Introduction About Major Touristic Destinations in Nepal
History of Kathmandu Valley
The valley's visible history is inextricably entangled with the Malla kings. It was during their reign, particularly in the 1600s and 1700s that many of the valley's finest temples and palaces were built. Competition between the cities was intense and an architectural innovation in one place would inevitably be copied throughout the valley.
The unification of Nepal in 1768 by Gorkha's King Prithvi Narayan Shah signalled the end of the Kathmandu Valley's fragmentation. Nepali, an Indo-European language spoken by the Khas of western Nepal, replaced Newari as the country's language of administration. In 1816 the Shahs closed the borders of Nepal and kept the country isolated until the mid 20th century. In 1846 a bloody massacre of Kathmandu's 100 most powerful men, held in the very public forum of Durbar Square, ended the Shah dynasty and installed the Ranas.
The Ranas weren't too taken with the Shahs' policy of isolation, and the first Rana maharaja set off for Europe with a huge entourage, visiting Queen Victoria and causing quite a stir in stuffy old England. The Ranas were so impressed with European architecture that they began introducing neo-classical buildings into their own cities, including the 1904 Singha Durbar. The Ranas began dressing like European royalty, and imported all the latest inventions which, strangely enough, never found their way beyond the royal compounds into the homes of ordinary folk. During this period of royal extranvance, the majority of people in Kathmandu became much poorer and the Hindu caste system became much more rigid - on the other hand, human sacrifice, slavery and sati were abolished.
On 15 January 1934 a huge earthquake struck the Kathmandu Valley, killing 4296 people and destroying many of Kathmandu's temples and palaces. Inspired by the independence movement in India, Nepalis began a political upheaval - an alliance was formed between the ousted Shahs, the army's Gurkha regiments and the dissatisfied poorer extended families of the Rana clan. In November 1950 they revolted. King Tribhuvan, a Shah, was anointed ruler in 1951 and struck up a government comprised of Ranas and members of the newly formed Nepali Congress Party. Power, of course, remained with only one party - the king's. After months of uprisings, the Nepali people were finally granted democracy in 1989.
In 1956, the first motorable road linked Kathmandu with India. Ten years later another highway opened, and in 1974 international air services began. Foreign aid began pouring in from the 1960s, bringing with it foreign aid workers and new prosperity for the city. Kathmandu's population tripled in 20 years, and the city sprawled, as modern houses sprang up to meet the needs of ex-pats and immigrants poured in from the country. In the 60s, the tourists also started flooding in, looking for cheap living and eastern answers to the questions of life. Freak St became the centre of the action, as the hippies set up a huge market for every type of drug, every hybrid philosophy and any kind of pie you could imagine. Kathmandu was transformed into a tourist mecca, and the jumping-off point for the new trekking industry.
Political turmoil across Nepal has made an impact in the capital. Following the murder of the King and many of his family members in June 2001, the streets exploded into widespread rioting. Even the new backpacker district, Thamel, was not exempt from trouble, with a curfew being imposed across the city. The peaceful, city-in-the-sky image has been shattered forever, and Kathmandu is entering a delicate phase in its relationship with the rest of the world.
Although there is now more money around, most of it has remained in the pockets of the upper class - Kathmandu has one of the highest inflation rates in Asia, so the cost of living can really take it out of the average pay packet. And while the city's literacy and health have improved over the last 20 years, they're still nothing special, and lately burgeoning heroin addiction and caustic air pollution have been added to Kathmandu's problems.
The Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak a Tibeto-Burmese language, but their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid to Indo-Aryan. It seems most likely that the Kathmandu Valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot, with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newari culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture.
The Newari golden age peaked in the 17th century when the valley consisted of small city-states, and Nepal was a vitally important trading link between Tibet and the north Indian plains.
Places to visit in Kathmandu Valley:
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
The Square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting things to see in this Square.
An intriguing piece here is the 17 th century stone inscription that is set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. It is believed that if anybody deciphers this entire inscription, the milk would flow from the spout, which lies just below the unscripted stonewall. Some people say that the inscription contains coded directions to a treasure King Pratap Malla has buried beneath Mohan chowk of Durbar Square.
There are several museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 250 for all the foreign visitors to visit all the museums of the palace building.
Patan Durbar Square
It is protected by UNESCO as a world heritage site.The former Royal Palace complex is the centre of Patan's religious and social life.One remarkable monument here is the 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna built entirely with just stone.
