It is difficult to describe Kathmandu। If on one hand it bears the burden of one of the poorest countries in the world, on the other it has also learnt to grow and accept the Western style of civilisation, which, in a way, has led to heavy tourist traffic, giving boost to the industry that is the most important source of income for Nepal. Kathmandu is a small city founded around AD 723 as Manju-Patan. In the days of the Malla Kingdom, it was known as Kantipur and was in the same rank as Patan and Bhaktpur. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the man who made Kathmandu his capital in the 18th century and it never looked back after that. The opening of the country around 40 years back led to tremendous growth of tourism in the valley and the capital became a Mecca for trekkers, heaven for hippies, and a thriving cosmopolitan city.Today Kathmandu is a fascinating old city where pagodas, narrow cobbled lanes, old carved windows, and stone shrines are backdrops to the drama of life that continues unhindered. Here the experiences are amazing, views fascinating, and the climate charming.
Sightseeing Of Kathmandu
The Royal Botanical Garden, Godavari: Godavari is a small village situated at the foothills of Phulchoki, at an altitude of approximately 5000 feet above sea level, and 14 km southeast of Kathmandu. Godavari is famous for its picnic spots and the Royal Botanical Garden.
The Royal Botanical Garden is located at the foothills of Phulchoki, one of the highest hills surrounding Kathmandu valley. The garden is landscaped over 72 hectares of land. Over 500 species of plants can be found in the various gardens.
It was founded in 1962 by the Department of Plant Resources the then Department of Medicinal Plants, Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation and His Majesty’s Government of Nepal and was graciously inaugurated by His Majesty the Late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev.
From the time of its establishment much of the activities have been centered on enriching the garden with indigenous plants as to integrate its collection with scientific investigation, conservation, education and demonstration. The activities carried out in this botanical garden are:
collection and maintenance of indigenous and exotic plants. Introduction of plants of economic and medicinal value including rare, endemic as well as indigenous plants, education on conserved plants.Furthermore, dissemination of information on Nepalese plant resources to create awareness, the development of technology for the propagation methods of plants of commercial value, production and sale of indigenous as well as exotic ornamental plants, seedlings, cut-flowers etc and developing a recreation spot for naturalists are some of the other activities that this botanical garden is involved in.
This enchanting garden, set in a landscape of natural greenery is a calm and soothing place to be in, if one wants to get rid of the pollution and tantrums of the city. The garden is quite captivating during autumn and spring whereas winter is not an ideal time for a visit since the temperature sometimes goes below freezing point. The dawn of the spring is marked by the bloom of Rhododendrons, the national flower of Nepal commonly known as Laligurans. The autumn on the other hand is characterized with colorful berries that add something extra to the place for visitors.
The main attractions of the Royal Botanical gardens, those that stand out are, the physic garden, special garden, orchid garden, cactus house, terrace garden, fern garden, Japanese style garden, water garden, lily garden, the coronation pond, tropical house, rose garden, VVIP plantation area, rock garden, bulbous garden, coronation temple and shed house. It also has facilities and amenities like a parking area, restaurant, snack bar and toilet.
Machchendra Nath Temple: Machchendra is considered as the guardian of the valley and his temple is one of the most revered among Hindus and Buddhists alike. The temple is situated in Kel Tol, north of Durbar Square. The white-faced image of Machchendra Nath is paraded around during the Machchendranath Festival in April.
Hanuman Dhoka: The name of the old royal palace has been derived from the statue of Hanuman (the monkey god of Hindu mythology) that guards the entrance. The building has remained uninhabited from the days of its first construction in the 13th century. Most of the older structures are now gone and the present building is a highly modified version of the earlier one. It is now used mainly for royal ceremonies. The main attractions here include the Nasal Chowk, Tribhuvan Memorial Museum (the section open to public), Basantpur Tower, Mahendra Memorial Museum, and a stone inscription.
Residence of the Living Goddess: This is an 18th-century palace in Kathmandu with beautifully carved window frames, some of them carved in the shape of peacocks while the central one is covered in gold. The palace is known as Kumari Bahal, where Kumari, the living goddess of Kathmandu, resides. The goddess appears out of the windows in the courtyards sometime and it all depends on your luck whether you can see her or not.
Kashthamandap: The place which gave Kathmandu its name, the Kashthamandap temple is perhaps the oldest surviving structure in Kathmandu. Although there have been alterations over the centuries, the central image in the temple is of Saint Gorakhnath, who watches over the Shah Dynasty. A small shrine of Ganesha is also located inside the temple.
