FAMOUS ATTRACTIONS

Inside Kathmandu Valley

Outside Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu Durbar Square : It is a place where the citys Kings were crowned. Having
been built and rebuilt over the generations, it is now the valleys number one tourist
attractions. Most of the temples you see here are a mere three or four centuries old. The
entire square was designated as a World Heritage Monument in 1979. The Durbar Square
is teeming with shrines and statues. Walk around Kumari Chowk which is a home of
living goddesses, she comes to the balcony at the scheduled time to welcome the
guests. In the southwestern end lies Kasthamandap, Kathmandus oldest building and
one of the oldest wooden building in the world. It is said to be constructed from the
wood of a single tree in the late twelfth century. Visit Basantapur Tower, legends say
Malla kings were born on the rst oor of the tower, held audience in the second, viewed
dancing girls on third, and climbed to the fourth oor to survey the smoke from the citys
cooking res making sure none of the subjects were going hungry. Visit numerous
temples dedicated to Hindu goddesses around the square. Durbar Square is always
vibrant with the movement of vegetable vendors and antique hawkers throughout the
day.

Swayambhunath Stupa : On the top of the hill west of Kathmandu value is one of the
popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. It is also referred to as Monkey
Temple by many tourists because of the large tribes of monkeys that guards the hill.
Legends say after the Bodhisattva Manjushri drained the water from the lake revealing
the Kathmandu valley, the lotus one the island of the lake was transformed into the
hillock, and the blazing light from the lotus became the statue.
365 stone steps lead straight to one of the most sacred Buddhist sites, from where
painted eyes of Swayambhunath seem to peer down your soul. Set around the base of
the Stupa is a continuous series of prayer wheels, which the pilgrims spin as they
circumambulate the stupa. Walk through the clusters of delicately carved Chaitya
around. From the hilltop, you will have a birds eye view of Kathmandu valley. Early
evening views are even more striking as the city lights begin to illuminate.

Pashupatinath temple : Pashupatinath is one of the sacred Shiva temples on the

Indian sub-continent. It draws devotees from all over India, including many colorful
Sadhus (wandering Holy men). It is the largest temple complex in Nepal. Visiting
Pashupatinath begins and ends a traditional pilgrimage circuit. Lord Pashupatinaths
supreme holiness stems from hollowed linga enshrined in the main temple and its
location on the bank of sacred Bagmati River. Bagmati sanctity makes Pashupatinath
Nepals most sacred cremation site. After the bodies are burnt the ashes are thrown into
the river, where they are carried down to meet Ganges.
On the festival of Maha Shivaratri during Feb/Mar lord Shivas marriage with goddess
Parvati is celebrated with a great fair at the temple. Indian pilgrims come to this place
from all around the world to celebrate this festival. As in most Hindu temples in Nepal,
the admission inside the temple premises is strictly for Hindus only. For non-Hindus
there is more to be seen by heading to the river bank, where you can look down into the
temple from terrace hill in an opposite side. Watch the cremation going along the
sacred Bagmati river.

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Boudhanath Stupa : On the eastern side of Kathmandu is a huge stupa of Boudhanath.
This is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world. It is the sacred place
for Buddhist pilgrims. Once you enter the stupa complex it resembles Bharkor street of
Tibet with a considerable population of Tibetans, number of thriving monasteries and
many small shops selling Tibetan artifacts. Boudhanath is one of the few places in the
world where Tibetan culture is accessible, vibrant and unbound.
Around the base of the stupa, there is a circular mound of 108 small images of Dhyani
Buddha Amitabha. A brick wall around the stupa has 147 niches, each with four or ve
prayer wheels bearing the immortal mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. It is also possible
to walk to upper layers of the stupa. In late afternoons, you will nd the monks chanting
prayers around the stupa which will produce a spiritual vibe around the complex. Always
remember to walk around the stupa clockwise.

Budhanilkantha : Located 8 kms from Kathmandu lays the creator of all life, the god
who reclines on the cosmic sea. It is said from his navel grew a lotus and from the lotus
came Brahma, who in turn created the world. The 5 meters long image of Vishnu lies on
a most unusual bed: the coils of a multi-headed snake. It was sculpted during Licchavi
period, probably outside the valley and laboursely dragged here.
The snakes 11 hooded head rise protectively around Bishnus head. Narayans four hands
hold four symbols of Lord Vishnu: a chakra (representing a mind), a mace (primeval
knowledge), a conch shell (the four elements) and a lotus seed (a moving universe).
Devotee visit here all along the day, bringing offerings which they hand to Brahman
priest. The priests are the only ones allowed to walk around Lord Vishnus body. This
image created in the 7th or 8th century is the most impressive, if not the most
important, Lord Vishnu shrine in the country.

