Around Kathmandu Valley
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KATHMANDU, the capital of Nepal, is one of the world’s oldest cities. It is named after medieval pagoda “Kasthamandapa” meaning wooden house. The old part of the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centres on the Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and histories monuments.
Hanuman Dhoka: Probably the most interesting part of Kathmandu is the ancient Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex in the middle of the old city. Built during the Malla period, Kathmandu’s Durbar Square contains many of the finest temples, sculptures and monuments in the valley. Here at Durbar Square one can also visit the house of Kumari (The Living Goddess).
The Kathmandu Valley has seven UNESCO world heritage sites which are more than any country to offer at a single spot. Within 650 sq. km it consist of three main cities of great historical and cultural interest – Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, with old palaces and squares (Durbar Squares) and many small villages and suburbs like Changunarayan, Bungamati, Panauti, Sankhu and many more to count. Three Naths, (Lords) – Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Swyambhunath, are very important religious places for both Hindus and Buddhists.
PATAN: The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur meaning, city of beauty. It is indeed a city of beauty and grace and is planned on a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the four points of the compass. The city is three kilometres south-east of Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like Kathmandu, its centre of attraction is its Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle of the market place. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is also known as the city of artists. The city is believed to have been built during the reign of Vira Dev in A.D. 299.
Patan Durbar Square: This whole square is a cluster of fine pagoda temples and stone statues; it is at the same time the business hub of the city. At every step one comes across a piece of art or an image of a deity, testifying to the consummate skill of Patan’s anonymous artists. The ancient palace of the Malla Kings and the stone baths associated with various legends and episodes of history are especially interesting to visitors. The stone temple of Lord Krishna and the Royal Bath (Tushahity) with its intricate stone and bronze carving are two other masterpieces in the same vicinity. Patan Museum could be another interesting point to explore the sacred art of Nepal and to make a break for a nice garden restaurant inside the museum. For further details regarding museum please log on to www.patanmuseum.gov.np or www.asianart.com/patan-museum
BHAKTAPUR: The meaning of Bhaktapur is the “City of Devotees”. It is also known as Bhadgaon. The city is a reserve of medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. This most beautiful medieval town is the most preserved of the three medieval cities of Kathmandu valley. The city is shaped like a conch shell-one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was founded by the King Ananda Deva in A.D. 889. The city is 1402 meters above the sea level. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen kilometres to the east of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a fifty-five window palace of bricks and wood. The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The golden effigies of Kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place-struts, lintels, uprights, tympanums, gateways and windows-all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. Here one can also visit the 17th century pagoda Nyatapol, the tallest and the best example of pagoda.
SWYAMBHUNATH (MONKEY) TEMPLE: Swyambhunath is said to be two thousand years old, making it one of the world’s oldest and most glorious Buddhist chaityas. The Chaitya (Stupa) which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of gilt copper. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The stupa is also known as “Monkey Temple”. The temple is situated three kilometres west of Kathmandu city. The stupa perched on a sacred hilltop is surrounded with votive stupas, gilded peacocks, Taras, Thunderbolt (Vajra), Mandalas, Tibetan Monasteries and a temple of Harati Ajima.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE: This is the holiest of all Shiva shrines in Nepal and is the abode of Lord Pashupatinath, the guardian spirit of Nepal. The temple of Pashupatnath is a large double-roofed pagoda of brass and gilt gold; the gateway is plated with silver. It stands on the western bank of the Bagmati, about five kilometres north-east of Kathmandu and contains the sacred lings of Lord Pashupatnath. There is a crematorium outside the temple by the side of the wide but shallow river and the wooded surroundings are dotted with small shrines. On the occasion of the annual festival of Maha Shivratri (Feb/March), the temple is visited by thousands of devotees including a large number of pilgrims from India. The temple is also the site of a number of other festivals and rituals taking place throughout the year. No foreigners are allowed to enter inside the temple heritage except the Indian pilgrims.
BOUDHANATH STUPA: The world’s largest Buddhist Stupa Boudhanath, is the site of great veneration for Buddhists. It is situated eight kilometres east of the Kathmandu. Like Swyambhunath, the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha gaze in each of the four directions. Built on a huge octagonal base, the stupa is surrounded with a wall inset with prayer wheels. The stupa was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. It is common to see dozens of worshippers constantly circumambulating the stupa while taking care to spin each of the sacred prayers wheels. It is on the old Tibet-Nepal trading route and many Tibetans live around the area. Around the stupa and in the surrounding fields are many monasteries of the different sects of Buddhism. The stupa takes on added importance at all the Buddhist festivals, when Buddhists come from all over the country to take part in the sacred rituals.
BUDHANILKANTHA: Budhanilkantha is situated about eight kilometres north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill. Budhanilkantha is a remarkable. There is a colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on the bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichhavi period. This 15th century statue in the middle of a small pond seems to be floating in water. An interesting feature of this shrine is that the reigning King of Nepal may not visit spot according to an old tradition. A short walk for an hour up to Nagi Gompa, a monastery for nuns gives a good view of Kathmandu Valley.
