Patan Durbar Square

Patan also known as Lalitpur means the city of arts. It is located across the river Bagmati river only 5 km south of Kathmandu city center. This city founded in 3rd century AD by King Veera Dev has a distinction of being the
home of the finest crafts and is considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Mall period from 16th to 18th century and the monuments in the area are mostly credited to King Siddhi Nar Singh Malla, Shri Niwas Malla and Yog Narendra Malla.

Main Chowks (Courtyards): Patan Durbar Square consists of three main courtyards-Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk which houses the Patan Museum. The Sundari Chowk built by King Siddhi Narsing Malla in 1647 AD contains the master piece of stone sculpture known as the Royal bath and was used for performing ritual bathing.

Bhimsen Temple: The three-storied temple of Bhimsen located on the extreme north of the square with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside is very popular amongst the local merchant and traders 
communities. There are curio shops around the temple.

Vishwa nath Temple: This two-storied temple dedicated to Shiva located near and the temple is guarded by two elephants.

Krishna Mandir: The temple of Lord krishna built in the 17th century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla is the first specimen of Shikhara style temple entirely made of stone. It is the only temple in Nepal with 21 golden pinnacles 
and contains engraved scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Stone Column: The stone column of King yog Narendra Malla in a pryaing poster to goddess Taleju is protected by a snake above his head and a bird is seen seated on the snake. Legend says that the King would be rememebered and remain immortal as long as the bird does not fly from there. It is because of this believe that a window of the nearyby palace is kept open for the spirit of the King to come and rest in the palace. A stone pillar located nearby with the Garuda atop facing the Krishna temple is another typical example of Nepali stone workmanship.

Jagatnarayan Temple: This temple also know as the Char Narayan temple and one of the oldest temple is located south of the Krishna temple. The temple is guarded by two lions and half human form sculpted in stone.

Harishankar Temple: This tree-tier temple built in 1704 AD is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was built by the wives of King Yoga Narendra Malla after his death memory because of which this temple is also know as Sati temple.

Taleju Temple: There are prominent temples like the tree-storied octagonal emple of Taleju Bhawani and Digu Taleju-the five storied temple of the protective deities built by King siddhi Narsingh Malla in 17th century. These temples are unique examples of craftsmanship in wood.

Golden Temple: The three-storied golden pagoda was built by King Bhaskar Verma in the 12th century and contains image of Amoghpash lokeswor, large prayer wheel and paintings of Buddha. The temple is located at a walking 
distance north from the main square.

Kumbheshwor: This five storied temple dedicated to Shiva was built during the regign of King jayastithi Malla in the late 14th century. It is a few minutes walk north from the main square. A religious fair is held during Jania Poornima (August). Threre is also a famous banglamukhi temple nearby.

Mahaboudha: Thousands images of Buddha are found in the temple made of fine quality bricks. The temple was constructed in the 15th century by an architect named Avay Raj and is located eastwards with a few minutes walking distance from the main square.

Thre are many other shrines, sculptures, stupas scattered in and around the square and provide a unique expereince to visitors and art lovers.

soruce: "World Heritage Sites of Nepal" by Nepal Tourism Board

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Sagarmatha National Park (1148 sq. km.)

The prime attraction in Sagarmatha National Park esablished in 1976, is Mt. Everest-the highest peak of the world. The park was added to the list of World heritage Site in 1979. The park, a part of the Himalayan ecological zone, has several other prominent peaks most of which are above 6000 meters. With most of the park above 3000 meters. Sagarmatha is full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its culture, the parks offer a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here. The vegetation at the lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forest, while above 3500 meters the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and junipeer trees. During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen. The common wildlife in the park are Himalayan Thar, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare) weasel, jackal. Other rarely seen animals are Himalayan black bear, wolf, lynx and snow leopard. Birds inhabiting the parks are of over 118 species. Common ones among them are the impeyan pheasant (Danphe), blood pheasant , red billed cough, yellow-billed chough, snow-cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan black griffon, and lammergeyer. The area also provides warm Sherpa hospitality and has many monasteries and cultural landmarks. Tourism activities and farming are the main actiities of the area. Growing barleys and potatoes and raising yaks are some of the notable occupation. The majority of the youths are engaged as mountaineering and trekking guides in the season.

The best point to explore the aea could be Gokyo valley, Lobuche, Kalapathar, Everest Base Camp, Chuking valley and the Thame valley.

Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering, cultural observation and Meditation
Accommodation: Resort hotels, lodges, camping
Access: Namche Bazar-A gateway to Everest Region - is a two day walk from Lukla which is 30 minutes by air to Kathmandu
Best Season: Oct-No and Mar-May

See our: Where to Walk in Everest Region | Everest Base Camp Trek-13 Days | Gokyo Valley Trek

Source: "World Heritage Sites in Nepal' By Nepal Tourism Boards

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Chitwan National Park (932 sq km.)

