Kathmandu valley:

Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal . The beautiful rolling green hills and shimmering snow peaks surround it. In the ancient time the valley was a big Lake and a monk named Majushree came from China and drained the valley and started settlement. Kathmandu valley is also known as a city of temples and Stupas. The popular heritage sites in the valley are: -

Pashupatinath   Temple : - Literarily Pasupatinath means Lord of all the Living things. According to the Hindu religious belief Lord Pasupatinath is the almighty God and savior of all human beings. It is therefore said that all Hindu should pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath at least once in their lifetime for their eternal peace and salvation. It is believed that Lord Shiv with Sakti is the center of the creation, savior and destruction.            Top†

Boudhanath Stupa: - It is the biggest Stupa In south Asia built in the fifth century. Before the present day Stupa was build, it was an overnight camp of Tibetan businessman. The Tibetan Merchants used to offer prayer at the Stupa, which they had built during their trade trip to Nepal and India .
It was a like a camp of Tibetan traders. In 1950 it was a refugee camp of Tibetans. Later it was named "Little Tibet". Today it is best site to observe Tibetan lifestyle, culture and religious practices of monks. It is also popular for Tibetan Jewelry, hand-woven carpets, thankas, masks, khukuri knives and many more Tibetan products.            Top†

Kathmandu Durbar Square : - Located at the heart of city center, Kathmandu Durbar square was the royal residence of united Nepal . Today it is a center of tourist attraction for ancient palaces and skyscraper temples. There are hundreds of temples including the temple of the living Goddess "The Kumari". The erotic carving, fierce image of Kalbhairab, Garuda, and monky god Hanuman are some of the outstanding images. Around the square there are very traditional Newari restaurants. It is the best shopping place for curios and antiques, flutes, woodcarving, masks, handloom products, souvenirs and many more. It is a worth visiting site of Kathmandu valley.            Top†

Swoyambhunath Stupa: - Located on a small hillock, Swoyambhunath overlooks the Kathmandu city. Swoyambhunath has the legend relating to the present day Kathmandu valley that in the very ancient time the valley was a Lake and Bodhisattva Majusree who had traveled all the way from China had settled on the hill surrounded by lake. He meditated and got enlighted with Buddha preaching then he cut a gorge in the southern side of the Lake to drain the valley. Later during the course of time men began to settle in the valley. The hilltop was holly place where the Swoyambhu's light (the self- existent Lord) was existed. Later it was covered and by the thirteenth century more layers were added to the original one. Swoyambhunath stupa is the most ancient in the world. It is the center of religious harmony in Nepal . There are many stupas around the main stupa. The biggest image of Shakyamuni Buddha is there. Stupas and temples surround the whole hill in one hand and on the other the wonderful botanical garden is one of the leisure place of Nepal .            Top†

Patan Durbar Square : - Patan Durbar square is also one of the best architecture sites of Nepal . The Krishna Temple built by stone is an outstanding example of Shikhar Saili architecture of Nepal
On the wall scenes from the Mahabharat, the greatest mythological war is carved. The Sundari Chowk is another example of best and wonderful woodcarving in Nepal . In side the Patan Durbar square there are many temples and nearby the square famous Buddha stupas are located. The site is worth visiting to enjoy the ancient architecture, which dates back thirteen centuries.            Top†

Bhaktapur Durbar Square : - Bhaktapur city was founded in 889 AD. It is 13 km east from Kathmandu . The famous fifty-five windows palace was the royal palace of Malla king. It is now a museum of ancient history, arts and architectures. Nyatapola, a five-tired temple is looks like the hanging tower of Pisa is the wonderful piece of ancient art and architecture. The Golden gate is an example of the metal work of Mediaval Nepal . Bhaktapur, in fact is the best site of the valley to visit.In the Kathmandu valley the three separate Durbar squares were the capital of separate kings. There was a keen competition among the three kings to develop their kingdom basically in the field of art and architectures and the three Durbar Squares are the result of it.            Top†

Budhanilakantha   Temple : - Budhanilkantha is about 10km north from Kathmandu city center. Nearby the temple a huge statue of Lord Vishnu is laying, which is believed some thousand years old but it shows the stage lying on the cosmic water before the universe was created. It is a great holly site for all Hindus. Budhanilakantha is just below the Shivpuri national park, a popular tourist destination.            Top†

Changunarayan temple: - It is an ancient historic place preserved by UNESCO as a heritage site. Located on the northeast side of the valley Changunarayan is on a small hill overlooking the surrounding valley. The temple is very ancient one in Nepal built by the then King Manadeva. The carving and architectures of the temple dates back the early civilization of the modern age.           Top†

