Famous Sight Seeing Places of Nepal Kathmandu Valley - Sight seeing TourSightseeing kathmandu valley tourThe valley of Kathmandu is covered with hundreds of Hindu and Buddhist divinities. At every turn, one encounters beautiful pagodas, intricately carved wooden windows, huge stones images and inconspicuous shrines. For in Nepal, the practice of religious puja is a part of everyday life. Teeming with images of gods and goddesses, crowded with temples and shrines, the city streets and country roads of Kathmandu valley seem like a museum, a museum without walls, where Kathmandu valley is filled with temples having struts decorated with intricate design.
Legend has said that Kathmandu valley was once a great lake and Manjushree is said to have slashed a hill, which is presently known as Chovar, to drain the water to give us Kathmandu valley, as we know it. Today it is no longer an expansive watery body but a vast lake of architectural and cultural wonders.
Place to see in Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Durbar Square
In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built. Duly recognized as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO- this particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of the city. It is the historic seat of royalty. Clustered around the central Durbar Square is the old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), which serves as a museum that chronicles the life of the past rulers of Nepal, numerous interesting temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess, the Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood), built probably in the 12th century, a wonderful example of craftsmanship made from a single tree & from which Kathmandu derived its present name. An inquisitive exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and architecture of Nepal , which has proved to be a masterpiece to everyone accepting its genuineness.
Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century. The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square . There are also Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.
Some of the important monuments to be seen here are: Taleju temple:
The tallest of all structures built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
Jagannath temple:
Built in the 16th century, known for fascinating erotic figures carving the wooden strata eaves.
Kal Bhairav :
One of the largest stone idols in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspects of Shiva.
Statue of King Pratap Malla:
It is in praying gesture to Taleju, the royal family deity right across.
Kumari Ghar:
It is a17th century Kumari temple, an example of the highly developed Nepalese temple craft. This residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace : The building has profusely carved wooden blaconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
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 from the timber of a single tree. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The Kathmandu City derives its name from the same temple, Kasthamandap.
Swyambhunath:
This temple is one of the world's most enchanting glorious and the oldest Buddhist stupas. It is said to be more than 2000 years old. This glorious manmade landmark is three kilometers west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley . Referred to as the monkey temple, this instantly recognizable structure with the all-seeing eyes of the Lord Buddha, Painted on the four sides of the spire bases, the symbol of Buddha's clairvoyant powers, is also the symbol of the capital city. The Stupa of Swayambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus Mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley. Its main feature the white dome is identified with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a thirteen-tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted on the dome. From the platform of the spot the splendid changing view of the valley could be seen with the monkeys running here and there.
Pashupatinath:
Pashupatinath is Nepal 's holiest Hindu Pilgrimage site (followed by the remote Muktinath in the Himalaya ). Like Varanasi in India - although on a much smaller scale - it is a time-warp of temples, cremation ghats, ritual bathers and bearded, half-naked sadhus (religious mendicants). Dedicated to Lord Shiva (one of the Hindu trinity), the shrines and temples of Pashupatinath straddle the now-polluted Bagmati river which, like the Ganges , is considered sacred by the faithful. To die and to be cremated here is to be released from samsara (the cycle of rebirth in this world). This wooded ravine near the golf course and airport is considered to be one of the abodes of Lord Shiva who is the patron deity (in one of his more benign forms) of Nepal . Pashupati is another name for Shiva and means 'Lord of the Animals'.
Boudhanath
Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal . The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. It is the biggest stupa in the Valley. The stupa, well known as Khasti, is also known as the World Heritage Site. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. It lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu . The Bouddha area Preservation & Development Committee runs an information center
Budhanilkantha:
Situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley, Buddhanilkantha temple is 9 km from Kathmandu city. The temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. It is believed that ages before two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were ploughing their field.
Besides Budhanilkantha temple, there are two sets of exactly similar, but smaller statues of 'sleeping Vishnu' in the Valley. One set is in the Balaju garden and the other is hidden in the old garden of Hanuman Dhoka Palace of Kathmandu city. A prophetic dream of King Pratap Malla generated the belief that the King of Nepal should never visit Buddhanilkantha temple on threat of death. He then built the similar statue in two places
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.
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 water spouts are 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.
Kaisar Library:
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.
Balaju Water Garden:
Situated about five kilometers North-west of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile headed water spout dating from the mid eighteenth century. There is also a swimming pool inside the park.
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.
Guheswari Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari . 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.
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.
Chobhar :
Located 9km southwest of Kathmandu , this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque Adinath temple on the top of a hill from where one can take in a spectacular view of snow topped giant Himalayan 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 Temple:
This Temple is situated in south-west of Kathmandu valley and 45 minutes drive from Kathmandu . The sanctuary and its surroundings are dedicated to goddess Kali, the deity who claims at least twice (Tuesday and Saturday) a week a good portion of fresh animal blood. Usually cocks, he goats are being sacrifice for under Hindu rule, never a female animal should be killed. On the way, the sight of the gorge is impressive and it is worthwhile to walk down and across the old suspension bridge, throwing a glance down into the very narrow and deep chasm. Near the village of Pharping , the pleasant spot called Sheka Narayan. There is pond filled with crystal clear
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