Cultural tour in Kathmandu

Kathmasndu Durbar Square

kathmasndu-durbar-squareKathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is well known spot of cultural heritage in the world. The word "Kathmandu" is said to have been derived from the wood "Kasthamandup" means a wooden house from a single tree. Mainly in Kathmandu valley, the big cities Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur are famous for their own specialties. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the attractions cultural heritages listed in world Heritage by UNESCO. People call it "Hanuman Dhoka". Kathmandu Durbar Square is taken as the old- Place of kings in ancient Nepal. We can observe museum where the valuable goods used by kings in Nepal are safely kept. The square occupies many temples of Hindus. The Durbar square stands in the heart of Kathmandu.

Sky Bhairab Temple

This temple locales within Kathmandu Durbar square, resembling the divine image of the sky Bhairab. It is the three storied temple standing at Indra Chowk. The Sky Bhairab is displayed outside for a week-long period during the great festival "Indra Jatra", celebration of Indra, the king of Heaven & God of Rain.

Hanuman Gate

Hanuman Dhoka of Kathmandu is taken as the historic throne of the past royalty, particularly belonging to the Malla kings. The ages-old temples reflect the religious and cultural richness. Taleju temple built in 1549, a gigantic stone figure exposing fearful figure of the Black Bhairab which Hindus regard it as the God of Destruction. The stone pillar, image of white Bhairab, the nine stored Basantapur palace, the gigantic bell and the great Drums are main attractions. The main golden gate is guarded by the monkeys and a faithful servant of Lord Ram Chandra, the unanimous Hero of the ancient epic "Ramayan". Being guarded by the sole protector with a commercial umbrella suspended above his head and wrapped in a scarlet cloak, squats on a stone plinth to be respected by hundred of Nepalese and Indian Hindus.

Kumari Temple

kumari-templeThe temple and holy quadrangle with a Buddhist Stupa at the centre from the residential quarters of the chaste virgin living Goddess is called Kumari Ghar (temple of Kumari). The traditional building has been carved wooden balconies and window screens. The non-followers of Hindus and Buddhist may enter in Courtyard but may not proceed beyond upstairs. The KUMARI receives their greetings from the window of the balcony, particularly made for her and snapshot is strictly prohibited.

Kasthamandap

This holy house is situated nearly the temple of Kumari. The unique building of Kasthamandap is also named as "Marusatal". It was built in 1596 A.D by the Malla king, Laxmi Narsingh Malla. Kasthamandap has sheltered totally Hindu Gods, especially Gorakh Nath. It is believed that Kasthamandup is made up of the woods of a single tree. It deserves both the ancient architecture and art of wood carving of the rulers.

The Taleju Temple

It is the tallest of all structures, built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. This temple is opened to the public for one day during Dashain festival yearly.

The Jagannath Temple

It was built in 16th century and is well-known for the fascinating erotic figures carved on the wooden struts.

The Kal Bhairav

It is one of the largest 17th century store statue in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva.

Swet Bhairav

During Indra Jatra festival, this temple is opened for public once in a year

Nautalle Durbars (Nine-storyed palace)

Kathmandu, derived from the word "Kasthamandap" is the capital and the largest city of Nepal resembling cultural, political and architectural richness. Once, it was known as "Kantipur". The valley is surrounded by green mountains and in winter white Himalayas are displayed to the north. It is rumoured that it was big lake and Manjushree cut the mountain with his mighty sword and all water flowed out from the place called "Chobhar" and this valley originated. This valley is the main residential area of Newar community with their unique mother tongue, costumes, handicrafts, festivals and worshipping God and Goddess.

Swayambhu Nath Stupa

The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest and greatest Budhist stupas in the world and glorious site of Nepal. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu and 77m above on the hill from the level of Kathmandu valley. Swayamnhu Nath Stupa is called "Monkey Temple" by most of the tourists. It is said to be 2000 years old by Manjushree. Painted on the four sides of the base of spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha keeping an eternal watch on the valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. It is listed by UNESCO in world Heritage List. The main structure of brick and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small stupas, gompas and pagoda temples. In front of the temple, one of the famous goddess with the shrine of Ajima called "Harati Mata" is there. The temple of goddess is believed be famous in the trantic warp. The stupa of Buddha and temple of goddess are surrounded by temples and Tibetan monasteries.

