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Kathmandu:
Kathmandu is both the capital and largest city of Nepal. The three main historic cities are Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur and are known for numerous historic monuments old palaces and palace squares. The Kathmandu valley has seven World Heritage Sites within a radius of 20km designated by UNESCO in 1979. There are at least 130 important monuments, including several places of pilgrimage for the Hindus and the Buddhists. The original inhabitants of the Valley are the Newars and the oldest firmly dated building being nearly 2000 years. The Valley lies 1,348m above sea level with the Bagmati River flowing through it. Kathmandu Durbar (Palace) Square:
The palaces, courtyards and temples were built between the 12th and 18th centuries during the ancient Malla and Shah Kings of Kathmandu. This large square was the historic seat of the Nepalese Royalty. A captivating piece of history here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in15 languages. The Durbar Square is a UNESCO world heritage site and is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Patan Durbar Square:
Patan is another city next to Kathmandu about 5 km from the heart of the city. It is also known as the city of fine art. A two-story building with gilded roof encloses the stone-paved courtyard. The woodcarvings on the roof struts are especially interesting. The palace is covered with sacred images and other small shrines. The museum in the courtyard has a collection of ancient arts and history to express the religious and cultural lives in Nepal. This area is also protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Pashupatinath:
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred phallic symbol. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati River beside the temple. This is one of the most sacred Hindu cremation sites. It is a UNESCO listed world heritage site. Boudhanath:
Boudhanath is known as a Tibetan style of Buddhist Stupa. This is the oldest Tibetan Buddhist site in Kathmandu. It towers 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of Stupa design. It was constructed in the first century and is one of the largest Stupas in the world. All day, the devotees walk around the Stupa, which is a very emotional and unforgettable scene. You can feel and experience the great influence from Tibet here. Boudhanath is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site. Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swoyambhunath Stupa or Monkey Temple, on the west side of Kathmandu gives a scenic view of the whole Kathmandu valley from the top of the hill. The huge Stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists’ sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu valley out of a primordial Lake. It is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
Bhaktapur and its Durbar Square, located about 20 km from the heart of the city, one of the three Royal towns of Nepal, it is now a model town for the country for its calm, cleanness and preservation of cultural heritages. The 15th century palace has 55 windows which inspires admiration. The golden gate is a masterpiece in art and the National Art Gallery is also located inside. In the east of Durbar Square, a narrow-paved lane leads to another big square with a towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each considered ten times more powerful than the one immediately below. Nagarkot:
Nagarkot, at around 2100m high, 35km from the heart of the city, provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the Himalayas: Mt. Everest (8848m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m), Mt. Makalu (8463m) and Mt. Manaslu (8163m) and Kangchenjunga (8585m) the Annapurnas (8091m) on the west can also be seen from here. It is regarded as one of the best viewpoints in Nepal. Breathtaking sunsets and sunrises can be experienced by staying overnight here. Pokhara-Sarangkot:
A half-hour drive from Pokhara and another half-hour walk takes you to the top of Sarangkot hill (1500m). It is another fantastic viewpoint in western Nepal famous for its sunrises and panoramic views of Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Mt. Dhaulagiri (8167m) and Mt. Machhapuchhre (6697m) known as Fishtail and other mountains. A two day trek can also be organised which includes this hill. Lumbini - Lord Buddha's birthplace:
Lumbini, a world heritage site, is the sacred birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya Prince, the eventual Shakyamunu and the ultimate Buddha - the Enlightened One. It is the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhists. The main attraction at Lumbini is the Sacred Garden that is spread over 8 sq. km. and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archeologists alike. To the south of the temple, we find the sacred pond - Puskarni - where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha.
There are more than fifty monasteries around the area. Chitwan National Park:
Royal Chitwan National Park stretches across an area of 932 sq km and lies in the inner Terai belt of Chitwan. The park offers nature at its best with a jungle safari, a canoe on the river where you can see crocodiles, take a visit the elephant nursery. E-mail:
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