Patan Durbar Square : Patan also known as Lalitpur is the second largest city inside the
valley. Patan has a long Buddhist in uence and the four corners of the city are marked
by Stupas said to have been created by great Buddhist emperor around 250 BC. Durbar
Square forms the heart of Patan. The Durbar Square is closely packed with temples, and
with far more concentration of architecture then anywhere around the valley.
Extraordinary varieties of monuments built over centuries blend into a magical whole,
each perfectly been placed and balanced. Originally this was a site a pre-Licchavi
palace and later it became a favored site for the wealthy nobles who ruled Patan. Visit
Krishna Mandir an exquisite example of a stone architecture. Walk around the unique
Buddhist monastery of Golden temple. As you stroll through you will come across
neighborhood dedicated to metalworking or stone carving, past ancient bahals and
temples.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square : Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon is the third largest
town in the valley. The stone embedded street links a string of temples, monastery,
courtyards and monumental squares. You will quickly notice how vibrant the towns
cultural life is with strong communities of potters, woodcarvers and weavers. Bhaktapur
Durbar Square is much larger and much less crowded then compared to other two
durbar squares. Just upon entering the square you will notice the substitute signs of four
great Indian pilgrimage sites. Most recognizable is the nely carved Bansi Narayan
Mandir of Bishnu.
The northern side of the square is dominated by the royal palace, most of which dates
back 300-400 years. Back out in the square, fames palace of 55 windows stretches off
the east. Visit Nyatapola temple, this five-roofed standing 30 meters is the tallest temple
in Nepal, so perfectly balanced it has survived numerous earthquakes since its
construction in 1702. In Potters square you will see hundreds of vessels of all shapes and
size set out to dry. The brick paved windings street, interesting side lanes and courtyards
branching off it revels the heart of Bhaktapur.

Nagarkot hill : 35 kms from Kathmandu on the eastern rim of the valley is the hill of
Nagarkot (1,950m). This place offers a great mountain view. On a clear weather, views
extend all the way from Mt. Dhaulagiri in the west, past Mt. Everest to Kanchenjunga in
the west. While the mountains are relatively distant compared to the intimate view you
will experience. Nagarkot is also a famous destination for sunset and sunrise view.
Between Octobers to March the trip to Nagarkot will be always rewarded with the view.
If you walk an hour to the view tower at the highest southern point on the ridge will give
you 360 degrees view from a lookout tower on the ridge. Although you can make some
pleasant strolls in the surrounding country, there is an array of an interesting downhill

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return hikes.

Changunarayan temple : About 22 kms from Kathmandu, the beautiful temple of

Changunarayan stands at the eastern hilltop of the valley. It is the valley oldest proven
existing temple. Although the temple dates from 1702, the origins of the temple go back
to the fourth century. Changunarayan temple is endowed with glorious metal works and
woodcarvings and its courtyard is an authentic museum of a ne ancient stone
sculptures.
This double roofed temple is dedicated to lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan and
is exceptionally beautiful, with quite amazing intricate roof struts depicting multi-armed
Tantric deities. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple itself.
The much older images found in the temple courtyard are of equal interest. There are
various images of lord Vishnu carrying the symbols associated with the god in his four
hands. In the southwest corner, there are several notable images including Vishnu as
Narsingha, his man-lion incarnation. There are also several beautiful hikes that can be
started from or ended in Changunarayan.

Dhulikhel : 32 km from Kathmandu is the well preserved Newari town, mountain view
point, hiking and biking hub of Dhulikhel. The peaks on the view stretch from Langang
Lirung (7,246m) in the east through Dorje Lakpa (6966m) to the huge bulk of Gauri
Shankar (7,145) and Melungtse (7,181m) in the west. The magni cent sunrise and sunset
from Dhulikhel makes it one of the tourist attractions. The proximity to both natural
beauty and historic town has added to Dhulikhels charm.
The Old town is an interesting area to wander around, with some ne old Newari
buildings and several interesting temples. This area is comprised exclusively of four and
ve storey brick mansions, many with ornate wooden lattices in place of a glass window.
The older buildings held together only by mud mortar, show some serious crack from
the infamous 1934 earthquake. One night stay in Dhulikhel is always recommended to
explore this beautiful town and glimpse sunset and sunrise over Himalayas. The
surrounding country side offers interesting walks.

