The bowl like small mountain
- sheltered Kathmandu valley is the historical center of Nepal
and the place where kingdoms rose and fell, palaces and temples
were built and rebuilt, and Nepalese art and culture were developed
and refined is equally religious.
Kathmandu valley has been called on big museum - a vast store
of Hindu and Buddhist art with more shrines and temples per
square km than anywhere else in the world. Nepalese culture
has immense vitality and countless festivals are celebrated
each year. institutions such as the ''Living Goddess'' forms
a direct link between the past and the present.
The valley is above 25 km from east to west
and 20 km from north to south with an area of 570 square km
and a population of 1.1 million. Kathmandu lies at a height
of around 1300 meters while the surrounding hills range from
1500 meters to 2800 meters in height. Langtang, Ganesh Himal,
Gaurishanker and Everest are visible from different points
in the valley.
Patan situated across the Bagmati river to the
south of Kathmandu is known to this day for its excellent
works of art and carving in wood and bronze. Bhaktapur, also
known as Bhadgaon, is the most medieval of the lot and is
situated in the eastern part of the valley. while Kathmandu
and Patan have undergone great changes in the three decades
since Nepal its isolation, Bhaktapur has changed much less.
The city of Beauty
Patan locally referred to as Lalitpur and
situated at the south of Kathmandu is the second largest town
valley. patan's great building boom took place under the Mallas
in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. numerous temples of widely
diverse style as well as many Buddhist monasteries are scatterd
around the fascinating town. the city is famous for its crafts
and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs to be carried
home.
The city of Devotees
Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon is shaped
like conch. it is a medieval city designed in the 19th century
by its founder king Ananda Malla. having an area of 139 square
kilometer, it is situated at 1331 meter from the sea level and
13 km far from Kathmandu on the east side, linked with a motorable
road. Bhaktapur has not yet lost its old traditions but rather
has maintained them very well.
Bhaktapur not only grows sufficient food for the city but support
Kathmandu city also. the city's craftsmen build and decorate
houses, make pottery and adorn temples. from the very beginning
Bhaktapur has attracted the foreigners and local tourists as
well. durbar square, ''palace pf 55 windows'', Golden gate leading
through to the Taleju temple, National Art gallery having a
good collection of thangkas paintings - all are of immense attraction.
The ancient Royal palace is remarkable and an excellent example
of 18th century architecture made by king Bhupatindra Malla
whose statue stands in front of the Golden Gate. Around the
Durbar square the curio shops, woods and stone carvings, thangkas
have become a good attraction.
Nyatapola, Nepal's tallest five roofed temple,
stands not far from the Durbar square. the pottery market
is very near to the Nyatapola temple. the Akash Bhairav temple,
the Dattaraya shrine, pujarinath with excellent wood work,
the famous peacock windows located south of Dattatreya temple,
the Bramayani mandir all are of equal importance and work
of fine art and culture.
Nagarkot located about 14 km north east from
Bhaktapur at the height of 1838 meter from the sea level is
the best place for countryside walking and mountain viewing.It
takes about an hour by car to reach from Kathmandu. On the way
to Nagarkot one sees the terraced farm land and pine forest
It is the only place. where from one can view a panorama of
the entire eastern central Himalaya
.Everest,Numbur,Chooyu, Nuptse, Lhotse Makalu and to the west
Manaslu and Himalchuli five of the world's ten highest peaks.
By night overlooking the charming sparkling lights of the Kathmandu
valley, Nagarkot is incomparable. One can see many varieties
of flowers and can enjoy the songs of the many birds in the
morning . For overnight stop, there are every type of accommodation
suitable for all class of tourist, budget to deluxe.
Dhulikhel, a hill top town and easily accessible
from Kathmandu, lies thirty two kilometer east of Kathmandu
and is at the height of 1625m from the sea level. In the old
days, it lay on the main trade route between Kathmandu and Tibet.
The wealth which passed through this town helped construct many
beautiful building with fine wood carvings.
The famous Narayani shrine and the Harisiddhi temple stand in
the main square of Dhulikhel. The old Dhulikhel Bazaar where
one can see craftsmen sitting cross legged next to their work
benches and tiny shops selling vegetables, cotton cloth and
metal goods is a typical Newar settlement.
Just beyond Dhulikhel is a hill at the height
of 1781 m where a Kali temple is situated. This is the best
place to view the Himalaya where the majestic ice white panorama
of Himalayan peaks Mt. Annapurna, Manaslu, Lumjung, Ganesh
Himal, Mahalangur, and Khumbhakarna can be seen. The scenic
beauties of the whole valley of Palanchowk, Phulbari Thok,
Panchkhal, Sanga over Nala is alluring.
Viewing the terraced rice field over the valley is a breath
taking experience. If one gets up early and makes 30 minutes
walk from town to this temple one can not remain without admiring
the spectacle of early light. Sunset from here is a different
but equally beautiful experience.
This town is famous for its panoramic views
of the sunrise and the sunset over the Himalayan range. Where
the natural beauties of this place is attractive and breathtaking
, the climate is also healthier. From Dhulikhel a number of
interesting treks both long and short can be taken within
the surrounding countryside.
Dhulikhel to Panauti, Dhulikhel to Panauti via
Namo Buddha, Dhulikhel to Nagarkot, Dhulikhel to Palanchowk
Bhagbati are some of the treks for those who likes steep ascending
and descending with their families. For mountain bikers this
is an ideal place to start with. Day trip to the Tibetan border,
the hot spring bath at Tatopani, river rafting at Sunkoshi
river, bird watching all can be arranged from this place.
Many scholars believe that the Palanchowk Bhagwati
temple was constructed during the period of the Licchavi king
Mandev. The temple is situated on the top of the Palanchowk
hill named after Bhagwati, the height being 1563meters , and
is well connected by a motorable road from Arniko Rajmarg.
Palanchowk Bhagwati epitomizes the image of Durga Goddess where
one does not find the impact of Rudra or Himsa. She is calm,
peaceful, loving and showering her blessing. In addition to
the religious importance, the beautiful scenes, view from the
hill top is magnificent.
This village is on a ride 23 km. north west
of Kathmandu at the height of 2073 meters and offers good views
of the western and central Himalayas, especially magnificent
views of Ganesh Himal. The road to Kakani also offers beautiful
views. Once you are through the pass and out of the valley Kathmandu
seems eight years away. although the valley is terraced from
top to bottom many trees have been left behind and prosperous
- looking houses dot the hillsides.
Daman, situated 78 km south of Kathmandu at
the height of 2322 meter along the old road to the Indian border,
gives a panoramic view of the entire Himalayan ranges visible
from central Nepal. It is a three and half hour drive from Kathmandu.
There is a viewing tower with a telescope. As a matter of fact,
it deserves a visit. |