Asan

Ason is the busiest market place for all kinds of important things such as vegetables, kitchenware, clothes, handicrafts, Chinese goods, seeds of crops etc. Asan has six roads following to different directions. The three stroyed pagoda style Annapurna temple plays a pivotal role in most festivals held and is dedicated to the Goddess of Grains.

Thamel

Thamel, which lies in the heart of Kathmandu is also called "small-Europe". Actually, this place gives the visitors a glimpse of western cultures in all sectors. It is a unique and different place in Kathmandu and best tourist area in Nepal. The goods such as Pasmina clothes, wooden carved idols, handicrafts, ornaments, musical instruments, verities of dishes of different countries, highly facilitated hotels, restaurants and bars, book shops, cyber cafes and travel agencies have made this area as tourist centers. The activities such as fooding, visiting, marketing (shopping) run here till late night.

Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower)

The Dharahara tower is 50.5m tall and was built by the then Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832. Once it was closed to the public and it has been recently opened again and any one can go up after paying the entrance fee Visitors can have some foods within its premises and have good snapshots that can be developed immediately. The 3600 astounding view of the Kathmandu valley is well worth the long climbing up the spiraling staircase.

Dream Garden:

The garden of Dreams is built by the then Prime Minister Bir Shumsher JBR in 1895 and was inherited by son Keshar Shumsher JBR as a wedding gift. A learned man made the garden as the spot of art. It included a fabulous lawn. It is wooded area which is enriched with birds, flowers and ducks in the pond. Within Garden, wall, Keshar Shumsher created an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture and European features of verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns and bird houses. He erected six freestanding pavilions each dedicated to one o the six seasons of Nepal namely Basanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Barsha (monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn) and Sishir (winter). Later Keshars family bequeathed some portion of the Keshar Mahal including his garden and Keshar Library to the government. Now it is opened for the public with restaurants and bar to rise for its upkeep.

Pashupatinath Temple

pashupatinath-templePashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest and most powerful temples of Hindus in the world, is situated 5km east of Kathmandu. This is the temple of Lord Shiva, known as creator and destroyer in the Hindu religion and appears in many forms. Pashupatinath temple lies between Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) and Bauddha, standing on the bank of a holy river the Bagmati with two storyed golden roof and silver doors and superb architecture. The pilgrims throughout the world center in this temple on the day of Shivaratri (birthday of God Shiva). Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and visitors can clearly see the temples and activities. Pashupatinath is also listed in world Heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. From time, the Pashupatinath area has contained numerous temples, stupas, monasteries, images and inscriptions. Everyday, many numerous dead bodies of Hindu followers are cremated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. It is being under immemorial the supervision of Pashupati Development Area (PDA).

Bouddhanath Stupa

bouddha-nathBouddhanath stupa is the largest shrine of Buddhists, lies to the 8 km east of Kathmanu in the midst of Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa stands on the massive three level Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private houses. The stupa is bigger than Swayambhunath stupa and said to have been built in 5th century A.D. Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist Monasteries in the world and is listed in world Heritage List by UNESCO in 1979. The stupa is the centre of learning, cultural activities, payers and meditation. You should always circle around the stupa in a clock wise direction. While entering the surrounding gompas, you must take off your shoes and take permission before taking photos and must not step over Monks cushions. The major gompas around Bouddhanath stupa are Kargyupa, Sakyapa, Nyingmapa and Gelugpa Gompas.

Budhanilkantha

The shrine of the sleeping Vishnu, also know as "The Reclining Vishnu" is located 8 km north of Kathmandu, known as Budhanilakantha. Budhanilkantha is situated below Shivapuri hill, possibly the largest image of lord Vishnu. The five yard long, colossal of lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. Budhanilkantha is the pilgrimage for all Hindus and the scene of great activity at such festivals as Haribodhani Ekadashi and Kartik Poornima. The statue of Vishnu is carved on the single black stone in the pond. Budhanilkantha is rumored that it is found by a couple while ploughing in ancient time and started to worship. It is said that reigning Kings of Nepal may not visit this spot, otherwise they be harmed according to old tradition. It is one of the exciting sight seeing spot.