Dakshinkali : At the southern edge around 22kms from the valley cleft between two
hills and at the con uence of two rivers lies the temple of Dakshinkali. It is the famous
Hindu pilgrimage destination. This temple is dedicated to goddess Kali, and twice a
week faithful Nepalese journey here to satisfy her bloodlust. Frowning and emaciated,
with protruding tongue and red eyes, decked with necklace of skulls, Kali is an aspect of
Shivas consorts Durga, appearing in a fearsome way to battle the evil. Sacri ces are
made to the goddess on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the creatures to be sacri ces must
be uncastrated male animals. Saturday being
Sacri ces are made to the goddess on Tuesdays and Saturdays and the creatures to be
sacri ces must be uncastrated male animals. Saturday being a major sacri cial day
parade of goats, chickens, pigs and even buffalo are brought here to have their throat cut
from their head and the blood ows freely in the complex. During the annual
celebration of Dashain in October the temple is literally washed with blood and image
of Kali is bathed with it.
Non Hindus are not allowed into the actual compound where Kalis image resides.
Witnessing the sacri ce is the strange and for some confronting experience. The
pathway behind the main temple uphill offers good views.

Everest experience ight/Mountain ight : Are you in Nepal to view the majestic
mountains including the mighty Mount Everest? Do you have time to trek to the
mountains region of the country to glimpse magni cent Himalayas or trekking itself
does not interest you? If the answer to the latter is no and former is yes, do not worry you
can have a life time experience by hour long Everest experience ight. This scenic ight
departs every morning from Kathmandu domestic airport. This ight provides brief but
stunning views of an encyclopedic assortment of peaks. After taking off from
Kathmandu airport the ight curves and ies over Dhulikhel towards Jiri offering
panoramic views of peaks like Langtang (7246m), Mt. Shishapangma (8027m), Mt. Dorje
Lakpa (6975m) and Mt. Lapchi Kang(7367m). Now the ight banks towards north to
provide close-up view of four 8000s giants Mt. Makalu(8479m), Mt. Lhotse (8501m), Mt.
Everest (8848m) and Mt. Cho Oyu (8153m). It passes over Namche Bazaar and glides
back over Solu passing by Mt. Numbur (6956m) and the bulk of Gauri Shankar (7145m).
After completion of this scenic ight every passengers will be handed over the
completion certi cate stating that have felt Mt. Everest through their heart. Individual

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 window seat is always guaranteed in this ight. Whichever sides of the plane you may
choose to be seated you will have an equal chance to view the mighty Himalayas. This
ight is once in a life time experience. If you are coming to Nepal for very short period do
not miss this experience.

Authentic Nepali dinner with cultural shows : Do not miss to enjoy an authentic
Nepali dinner with cultural dinners once you are here in Kathmandu. This is one of the
wonderful experiences to taste typical Nepali food which we call Dal Baht with lentils.
You will be surprised with the variety of Nepalese dishes that will keep on coming. The
server with a gentle smile in their face will name you every item in Nepali as well as in
English language before serving you. Along with the food you will be kept entertained
with typical Nepali folk shows. You will get a chance to see the dance performance of
different ethnic groups of Nepal in theirs unique cultural uniform.
In this show, your taste buds will be engaged with delicious food and your eyes and ears
will be entertained by unique and beautiful Nepali traditional music. You will indeed
admire the live folk dance with their traditional musical instruments. The evening will
end, but the memory of this evening will last for a long time.

Bungmati & Kokana village : 10 kms from Kathmandu is a classic Newari twin village of
Bungmati and Kokana dating from the sixteenth century. This brick huddle atop a
hillock, centered in central square, is one of the better preserved Newari villages in the
valley. Bungmati is also a renowned center for woodcarving. There are many chaityas
and a huge prayer wheel. Between Bungmati and Khokana, the Karya Binayak Temple
is dedicated to lord Ganesh. The view from this place is spectacular.
Walk through the cobbled alley, pass several woodcarving shops. You will witness
traditional Nepalese life with woman weaving, knitting and hand sewing and men
working in their elds. This part of the valley has not been touched with modernization
yet and has not changed over the last couple of centuries. Walk 15 minutes from
Bungmati to arrive village of Khokana. Although smaller than Bugmati, this village has
retained many traditional aspects of Newari life and is famous for mustard oil press. The
street is always lined up with a woman sitting in the sun to spin wool, chat and massage
their babies. At the end of the square is a multistoried temple to the local mother
goddess Shekali Mai. Morning, excursion to these twin village is always recommended.

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