SANKHU AND BAJRA JOGINI: Sankhu, located twelve kilometres east of Kathmandu, is a good example of a small Newar town, with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village, up a long flight of stone steps, is an important temple of the Tantric goddess Bajra Jogini. The main structure is of the 17th century, but Nepalese legend says the goddess has resided here since pre-medieval time.
SUNDARIJAL: Situated ten kilometres north-east of Kathmandu. Sundarijal is famous for its scenic beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations, making it an ideal place for a picnic. One has to walk a short distance after the motor-able roads ends. Sundari Mai Temple and the enty point of Shivapuri National Park are also the attraction part of Sundarijal.
CHANGU NARAYAN: Changu Narayan is situated at the end of a long ridge which runs from the east, into the valley. The temple, built by King Hari Duta Varma, dated back to the 4th century, is the oldest temple of Kathmandu Valley. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda-style temple in the Valley. It is situated 125 meters above the valley floor and affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside. In the courtyard, among dozens of Vishnu statues, a 5th century image with ten arms is a masterpiece. There is also an image of Garuda, the mythical bird that serves as Vishnu’s heavenly vehicle. Besides, there is one of the oldest and most important inscriptions of the valley, which is the first written record in the history of Kathmandu Valley.
SURYAVINAYAK: About two miles south of Bhaktapur is an important shrine of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god of good fortune. The shrine has been positioned in such a way as to catch the first rays of the morning sun. Excellent views of Bhaktapur with snow peaks in the background can be seen from here. Being located in a thick forest, it is also a good picnic spot.
DAKSHINKALI: Dakshinkali is a temple of a very famous Hindu Goddess Kali, which is situated twenty-two kilometres south of Kathmandu. Entire route to the temple is a beautiful countryside drive. Regular religious worship is performed daily. Twice a week, on every Tuesday and Saturday, a large number of animals are scarified. More incredible animal rituals are held during the Dashain festival. On the return journey one can visit the temple of Shes Narayan, a cave temple where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have gained his physical power through meditation.
NAGARKOT: Nagarkot, located thirty-two kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round. Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different coloured flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. Ever popular among the tourists are the short treks and picnics which Nagarkot offers. Treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to have an adventure without exerting much effort, a hike to Nagarkot's surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock formations.
DHULIKHEL: Dhulikhel is a scenic and ancient town situated thirty kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one has a panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with the stupa and Buddhist Monastery, is highly recommended. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temples with magnificent woodcarvings, is a short distance from Dhulikhel.
NAMOBUDDHA: It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get there. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. According to the legend, one of the earlier Buddha offered his own flesh to a hungry tiger unable to feed her hungry cubs. It is also a three hour trekking from Dhulikhel through a number of small villages. Many tourists visiting Namobuddha prefers to stay at least a night in the Monastery, situated on the hilltop where they can find the real taste of peace with a superb view of mountain range and breathtaking sunrise.
PANAUTI: One of the finest Newar settlements in the region is the village of Panauti. It is built at the confluence of two rivers in a small valley surrounded by examples of early temple architecture. Among all, the most interesting ones are the 14th Century Indreshwar Mahadev temple and Brahmayani temples are very good examples of historical Newari architect. The roof struts, showing different manifestations of Shiva, are matchless in their serenity.
PHULCHOKI: Located at about ten kilometres south-east of Patan at an altitude of 2759 meters is the tallest hill known as Phulchoki in the Kathmandu Valley. Phulchoki, means the “Flower Hill”. And it is called so because rhododendrons (National Flower of Nepal) of different varieties and colours from white to dark red are found here. The panoramic view from the top is spectacular – to the north snow clad Himalayan range and Kathmandu valley and to the south the lower range of mountains extended to the plain of the Terai. Phulchoki is also best recommended for a day hike.
GODAVARI: This scenic village is situated ten kilometres south-east of Patan at the foot of Phulchoki. The road from Patan passes through the towns of Harisiddhi, Thaibo and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). There are The Royal Botanical Garden, The Royal Department of Medicinal Plants, greenhouse and fish farms. The garden has a nice collection of lily ponds, rushing streams and beds of seasonal flowers, orchids, ferns and cactus. A clear water springs emerges from a cave known as Godavari Kunda which is believed to have magical power, visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every twelve years. One of Nepal’s holy places, Godavari is also a good picinic spot set amidst a dense forest.
KAKANI: Kakani is another good location for viewing the mountain scenery. Only two hours north-west of Kathmandu, one can see the mountain landscape of central Nepal, a vast collection of majestic peaks stretching from Ganesh Himal to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. There is an unusually perfect blending of the imposing mountain scenery with the more sylvan environment of the lower valleys. Rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes begin to bloom in late winter and stay in bloom for several months, giving the village even more charm.
KIRTIPUR: Kirtipur is a small town located eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a ridge. Tribhuvan University sits at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer including ancient shrines, temple, old-style houses, and villagers dressed in traditional costumes and weaving on hand looms.
CHOBHAR: Chobhar is famous for its gorge said to have been cut by the god Manjushree to drain the water from the Kathmandu Valley which was at that time a lake. On a hilltop, there is a small pagoda dedicated to Adinath. From this point one has a superb view of snow-clad mountain peaks. Chobhar is located eight kilometers south-west of Kathmandu.
