great religions, and its remains contain important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from a very early period.

Long Description

As the birthplace of the Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace and the light of Asia was born in 623 BC - the sacred area of Lumbini is one of the holiest places of one of the world's great religions, and its remains contain important evidence about the nature of Buddhist pilgrimage centres from a very early period. Lumbini, in the South-Western Terai of Nepal, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world, like Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims.

Lumbini is the place where the Buddha, known as the Tathagata, was born. It is the place which should be visited and seen by a person of devotion and which should cause awareness and apprehension of the nature of impermanence. The site and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting of domesticable fauna and favourable agricultural environ. Historically, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era. The site, described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time, still retains its legendary charm and beauty.

The birthplace of the Gautama Buddha, Lumbini, is one of the four holy places of Buddhism. It is said in the Parinibbana Sutta that Buddha himself identified four places of future pilgrimage: the sites of his birth, Enlightenment, First Discourse, and death. All these events happened outside in nature under trees. There is no particular significance in this, other than it perhaps explains why Buddhists have always respected the environment and natural law.

Lumbini is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas in modern Nepal. In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was a beautiful garden full of green and shady sal trees (Shorea robusta ). The garden and its tranquil environs were owned by both the Shakyas and the clans. King Suddhodana, father of Gautama Buddha, was of the Shakya dynasty and belonged to the Kshatriya (warrior caste). Maya Devi, his mother, gave birth to the child on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha while resting in Lumbini under a sal tree in the month of May, 642 BC. The beauty of Lumbini is described in Pali and Sanskrit literature. Maya Devi, it is said, was spellbound to see the natural grandeur of Lumbini. While she was standing, she felt labour pains and catching hold of a drooping branch of a sal tree, she gave birth to a baby, the future Buddha.

In 249 BC, when the Indian Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini, it was a flourishing village. Ashoka constructed four stupas and a stone pillar with a figure of a horse on top. The stone pillar bears an inscription, which in translation runs as follows: 'King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of devas, in the 20th year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here; a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan having been born here, Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight part (only)'.

Lumbini remained neglected for centuries. In 1895, Feuhrer, a famous German archaeologist, discovered the great pillar while wandering about the foothills of the Churia range. Further exploration and excavation of the surrounding area revealed the existence of a brick temple and sandstone sculpture within the temple itself, which depicts the scenes of the Buddha's birth.

It is pointed out by scholars that the temple of Maya Devi was constructed over the foundations of more than one earlier temple or stupa, and that this temple was probably built on an Ashokan stupa itself. To the south of the Maya Devi temple there is the famous sacred bathing pool known as Puskarni. It is believed that Maya Devi took a bath in this pool before the delivery. By the side of the Ashoka pillar a river which flows south-east and is locally called the Ol. In 1996, an archaeological dig unearthed a 'flawless stone' placed there by Ashoka in 249 BC to mark the precise location of the Buddha's birth more than 2,600 years ago. if authenticated, the find will put Lumbini even more prominently on the map for millions of religious pilgrims.

Historical Description

The Shakya Prince Siddharta Gautama, better known as the Lord Buddha, was born to Queen Mayadevi, wife of King Suddodhana, ruler of Kapilavastu, in 623 BC at the famous gardens of Lumbini, while she was on a journey from her husband's capital of Tilaurakot to her family home in Devadaha.

In 249 BC the devout Buddhist Emperor Ashoka, third of the Mauryan rulers of India, made a pilgrimage to this very sacred area in company with his teacher, Upagupta, and erected pillars at Lumbini, Gotihawa, and Niglihawa, as he did in many parts of India, to commemorate his visit. The inscription on the Lumbini pillar identifies this as the birthplace of the Lord Buddha.

Lumbini was a site of pilgrimage until the 15th century AD. Its early history is well documented in the accounts of Chinese travellers, notably Fa Hsien (4th century AD) and Hsuan Tsang (7th century AD), who described the temples, stupas, and other establishments that they visited there. In the early 14th century King Ripu Malla recorded his pilgrimage in the form of an additional inscription on the Ashoka pillar.