Kirtipur town

Kirtipur is known as "the city of glory" which is located to the 8 km south west of Kathmandu. Nepals central University "Tribhuvan University" stands at the foot of the hill this town was founded by Shiva Dev between 1099 and 1126 B.C historically, it is famous for its resistance against the invasion of Gorkhas. The king of Gorkha Prithivi Narayan Shah attacked there time to conquer this city. There are many small and big temples and stupas scattered around the city the Baghvhairav Temple and the Chilamchu stupa are major religious sites most of the inhabitants are farmers here. Besides it, spinning and weaving are prevailed here. The houses are still carrying vivid carved windows.

Chobhar

Chobhar is situated 9 km south west of Kathmandu. Legends say that there was very big lake in Kathmandu valley and the god Manjushree cut of the hill with his sword to outlet the water and when all water drained out, then settlements originated in the valley. At present, it has been famous for its deep gorge. The Adinath Temple on the top of hill is picturesque from where complete views of snowcapped mountains can be taken. The most remarkable things of the temple are numerous water vessels, pots and pans nailed to boards all along the building. A massive stone Shikkara is beloved to be the entrance to a stone cave that cuts through the hill, emerging at the Chobhar Cave.

Dakshinkali Temple

The temple of Dakshinkali is 22 km south of Kathmnandu, passing though Pharping village. The temple was built by Pratap Malla in the 17 th century. The temple is one of the famous Hindu pilgrimages dedicated to Goddess Kali or "Southern Kali". A number of devotes arrive here on Tuesday and Saturday every week to sacrifice animals offering goddess Kali. According to mythology, Goddess Durga had killed demon and drank blood. It is believed that she gives energy and will power to her devotees. The six armed goddess, trampling a male human, stands in the company of Ganesh, seven Ashta Matrikas and a stone image of Bhairav. In the inner santum, there is black stone idol of Kali. Besides, religious popularity, this spot has become a famous picnic spot. Every year half million pilgrims visit here.

Nagarkot

There are many spectacular mountains in Nepal which serve unimaginable features to onlookers. Among them, around Kathmandu valley, Nagarkot is known as the best tourist resort. Nagarkot lies to 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m best tourist spot. Most of the never miss to visit Nagarkot for heart touching views of sunrise and sunset. Spending a night here is superb one. Tourists can get facilities for lodging and fooding as their wishes because of the excellent lodges and hotels you can reach their by car, van or bus with easy drive through Bhaktapur. You can have the panoramic views of the eastern giant Himalays such as Mt. Everest (8,848m) , Ganesh Himal (7,111m), Langtang (7,246m) Gaurishankar (7134m) and Mt. Manasalu (8,156m) clearly an the clear weathered days.

Kakani

Kakani is one of the most beautiful destinations for tourists. It is located at an altitude of 2,037m and 29 km northwest of Kathmandu. It is famous for the fabulous and magnificent views of panoramic snow giants. From the hilltop, excellent views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli (7893m), Manasalu (8163m), Annapurna (8094m ), Gaurishanker (7134), Choba Bamte (6,016m), Dorje Lakpa and so on Kakani is one of the famous picnic spot for the people in Kathmandu located besides the rode heading for Trishuli, During spring wild flowers cover the hillside. The trekking begins at Balaju (Kathmandu) and terminates at Kaule from where road bifurcates.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is ancient town located at 32 km. east of Kathmandu along the Araniko Highway (Kathmandu-Kodari), the way to Tibet and famous for its scenic beauty and tradition-lovely place. It is 3 km away from Banepa. Dhulikhel in small town inhabited by Newar community but one of the best vantage points to view the great range of mountains like; Annapurna Range, Langtang, Gaurishanker, Choba Bhamte etc. There are resorts and tourist /visitors can stay overnight there.

Namo Buddha

Name Buddha which means "Hail the Buddha" is situated at an altitude of 1,700m above Panauti, 30 km. east of Kathmandu. It is one of the famous holy places for Buddhists and Hindus pilgrims. It needs to drive or hike, walk to be there. There is an amazing story concerning Buddha being commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all jeeing eyes of Lord Buddha it is an ideal place for meditation.

The trek to Namobuddha starts from Tudhikhel (1,600m) from where a rough trails climbs steeply to Kavre, a village inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetris, Tamangs and Newars. In clear weather, there you can have good magnificent views of snowy massifs to the north and peaks such as Gang Chenpo (6,390m), Dorje Lakpa (6,990m), Pharb Chyachu (6,658m) and Gaurishanker (7,145m). After two hour uphill walk, the ancient pilgrimage Name Buddha is reached. There is a small village around the stupa and the top of the hill is adorned with prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries