Kathmandu(Kantipur)
Once upon a time according to the legend there was a primordial lake surrounded by lush green forested mountains. In this untouched lake lived enormous serpents until one fine day, Manjushree raised a mighty sword and in one fell swoop, cut open the side of a mountain at a place now known as Chovar. The roomy waters of the lake gushed out leaving behind a fertile valley which we know today as Kathmandu valley.
Kathmandu, the largest city of Nepal, once known as ‘Kantipur’, is now the political as well as cultural Capital. Nestled within a large valley, it enjoys a pleasant climate second to none and is a relatively safe place to live. Like any big city, Kathmandu has seen rapid expansion in the last decade and the hustle and bustle is typical, yet the people remain as refreshingly friendly as ever. The old, fabulous palaces, the superbly crafted pagodas and the monumental Stupas are reminders of the Golden age of architecture in Nepal. They stand testimony to the artistic genius of the Newar craftsmen, the original inhabitants of the valley, whose skills were championed by the Malla king. The Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupatinath have been enlisted as UNESCO’s World Heritage Monuments.
Retaining ancient traditions, Kathmandu is blessed not only by a Living Goddess but also by Tantrik priests and reincarnated Lamas who are revered for their spiritual prowess. The city is enriched by such living traditions and the spectacular religious processions that take to the streets every now and then with throngs of devotees seeking blessings. Major tourist attractions, these religious festivals are steeped in legend and are quite a spectacle with chariot processions, masked dancers often possessed by the spirits of deities and the inevitable ceremony of sacrifice.
Important Places around Kathmandu:
Asan:
- Used to be the center of old Kathmandu, has six roads radiating in all directions.
- The three storied pagoda style Annapurna temple and the two storied shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
- Is still an important shopping center and one of the busiest markets place.
- Used to be the center of old Kathmandu, has six roads radiating in all directions.
- The three storied pagoda style Annapurna temple and the two storied shrine dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
- Is still an important shopping center and one of the busiest markets place.
Thamel:
- Known as the tourist district of Kathmandu, bustles with activity late into the night.
- It is a mere10-minute’s walk from the center of Kathmandu, yet completely different from the rest of the city.
- Caters entirely to tourists with its scores of hotels, rows of restaurants and bars, book shops, inviting souvenir shops, cyber cafes and travel agencies. All that a tourist needs can be found here, even friends and traveling companions.
- Known as the tourist district of Kathmandu, bustles with activity late into the night.
- It is a mere10-minute’s walk from the center of Kathmandu, yet completely different from the rest of the city.
- Caters entirely to tourists with its scores of hotels, rows of restaurants and bars, book shops, inviting souvenir shops, cyber cafes and travel agencies. All that a tourist needs can be found here, even friends and traveling companions.
Dharahara:
- The soaring landmark of Kathmandu.
- Is 50.5 m high and was built by the then Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832.
- Once closed to the public, it was recently opened and anyone can go up after paying the entrance fee.
- The 360 deg. astounding view of the Kathmandu Valley is well worth the long climb up the spiraling staircase.
Budhanilkantha:
- The largest of Vishnu’s stone statues.
- Also known as ‘the Reclining Vishnu’, located 8 km north of Kathmandu.
- The large impressive statue of lord Vishnu reclines on a bed of snakes known as ‘Nags’, allocated in the center of a small pond.
- The 5th Century shrine attracts Hindu pilgrims and large crowds gather during the festivals of Haribodhini Ekadasi and Kartik Poornima (Fullmoon Day of October).
- The soaring landmark of Kathmandu.
- Is 50.5 m high and was built by the then Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832.
- Once closed to the public, it was recently opened and anyone can go up after paying the entrance fee.
- The 360 deg. astounding view of the Kathmandu Valley is well worth the long climb up the spiraling staircase.
Budhanilkantha:
- The largest of Vishnu’s stone statues.
- Also known as ‘the Reclining Vishnu’, located 8 km north of Kathmandu.
- The large impressive statue of lord Vishnu reclines on a bed of snakes known as ‘Nags’, allocated in the center of a small pond.
- The 5th Century shrine attracts Hindu pilgrims and large crowds gather during the festivals of Haribodhini Ekadasi and Kartik Poornima (Fullmoon Day of October).
Things to do around Kathmandu:
Explore Kathmandu:
The three cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are of historical importance and retain monuments of immense artistic and cultural value. There are temples everywhere you turn and dedicated to a host of gods and goddesses. The major tourist spots are the World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Changu Narayan and the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapaur. Reservation of car, van, haice, or bus through us as per the size of visitors number or includes the exploration program in tour/trek packages could be worthy enough for such.
The three cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur are of historical importance and retain monuments of immense artistic and cultural value. There are temples everywhere you turn and dedicated to a host of gods and goddesses. The major tourist spots are the World Heritage Sites of Pashupatinath, Swoyambhunath, Bouddhanath, Changu Narayan and the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapaur. Reservation of car, van, haice, or bus through us as per the size of visitors number or includes the exploration program in tour/trek packages could be worthy enough for such.
Nepalese Art and Craft:
Handicrafts are one of Nepal’s major exports chiefly metal craft and wood carvings. The Newar community is blessed with the ancient traditions of carving on stone, woods and metals, handed down from generation to generation. Some of the finest of Nepalese art and craft come in the form of wood carvings, metal statues, jewelry, the famous Gorkha knife-- the Khukuri, pottery, handmade rice paper, Thangkas and Pauvas, woolen carpets and garments.
Handicrafts are one of Nepal’s major exports chiefly metal craft and wood carvings. The Newar community is blessed with the ancient traditions of carving on stone, woods and metals, handed down from generation to generation. Some of the finest of Nepalese art and craft come in the form of wood carvings, metal statues, jewelry, the famous Gorkha knife-- the Khukuri, pottery, handmade rice paper, Thangkas and Pauvas, woolen carpets and garments.
Hanuman Dhoka Palace:
The three museums housed in the extensive historical Hanuman Dhoka Palace in central Kathmandu: Tribhuvan, Mahendra, and Birendra Museums, dedicated to the Shah rulers, they showcase the lifestyles of three generations of Shah Kings in the form of their offices, gym, hunting room, the clothes they wore and their hobbies. Also on display are a collection of artifacts dating back to their time on the throne. One of the highlights of visiting the old palace is the nine storied Basantapur section of the durbar with its exquisitely carved giant windows that lean out of the building.
The three museums housed in the extensive historical Hanuman Dhoka Palace in central Kathmandu: Tribhuvan, Mahendra, and Birendra Museums, dedicated to the Shah rulers, they showcase the lifestyles of three generations of Shah Kings in the form of their offices, gym, hunting room, the clothes they wore and their hobbies. Also on display are a collection of artifacts dating back to their time on the throne. One of the highlights of visiting the old palace is the nine storied Basantapur section of the durbar with its exquisitely carved giant windows that lean out of the building.
National Museum:
The building of the National Museum was once the residence of Nepal’s most famous Prime Minister, Bhimsen Thapa of Dharahara fame. This Locates in Chauni, near Swoyambhu. The museum has a fine collection of ancient Nepalese religious art, amazing weapons and costumes worn in battle in ancient times, a sword gifted by Napoleon III; of particular interest are the Tibetan leather cannon and locally built machine gun. The coin section has a fascinating collection of antique while the Buddhist section preserves thangkas from the 18th and 19th centuries and pieces of old ruins found during excavations.
The building of the National Museum was once the residence of Nepal’s most famous Prime Minister, Bhimsen Thapa of Dharahara fame. This Locates in Chauni, near Swoyambhu. The museum has a fine collection of ancient Nepalese religious art, amazing weapons and costumes worn in battle in ancient times, a sword gifted by Napoleon III; of particular interest are the Tibetan leather cannon and locally built machine gun. The coin section has a fascinating collection of antique while the Buddhist section preserves thangkas from the 18th and 19th centuries and pieces of old ruins found during excavations.
Bhaktapur City:
The major tourist attraction taking visitors back in time and suspended on a hill at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon, literally the City of Devotees is located. Covering an area of 4 sq. miles, this city retains the charming paved roads, red brick houses and a way of life that goes back to medieval times. The extraordinary ‘Durbar Square’ with its celebrated Golden Gate and extraordinary Palace of Fifty-Five windows reflects the glory days of the Malla Dynasty when art and architecture thrived in the three cities of the valley. Situated 14km east of Kathmandu, this ancient city is also famous for pottery and woodcarving amply displayed on the squares and windows respectively.
Around Bhaktapur
Siddha Pokhari:
For a small city, Bhaktapur has the largest number of public water tanks built within the city limits. Siddha Pokhu (Pokhari) is one of the largest tanks meant to supply drinking water to the people of Bhaktapur. Built in the 15th Century by King Yakshya Malla, this large rectangular tank is teeming with fish and is occasionally open to the public for fishing and boating.
Nyatapola:
The unique temple of Bhaktapur, the Nyatapola literally means ‘Five storied’ and rises above the city as a remarkable landmark. It also has the distinction of having withstood the devastating earthquake of 1933. Dedicated to a Tantric goddess, the steps leading up to the temple, is flanked by stone sculptures. At the base are two statues of Malla era wrestlers representing humans and in ascending order of power and strength, there are creatures each ten times more powerful than the preceding statue.
Batsala Temple:
One of temples built out of stone is the Batsala Devi of Bhaktapur which has many intricate carvings. Beside it is the famous bronze bell, locally known as 'the bell of barking dogs' as its ringing was invariably accompanied by the howling of dogs in the vicinity. This large bell was put up by King Ranjit Malla in A. D. 1737 and its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew. Today, it is rung every morning when the priests worship Goddess Taleju.
Bhairavnath Temple:
Dedicated to Kasi Bhairav, the three storied temple of Bhairavnath has only the head of Bhairav in the inner sanctum. Legend has it that Kasi Bhairav’s head was cut off by a Tantric expert in order to keep him in Bhaktapur. Built in the pagoda style, it stands adjacent to the more famous five storied Nyatapola temple. Bhairav is the dangerous aspect of Shiva. Originally built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla, the temple was improved by King Bhupatindra Malla, a zealous lover of the arts.
Thimi:
Nearly 10 km east of Kathmandu close to Bhaktapur, is the potter’s town of Thimi. Besides farming, most households here are engaged in pottery. This laid back town not only supplies Kathmandu its pottery but also its vegetables. The most important deity here is Goddess Balkumari. The charming medieval lifestyle of these farmers is a major tourist attraction.
Around Bhaktapur
Siddha Pokhari:
For a small city, Bhaktapur has the largest number of public water tanks built within the city limits. Siddha Pokhu (Pokhari) is one of the largest tanks meant to supply drinking water to the people of Bhaktapur. Built in the 15th Century by King Yakshya Malla, this large rectangular tank is teeming with fish and is occasionally open to the public for fishing and boating.
Nyatapola:
The unique temple of Bhaktapur, the Nyatapola literally means ‘Five storied’ and rises above the city as a remarkable landmark. It also has the distinction of having withstood the devastating earthquake of 1933. Dedicated to a Tantric goddess, the steps leading up to the temple, is flanked by stone sculptures. At the base are two statues of Malla era wrestlers representing humans and in ascending order of power and strength, there are creatures each ten times more powerful than the preceding statue.
Batsala Temple:
One of temples built out of stone is the Batsala Devi of Bhaktapur which has many intricate carvings. Beside it is the famous bronze bell, locally known as 'the bell of barking dogs' as its ringing was invariably accompanied by the howling of dogs in the vicinity. This large bell was put up by King Ranjit Malla in A. D. 1737 and its sounding announced the beginning and end of a daily curfew. Today, it is rung every morning when the priests worship Goddess Taleju.
Bhairavnath Temple:
Dedicated to Kasi Bhairav, the three storied temple of Bhairavnath has only the head of Bhairav in the inner sanctum. Legend has it that Kasi Bhairav’s head was cut off by a Tantric expert in order to keep him in Bhaktapur. Built in the pagoda style, it stands adjacent to the more famous five storied Nyatapola temple. Bhairav is the dangerous aspect of Shiva. Originally built by King Jagat Jyoti Malla, the temple was improved by King Bhupatindra Malla, a zealous lover of the arts.
Thimi:
Nearly 10 km east of Kathmandu close to Bhaktapur, is the potter’s town of Thimi. Besides farming, most households here are engaged in pottery. This laid back town not only supplies Kathmandu its pottery but also its vegetables. The most important deity here is Goddess Balkumari. The charming medieval lifestyle of these farmers is a major tourist attraction.
Patan City:
Patan is also known as ‘Lalitpur’ literally, the City of Artesian, which lies 5km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who preserve ancient techniques such as reposed and the lost wax process, still producing exquisite pieces of sculpture. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and the multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries (Vihars). The predominant sound in Patan is not motor vehicles but the tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other and the religious harmony is exemplary.
Around Patan
Hiranya Varna Mahabihar:
Dating back to the 12th Century A.D. the three storied golden pagoda of Lokeshwar in Patan was built by King Bhaskar Varma. Located in the courtyard of Kwabahal, this temple is in a class of its own. On the upper floor is a golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel on a pedestal. Intricate decorative patterns on its outer walls add charm to the mellow richness of the shrine.
Kumbheshwar:
The temple of Kumbheswar is the only five storied pagoda in Patan and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that a natural spring within the courtyard of this temple has its source in the very popular glacial lake of Gosainkunda. Built by King Jayasthiti Malla, the golden finial was added later in 1422 A.D. During his time the pond was cleaned and various images of, Ganesh, Sitala, Basuki, Gauri, Kirtimukh and Agamadevata were added around the pond and in the courtyard. A large gathering of devotees arrive here for ritual bathing on the day of Janai Poornima Narayan each year.
Jagat Narayan:
The Jagat Narayan temple on the banks of the Bagmati River at Sankhamul is a tall shikhara-style temple consecrated to Lord Vishnu. Built of red bricks, the temple has many fine images. An attractive metal statue of Garuda mounted on a stone monolith is accompanied by several images of Ganesh and Hanuman.