The reasons for its ceasing to attract Buddhist pilgrims after the 15th century remain obscure. The only local cult centred on worship of a 3rd-4th century image of Mayadevi as a Hindu mother goddess. The Buddhist temples fell into disrepair and eventually into ruins, not to be rediscovered until they were identified in 1896 by Dr A Fiihrer and Khadga Samsher, then Governor of Palpa, who discovered the Ashoka pillar.

Lumbini Nepal

Fast facts

Location South-western Nepal

Importance One of the most important historical sites in the country,

UNESCO world heritage site

Known For Religious historical sites

Nearby Attraction Kapilvastu

Tourist Attractions

Lumbini Garden

The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a place of reverence. Number of stupas, monasteries and temples surround the garden.

Some of these are ancient while are some were erected by medieval states. A collosal stone pillar built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka is also here. Account of the birth of Buddha is inscribed on it.

Mayadevi Temple

Devoted to Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, the temple attracts praise for its architectural beauty. Credit of discovering the temple, in 1895, goes to a German archaeologist. The temple is remarkable in the way Maya Devi is shown giving birth to Lord Buddha.

Pushkarni Pool

Queen Mayadevi took a dip in the pond before giving birth of prince Siddhartha. The prince also had his purification bath in the pond. Brick steps of the pond lead to the emerald-green water.

Kushinagar

Lumbini travel guide also takes you to Kushinagar where Lord Buddha attained nirvana. One can see number of stupas, viharas and chaityas which remind us of the mahaparinirvana.

Bodhgaya

The place of Mahaparinirvana, it was at Bodhgaya that Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. The legand narrates that Siddartha Gautama reached the village of senai and sat on a kusa grass mat under a pipal tree. Here he resolved not to rise again untill enlightenment was attianed. Thereafter the place became a pilgrimage site.

Maha Bodhi Temple

The temple is known for its 1700 years old idol. The idol sits facing the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Bodhi Tree

Near Maha Bodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree, an ancient peepal tree. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree.

Kapilvastu Excursion

Kapilvastu, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a famous historic town which is always brimming with charm. Lord Buddha was born here in the sixth century. Kapilvastu attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Kapilvastu is 27km from Lumbini.

How to Reach

By Air: One can reach flight from Kathmandu Airport for Bhairahwa Airport which is the nearest air port for Lumbini. Sacred Garden is 15 minutes drive away.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is at Gorakhpur in India. It is 122 km from Lumbini.

By Road: Good roads link Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also other important Nepal cities.

Local Transport

Buses, taxis and rickshaws are the means of local transport in Nepal.

Bouddhanath Stupa

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Bouddhanath Stupa

Bouddhanath Stupa, the biggest stupa in Nepal, lies about 7 km east of the capital. The Bouddhanath stupa, also called by many as Khasti Chitya, is one of the oldest stupas in the country. After 1959, many Tibetans arrived and settled in Bouddhanath area. The stupa, a well-known Buddhist pilgrimage site, is included in World Heritage Cultural site list by UNESCO.

Fast Facts

Location 7 km east of Kathmandu

Importance UNESCO world Heritage Site

UNESCO Category Cultural

UNESCO Listed 1979

Structure

With diameter of about 100m and 40m height, Buddhanath holds its place among the largest stupas in the world. The Buddhanath stupa covers a vast area. It has a round path at the bottom while another path is made of three-tier plinth. The stupa resembles Swayambhunath stupa to some extent. The most impressive part of the stupa is the eyes of the Buddha which are painted with red, white and blue colors.

Festivals

Lhosar, the Tibetan new year festival, is the most popular festival celebrated at Bodhanath Stupa. Lhosar festival begins with prayers and worship. Thousands of Tibetans dress in traditional attire and dance after expressing reverence for Buddha. Number of Tibetans comes from Laddakh, Sikkim, Bhutan to take part in this festival.

Attractions

In Buddhanath Stupa, there are many monasteries or Gompa attractions. They are all impressively adorned and colorfully painted. Anyone can visit the monasteries and take visuals. It is advisable to give small donation if you take photographs.

Tit-Bits

· The whole structure has a diameter of about 100 meters and a height of approximate 40 meters.

· Legend holds that King Manadeva erected the Bouddhanath stupa during the Lichavi period. It has been refurbished many times. The present stupa was renovated in the seventeenth century.

Pashupatinath Temple

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Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.

