Namo Buddha

Namo Buddha means 'Greetings to the Buddha'. It is the symbol of human sacrifice at the highest possible level. Namo Buddha, the sacred Buddhist shrine is located at south-east and couple hours drive from Kathmandu. This Namo Buddha is situated on a hill above Panauti and requires either drive or good hike, walk is recommended to visit this place. There is an amazing story concerned with the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. According to the legend, one of the earlier Buddha offered his own flesh to a hungry tiger unable to feed her hungry cubs. Better know by Tibetans as Tag-mo Lu-jin. This means the place where the Buddha offered his body to the hungry mother tigress. It is renowned for Shakyamuni's act of compassion upon encountering a hungry mother tigress he offered her his body so that she could feed her cubs. There are a couple monasteries and one ancient stupa erected nearby in which one can make offerings, pray, and light butter lamps. It is an ideal place for in meditation. Namo Buddha is one of the principal places of pilgrimage for the Lama Tibetans. Buddhists believe that anyone who worship here properly will get free from all kinds of evil spirits and their wills can be fulfilled.

Bandipur

Bandipur, an ancient Newari mountain town, is a treasure waiting to be discovered by travellers.  It is situated 7 km above Dumbre Bazaar at an altitude of 1005m. This ancient trading post lies cradled in the saddle of some of the country's most peculiar-shaped hills. Untouched by modernization, and laced with an abundance of ancient houses,temples of great significance, and historical architecture, this medieval-era town boast festivals all year around, besides plethora of cultural offerings. Neighboring Magar, Gurung, Bahun, Chhetri, Damai and Sarki villages all contribute to the cultural diversity of the region. The hilltop town not only overlooks the incredible expanse of the Marsyanngdi river valley, but also offers a breathtaking sweep of the Himalayan range, from Langtang in the east to Dhaulagiri in the west. From nearby hilltops, one can see as far as Manakamana (holy temple) and Gorkha to east the great Chitwan plains to the south, among others. Once a bustling commercial center along the trade route linking Tibet with British welcome travellers from near and far. While the Siddha Gufa (the largest cavern in the country) and Patali Dwar (a.k.a. the Gateway to Heaven) are must-sees, this place also offers endless hiking possibilities in the surrounding hills

Lumbini

 Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and compassion. It is 21 km west of Bhairahawa and 285 km south-west of Kathmandu. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist as well as place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith throughout the world. The birth of Buddha at Lumbini has been recorded in the pillar inscription 'The Light of Asia' although there is not much to see but the peaceful environment provides you with inner sense of tranquility. Lumbini's status as a garden of peace has recognized the world over and Buddhists are undertaking its development from everywhere. The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we fine the sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. It has a stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as she holds onto a branch. The Lumbini village lies as a gateway to the outer world. Lumbini gardens, dotted with holy shrines, stupas, monasteries, Ashoka Pillar pinpointing the birth place of Buddha are the principal attraction of Lumbini. The Government of Nepal formed the Lumbini Development trust to oversee the development of the entire Lumbini area as a religious and pilgrimage center. In the Sacred Garden, you can visit Myanmar Temple, Royal Monastery, International Gautami Nums Temple, Lotus Stupa, Dharmaoday Nepal Monastery, Ladak Kagyud Monastery, Dharma Swami Maharaja Buddha Vihara, Mahabodhi Society of Calcutta and Manang Monastery. Lumbini is listed in the World Heritage Monument List by UNESCO.

 

Dhulikhel

 

Dhulikhel, at 1625m is justly famous as as well-preserved Newar town surronded by the Taamangs, mountain viewpont, and hiking point and biking hub, but its popularity is waning as road- building and modernization take their toll. It is a small town 30 km east of Kathmandu, lies along the Arniko Highway to Jiri (trekking start point of Everest region) and Tibet. It is popular for its natural beauty and ancient beauty. This is yet another place for the magnificent mountain views. The snowy panorama as seen from Dhulikhel shows the Himalayas all the way from Karyolung in the east of Hiunchuli in the west. Spending a night at Dhulikhel to view the sunrise across the mountain range is money well spent. it is adeal for the snow capped peaks, sinrise, sunset and it is diffrent from the other place. Meanwhile, a flurry of secondary road-building in the area has taken a lot of the pleasure out of the standard Namo Buddha-Panauti itinery, althogh the destinations themselves remain as worthly as ever. Most of the visitors to Dhulikhel stay at least two noghts, which time for a wander around the old town, a sunrise walk and a full day circuit of the surroundings countryside and the cultural sites of Namo-Buddha and Panauti.