Bhakrapur Durbar Square:
The city Bhaktapur known as Bhadgaon "City of devotees" is 13 km east of Kathmandu. This is most beautiful medieval town is the most preserved of the three medieval cities. exquisitely carved 55 windows palace. The Golden Gate an old palace, 5-stored Nyatapole temple and Bhairav Temple near by and Dattatreya square etc. can be observed.
Singha Durbar
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. It was the private residence of Rana Prime Minister. Now it's the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
Bhadrakali Temple
It is at the eastern edge of the Tudikhel, near Shahid Gate. This temple is one of the main "Shankta or Shaktipeeth" temples of Kathmandu City.
Narayanhity Durbar
It is the Royal Palace of present King, His Majesty King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shahdev of Nepal. The Shah kings moved to this palace from their old palace in the late 18th century. The new edifice was inaugurated in 1970 on the occasion of the wedding of His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev.
The palace takes its name from the Narayanhiti, a famous historic waterspout situated at the southern corner of the Palace. The Palace compound is immense, surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers.
Balaju Water Garden
It is situated below Nagarjun Hill about five-kilometer northwest of Kathmandu City. The garden is known for its bank of 22 stone waterspouts (hiti) carved in the shape of sea-dragons. It also consists of religious shrines, fishponds and a replica of the statue of Budhanilkantha. . There is also a swimming pool inside the park.
Zoo:
The Zoo has improved a lot over the years and contains fine samples of Himalayan animal species. Tourists who may have problems seeing the one-horned rhino and the Royal Bengal tiger in the wild will have no problems observing them close-up at the Jawalakhel Zoo. The Zoo is managed by the king Mahendra Trust for Nature Conservation.
Budhanilkantha
Situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley, Buddhanilkantha temple is 9 km from Kathmandu city. The temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. It is believed that ages before the two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were ploughing their field.
Besides Budhanilkantha temple, there are other two sets of exactly similar, but smaller statues of 'sleeping Vishnu' in the Valley. One set is in the Balaju garden and the other is hidden in the old garden of Hanuman Dhoka Palace of Kathmandu city. A prophetic dream of King Pratap Malla generated the belief that the King of Nepal should never visit Buddhanilkantha temple on threat of death. He then built the similar statue in two places.
Pashupatinath Temple
The temple of Pashupatinath is Nepal's most scared Hindu shrines and one of the subcontinent's greatest Shiva sites, a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river.
The richly- ornamented pagoda, houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva.
Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D, but a shrine may have stood here nearly 1000 years before that. Legend says that Shiva once took the form of an antelope and sported unknown in the forest on Bagmati River’s east bank. The gods later caught up with him, and grabbing him by the horn, forced him to resume his divine form. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga and overtime was buried and lost. Centuries later an astonished herdsmen found one of his cows showering the earth with milk. Digging deep at the site, he discovered the divine linga of Pashupatinath
The temple complex has been renovated and improved over the centuries. Entrance to the shrine is only restricted to Hindus, however, one can still get the good view of the sacred temple from vantage points across Bagmati river. Across the river, one can also visit the temple of Guhyeshwori and a classic 6th century ekmukhi "one-faced" linga of Shiva.
Gokarna
Situated about ten-kilometer northeast of Kathmandu, this lovely Royal Game Sanctuary is also well known as Gokarna Safari Park. Many wild animals like spotted dear can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant bank. On the northern side of Gokarna is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.
Sankhu
It is a typical Newari town with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, up a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a historical temple with a beautiful view of the local area.
Sundarijal
It is a famous for its scenic beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk after the motorable road.
Chobhar
Situated nine-kilometer southwest of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.
Akash Bhairav Temple
This is a three-story temple situated in the main Market Avenue called Indra Chowk. The image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra (the God of Indra). The festival of Indra falls on monsoon season of Nepal.
Kumari Ghar ( Temple of Kumari)
The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has beautifully carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
Kirtipur
It is a small town, situated on a ridge 6-km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of Bagh Bhairav are major sights here. The city offers quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building and weaving.
Kasthamandap
King Laxmi Narsingha Malla built this temple in the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of single tree. It is located near the temple of Kumari. Indeed the city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Behind Kasthamandap, there is a small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak, also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
Jaishi Dewal
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main tourist routes of the chariot festivals of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.
Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of the most important Hindu Goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.