Pashupatinath - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu

Fast Facts

Location 5 km north-east of Kathmandu

Category UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage Site

Era Prior to 400 A.D

Unique Features Only four priests, appointed by the King, can touch the idol of Lord Shiva.The priests are always from south India.It is believed that this tradition have been started by Sage Shankaracharaya in 6th century.

What to See

Gold-painted images of guardian deities

Chaturmukha (four-faced statue)

Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century

Brahma Temple

Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken

Arya Ghat

Gauri Ghat (holy bath)

Pandra Shivalaya (15 shrines)

Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples

Guhyeshwari (Guhjeshwari) Temple

Kirateshwar Mahadeva Mandir and Surya Ghat

Architecture

The two level roofs of the temple are embellished with gold and the four main doors are adorned with silver.

The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture.

The western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, is ornamented in gold. This black stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the temple.

The present architectural nature of Pashupatinath temple came into existence as a result of renovation by Queen Gangadevi during the reign of Shivasimha Malla (1578-1620 AD).

Legends

There are many legends describing as to how the temple of Lord Pashupatinath came to existence here. Some of them are narrated below:-

The Cow Legend

Legend says that Lord Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unkown in the forest on Bagmati river's east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga but overtime it was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath.

The Linchchhavi Legend

According to Gopalraj Vamsavali, the oldest ever chronicle in Nepal, this temple was built by Supus Padeva, a Linchchhavi King, who according to the stone inscription erected by Jayadeva 11 in the courtyard of Pashupatinath in 753 AD, happened to be the ruler 39 generations before Manadeva (464-505 AD).

The Devalaya Legend

Another chronicle states that Pashupatinath Temple was in the form of Linga shaped Devalaya before Supus Padeva constructed a five storey temple of Pashupatinath in this place. As the time passed, the need for reparing and renovating this temple arose. It is learnt that this temple was reconsturcted by a mediaeval King named Shivadeva (1099-1126 AD). It was renovated by Ananta Malla adding a roof to it.

Festivals

Pashupati area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for the followers of Hinduism. Thousands of devotees from within and outside the country come to pay homage to Pashupatinath every day. And on special occasions like Ekadasi, Sankranti, Mahashivratri, Teej Akshaya, Rakshabandhan, Grahana (eclipse), Poornima (Full moon day) the whole atmosphere turns festive and mirthful as people congregate here in a far greater number.

During the Shivaratri (also spelled Shivratri) festival Pashupatinath temple is lit with ghee lamps throughout the night and the temple remains open all night. Thousands of devotees take ritual baths in the Bagmati river on the day of the festival and observe a fast for the whole day. Hundreds of sadhus (sages) from different parts of Nepal and India come here on the occasion of Maha Shivaratri.

Auspicious Days to Visit

In August, during the Teej festival, thousands of women visit the temple to bathe in the holy waters of the Bagmati River. Because this ritual is meant to bring a long and happy marriage, many women dress in red saris, which are traditionally worn for wedding ceremonies. Full moon and New moon days are also considered auspicious to visit the temple.

Good to know

According to a legend recorded in local texts, especially the Nepalamahatmya and the Himavatkhanda, the Hindu Lord Shiva once fled from the other gods in Varanasi to Mrigasthali, the forest on the opposite bank of the Bagmati River from the temple. There, in the form of a gazelle, he slept with his consort Parvati. When the gods discovered him there and tried to bring him back to Varanasi, he leapt across the river to the opposite bank, where one of his horns broke into four pieces. After this, Shiva became manifest as Pashupati (Lord of Animals) in a four-face (chaturmukha) linga.

How to Reach

There are regular bus services from Kathmandu (from Ratna Park or City Bus Station) to Patan,. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Goshala, the stop for Pashupatinath.

Battery-operated Safaa tempos depart from near the Ratna Park office in Kathmandu and drop the pilgrims at Ring Road, west of Pashupatinath. Thereafter, a tempo going to Chabahil or Bodhnath can be hired.

Swayambhunath

2011-03-02T22:04:00.000-08:00

Swayambhunath

Fast Facts

Location Kathmandu Valley

Era Before 5th Century

Unique Features 365 steps lead to the Temple that is believed to be self-created or self-existence

Category Cultural

Major Attractions

The Stupa

Swayambhunath Stupa is a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. It has a lofty white dome and a glittering golden spire that are visible from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century A.D. i.e. before the coming of Buddhism in the valley.