Swayambhunath: The hilltop Stupa of Swayambhunath, considered 2,000 years old, is one of the holiest places for Newari Buddhists. The hilltop is a pleasant spot to view the valley and is home to hordes of monkeys. On major Buddhist festivals like Buddha Punima or Tibetan Losar (New Year), Buddhists throng to the stupa.
Pashupatinath: The Pashupatinath Temple, situated on the banks of River Baghmati around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside. An annual pilgrimage on the occasion of Shivaratri is organised here every year in the month of February.
Abode of the God: Nepal abounds in retreats for the devout
Baraha Chhetra: Baraha Chhetra is the spot where Baraha or the boar, the third out of ten incarnations of Lord Bishnu, fought with the demon Hiranakshya and saved the earth from deluge. Apart from the main shrine of Baraha, there are many shrines here dedicated to Bishnu’s boar incarnation. A large number of pilgrims from remote corners of Nepal and India gathered here to pay their homage during the month of November. Located at the confluence of the Saptakoshi and Koka rivers, it is 20 km far from Dharan; a scenic town in eastern Nepal.Today Baraha Chhetra is on the development pipeline. The Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) is working in coordination of different organizations and local bodies to promote the area as one of the major pilgrimage destinations.
Gosaikund: The lake is believed to have been created by lord Shiva when he thrust his trident into a mountain to draw water so that he could cool his burning throat after swallowing poison. There is a large rock at the center of the lake which is said to be the remains of Shiva shrine. Gosaikund, at an altitude of 4,380 m, is situated to the north of Kathmandu on the Langtang trekking trail. The holy lake is a two-day trek from Dhunche, which is reached by a 118-km mountain road via Trisuli Bazaar.
Manakamana: The temple houses the deity of the manifestation of the Hindu Goddess Bhagawati who is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Nepal. Situated atop a hill some 125 km west of Kathmandu, it is a steep three-hour hike to the hilltop from Abu Khaireni on the Kathmandu-Gorkha highway. However, cable cars from Cheres, 104 km from Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara take just 10 minutes to shuttle pilgrims to the temple. Perched atop a 13025 m ridge, Manakamana draws devotees not only from Nepal but also from India
Muktinath: Muktinath is held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu. Set into the wall around it are 108 water spouts. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas spewing out of the ground. Muktinath, an altitude of 3,800 m, is situated in north – central Nepal on the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. It is a six-hour walk from Jomsom airport. Helicopter services are also available.
Simarungadh: Capital of the former kingdom of Tirhut, Simrarungadh is the seat of a rich civilization, which peaked between the 11th and 14th centuries. The ancient city suffered terrible devastation at the hands of past invaders, but its cultural glory can still be seen in the archeological treasures that abound here. There are many Hindu temples, which draw pilgrims in large numbers. Simraungadh is situated in the Terai plains directly to the south of Kathmandu. The most convenient access is from Birgunj (270 km by road from Kathmandu). You can also fly to Simara (15 minutes) and then drive to Birgunj, from where it is 49 km to Simarungadh.
Boudnath: Boudnath is one of the largest stupas in the world and an important Buddhist pilgrimage. Today, Boudnath bustles with Tibetan population, busy with carpet manufacture, trade, and prayers at the several monasteries belonging to different sects of Tibetan Buddhism.
Kirtipur: Kirtipur is situated at a distance of 6 km from Kathmandu and a picturesque Newari village with fifth-century temples, old lanes, and weavers dressed in traditional clothing.
Chovar: Chovar is the site of a gorge where the water drains from the valley. It is situated 6 km south-west of the city and there is a small pagoda of Adinath on the top of the gorge.
Buddhanikantha: Buddhanikantha is situated 8 km north of Kathmandu and there is a pond where you can see the great stone figure of Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of a serpent.
Guheshwari Temple: Guheshwari Temple near Pashupatinath is considered as the place where Yoni of Shiva's consort Sati fell when she was cut into pieces by Lord Vishnu.
Pharping: Pharping is a popular picnic spot near Chovar, just outside the city centre.
Balaju Water Garden: Balaju Water Garden is situated northwest of the city and an 18th-century design of spouting crocodile heads set in pleasant gardens. There is a large swimming pool and an aquarium in the park.
Martyr's Memorial: Martyr's Memorial or Shaheed Gate is constructed in the memory of four accused conspirators who were executed after an attempted coup in 1940.
National History Museum: National History Museum is an excellent place to explore the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of Nepal. The museum building is as much important structure as the objects displayed in the museum.