Mahaboudha:
The famous temple of Mahabouddha in Patan is unique for its thousand little images of Buddha in terracotta. This artistically built shikhara-style temple is a fine specimen and owes its existence to a priest named Abhaya Raj. Every brick on the surface of this shrine bears a small image of the Buddha. After it was completely destroyed during the great earthquake of 1933, a new one was built replicating the original to the exact specifications. Mahaboudha is one of the major attractions of Patan.
Ashoka Stupas:
Although there is little evidence that the Emperor Ashoka ever visited Kathmandu valley, there are four Stupas supposedly built by him in 250 AD. Marking the four corners of Patan, three of these Stupas are merely mounds of earth with prayer wheels around them while the fourth near Shankamul is a beautiful concrete Stupa. At the time they were built, Buddhism flourished in the Kathmandu Valley.
Machhendranath Temple:
The temple of Red Machhendranath, the God of Rain is of great importance in Patan. The temple lies in the middle of a wide, spacious quadrangle just at the outer rim of the market place. A clay image of Red Machhendranath or Avalokiteshwar is kept here for six months each year, after which it is placed on a chariot and taken round the city of Patan in a boisterous colorful procession as part of a festival that begins in April-May and lasts for several months.
The Tibetan Refugee Camp:
A large number of Tibetans fled their homeland in Tibet and settled in Nepal during the early 1960s. To shelter these homeless people the government of Nepal set up the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Patan. The Tibetans brought their carpet weaving skills to Nepal and soon a carpet industry was thriving in the valley. The camp has become a tourist attraction with its souvenir shops that sell carpets and handicrafts such as prayer wheels made of wood, ivory, silver or bronze along with an assortment of belt buckles, wooden bowls and jewelry. A Stupa and a number of shrines have also been built within the Camp.
Around Patan
Hiranya Varna Mahabihar:
Dating back to the 12th Century A.D. the three storied golden pagoda of Lokeshwar in Patan was built by King Bhaskar Varma. Located in the courtyard of Kwabahal, this temple is in a class of its own. On the upper floor is a golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel on a pedestal. Intricate decorative patterns on its outer walls add charm to the mellow richness of the shrine.
Kumbheshwar:
The temple of Kumbheswar is the only five storied pagoda in Patan and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that a natural spring within the courtyard of this temple has its source in the very popular glacial lake of Gosainkunda. Built by King Jayasthiti Malla, the golden finial was added later in 1422 A.D. During his time the pond was cleaned and various images of, Ganesh, Sitala, Basuki, Gauri, Kirtimukh and Agamadevata were added around the pond and in the courtyard. A large gathering of devotees arrive here for ritual bathing on the day of Janai Poornima Narayan each year.
Jagat Narayan:
The Jagat Narayan temple on the banks of the Bagmati River at Sankhamul is a tall shikhara-style temple consecrated to Lord Vishnu. Built of red bricks, the temple has many fine images. An attractive metal statue of Garuda mounted on a stone monolith is accompanied by several images of Ganesh and Hanuman.
Mahaboudha:
The famous temple of Mahabouddha in Patan is unique for its thousand little images of Buddha in terracotta. This artistically built shikhara-style temple is a fine specimen and owes its existence to a priest named Abhaya Raj. Every brick on the surface of this shrine bears a small image of the Buddha. After it was completely destroyed during the great earthquake of 1933, a new one was built replicating the original to the exact specifications. Mahaboudha is one of the major attractions of Patan.
Ashoka Stupas:
Although there is little evidence that the Emperor Ashoka ever visited Kathmandu valley, there are four Stupas supposedly built by him in 250 AD. Marking the four corners of Patan, three of these Stupas are merely mounds of earth with prayer wheels around them while the fourth near Shankamul is a beautiful concrete Stupa. At the time they were built, Buddhism flourished in the Kathmandu Valley.
Machhendranath Temple:
The temple of Red Machhendranath, the God of Rain is of great importance in Patan. The temple lies in the middle of a wide, spacious quadrangle just at the outer rim of the market place. A clay image of Red Machhendranath or Avalokiteshwar is kept here for six months each year, after which it is placed on a chariot and taken round the city of Patan in a boisterous colorful procession as part of a festival that begins in April-May and lasts for several months.
The Tibetan Refugee Camp:
A large number of Tibetans fled their homeland in Tibet and settled in Nepal during the early 1960s. To shelter these homeless people the government of Nepal set up the Tibetan Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Patan. The Tibetans brought their carpet weaving skills to Nepal and soon a carpet industry was thriving in the valley. The camp has become a tourist attraction with its souvenir shops that sell carpets and handicrafts such as prayer wheels made of wood, ivory, silver or bronze along with an assortment of belt buckles, wooden bowls and jewelry. A Stupa and a number of shrines have also been built within the Camp.
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