Swayambhunath:
This is regarded as one of the oldest Stupa in the world. Also known as "monkey Temple" It is said to be more then 2000 years old. The stupa perched on a sacred hilltop is crowded with votive stupas, gilded peacocks, Taras, Thunderbolt (Vajra) Mandalas, Tibetan monasteries and a temple of Harati Mata (Goddes of small pox).
Changunarayan:
The temple built on a hilltop some 18 km east of Kathmandu dates back to the 4 th century, is the oldest temple in Kathmandu Valley. In the courtyard among half a dozen Vishnu statues, a 5 th century image with 10 arms is the masterpiece. There is also an image of Garuda, the mythical bird that serves as Vishnu's heavenly vehicle. Beside, there is one of the oldest and most important inscriptions of the valley.
Godavari
The venue for summer residence of Rana prime minister of Nepal, boasts today the Royal Botanical Gardens in the highest of Phulchowki (9,062 ft.), the highest mountain surrounding the valley.
Phulchowki
It is one of the prominent peaks surrounding the Kathmandu valley and lies to the south-east. It has an altitude of 9050 ft. This mountain, as its name suggests(Phul means flower) is a natural garden of wild roses, yellow jasmine, iris and other native flowers. The summit is rich grove of rhododendrons of various hues. A jeepable road leads to the top of the hill where there is a Buddhist shrine.
Mahabouddha
The temple of Mahabuddha is a masterpiece of terra-cotta. This temple was built by Abhaya Raj, a priest of Patan. It is sometimes described as the temple of million Buddha's because its every brick contains a fine figure of the Buddha.
Daman
For those seeking the unlimited pan-Himalayan viewed and willing to travel the extra distance to find it, Daman is the place to go. Located 75 kms south-west of Kathmandu valley on the highway to Indian border, Daman (2,400 mtrs) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range, a sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for days to come.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot (altitude 2,175 mtrs) is by far the most popular. Located 30 kms east of Kat N agarhmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favourite weekend gateway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quite. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest for Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty.
Kakani
Kakani is situated 29 kms. north of Kathmandu, on the way to Langtang National Park, this favourite picnic spot is famous for the view of long Himalayan range, specially the Ganesh Himal. The other peaks that can be seen clearly from Kakani are Mt. Gaurishankar, Manaslu, Annapurna etc.
Muktinath
Situated at an altitude of 3745m. from the sea level this is a small but one of the most scared Hindu Temple surrounded by lofty Himalayas. The easiest access to Muktinath is to take a flight from Kathmandu or Pokhara to Jomsom and do a three days trek through Kagbeni. It can be reached by a 10 days trek from Pokhara. The trek is one of the most beautiful trek in Nepal passing through typical Nepali villages and viewing many mountains including Mt. Annapurna & Mt. Dhaulagiri. A permit, from immigration office, is required to do this trip.
Dhulikhel
Mountain resort for Himalayan viewing is situated on Arniko Highway to Tibet. This is a perfect place for acclimatization on your overland journey in to Tibet.
Pokhara
It is one of the most important beautiful places of the world which is a rare combination of the long arrays of snowclad peaks, crystal clear lakes, turbulent rivers with deep gorges and picturesque villages inhabited by simple and friendly ethnic people. Only the fewer places in the world might have such a splendid variety of natural beauty crammed into one small area like the valley of Pokhara.
It is situated at the lap of panoramic Annapurna Himalayas range and world famous Mt. Machhapuchhere (fish-tail).the climate of Pokhara remains favourable through all the year round. It is neither too warm nor cold. Due to pleasant climate and good accessibility Pokhara is enjoyable throughout the whole year.
Jomsom
It is one of the most beautiful hill station situated at the altitude of 8,800 ft, which is surrounded by the most beautiful mountains like Dhulagiri , Nilgiri and Tukche peaks. The main important S/Seeing sports around Jomsom are Marpha village containing an important Buddha monastery at its south end, Thini village containing naturally decorated beautiful lake known as Dhumpa lake at the altitude of 9,500 ft. And a very beautiful village called Syang village. A number of hot springs are found in the hill side in the west of the town Jomsom. Picking up the stones on the bank of Kali Gandaki river (Ganga Jee) can be fascinating: it is not uncommon to find ammonite snail fossils (Saligrams) which is the symbol of Vishnu according to the Hindu mythology.