Chitwan National Park established in 1973 was declared UNESCO Natural Heritage Site in 1984. The park that includes in its area a part of the shivalik hills is covered with deciduous forest overlooking the floodplains of Narayani, Rapti and Reu rivers and offering a wilderness of rick ecosystem that incldes mammals, birds, reptiles and water animals of several kinds. There are around 600 plant species, 50 mammals, 526 birds and 49 amphibians reptiles found in this park. The highlights, of course, are the 500 Asian one-horned rhinoceros and some 100 nocturnal Royal Bengal tigers that live in the dense forest of the park. Sharing home in these is other annimal like rhesus moneky, grey langur, deer, leopards, white stockinged gaur, wild boar, wild dogs and wild cats. Among reptiles are different kinds of snakes including the python, while the river arieas breed amphibians like the endgangered snouted gharial poplularly known as Gangetic Crocodile and marsh crocodiles. The forest is alive during summer with the arrival of migrant birds paradise flycather, indian pitta and parakeets, while winter birds include waterfowl, Brahminy ducks, pintails, bar headed geese cormorants and migratory birds from Siberia. Other bird varietes are woodpeckers, hornbills, peacocks, peahens, floricans and redheaded trogons. A rare attraction of the park is the world's fresh water dolphin varietysometimes seen in River Narayani. Another factor adding a distinct touch to the Chitwan experince is the colorful Tharu culture. These are also sites of religious and historical importance importance at Devghat, Pandavnagar, Balmiki Ashram and Kabilaspur.

Activites: Jungle Safari on elephnat back, jungle walk, canoe ride, jeep drive and observation of Tharu culture.

Accommodation: Resort hotels and lodges

Access; The park headquarter's at Kasara is a 21-km drive from Bharatpur, which is 20 minutes by air or 146 km by road from Kathmandu

Best Time: Oct-Feb (average temperature 25 degree celsius), Mar-jun (hot upto 43 Degrees), july-Sep (Rainy)

See our: Where to stay in Chitwan

Source: "World Heritage Sites in nepal" by Nepal Tourism Board

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Changu Narayan Temple

Located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley, the Changu Narayan-the temple of Lord Vishnu- is a 6 km north of Bhaktapur. The temple is full of magnificent art works in metal and wood. In fact it is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraph evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premised during the reign of the Lichchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 AD shows that Changu had already been established as a scared location in the 3rd century AD. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century AD. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, though older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art.

some of the important sculptures here as:

1. Viswo Roop-Lord Vishnu in his all pervasive universal form Vishwo Roop represented in a serpent bed-the-symbolic of the endless water. This sculpture dates back to 8th century AD.
2. Vishnu vikranta-Lord Vishnu in his most powerful form measuring the space by his feet. This stone bas-relief image is dated as 8th century AD.
3. Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda-the mythical man bird.
4. Nr-singha Vishnu in his half human and half lion's form.

the myth behind the conception of the Changu Narayan temple signifies the religious signnificance and importance of the place. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu beheaded a Brahmin thinking it to be a demon and only discovered it later that he had committed a heinous crime. He then wandered on earth on his mount, the 'Garuda' eventually descending on the hill at Changu. There he lived in anonymity, surviving on milk stolen from a cow belonging to a hermit sage called Sudharshan. When Sudharshan found out about the stolen milk, he attacked and beheaded Lord Vishnu which freed Lord vishnu from his sins. Ever since that day, the site has been held sacred and the temple has been revered.

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Boudanath Stupa

The Stupa of Boudhanath is located 5 km east of Kathmandu city center. The stupa stands over three-tiered platorm raised over the crossed rectangles inn order to bring out the yantra form and is termed ad the biggest Stupa in Nepal.

The claims made in various religious and literary texts regading the erection of the stupa is varied and
conflicting. However, the stupa is believed to have been built in the 5th century AD during the reign of the
Lichchavi Kings.

As in other stupa architecture, this stupa also has Vairchana at the center followed by Achhyobhya, Ratna Sambhava, Amitabh and amoghsiddhi in east, south, west and nnorth directions respectively. Similary, there are one hundred and eight small niches around the stupa accommodatin the icons of Buddhas, Bodhistavas and other female deities along with conjoint figures in erotic poses. Likewise, at the bottom level, it is surrounded with the praying wheels embossed with the famous mantra OM MANI PADME HUM fixed in more than hundred and forty niches.

According to a very popular legend, inn ancient time there was a poor girl in a Magat village of Nepal. She was called Jyajima and was very pious and charitable by nature. She had a deep desire to spread the faith of the Master and approached the King for a peice of land where she could build a stupa. Hence she built the stupa with the help of her fous sons as it stands today.

Accoording to another very popluar legend, in the ancient days Kathmandu valley was under severe drought and this causes the King Dharma Dev much concern and anxiety. Finally, the King was advised by an astrologer that only the sacrifice of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the dry royal water spout could bring the rainfall in the country. There were hardly anybody with such a great virtue except the King himself. So the following night he commanded his son to go to the dry water spout near the royal palace at mid night and behead the person clad in white robe without looking at him. The Prince(Mandev-the Lichchavi King) obeyed his father and to his great horror found that it was none other than his own father that he beheaded.