Area Surrounding The Stupa

The surroundings of Swyambhunarayan Stupa consists of chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects.

Harati Temple

The temple is dedicated to the goddess of smallpox and other epidemics. The presence of the Harati Devi temple signifies the intermingling of the pantheons of Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal.

Palace Of Peace

Atop Syambunath hill is another fascinating, though less visited temple, Shantipur, popularly known as the 'Palace of Peace'. It is said that inside the secret underground chamber of the temple lives the 8th century Tantric master, Shantikar Acharya. The master, it is believed, has lived through centuries and has full control on the weather and the King of Kathmandu must go to him in times of drought.

Architecture

Amazing to look at, the architectural beauty of Swayambunath Temple gives way to the feelings of reverence and adoration. The stupa consists of a dome at the base and a cubical structure with eyes of Buddha looking in all the four directions. There are pentagonal Toran present above each of the four sides with statues engraved in them. Behind and above the torana there are thirteen tiers. Above all the tiers, there is a smallspace above which the Gajur is present.

Mythology

According to Swayambhu Puran, the entire Kathmandu valley was once filled with an enormous lake, out of which grew a mystical Lotus. The valley came to be known as Swayambhu, meaning 'Self-Created' or 'Self-Existent'. The Bodhistava Manjushri had a vision of the lotus at Swayambhu and traveled there to worship it.

In order to make the site more accessible to human pilgrims, Manjushri cut a gorge through the mountains surrounding the valley. The water drained out of the lake, leaving the valley in which Kathmandu now lies. The lotus was transformed into a hill and the flower become the Swayambhunath stupa.

Symbology

The dome at the base represents the entire world. When a person gets free (represented by eyes of mercy and self knowledge) from the bonds of the world, the person reaches the state a bit higher. After that, the person has to cross thirteen stages represented by the tiers before attaining Nirvana (salvation).

How To Reach

There are two ways to reach the top of the monkey temple: the first and the most common is to get there with a car but the most beautiful way to reach the top of this amazing temple is to climb the 365 stairs of the temple.

Changu Narayan Temple

2011-03-02T22:03:00.001-08:00

Changu Narayan Temple

Fast Facts

Location 22 KM from Kathmandu Valley

Importance UNISCO World Heritage Site

Built In 4th Century AD

Devoted To Hindu Lord Shiva

Major Attractions Bishnu Image With ten heads and ten arms

HIstorical Importance

· It is the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley.

· A Vishnu idol with ten heads and ten arms is a fine example of stone carving from the 5th century.

· The temple is of great importance due to its idols and shrines having rich architectural beauty.

Places to be Seen

· Garuda Narayana Temple

· Shrine of King Bhupalendra Malla and his mother

· Krishna Shrine

· Nateshvara Shrine

· Sculpture of Sri Mahadev

· Sculpture of Garuda

· Shrine of Somalingeshvara

· Sculptures: Vishnu, Durga Avalokitesvara and Garuda Ganesh

· Ganesh Shrine

· Bhagvati Temple

· Vishnu Vikranta

· Vishnu Vishvarupa

· Lakshmi Temple Shiva Temple

· Stone Column

Changu Narayan Temple

Legendary places in the temple

Garuda Idol

Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka. The drops of moisture, believed to be effective against diseases such as leprosy and ulcers, are collected by the priests.

King Bhupendra Malla Statues

Statues of King Bhupalendra Malla of Kathmandu and his mother can also be seen in a shrine. Bloody fighting characterised their politics during the 17th century but both were generous when it came to revering the gods.

Vishnu Sculpture

To the north of the temple is a sculpture of Lord Vishnu seated on Garuda (Garudasana Vishnu). This image appears on the Nepalese 10 rupee note. Vishnu sculpture dates back to 9th century.

Important Vishnu Sculptures

Vishwaroop

Vishwaroop sculpture, dating back to 8th century A.D., presents Lord Vishnu in his universal form.

Vishnu Vikrant

The stone idol, harking back to the 8th century A.D, is of the most powerful form of Lord Vishnu. It is related to the Hindu legend of Vaman, an incarnation of Vishnu, who measured space with feet.

