Bhaktapur

 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 sq km. It is situated at 1401m  from the sea level and 13 km far from Kathmandu on the east side, linked with a motorable road. This city divided into 24 traditional locality covers an area of 5 sq km. The lion gate, the statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla, the National Art Gallery, the Batsala temple, the palace of 55 Windows, the Picture Gallery and the bell of the barking dogs are but a few of the sights to visit in the square. The statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues available in Nepal this is considered to be the most magnificent. The glorious five storied 'Nyatapola' Temple and the 'Fiftyfive window Palace' are among many attractions here. Bhaktpur is equally famous for its woodcarving , clay works and typical Nepali cap. Bhaktpur today sets an example to its other sister cities as to how one can preserve an ancient city and its outlook for future generation.

 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is much larger and more spacious than Kathmandu's and much less crowded with temples than Patan. Bhaktapur Durbar square is one of the seven UNESCO world heritage sites located in the Kathmandu valley. Some of the most popular monuments golden gate, peacock window and Nyatapola temple are main attractions. Victorian illusrations show that it was that it was once packed with the monasteries, temples and artistic building, almost one third of which were dsetroyed by the earthquake of 1934. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square contains many temples and others architectural ones like Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the picture gallery, the Golden gate, Nyatapola temple (Built in 1702 AD), the palace of 55 windows (Built in 1700 AD), Dattatraya temple (Built in 1427 AD), Bhairabnath temple (Built in 1718A AD), the Batsala temple and the Bell of the Barking Dogs and many other ancient monuments.Before the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who were very much devoted to religion, culture and art. During the period many magnificent temples and mansions were built. This period is remembered as golden period in the Nepalese art and remains a unique example. 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.

The palace of 55 windows was built in 17th century by Kinug Bhupatindra Malla.Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculuptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows.

Golden Gate is the entrance to the main countyard of the Palace of 55 windows. It is built be King ranjit Malla, which is one of the most beautifil and richy carved specimens of its kind in the entire world.

The Nyatapola Temple is the most dominantky lying in the south face of the squaare, named after its physical structure ( five tyres of roof). It is made by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1702 A.D is dedicated to the Goddess Siddhi Laxmi. It is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Dattratraya Temple is built in 1417 A.D by King Yakshya Malla and his son Raja Malla is only the temple in Nepal which is dedicated to the God Dattatraya ( the combine incarnation of Supreme Gods of Hindusium, i.e. Lord Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva).

Dattratraya square is open museum that contains innumerable momumental masterpieces of wood carvings.The major attraction of this Dattratraya square are ''Pujari Math'', built by king Yakshya Malla in 15 th century. It has a splendid collection of antique carvings like a set of 14 roof struts, image of Vishnu dhara, tantric images of Vishnu Vishwarupa with 30 arms and 17 faces. The another one is Bhimsen Temple which stands a double storied rectangular pagoda styled temple dedicated to Lord Bhimsen in 1605 A.D. Lord Bhimsen is considered to be strong as thousand elephant.

There are many musuems in the Bhaktapur area which displays the ancient and historical items. The National Art Gallery has a magnificent collection of ancient thankas paintaings and various classic and medival masterpeices belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools. The other one is Wood Carving musuems containing the elegant  architecture with the enumerable intricately carved wooden doors and windows including the famous Peacock window. right to the Weed Carving musuem, the Bronze and Brass musuem displays the hetergenous ceremonial and household metal wae. the collection of jars, water vessels, cooking pots, oils pots etc which are used in the ancient and medival ages.

Changu Narayan Temple

It is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu, the Preserver. It is one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings and is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in Nepal built sometime back in 323 A.D. The lavishly decorated two-tiered temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1702, but the earliest inscription in the valley dated 323 A.D. testifies to the considerable talents of the Licchavi King Mandeva I, Nepal’s first great historical figure. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding at 125m. Though the temple is quite beautiful, especially the repoussé doors and front facade, Changu Narayan is not known for its temple but for the stone statues, bas-relief carvings, and inscriptions that are scattered around the temple courtyard. At the bottom of the stone, Vishnu is shown reclining on a bed of snakes, the same pose that is depicted in the large statue of Budhanilkantha. Near the famous double Vishnu is a stone depicting another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the half-man and half-lion called Narsimha.

Patan

The ancient city of Patan is also known as lalitpur or the city of the fine arts. It is nearly 5 km far from the south east of Kathmandu Valley. It is famous as the city of fine arts, full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. This imposing sight fascinates the visitors at the first glimpse. Patan's central durbar is absolutely packed with the temples: it's an architectural center point with a far greater concerntration of temples per sq. km than in Kathmandu Valley.The most impressive focal point is Patan Durbar Square full of ancient places, temples and shrines. The Square consists of 3 courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk and was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments List in 1979. The major attraction are the Patan Durbar Square, Krishne Mandir, Mahaboudha, Ashok Stupa and other many more.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is a concentrated mass of temples, the most stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal.  Listed in World Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. The Aquare is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.The Square has been described as one of the most picturesque collection of buildings that have been set up so small a place by the piety of oriental man. The important things to be seen in this area include the Golden Gate and the Golden Window of the old Palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari chowk, and a perfect piece of the classic work in stone.The square has beenunrestrainedly adnored by the Bhimsen Temple, Manga Hiti, Vishwanath Temple, Jagganarayan Temple and numerous.

Krishna Mandir, the temple of Lord Krishne was built in 17th century holds a commanding positiom in the palace complex of Patan. It si the only Temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.It is also supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhar style architecture in Nepal. It is listed in the world heritage because of its delighted and wonderful value.

There are 4 Ashoka Stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C by the Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of the Patan. The foue stupas are situated in the Pulchowk,, Lagankhel, Ebhai and in Teta respestively.

A little far from the PatanDurbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The tweea-cotta structure is one of the 14th century Neplease architectural masterpieces.

Nagarkot

There are various places around the edge of the Kathmandu Valley which offer great mountain views, but Nagarkot is generally held to be the best mountain watchers make their way up to the village, stay overnight in one of Nagarkot's lodges or hotels than rise at dawn to see the sun appear over the Himalayas.This place is the popular sport for viewing the early morning sunrise and evening sunset over the mountains, layout of Kathmandu Valley below. Nagarkot lies on a ridge 32 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu along the rim of the valley at an altitude of 2,174 m. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas like Dorje lakpa, Manaslu (8463m), Ganesh Himal (7111m),Lang tang (7246m), Gaurishanker (7134m) and even Mt. Everest (8848m) can be seen from Nagarkot on the clear day. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east.  It looks spectacular as the mountains change color. Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different coloured flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. Ever popular among the tourists are the short treks and picnics which Nagarkot offers. Treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to have an adventure without exerting much efforts, a hike to Nagarkot's surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock formations.