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 jilted roof and
richly carved silver doors. Visitors will
be permitted to view the temple from the
east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the
temple being strictly forbidden to all non
Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual
pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which
falls in the month of February/March. Behind
the temple are the cremation grounds.
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 direction
keeping watch for righteous behavior and
human prosperity. This Buddhis 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 priest.
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4
kilometers and 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, like its counterpart
in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange
of palace buildings, artistic courtyards
and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as
a World Heritage Site, the former royal
palace complex is the center of Patan's
religious and social life, and houses a
museum containing an array of bronze statues
and religious objects. One remarkable monument
here is a 17th-century temple dedicated
to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely
of stone.
Beside above mentioned places to visit there
are other significant sites to be visited:
1. Golden Temple
2. Kumbheshwar
3. Krishna Mandir
4. Jagat Narayan
5. Mahaboudha
6. Ashokan Stupa
7. Machchhendranath Temple
8. The Tibetan Camp
Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four
square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of
devotees still retains a medieval charm
and visitors to this ancient town are treated
to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic
achievements. The past glory of the Malla
rules continues to be reflected at the
Darbar Square. Pottery and waving are its
traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous
for woodcarving and the traditional topi
or cap. The city lies about 14 km east
of Kathmandu. The places of interest include
Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the National Art
Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath
Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya
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 is placed on
a column facing the palace. It was listed
in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List
in 1979.
Being built by King Yaksha Mall in 1427 A.D.
and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla
in 17th Century, the balcony and the windows
are intricately carved is a masterpiece
of wood carving.
This five storied Pagoda Style temple was
built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708
A.D. well known for its massive structure
and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest
pagoda structure in the Kathmandu valley.
Nagarkot is a famous place to see the mountain
ranges and sunrise. It lies at an altitude
of 2211m and is located 30 km north east
of Kathmandu. If weather is good, one can
see great views of Himalayas including
Annapurna, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri
Shanker, Ganesh Himala. The mountain flight
that goes each day to show Everest and
other Himalayas from Kathmandu goes via
the Nagarkot route.
Many visitors go to Nagarkot to see sunrise.
Once the sun begins to rise from behind the
Himalayas, it looks spectacular as mountain
changes its color. However to see the sunrise,
visitors has to go to Nagarkot 4 o'clock
in the morning.
Changunarayan is situated at the end of a
long ridge which runs well into the valley,
it is said to have been built in 323 AD
by King Hari Datta Varma. The temple is
richly decorated with sculptures and carvings.
It is said to be the oldest temple in the
valley.
