|
The capital of Nepal, named after the Kasthmandap
temple, is the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal Kathmandu
valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336 above sea level and covers
an area of 218 sq. miles. The rich tapestry of the cultureal heritage
of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmadu Valley, the home of the
ancient and sopisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous
inhabitants of the Valley and the creators of splendid cilvilization
of its three ciities- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The skillfully-built
temples and palaces, delicately engraved stones and meatl images,
avrved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines
and chaityas of these three historical cities stand as paradigm
of the Newar's artistic achievements.
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
Swoyambhunath
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chityas. It is said
to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire bases
are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 Km west of Kathmandu
city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the level of Kathmandu
Valley. It is also known as Monkey temple because many monkies can
be found around this temple |
|
|
Pashupatinath Temple
Situate 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath,
with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the
holiest shrines for the Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside
the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities
performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati
river.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hanumandhoka
(Kathmandu
Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with
its old temples and places, epitoizes the religious and cultural
life of the people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned
and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see
here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549
AD, Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar,
Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the
|
|
|
|
statue of King Pratap Malla, the
Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. On the right hand corner,
a large wooden lattic screen hides an enormous gilded face os
Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra
festival.
There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside
the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibitd
inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesday
and government holidays. |
 |
|
|
|
 |
|
Narayanhity Durbar (Royal Palace)
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout
called Narayanhity is sitatd at the northern corner of the Palace.
|
|
|
|
Singha Durbar
A grand imposing palace built on the new-clasical style, Singha Durbar
was the private residance of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the
Secretariat of His Majestry's Government of Nepal.
|
|
|
|
Boudhanath
The stupa of Boudhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient
colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the centre
of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. |
|
|
|
|
Gokarna
The lovely Royal Games Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park,
lies about 10 km north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as
spoteed deer can be viewed in the sancturay from an elephant back.
One the northen side of Gokarna, is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
|
|
|
Sundarijal
It is famous for its scenic beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls,
cataracts and rock fomations. It is an ideal picnic spot-just a short
hike away from the motorable road.
|
|
|
Kirtipur
It is a small town, 8 km southwest of Kathmandu atop a hill. Tribhuvan
University, Nepal's premier seat of education, is located at the foothills
of Kirtipur. This historic town has many things to offers like old
shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the folks are typically
dressed in traditional costumes, and can be spotted working on looms.
|
| |