Dakshinkali   Temple : - Dakshinkali is named after the name of Goddess "Kali". It is located 18 km south of Kathmandu city center. The area is rich in bio-diversity and wildlife. It is also a center of rare bird watching. Hindu believes that Goddess Kali is the source of energy and power. They worship the goddess throughout the year in different occasions mostly during the period of the great festival the Dashain.            Top†

Chobhar gorge: - Chobhar is the place where Manjushree (The Chinese monk who had settled the city in the valley) had cut a gorge and drained the water of Kathmandu valley. It lies on the way to Dakshinkali. The sound of roaring water in a narrow tunnel deep down to the gorge below the suspension bridge is awful. It is worth visiting.            Top†

Godavari   Royal   Botanical Garden : - Below the 2700m high Phulchoki hill, Godavari is the biggest and beautiful botanical garden of Nepal . It is famous for film shooting and picnic. Wide verities of plants and flowers are collected there. It is a popular tourist destination too.

TOURIST DESTINATIONS AROUND KATHMANDU : -

Nagarkot: - Nagarkot is popular tourist destination for the panoramic view of the great Himalayas and surrounding rolling green hills and valleys. There are world-class hotels and restaurants. The Everest view tour is a common attraction to all to view the Mount Everest to the far east. Located on an altitude of 2099m Nagarkot is the best place for the beautiful sunrise.            Top†

Kakani: - To the northwest of Kathmandu valley, Kakani is a best place fort the skyline view of Gaurisankar, Langtang, Ganesh, Manslu, Himalchuli Himal and many others. A one-hour drive from Kathmandu to the hilltop, Kakani is a pristine hill station.            Top†

Phulchoki: - Phulchoki is the tallest hilltop among the surrounding hills of the valley. It is popular destination for bird watching where some 250-bird species have been noticed. Beside bird watching Phulchoki is also popular for rich vegetation and rare wildlife. Phulchoki is most demanded destination for a day hike trip.            Top†

Chandagiri: - It is located south of Kathmandu valley popular for diverse cultural heritages and lifestyle. It is the best viewpoint to enjoy the Kathmandu valley and the Himalaya range to north and east. A day trip is the best option to visit the top of Chandagiri.            Top†

Nagarjun: - On the west side of the valley Nagarjun is rich in its vegetation and wildlife. The hill track is perfect for mountain biking. The summer palace of the royal family is located there.            Top†

Shivapuri:- On the north of the valley Shivapuri is the most beautiful hill among the surrounding hills. It is the main source of water for Kathmandu valley. The rich wildlife and vegetation and the Monastery are its major attractions. Shivapuri is best for a day hike and also is a part of the three-day trek from Kathmandu – Shivapuri- Trisuli -Chisapani- Nagarkot.            Top†

Dhulikhel: - Dhulikhel is another famous tourist destination of Nepal . It lies on the way to Tibet border 60km east from Kathmandu . There are very comfortable hotels and lodges. Dhulikhel is famous for a clear view of the Himalayas . A one-day cycle tour connecting Dhulikhel, Namobuddha and Panauti is popular to enjoy the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley.            Top†

Daman:- is on the south of Kathmandu on the way to Hetauda. A three-hour comfortable drive from Kathmandu reaches Daman . Daman is the best viewpoint to view Everest from a closer look from the periphery of Kathmandu . It is also one of the best hill station of Nepal .

TOURIST DESTINATIONS BEYOND KATHMANDU VALLEY

Manakamana: - Manakamana is about 100km from Kathmandu on the way to Pokhara and Chitawan. There is a temple of Manakamana Devi (The Goddess of wishes fulfiling), who fulfills the prayers' wish. After three hours drive to Krintar a 10 minutes cable car ride over the mighty Trisuli River takes to reach the temple. It is located on a hill that overlooks the Trisuli basin and the hill settlements. Manakamana visit can be made a part of Pokhara or Chitawan trip.            Top†

Gorkha: - Gorkha is the Historic place of Nepal from where the late great king Prithivi Narayan Shah had unified Nepal in one country under one roof. The Gorkha Durbar, the royal palace of the late the great king is the best site to observe and experience the 300-year-old administrative system of Nepal . Gorkha is the gateway to Manaslu trek and expedition.            Top†

