Brief Description Of The Places To Visit In Kathmandu:
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations as enlisted in World Heritage Sites. Clustered around the central Durbar Square are the old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name. An exquisitive exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and architecture of Nepal.
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 jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, as entrance to the temple is strictly forbidden to non Hindu. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March.
Boudhanath Stupa:
This Stupa, situated 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, is one of the biggest stupa in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Joiner. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is encircled by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.
Swayambhunath Stupa:
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.
Brief Description Of The Places To Visit In Patan:
Patan Durbar Square:
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.
The main attractions in Patan:
Besides the above mentioned places to visit, there are other significant sites to be explored:
- Golden Temple
- Kumbheshwar
- Krishna Mandir
- Jagat Narayan
- Mahaboudha
- Ashokan Stupa
- Machchhendranath Temple
- Tibetan Refugee Camp