Vishnu Riding Garuda

This figure of Vishnu mounting Garuda, the mythical bird, dates back to the 10th century A.D.

Narsimhha Vishnu

This form of Lord Vishnu, the Narsimha, is in half human and half lion form.

How to Reach

Take a taxi from Bhaktpaur to reach Changu Narayan temple. The driv would be of approximately 30 minutes.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is an assortment of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood. The square is part of a charming valley as it highlights the idols of ancient kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place - struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows - all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony.

Fast Facts

Location Kathmandu Valley

Importance UNISCO World Heritage Site

UNISCO Category Cultural

UNISCO Listed 1979

Major Attractions The Golden Gate

Places to Visit

The Lion Gate

The massive gate that dates back to 1696 AD is guarded by two huge statues of lions at the either sides. The dreadful stone image of Lord Shiva and the fearful image of Ugrachandi attract the tourists from far off.

The Golden Gate (Sun Dhoka)

The Golden gate is said to be the most beautiful and richly moulded specimen of its kind in the entire world. The door is a embellished with monsters and mythical creatures of marvellous intricacy. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla and is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of fifty-five windows.

The Palace of Fifty Five Windows

Keshav Narayan Chowk is the Northern-most part of the Patan Darbar palace complex, with the dominating Degutale temple next to it. This magnificent palace was built during the reign of King Yakshay Malla in AD 1427 and was subsequently remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the seventeenth century. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony with fifty-five Windows, considered a unique masterpiece of woodcarving.

The Art Gallery

The Art Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods and descriptions. The gallery is particularly famous among researchers on Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla

This statue depicts King Bhupendra Malla in the act of worship and is located on a column facing the palace. This is considered the most magnificent statue among the many statues in the squares.

Nyatapola

This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal, which was built in 1702 A.D by Bhupatendra Mala. This temple was dedicated to Siddhilaxmi, the tantric mother goddess of supreme power. Nyatapola in Newari means a five tiered symbolizing five basic elements - water, earth, fire, wind and sky.

Pashupati Temple

According to a folklore, a Bhaktapur native who was a great devotee of Lord Pashupati, had a dream in which lord Shiva told him to build a temple for him so that he could move into it. He obeyed this command and thus the temple came into existence.

Vatsala Temple

This 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother goddess, is full of intricate works on stone.

Patan Durbar Square

2011-03-02T22:01:00.001-08:00

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, also known as Lalitpur, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Square and its surroundings are good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.

Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. Main among these, Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.

Fast Facts

Location Kathmandu Valley

Importance UNISCO World Heritage Site

UNISCO Category Cultural

Major Actractions Krishna Temple with 21 golden pinnacles Tusahity Royal Bath

Chowks

Mul Chowk

This is the most famous and one of the largest courtyards among three main chowks. Bidya Temple is located at the center of the courtyard and the Taleju temples stand around the courtyard.

Sundari Chowk

Sundari Chowk is to the south of the Mul Chowk with its sunken tank known as Tusha Hiti Mul Chowk & Taleju Temple.

Keshav Narayan Chowk

Keshav Narayan Chowk is towards the northern part. Dominating Degutale temple is next to it. It is the site of the earliest Malla palace in Patan. The Chowk sits on the older foundations of a Buddhist monastery.

Places To Visit

Krishna Temple

This temple of red stone, dedicated to Hindu Lord Krishna was erected in the 17th century. The temple is considered to be the first one to be constructed in Shikara architecture. Thanks to this attribute, it holds a commanding position in the durbar square. The elegant shikhara-style temple is ranked as one of the gems of Durbar Square. The temple is compared with sacred Mount Meru, which is abode of the god Shiva according to Hindu scriptures.

Mahaboudha

Buddhist temple Mahaboudha, which is made of clay bricks, lies to the east of the Durbar Square. Hundereds of Buddha images are engraved in the bricks. The temple is known for its fine terra cota work.

Kumbheshwor

The five-storied pagoda-style Lord Siva temple was constructed by King Jayasthiti Malla. Inside the temple is a natural spring whose source, is said to be the famous glacial lake of Gosainkunda. The golden work was added later in 1422 A.D. One the festival of Janai Purnima, ritual bathing takes place and a fair is also held.