Historic National Museum: National History Museum is an excellent place to explore the rich history, art, and cultural heritage of Nepal. The museum building is as much important structure as the objects displayed in the museum.
Narayanhity Durbar: Narayanhity Durbar is the present Royal Palace, which is named after a famous waterspout called Narayanhity, situated at the southern corner of the Palace.
Patan: The twin city of Patan might have an independent existence than with Kathmandu. Today it is separated from the latter by a bridge over River Baghmati. The place has a distinct character and is full of temples.
Durbar Square: It was once the centre of power during Malla Kingdom and still has a fascinating cluster of temples. The main attractions here include the Royal Palace, Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk, Teleju Shrine, Patan Museum, Manga Hiti, Mani Mandap, Bhimsen Mandir, Vishwanath Mandir, Krishna Mandir, and some others.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: This is a three-storey golden pagoda dedicated to Lokeshwar and constructed in the 12th century by King Bhaskar Varma. You can see a golden image of Lord Buddha as well as a big prayer wheel.
Kumbheshwar: Built in 1392, this is the oldest temple in Patan. It has two freestanding five-roofed pagodas, where the presiding deity is Shiva. There are many legends related to the foundation of this temple. Thousands of pilgrims visit the temple during Jana Purnima Festival in the month of August every year.
Jagan Narayan: Built in 1565, the Jagan Narayan Temple is situated in the Durbar Square and dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This is the oldest temple in Durbar Square and is complete with wildly erotic roof struts.
Krishna Mandir: This is first specimen of the Shikhara style temple in Nepal and the only one to have 21 spires. Built in the 17th century, it is constructed completely of stone and holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan.
Mahaboudha Temple: The temple of thousand Buddhas is situated along Mangal Bazaar east of Durbar Square. The architecture is inspired by the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. This is a shikhara-style temple covered with terracotta tiles, each of which is painted with image of Buddha.
The Central Zoo: The Central Zoo is the only historical zoo in the kingdom of Nepal and is located in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur district, which is one of the main urban centers of Kathmandu valley. This zoo was established in 1932 with few animals in it as a hobby by the then Prime Minister Juddha Shumser Jung Bahadur Rana. The total area of the Central Zoo is approximately 6.5 hectares. There are collectively 124 species in the zoo inclusive of all the sections like animal section, bird section and also some of the rare species which are on the verge of extinction.As the only historical zoo in Nepal, it plays an important role in education, conservation and wildlife reserve in Nepal, promotion of Nepal’s rich and unique bio-diversity.The Central Zoo has frequent connection with other zoos in the world like the zoos in the US, Australia, Austria, Europe, Singapore etc and this helps to bring about positive changes to our existing zoo. The present concerned authority of the Central Zoo has made an optimum utilization of the public resources without any external resources and comparatively the complaints of the visitors have minimized.It is a known fact that Nepal is very rich in bio-diversity so a better equipped zoo would help ensure the research and survival of some of the most endangered species in the world, including the one horned Indian rhino, the Bengal tiger and the clouded leopard, all of which are residing in the zoo and are native to Nepal. Special attractions like the Siamang Gibbon and the Asiatic Lio will help draw more people to the zoo, including tourists and ensure the survival of the zoo and ultimately the survival of Nepal’s rich and unique animal kingdom. In other respect, this also helps to boost the economy of the country and promotion of the tourism industry of the Himalayan Kingdom.Opening Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pmIt opens from Sun – Sat except Wednesday.
Others: Rudra Varna Mahavihar or Uka Bahal is the oldest monastery in Patan. Ashokan Stupas are situated on the four corners of Patan commemorating the visit of King Ashoka, a great Buddhist King of India. Godavari is a horticultural haven and home to the peaceful, expertly landscaped Royal Botanical Gardens, the National Herbarium, a bee-keeping workshop, and many nurseries. Bajra Barahi is a lofty temple set in jungle surrounding at Godavari. Phulchoki is situated at an altitude 3,330 metres at a distance of around 16 km off Patan and noted for wild flowers and butterflies.
Hetauda is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Nepal. Due to its geographical features and its climate, it has been a popular choice for people migrating from the northern hilly regions to the south. Hetauda is a doon, which means that it has a valley like geography. It is surrounded by hills--Mahabharata range in the north and the Siwalik range in the south. The rivers Rapti, Samari, and Karra run through this area and flow southwest to meet Narayani, one of the bigger and popular rivers in the nation.
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