Kathmandu City
Known as Kantipur, Kathmandu is the capital of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kashtamandap temple - the source of the name Kathmandu and is supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has a jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as entrance to the temple is strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of the annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February or March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Located approximately 4 kilometers west of Thamel, this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Patan Durbar Square
5 kilometers away from Kathmandu city is Patan, also known as Lalitpur, and is the city of fine arts. Enclosed within the city are 4 stupas which are said to have been built in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka.
You will also visit Durbar square the ancestral palace of the former Nepal Royals, the Krishna Temple built by Kind Siddhi Narsingh Malla, Hiranya Varna Mabavihar and Mahadouddha Temple.
A trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be included during your visit to Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and mounding of metal statues.
The main attractions in Patan
Besides the above mentioned places to visit there are other significant sites to be visited:
- Golden Temple
- Kumbheshwar
- Krishna Mandir
- Jagat Narayan
- Mahaboudha
- Ashokan Stupa
- Machchhendranath Temple
- The Tibetan Camp
Bhadgaon
Also known as Bhaktapur, meaning the city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 km away from Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4,600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon you will visit the Durbar Square with its array of temples, overlooking the Palace of 55 Windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. Here you will also visit the Taleju Temple which is the best example of Pagoda style structure in Nepal and stands on five terraces, on each of which stands a pair of figures, two strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc.
A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship and is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Palace of 55 Windows
Being built by King Yaksha Mall in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th Century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved and is a masterpiece of wood carving.
This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. and is well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu valley.
