Place to See in Nepal

Few places on earth a visitor can experience combination of natural and cultural beauty in the Kathmandu Valley. The valley consists of many temples and monasteries that house as many idols of Hindu gods and goddesses and Lord Buddha as there are people. The Kathmandu Valley will be the first destination in Nepal to visit for the travellers as they arrive in Nepal.Nepal only one international airport in Kathmandu. The valley with an area of 218 sq. miles is situated at an altitude of 1336 m above the sea level. It consists of four major cities carrying great historic, artistic and cultural interest. Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur are the cities of the Kathmandu valley, clustered within a range of green terraced hills.

Swoyambhunath:

Swoyambhunath is one of the most glorious Buddhist stupa. it is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are all seeing eyes of Lord Budha, keeping an eternal watch on the valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. Swoyambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and it's worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks and Brahaman Priests to lay Buddhist and Hindus. Swoyambhu 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.

Pashupatinath:

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed pagoda of brass and gilt gold; the gateway is plated with silver there are linga images of Shiva along with statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deties in the complex. A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha, an eight-century statue of Brahama the creator and numerous other temples. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over south Asia offering puja worship to Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only. However visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eatern bank of the Bagmati River.

Bouddhanath:

The largest stupa in Nepal and revered by both Tibetan and Newar Buddhist with the Tibetans believing that the stupa contains the bone relics of the past Buddha Kashyapa. The colossal and ancient stupa of Bouddhanath is 36 meter high.

At the ground level there is a brick wall with 147 niches and 108 images of the meditational Buddha inset behind copper player wheels. Early morning and evening are the times to visit Bouddha to join the local residents in Kora (walking the pilgrim's circuit, sometimes with Tibetan pilgrims on their hands and knees).

Budhanilkantha:

About eight kilometers north of Kathmandu at the base of Shivapuri 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 is placed in the middle of a small pond and seems to float on the surface of the water. It is popular pilgrimage site for Hindus.

Changunarayan:

The temple of Changunarayan is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in the valley. The temple, built around the 3rd century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal craft in the valley. The lord residing in this place is worshipped by the Hindus as Changunarayan and by Buddhist as Hari Hari Hari Vahana Lokeswar is Mahayana Buddhism. The courtyard has many other temples such as that of Kiloswar Shiva, Chhinnmasta Devi and other figures like Garuda and different images of Lord Vishnu.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar square is one of the popular place which is liked by many visitors due to its exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment. It consists of Huge Royal Palace with different temples, inside as well as outside the temple dating from the 15th to the 18th century. The house of the living goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the red monkey god and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architecture in this area are exceptionally fine.

Patan Durbar Square:

Patan Durbar square boasts of many famous sites and unique architectures. The ancient palaces, temples and shrines with exquisite carving are scattered around Patan Durbar Square. The major attractions of Patan Durbar Square are the stone temple of Lord Krishna, the Royal Bath with many carvings on stone, Viswanath temple and temple of Bhimsen with a magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square. Many more temple dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingh, Taleju and other are situated in the Patan Durbar Square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of the most charming Architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal. The Square contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the palaces of 55 windows, the Batsala temple and the bell of barking dog etc.