Jagat narayan Temple

Jagatnarayan temple is a tall shikhara style temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. Red bricks are used for the construction of the temple. The temple also holds a fine metal statue of Garuda, Ganesh and Hanuman, all related to Hindu religion and mythology.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar

This Buddhist monastery holds amazing collection of images and idols in metal, stone and wood. Legend holds that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the people can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas

Indian Emperor Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 B.C and constructed four ancient stupas at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are located in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

2011-03-02T21:47:00.000-08:00

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City.
The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels an. It houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum.

Fast Facts

Location	Kathmandu
Significance	UNICSCO World Heritage Sites
UNICSCO Category	Culture
Built In	16th and 17the Centuries
Major Attractions	Taleju Temple and Hanuman Dhoka

Major Attractions

Taleju Temple
The temple is a famous Hindu and Jain religious site. The three-tiered temple is the first to be erected with more than two roofs and raised on a tall stepped platform. It is said that the mandir was built in the shape of a yantra on the advice of the Taleju Goddess herself and that she appeared to the King at the dedication ceremony disguised as a bee.

Mahendreshvara Temple
The simple yet beautiful temple was built by King Mahendra Malla and is dedicated to the Hindu Lord Shiva in the form of Pashupati. The temple was destroyed in a 1934 earthquake and rebuilt thereafter. The temple is a memorial to its founder.

Jagannath Temple
The Jagannath Temple is recognized as the finest of the group near Hanuman Dhoka. Exquisite wood-carvings embellish the doors, windows and roof struts, depicting a panoply of gods from the Hindu pantheon. Originally dedicated to Vishnu the shrine was later re-dedicated to Jagannath.

Dequtale Temple
The temple was built by Shivasimha Malla honoring the Mallas' family deity, Degutale. It resembles Taleju's shrine but with a tower-like base in place of the stepped platform. The worship of Degutale has its origins in a nature cult, the images being pieces of rock which the Newaris set up and worshipped.

Hanuman Dhoka: Palace facade turns at right angles between the Degutale Temple and the Taleju Mandir. This way is created Hanuman Dhoka (Hanuman is a monkey god). Hanuman idol placed in the dhoka has been anointed with mustard oil and vermilion through the centuries.

Nasal Chowk
Nasal Chowk takes its name from the little statue of the dancing Krishna in the shrine on the east side of the court. In Malla times the podium in the center of the court was used for dancing displays. The Shah kings chose to be crowned in Nasal Chowk, a tradition which continues today.

Mul Chowk
As the occasional abode of the goddess Taleju, the court is barred to visitors, though it is often possible to peep in through the gate and have a look at the exquisite beauty of the palace. The Chowk is opened to Hindus once a year when, on the ninth day of the Dasain Festival, hundreds of buffaloes and goats are sacrificed to the goddess.

Bhandarkal
Bhandarkal is a botanical garden created by King Pratap Mall in the mid 17th century. With its diverse flora, Bhandarkal is a treat for nature lovers and ecologists. The garden has been named after a seven-storied palace that possesses a statue of the Sleeping Vishnu, Jalashayana Narayan.

Vilar Temple
Between the Lalitpur and Basantpur Towers can be seen the magnificently carved façade of the three-storied Vilas Mandir, of a richness truly befitting a Temple of Luxury.

Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple
The three storied temple has the figure of Garuda placed in its front and incarnations of Lord Vishnu within the temple. It was built by Prithvi Bendra Malla in 1680.

Shiva Temple
The Shiva Temple in Darbar Square is a replica of the Jaisi Deval and was built by Riddhi Lakshmi in 1690.

Shiv Parvati Temple
The long low building on the northern side of Durbar Square contains the beautiful shrines of Shiva and Parvati. This somewhat unusual building is believed to date from the time of Bahadur Shah. It is probably a reconstruction, the stepped platform on which it stands being considerably older than the temple itself.

Manju Deval
Dedicated to Shiva the large three-storied Manju Deval on its unusually high stepped base seems to dominate Durbar Square. It was built in 1692 by the mother of Bhupatindra Malla of Bhaktapur. Inside the temple there is a Shiva lingam. The small shikhara (temple tower in the North Indian style) at the foot of the steps honors Kam Dev, Shiva's shakti.

