Places of Interest in Nepal

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY

The valley comprises the three royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur which share amongst themselves seven world Heritage sites. The valley is like one vast open museum of the Nepali culture and traditions with its colossal ensemble of sculptures, temples and monuments decorated with timeless woodcarvings and craftsmanship.

In Kathmandu

Three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu in Kathmandu, Patan & Bhaktapur: They are all world heritage sites containing royal palaces, courtyards and temples built between 12th and 18th centuries by the Malla kings.

Swayambhunath: A world heritage giant stupa regarded as one of the holiest Buddhist sites that keeps a watch over the valley from atop a hillock.

Boudhnath Stupa: A world heritage giant stupa (biggest in Nepal) which rises 36 m from the base located in the area where the Tibetan refugees preferred to live happily.

Pashupatinath Temple: It is another world heritage site, holiest for the Hindus in Nepal located on the bank of the Bagmati river where cremation takes place as a part of Hindu life.

Changu Narayan Temple: It is also a world heritage site dedicated to Lord Vishnu and one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture.

In Patan

Patan Durbar Square: It is in Patan with the enchanting palace complex, artistic courtyards ad pagodas.

Mahaboudha: It is a 14th century Buddhist monument which a fine example of terra cotta artwork.

Golden Temple: A 12th century Buddhist monastery offering an exemplary richness with fine wood carvings.

Kumbheswar: One of the five pagodas with 5 roofs.

Tibetan Refugee Camp: It is the place where one can see how the Tibetan refugees are settling themselves with their age-old craftsmanship of carpet weaving.

In Bhaktapur

Every nook and corner in the township offers amazing impression to take you back in time.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: It is a World Heritage Site with its 15th century palace of 55 windows and the Golden Gate as its main entrance.

Taumadhi Square: It is dominated with the majestic presence of 5 roofed 17th century Nyatapola Temple amidst the bustling bazaar.

Dattatreya Square: It is another never to miss site in the township which is full of masterpiece woodcarvings featuring the world famous ‘Peacock Window’ and many ornate Hindu monasteries.

Potters Square: It is located near the Taumadhi Square at a five minute walk. It is where the potters mold into traditional earthen wares in a very traditional way.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS AROUND NEPAL

In Pokhara

The natural beauty of Pokhara is the mid-western part of Nepal with the majestic presence of Annapurna mountain range is simply bewitching.

Mt Fishtail (Mt Machhapuchre: 6,991 m): Pokhara valley with mighty presence of Mt Fishtail swimming in the beautiful Phewa lake is a lifetime experience for everyone.

Phewa Lake: It is the major attraction of Pokhara after Mt Fishtail. Boating in the lake is special experience with the magnificent view of Mt Fishtail at its backdrop.

Seti Gorge: It is a gorge drilled deep by the Seti river through the Pokhara township. It offers a good idea about the geological formation of the valley.

David’s fall: It is an awe-inspiring waterfall that disappears into an undergroung passage.

In Lumbini

Lumbini, located south-west of Nepal at a distance of 300 km, is the birth place of Lord Buddha (World Heritage Site) so holy for all the Buddhists of the world. Buddhist visitors rarely miss the visit to this holy site.

TREKKING

Nepal, in fact, is a paradise for the trekkers. Trekking on the trails to Mt Everest BC, Mt Annapurna BC and Langtang area are the lifetime ambition of all the trekkers in the world.

a) Trekking in the Mt Everest Area:

The Khumbu valley in the Everest region is one of the 3 best destinations for trekkers. Ringed by towering mountains, it is the home to 3 of world’s tallest peaks: Mt Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m) and Mt Cho Oyu (8,201 m). aspectacular flight takes you to Lukla (2,850 m) from where the trail leads to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, Tengboche Monastery set against the backdrop of the picturesque Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and finally, the Everest BC.

b) Trekking in the Mt Annapurna Area:

Annapurna, the most popular trekking route in Nepal, begins from Pokhara and leads you through rhododendron forests over the foothills of the Annapurna ad Dhaulgiri mountains. The Kaligandaki Gorge, the deepest in the world, and Lake Tilicho, the highest lake at 4,919 m are located here. Jomsom, Marpha, Muktinath, Manang and Thorong Pass are some more attractions of the trek in this area.

c) Trekking in the Langtang Area:

This trek is undertaken on the foothills of the Central Himalaya of Nepal. As among the 3 best trails, comparatively, it is so far the least explored one, the trek offers you some of the wildest and most scenic areas of Nepal exploring from the fertile rice basins of Trisuli river belt, the great stands of rhododendron and conifer on the higher slopes, the high alpine yak pastures, glaciers and moraines around Kyangin, the remote Holy lake ‘Gosaikunda’.

Besides above sectors, there are plenty of areas where one can enjoy trek the beautiful places like Helambu, Dolpa, Mustang, Jumla, Dhorpatan, Kannchanjunga trek, etc.

NATIONAL PARKS

There are altogether 12 national parks and wildlife reserves scattered all over Nepal. Each one of them are special renowned for their special wildlife conservation. Wildlife lovers find them worth visiting and a considerable numbers of visitors explore them every year.