 

Pokhara

Pokhara is the most popular destination in Nepal after Kathmandu. Located at an altitude of 820m from the sea level and 200km north-west of Kathmandu valley, the city is also known as "The center of adventure of Nepal". Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. This beautiful valley is also the most famous gate-way for the world famous trekking areas such as Fishtail, Annapurna and Dhaulagiri. There are three lakes including the second biggest one of the country in this valley, where one can enjoy the crystal clear reflection of snow capped mountains down over the blue water, right next to the city center.The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. This is why it has also become a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature beside the trekking and rafting adventures. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South.

Phewa Lake

Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom is the center of all the attractions in Pokhara. Situated at the western edge of the valley at an altitude of 748m above sea-level, the largest lake of Pokhara covers an area of 4.43 sq km (original area was 9 sq km) with the maximum depth of 19m. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can be rented on the reasonable cost around lakeside. The eastern shore, popularly know as Lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite haunt of all travelers restaurants, handicraft shops and other tourist facilities are located. There is a famous shrine of Barahi (goddes) over a small island of the lake, which is another attraction of the valley.One can have a crystal clear reflection of Mt. Machhapuchhre (Mt. Fish Tail) and the famous Annapurna range over the blue water of the lake, which is surrounded by beautiful hills with dense subtropical forests full of floras and faunas. The enchanting lake is also an idyllic playground for swimming, canoeing and fishing.

Begnas and Rupa Lake

Begnas lake is the second largest lake of Pokhara, which is about 15 km south-east from the lake-side town at an altitude of 650m above sea level. The lake covers an area of 3 sq km with the maximum depth of 13.48m and is surrounded by scenic hills with dense jungle where abundant leopards roam majestically. One can enjoy fishing and boating in this lake along with travelling to the nearby villages.  Tourist can relax in the lodges and resorts situated alongside the lake.

Rupa lake is separated from Begnas lake by the dense forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda. These two lakes are also well known as the "Twin Lakes". The lake runs from north to south and covers an area of 1.12 sq km with a maximum depth of 4.79m, where-as the average depth is about 3.0m. The lakes offer the prefect nature retreat because of their relative’s seclusion and opportunities for boating and fishing.

Davi's Falls

Locally known as Patale Chango (Hell’s Falls) also know as Devins and Davids is a lovely waterfall is about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker by the name of Davy, was washed away by the Padi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall. This beauty of mother nature is one of the most attractive spot in Pokhara.

World Peace Pagoda

World Peace Pagoda is a huge Buddhist stupa situated at the top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. It has four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The Pagoda is an impressive sight and its hilltop location commands a grand view. Besides being an impressive sight, the shrine is also a perfect spot to have magnificient views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. Visitors can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Mahendra Cave

Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gufa (Cave). Mahendra cave is named after the Late king Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, which was discovered arround 1950 by some local shepherd boys. The locals call this cave as Chamero Odaar (house of bats) and is one of the most famous tourist site in Pokhara. This natural lime stone cave is located at a distance of couple hours walk in the northern settlements of the valley. Visitors are advised to bring torch lights with them to have the wonderful views of the glitterring stones like stalactites and stalagmites inside this dark cave.

Bat Cave

The Bat Cave is located at a small distance from Mahendra Cave and was discovered by the owner of the land (a farmer). The entrance of the cave is a bit narrow but it is wider inside and the inner walls are full of carved images of gods and goddess. This 150 m long and 25 ft high cave is also the home for over 15000 bats of different species.

Gupteshwor Cave

Gupteshwor cave is a holy cave, which is at a distance of 2 km from Pokhara Airport at the south-west from the town. This sacred cave for Hindus is almost 3 km long, where a phallic symbol of lord Shiva is preserved in the same condition as it was discovered. The entrance of this cave is just above David's Fall. Some of the inner passages are bigger (hall-sized) while some need to be crawlled on all fours. Taking pictures inside is strictly prohibited since this is a holy cave.

Museuem

Pokhara Museum is located between the airport and Mahendra Pul. It reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are nicely displayed in the museum. It is Open 6 days a week (except Tuesdays and holidays), from 10 am to 4 pm.

Annapurna Museum is also known as the Natural History Museum. It is located at Prithvi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar, and is managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP). The museum has an exceptional collections of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks. It is open six days a week (except Saturdays and holidays), from 9 am to 4 pm. Entrance to the museum is free.