Kumari Bahal
The house of the Living Goddess, the Kumari Bahal looks like the monastery that was constructed in 1757 by Jaya Prakash Malla. Inside it lives the young girl who is selected to be the town's living goddess, until she reaches her first puberty and reverts to being a normal mortal.

Kasthamandapa
Kasthamandap or house of wood is the building which gave Kathmandu its name. Legend narrates that the whole building is constructed from a Single Sal tree. At first it was a community hall where local people gathered for important ceremonies but later it was converted to a Temple of Gorakhnath. The image of Gorakhnath glitters at the center of the building.

Ashok Binayak Shrine
The Ashok Binayak Shrine is the principle shrine of Lord Ganesha in the Kathmandu Valley. The stone image of Lord Ganesha stands beneath a golden replica of the Ashok tree which once shaded the shrine and eventually gave it its name.

Simha Sattal
Simla Sattal is located at the southern end of the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The residential style temple contains the Garuda Narayan figure, strange looking effigies and a little shrine of Harikrishna.

Kathmandu Valley and its Heritages

2011-03-02T21:32:00.001-08:00

World Heritage Sites

The small mountain Nation of Nepal is blessed with such astonishing and unique sites that within the area of 140,800 sq km Nepal holds a considerably high number of places recognized by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organization) as 'World Heritage Sites'. There are altogether ten World Heritage Sites in Nepal, seven of which are in Kathmandu itself. The list includes both natural as well as cultural sites.

Cultural Sites

The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. The seven sites include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan. Click on the following links to get detailed information about the individual sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch.

Patan Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Changu Narayan Temple

Changu Narayan Temple, the oldest temple in Kathmandu valley came in existence in 4th century. The temple is adorned by some of the best specimen of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple stands as the epitome of culture, religion, history and faith of the Kathmandu valley.Inside the Changunarayan temple is a esteemed figure of Garuda. The statue is offered sweets by the devotees every year on Nag Panchami. This is done in remembrance of the epic struggle with the great snake Taksaka.

Swayambhunath

The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is colloquially known as the 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple. Swayambhunath Stupa is a golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu Valley. It has a lofty white dome and a glittering golden spire that are visible from all sides of the valley

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings'.

Lumbini

Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the centre of holy faith for the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Located in south-western Nepal, Lumbini holds several reminders of Lord Buddha. One of the most important historical sites in Nepal is endowed by nature with rich natural beauty. The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a place of reverence.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Natural Sites

Nepal's national parks included in the World Heritage Sites List are exceptional areas with dramatic mountains, glaciers, deep valleys and undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai' region. Several rare species, such as the snow leopard, lesser panda, single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros and the Bengal tiger are found in these parks.

Chitwan National Park

Sagarmatha National Park

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

The World Heritage List includes 830 properties forming part of the cultural and natural heritage which the World Heritage Committee considers as having outstanding universal value.These include 644 cultural, 162 natural and 24 mixed properties. Out of these 10 sites are from Nepal itself. Seven out of these are cultural and two natural.

Some Nepal Sites/Properties submitted on the Tentative List of UNESCO

The early medieval architectural complex of Panauti (1996)

Tilaurakot, the archaeological remains of ancient Shakya Kingdom (1996)

Cave architecture of Muktinath Valley of Mustang (1996)

The medieval palace complex of Gorkha (1996)

Ramagrama, the relic stupa of Lord Buddha (1996)

Khokana, the vernacular village and its mustard-oil seed industrial heritage (1996)

Pashupati Nath

2011-03-01T02:37:00.000-08:00

Name
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple Location in Nepal
Coordinates:	27°42′35″N 85°20′55″ECoordinates: 27°42′35″N 85°20′55″E
Proper name:	Pashupatinath Temple
Location
Country:	Nepal
District:	Kathmandu
Location:	Kathmandu
Architecture and culture
Primary deity:	Pashupatinath
Architectural styles:	Pagoda

Pashupatinath Temple (Nepali: पशुपतिनाथको मन्दिर) is one of the biggest Hindu temples of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The temple served as the seat of the national deity, Lord Pashupatinath, until Nepal wassecularizedThe temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

Believers in Pashupatinath (mainly Hindus) are allowed to enter the temple premises. Anyone not born in Nepal or India is considered a non-Hindu by the temple authorities. Non-Hindu visitors are allowed to have a look at the temple from the other bank of Bagmati river.

