SIGHTSEEING IN NEPAL
Durbar Square (Hanumandhoka) (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site ):
This large square is the historic seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. There are so many temples around Durbar square, one of Living Goddess – Temple of Kumari is located in the vicinity of the Durbar square palace. The building has many carved wooden balconies and window Screens. Foreigners (Non Hindu) may enter the courtyard, but are not beyond that point. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from well wishes from her balcony carved window. Photography is prohibited. The Kumari Goddess is also known as the Virgin Goddess.
Pashupati Temple (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu (near to International Airport) on the banks of sacred Bagmati River, the temple of lord shiva Pashupati Nath, with its two tiered golden roof and silver doors, it is a center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivaratri. Entrance to the main temple is permitted to Hindus only, yet visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river and the Arya Ghat cremation grounds ( only Hindu's) are here. We strongly advise phographers not to take photos of cremations and of beresved families. Sadhus, sages who follow the lifestyle of Shiva, may be seen covered in ashes and Loin-cloths. They ask for money in case you want to take their Photos.
Buddhanath Stupa (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
The stupa of Budhanath lies eight kilometers east of Kathmandu . On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is said to have been build by Lichchhavi King Mana Dev in the fifth century A.D. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The Boudha area is a visual feast, Colorful Thangkas, Tibetan Jewelry, hand-woven Carpets, Marks, and Khukuri Knives are sold in the surrounding stalls.
Budhanilkantha:
About eight Kilometers north of Kathmandu , at the base of Sivapuri Hill, is a remarkable, colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This stone sculpture is a Lichchhavi period, fifth-century statue. It sits in the middle of a small pond and seems to float on the surface of the water. It is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.
Swayambhu (UNESCO Cultural World Heritage site):
The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or the “the self-existent”. In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri Came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a Lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the Lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called it the Kathmandu Valley .
From then on the hilltop of the Self-existent Lord has been a holy place.Swayambhu is, perhaps best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal . The Stupa is amont the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan Monks and Brahmin priests to lay Buddhists and Hindus. This is a major landmark of the valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun Hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley .
Other Sight Seeing Places In Nepal
The Kingdom of Nepal is well
known as one of the best desti-
nations in the world for enjoying the real beauty of nature through trekking. The trail into the interior parts of the country follows ancient foot-trails which meander through scenic river-banks, intricately terraced fields and the forested ridges connecting