Lumbini: - Lumbini is holly shrine for Buddhist as well as Hindus. Shiddhartha, prince of Kapilbastu later Shakyamuni Buddha and today Gautam Buddha was born at Lumbini 2600 years ago. Mayadevi, mother of Gautam Buddha gave birth him on the way to her maternal home. His father wanted him to become a great emperor but on the contrary prince Shiddhartha left the palace at midnight and disappear in the search of peace. On a full moon night in Bodhgaya he had a direct realization of Nirvana and eternal peace. Then the mortal prince transformed into Buddha. Buddha is called the light of Asia and the prophet of Buddhism in the world. He traveled the world preaching Buddhism. Today Buddhism has become the main religion of millions of people. Lumbini the only one holly place to all Buddhists is in Nepal . The popular sites in Lumbini garden are a Ashoka pillar built by the emperor Ashoka in 250BC, Mayadevi temple, pool where Lord Gautam Buddha had his first bath and many other ancient sites.

According to the master plan prepared by a Japanese architect Kenzo Tange Lumbini, now is being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage site by Lumbini development trust, The Lumbini village is being developed as a tourist residential village with all facilities. There are different stupas and Gompas developed by different countries like China , Japan , Thailand , Srilanka , Korea , Burma and others. Lumbini is not only a holly land but also a peace land too where you can have peace in its true meaning.            Top†

Tansen: - Tansen is one of most popular hill station of Nepal . It is nearly 350kmsouth west of Kathmandu . It is one the way to Lumbini from Pokhara. On the hill top, Srinagar is a fantastic viewpoint from where one can enjoy the low land of Terai and the world highest and longest Himalaya range at a time. Tansen Bazaar is a very ancient Bazaar of Nepal and traditionally operated. The handloom and metal work of Tansen is famous even in the outside Nepal .            Top†

Royal   Chitawan   National Park : - Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in term of wild life and vegetations. There are 14 National parks expanding from the low land of 100m. to 8848m above the sea level. Citawan national park is one of the richest national park in the world in vegetation and wildlife. In early days it was a hunting reserve of the then rulers the Ranas. Later government declared it as a protected area under the name of Royal Chitawan National Park . The attractions of the park are royal Bengal tiger, one horned rhino, migrated and local birds, elephants, and many more wild animals. Roaming around the National park on the elephant back is the most exciting moment. Inside the park and outside there are luxurious hotels and restaurants. The excess is easy and comfortable by both air and surface.            Top†

Jomsom: - Out of the 75 districts of Nepal Mustang is one of most prominent Himali district famous for tourist. Jomsom is the districts headquarter located at 3000m above the sea level. It is famous for its traditional culture and lifestyle. Muktinath, located on an altitude of 3749m above the sea level, is holly site where both Buddhists and Hindus visit every year for holly bath and get eternal peace and salvation from the cycle of rebirth. Upper Mustang or Lo Mangthang is another famous tourist destination. Lo Mangthang, the walled capital city of Mustang was known as the hidden kingdom of Nepal .            Top†


Damodar Kunda:- is another holly lake of Mustang where many Nepali and Indian devotees visit to have a holly bath. The world famous river the Kaligandaki is originated from Damodar Kunda, is another tourist attraction for rafting. The long Kaligandaki basin is famous for Saligram (Balck stone). Kaligandaki gorge is the worlds' deepest gorge and a comfortable trekking valley of the world.            Top†

Gosaikund: - Located about 4000m above the sea level, Gosaikund is a famous holly shrine of Hindu and Buddhist. According to the Puran, Lord Shiv had gone into the icy Kund (lake) to calm down his burning throat from the poison he had swallowed, which had appeared during the time of Samundra Manthan. Devotees say that there is an image of Lord Shiv underneath of the Kund. Nearby the Gosaikund there are many glassier lakes, which are also, consider as holly Kund. Gosaikund is the nearest trekking destination inside the virgin part of the great Himalayas from Kathmandu            Top†
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Namche Bazaar: - Namche Bazaar is the gate way to Mt. Everest base camp, Khumbu valley and many other Himali destinations. It is a beautiful Himali settlement of Sherpas. Living with the Sherpas for few days sharing their culture and tradition is an opportunity to experience the Himali Tibetan based culture, tradition and life style.            Top†

Pokhara Valley and Around: -
Pokhara is the finest natural city of the world. It is Nepal 's tourism capital and the second largest tourist destination too. Pokhara is famous for its natural beauty and close view of Himalays. The world highest peaks like Annapurna 1st. Dhaulagiri and Manaslu can be seen very close. These peaks can also be viewed from a luxury hotel room. About 30% of the total arrivals of tourist visit Pokhara. Pokhara is also said a lake city of Nepal . There are more than seven beautiful lakes all are linked by a trekking trail.            Top†