Tansen and Palpa
It is situated at an altitude of 1343 mtrs. and above the sea level this is the most popular summer resort in "Western Part Of Nepal". It has perhaps, Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s chief attraction, the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to the Gaurishankar in the north east. Seven hours of pleasant drive from Pokhara takes you to Tansen Palpa.
Chitwan
Chitwan needs no introduction. It is the home of 25% of the world's great one horned rhino and substantial percent of the royal bengal tiger.In 1970, Chitwan was declared wildlife reserve and in 1973 it was designated as the Royal Chitwan National Park. A part from the forests and animals, Chitwan is also famous for its annual pilgrimage to Devghat at the confluence of Shree Krishna Gandaki and Trisuli. You should not miss this place if you are a nature lover.
Gosain Kunda
It is situated at an altitude of 4360 mtrs, this is one of the most prominent pilgrimage destination of Nepal. The best approach to this beautiful lake is through Dhunche (132 kms from Kathmandu). Lake is closely surrounded by nine other small lakes in Langtang National Park area.
Lumbini
Situated at the distance of 300 kms. south west of Kathmandu, Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. It is, thus, the centre of Buddhist pilgrimage and Buddhist Philosophy. The old Ashoka Pillar, The Garden, The Maya Devi Temple, The Old Monastery are the places worth visiting in Lumbini. It has been registered as one of the world heritage site.
Nepalese Wildlife & Jungle Safaris
Of course Nepal is called by the name of " Kingdom of Himalayas". It is surrounded by the greenery's & wilderness. Nepal has four major National Park. Among all of them the most popular Jungle Safari Parks are the Royal Chitwan National Park and the Royal Bardia National Park.
Jungle safaris are conducted on Elephant ride, nature walk for bird watching, accompanied by a naturalist; on four wheel vehicles or by Canoeing ride in the Rapti River at Chitawan and Rafting in the Karnali River at Bardia. A visit to the near by villages of the "Tharu" community ( the indigenous tribes of the area) is a highlight of the visit. Traditional Tharu stick dances add to the evening of entertainment.
Royal Chitwan National Park
Chitwan needs no introduction. It is the home of 25% of the world's great one horned rhino and substantial percent of the royal bengal tiger.In 1970, Chitwan was declared wildlife reserve and in 1973 it was designated as the Royal Chitwan National Park. A part from the forests and animals, Chitwan is also famous for its annual pilgrimage to Devghat at the confluence of Shree Krishna Gandaki and Trisuli.
Royal Bardia National Park
The Bardia National Park is situated on the eastern banks of the Karnali river about 400 Km. west of Kathmandu. The area of park is 968 sq. kms. and extends from the Churia hill southward to the gentle slopes of the Bhabhar. The higher grounds of the Churia have dry deciduous forest of mostly hardwood Sal. The porous slopes of the Bhabhar support large open grassland locally known as the "Phantas". These are some of the last remaining grasslands that once covered much of the Gangetic plains of north India.
Royal Bardia has great population with wildlife and Flora / fauna. The Spotted Deer, Wild Boar,
Barasingha or Swamp Deer, Langur and Rhesus Marcaque Monkeys and a small heard of Wild Elephant call Bardia their home. The numerous waterways of the Karnali River which criss-cross the national park at many places support a wide variety of Wild Life such as the Gharial - Marsh Mugger Crocodile and Gangetic Dolphin, Antelope species, the Nilgai or Blue Bull. The Karnali and Babai rivers attract a large number of watering waterfowl along with resident species such as Herons, Kingfisher and Wall Creepers. More than 350 bird species have been recorded in Bardia, truly a bird watcher's paradise.
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve is situated in the Sapta Koshi River Plains in the far eastern corner of Nepal. It covers 175 square kms to the north of the Kms long Koshi Dam - mostly marshes, lagoons and sandbanks offering an outstanding wetland habitat and one of the finest bird-watching sites in Asia. Almost all of Nepal's wildfowl, waders, storks, ibises, egrets, terns and gulls are found here. In addition a great variety of Land birds, especially warblers and birds of prey also make this reserve their home. Over a hundred species of birds can be seen each day at Koshi Tappu.
It is called by the name of habitat for The Wild Buffalo in Nepal and also home to Leopard, Fishing Cat, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Jackal, Spotted deer, Blue Bull and the rare Ganges River Dolphin. The Koshi Reserve should not be missed by any naturalist visiting Nepal.