It is regarded as the most sacred among the temples of Lord Shiva ( Pashupati ) .

Legend

Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, one day Lord Shiva grew tired of his palace atop Mt. Kailash and so went in search of a place where he could escape to. He discovered Kathmandu Valley and, without telling anyone, he ran away from his palace and came to live in the Valley. He gained great fame there as Pashupati, Lord of the Animals, before the other gods discovered his hiding place and came to fetch him. He disguised himself as a majestic deer and would not help the other gods when they asked for his help. When Shiva did not yield to their pleas, they planned to use force. God Vishnu grabbed him by his horns and they shattered into pieces. Vishnu established a temple and used the broken horns to form a linga on the bank of the Bagmati River. As time went by, the temple was buried and forgotten. Then a cow was known to have secretly sprinkled her milk over the mound. Apparently, when the cow herders dug around the spot, they found the lost lingas and again built a temple in reverence.

History

The temple was first established in the 17th century. The priests who perform the services at this temple have been Bhat-Brahmins from South India (Karnataka) origin since last 350 years. The priests of Pashaputinath are called Bhattas and the chief priest is called Mool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priest is answerable only to the King of Nepal and reports to him on temple matters on a periodic basis.

This tradition is supposed to have started by the request of Adi Shankaracharya who sought to unify the different states of Bharatam (Unified India) by encouraging cultural exchange. The unique feature of this temple is that only 4 priests can touch the idol. This tradition is supposed to have started by Sage Shankaracharya in 8th century, ostensibly to stop human sacrifice which was prevalent in that temple. This procedure is also followed in other temples around India which were sanctified by Adi Shankaracharya. Malla kings honoured the request of Adi shankarachaya as latter being one of the greatest ever Hindu acharyas.

However,this tradition was recently changed after the historic revolution in Nepal which demolished the monarchy and established democracy where Nepalese priests supported by the anti- Indian Maoists government.There was widespread protests by most Nepalese as they saw this as an intereference in their religion.

Temple architecture

The temple is of pagoda style of architecture. All the features of pagoda style is founded here like cubic constructions, beautifully carved wooden rafters on which they rest (tundal). The two level roofs are of copper with gold covering. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. This temple has agold pinnacle, (Gajur), which is a symbol of religious thought. The western door has a statue of large bull or Nandi, again covered in gold. The deity is of black stone, about 6 feet in height and the same in circumference.

Vasukinath lies to the east of Pashupatinath.

Pashupatinath Temple Panorama of the Pashupatinath Temple from the other bank of Bagmati river, Kathmandu, Nepal.

estivals

Controversy of 2009

The priests are called Bhattas and the Chief Priest is known asMool Bhatt or Raval. The chief priests of temple have been Brahmins from South India since Malla era. This, along with the alleged corruption within temple had been an issue among Nepalese people.

In January 2009, after the forced resignation by the chief priest of Pashupatinath temple, the Maoist-led government of Nepal "hand picked" Nepalese priest to the temple, thus bypassing the temple's long-standing requirement. This appointment was contested by the Bhandaris of the temple, stating that they were not against the appointment of Nepalese priests but against the appointment without proper procedure. After the appointment was challenged in the court of laws, the appointment was overruled by Supreme Court of Nepal. However, the government did not heed the ruling and continued with its decision. This led to a public outrage and protests over lack of transparency. The paramilitary group of CPN (Maoist), called YCL, attacked the protesters leading to over a dozen injuries. Lawmakers and party activists of the opposition parties joined protests and stated that their support were with the Bhandaris and other protesters.

However, after long dissatisfaction and protest of Hindus both inside and outside Nepal, the government reverted its decision and reinstated Indian priests.

Pashupatinath

2011-02-25T11:15:00.000-08:00

Pashupati nath, considered to be the greatest temple of the Hindus. the temple is situated at the Kathmandu Nepal. every year hundreds of thousands people come here to visit the temple from nation and from international.