Sight Seeing in Nepal

Nepal has many different things to offer for sightseeing. The natural beauty and Himalayan views, the culture and traditions, the historical monument, art and architecture, Hindu temples and Buddhist stupa and monasteries, its people and rites, myths and mysteries which are a part of the daily life of the people of Nepal.There are seven world heritage sites in the valley which lures most of the tourist to come to visit to Nepal. Kathmandu is the first arrival point for most visitors. The ancient history of Kathmandu begins from Manjushree (The Kathmandu Valley Buddhist Saint). Before Manjushree came to Kathmadnu it was a lake, he cut southern side of the lake and drained out the water and made it in habitable. Many dynastic came and went. Trade and arts flourished. The Valley covers an area of 596sq. miles. It is situated at 1330m.above the sea-level. Mountains surround the valley and it is divided into the three major cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. These were once three different kingdoms and to this day retain their own rich artistic styles and traditions. It is surrounded by tier of green mountains wall above which tower mighty snow -capped peaks in winter.

 

 Within Kathmandu

Boudha Nath

Possibly the world's largest stupa in South Asia is located at Boudhanath, 5 km north east o

f the center of Kathmandu. It is considered to be one of the most important Tibetan Buddhism monuments outside of Tibet. This Stupa is the largest Buddhist structure in Nepal , and has been a power place and an important site of pilgrimage since its construction. On their way north out of the Valley, caravans of salt traders, monks, lamas and others made an obligatory stop here to perform protection and prosperity rituals.Bouddhanath is also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had to use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during its construction. It is also known as the "Littl Tibet" which is still the best place in the Valley to observe the  Tibetan lifestyle.The base of the stupa symbolizes the earth. On top of it is the done which symbolizes water. On top of this i the spire (tower) that symbolizes fire, then the umbrella that symbolizes air. On top is the pinnacle which symbolizes either. The spire has 13 levels, which represents the 13 stages to attain nirvana. On all four sides of the square base of the spire are the all watchful eyes of the Buddha. There is a third eye between and above the normal two eyes. The nose is really the Nepali number one, which signifies the unity of life.

 

Syambhu Nath

At the top of a knoll on the west of Kathmandu, there is one of the famous monastry of Nepal, Swayambhunath Stupa. This is the largest stupa in Nepal situated on the hillock of 77m above the level of the Valley and it displays typical Buddhist architecture, was built in 250 B.C. Because of  many wild monkeys in this area, it is also very well known as Monkey temple.Its main feature is the white dome is regarded as a spotless and pure jewel or Nirvana. It has thirteen tiers, representing the elevator to Nirvana, and a pair of painted eyes on all four sides of this stupa, symbolizing the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, which represented the invisible power of the Buddha. The key attractions of Syambhu Nath are Dewa Dharma Monastery, noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings, the huge gold plated Vajra set in the east side of the stupa etc. At the white half globe base, first level is round which represents the Earth; second level is square which represents the Air; third level is triangle which represents Water; forth level is an umbrella which represents Fire; fifth level is spiral shape which represents Live. In between the eyes, there is a sign that look like a question mark (?) at the position of the nose; it is actually the number 1 in Nepalese language which signifies the unity of life. There also exist six big Buddhist monasteries in all-five Mahayan (Lamaist) and one Hinyan (Therbadist). On the hind hill is located another important Buddhist shrine; it is called Manjushree. This compassionate Chinese Buddha is the God of Knowledge.

Pasupati Nath

 

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   The temple of Pashupatinath, holiest Hindu pilgrimage site is located in Deopatan, a little town 3 km north west of Kathmandu Valley. It is a Hindu temple, dedicated to a manifestation of Lord Shiva called Pashupati (Lord of Animals). It attracts thousands of pilgrims each year and has become well known far beyond the Kathmandu Valley.From time immortal, the Pasupatinath area has contained numerous temples, stupa, monasteries, images and inscriptions.Its original beauty still remains with the beautifully sculpted stone sculptures found here. The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but a good view of the temple compound's inner courtyard can be had from Shleshmantak hill on the opposite (eastern) bank of the Bagmati river. It is not known when the temple was founded. Tradition says it was constructed by Pashupreksha of the Somadeva Dynasty in the 3rd century BC, but the first historical records date from the 13th century.

 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu, the capital and the largest city of Nepal, derives its name from Kasthmandap or "house of wood" a pagoda-style temple. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples like Hanumandhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture, even though the King no longer lives in the Hanuman Dhoka. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. The interesting things to see here are the ferocious Kal Bhairav Mandir , Nautalle Durbar Square (nine storied palace), Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, statue of King Pratap Malla, the big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. Even to date, all the major state and social ceremonies, including the solemnization of coronations are performed in one of the courtyards in this complex. There is also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the place building. Photography is prohibited inside the museum. Both the mueseum remains closed on Tuesday and public holidays.

Budhalinkantha

Situated in Shivapuri hill at the northern end the valley, Buddhalinkantha is 9 km far from Kathmandu City. The hub of the temple complex is a pond in which lies a 5 meter (17ft) long great stone figure of Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The figure has been estimated to have been found buried in the ground in its original state more than thousand years ago.It is also known as Bhuijasi. Hindus throng to this sacred pilgrimage almost everyday to perform puja but a great number of worshippers can be seen in various festivals, especially on Haribodhini Ekadashi that falls between October/November, the day believed that the sleeping Lord Bishnu wakes up. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. Besides Buddhalinkantha temple, there are two sets of exactly similar, but smaller 'sleeping Vishnu' in the Valley.

 

Daksinkali

The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 22 km south-west of Kathmandu which takes about 45 minutes. This temple is dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Kali or the goddess of power; she is regarded as one of the most important Hindu goddess. Dakshinkali is an important place of pilgrimage, drawing over 400,000 pilgrims a year. Pilgrim visits this temple to offer prayers and the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. Apart from the religious aspects, the site has also been developed as a popular picnic spot. On the way back, stop at Chobhar, the famous gorge lies just 8 km south west of Kathmandu. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the lake which once covered the Valley. There is a small but picturesque Adinath temple on the hill from where a majestic view of snow clad mountain can be viewed close by on the clear day. Near the village of Pharping, the pleasent spot called Sheka Narayan lies which is one of the Narayans temple of the Valleys.