Devi's fall: - It is a beautiful waterfall formed from the outlet of Fewa Lake . Why it is named Davi's fall might be the matter of interest. Trekkers named Devin and David one day had their bath down to the Fewa dam but unknowingly the doors of the dam opened to reduce the water level. Both the trekkers did not notice the signal to run away and sadly they were washed way and one of them mysteriously disappeared down into the underground passage beneath the fall. Since then the fall was
named Davi's fall. It is worth visiting site of Pokhara.            Top†

Sarangkot: - Sarangkot is a small hill on the north west side of Pokhara. It is the best place for sunrise and Mountain View like Machhapuchre (Fishtail), Annapurna range, and Dhaulagiri range, Lamjung Himal, Manaslu and the Ganesh Himal. Tourists reach there early in the morning to view the rolling sunrise and the dazzling mighty snow peaks in the morning tender sun.            Top†

Fewa lake: - Fewa Lake is the finest lake of Nepal . It is 41/2km long and 200m to 1km width. Boating on the lake is an exciting and most interesting moment. In the middle there is an island where Barahi temple is located. Every day thousands of visitors visit the temple. Surrounded by the green forest and lakeside city, Fewa lake reflects the beautiful images of Machhachapuchre.            Top†

Begnas lake: - Begnas lake is located 13km east of Pokhara city. This lake is in a round shape and is surrounded by green hills. On the north beautiful Annapuran fourth Himal is overlooking the lake. While boating on the lake the images of the mountain is seen into the lake. There is regular buses and taxis service to Beganas lake and cycling also is also popular.            Top†

Seti George: - Seti River is originated from the beautiful mountain the Machhapuchre Himal. The water is milky white and cool. The river before entering into the Pokhara city has been disappeared into a narrow natural tunnel and has appeared in some places. It is another natural wonder of Pokhara. Its width is hardly 2 meters and the depth is more than 20 meters but you can not see the bottom of the river. Mahendra Pul (bridge) is the right pace to view the dreadful rush of the river through a narrow gorge.            Top†

Gupteshor Mahadev cave: - South of the Pokhara valley there is a beautiful cave. The cave has different branches but the end has not yet been met. The main part of the cave is some 20m down. The bottom is wide and spacious. There is an image of Lord Shiv. One of the branch of the cave goes towards the Devi's fall and after a 20 meters easy walk one can reach near the fall. It is a very wonderful moment to stand just below the fall inside the cave. Gupteshor Mahadev cave is a religious site for the Hindus. Many Hindu devotees visit the cave in different occasions.            Top†

Mahenracave: - It is located on the north of Pokhara valley some 10km from the city center. This is the most popular cave of Nepal It is also unexplored. There has been made necessary arrangement for the visitor with service of the guides. Nearby the cave there is another cave named Chamere cave or the bat cave where hundreds of bats are live. Both caves are worth visiting.            Top†

World Peace Stupa: - It is one of finest piece of sight seeing destination in Pokhara. Located on a small hilltop, world peace stupa is the best place to view the Himalaya range just in front of your eye. Overlooking the Fewa Lake the stupa site is well managed. The access is easy and both options trekking for one hour and driving are available to reach the stupa.            Top†

Kahu Dada: - On the northeast side of Pokhara valley, Kahu Dada is another viewpoint center of Pokhara. There is a tower to view the mountain range and the valley. It is the best option for a day hike. It takes about 2 hours gentle walk to reach the hilltop through villages and bushes.            Top†

International   Mountain   Museum  (IMO) :  -  Among of the entire sight seeing destinations in Pokhara IMO is the newly opened destination. Located on the south east of Pokhara city IMO is only one mountain museum in the world of its kind where mountaineering history including the climbing information and climbers' details are preserved and displayed. For the interested one an artificial wall of mount Manaslu has also been constructed. The meseum has preserved the climbing records and equipments of all the famous climber of the world.            Top†

Bindabasini   Temple : - Located right in the city center, Bindabasini is the popular pilgrimage site of Hindus. On a small hill the temple is beautifully locates and maintained. It is the best site of Pokhara to experience the Nepalese religious belief.            Top†

Tibetan Refuge Camp: - In the fiftieth decade many Tibetan refuge had inflexed into Nepal . They are settled in different part of the country. In Pokhara there are four Tibetan refuge camps. All these camps today are like the Tibetan villages where they are maintaining Tibetan culture, tradition and lifestyle. To experience the Tibetan culture at least one center is worth visiting.            Top†