In order to atone for the heinous sin, he prayed to goddess Vajrayogini who ordered him to erect a stupa and practice rigorous penance. He practiced great penance in Gumvihar where Vajrayogini rests and it was due to his great devotion there sprang out the present Stupa of Boudhanath.

Oldfield and Orientalist has written that a Lama from Tibet had died on his pilgrimage to Nepal and the stupa was erected with his relics and named it as Khasa Chaitya after his name.

During Buddha Jayanti (birthday of Lord Buddha, April-May) on the full moon day a religious procession takes place with the icons of Budhha on a chariot. During Lhosar festival (Jan-Feb) the pilgrims worship the Buddhists deities, light the increase and butter lamp day and night. On the full moon day of Janai Purnima (sacred tread festival, Aug-Sep) the stupa is decorated with prayer flags and lights. Every twelve year a special ceremony is also observed denoting the fact that it took 12 years to built the stupa. Some Buddhist texts also mentions that it took 2555 days (7 years) to complete the construction of the Stupa. Dance, musical instruments, chant and hymns are performed to mark the event with great festivity.

The stupa along with the monasteries are centere of learning, cultural activites, prayers and meditation.

Source: "World heritage Sites of Nepal" by Nepal Tourism Board

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Swoambhunath Stupa

Located on a lovely little hillock Swayambhu Nath Stupa lies about 4 km west of Kathmandu city center. There are 360 steps leading all the way to the top commanding a magnificent view of the Kathmandu valley and the breath-taking panorama of the snow-clad Himalayan range. The tradition inthe Stupa follows the Vajrayana form of Buddhism which is a trantric variation of the Mahayana Buddhism (the great vehicle). The stupa seem to have been founded during the Lichchavi Period. Religious and literary sources give numerous accounts of the establoshment and the patronage of the Swayambhunath premises. Some literary word credit the Lichchavi Kind Mandev to be the founder of Swayambhu Stupa. It is also interesting to note that the stupa went a series of renovation during the Malla period in the medieval times with donations made by merchants, monks, pilgrims and Buddhist followers.

As the anceint legend goes Kathmandu valley was lake long time ago. Right in the center of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light atop. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came all the way from China to the valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor ready for habitation. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in and around this stupa speak alot about the significance stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base. The hemispherical part of the chaitya is made of brick and stone and on top of the hemispherical part lies the hermika which carries the eyes of Vairochana watching in all the directions and believed to have been painted in the Malla period. The stupa is also laden with the 13 gold plated spires which symbolize the 13 stages to salvation. The spire is crowned by a golden umbrella supported by a pole from within the center. Devotees pour lime down the chaitya to cure illness of family members.

Harati Temple: It is two-tired pagoda temple dedicated to the primal mother-Ajima whho is also known as the protective deity of children. Special prayers are offered on Saturdays and Tuesdays.

Anantapura and Prapura: These two temples dedicated to Vajrayana deities were built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. Anantapura temple was named after his consort and both these temples represent the Shikhara style of architecture.

Bajra Dhatu Mandala: The mandala depicts 12 animals represting the twelve months of the Tibetan year. The gilt bajra installed by King Pratap Malla in the middle of the 17th Century represents the sword Chandahasa of Manjushree.

Forms of Buddhas and their Consorts: The ten niches around the stupa represents the different forms of Buddha and thier consorts. Clockwise representation are Aksobhya, Vairochana, Vajradhatvesvari, Mamki Tara, Ratnasambhava, Pandara, Amitabha, Tara, Amogha Siddhi and Saptalochini.

The Vairochana is represented by the eyes painted on the hermika. Amitabha is the main deity of the chaitya.

Five Elements of life: Temples and sacred sites representing the five fundamental elements of nature are said to have been founded by Shantikar Acharya. The five elements of life represented in the premise of the Stupa are Vasupura (earth), Nagapura (serpents, the lord of water), Shantipura or Akhahpura (space or sky), Vayapura (air) and Agnipura (Fire).

Important Days to Visit this Holy Site:

1. Buddha Purnima, the birthday of Lord Buddha which falls on the full moon day of Baishakh (April-May).

2. Gunla the holy Buddhist moth according to Newari calendar (Aug-Sept, early morning)

3. Kojagrath Purnima (sept-Oct) Samyak day of the Magh (Jan-Feb) (once in every twelve years).

4. Lhosar

source: "world Heritage sites of Nepal" by Nepal Tourism Board 

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Pashupatinath Temple

Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu city center, Pashupati literally means "Lord of Animals" and is considered to be the patron deity of Nepal. Pashupatinath is regarded as one of the holiest sites for Hindus all over the world.

Pashupatinath Temple is a pagoda style two-tiered golden roof with exquisitely carved four silver doors contanining in its sanctum a phallic idol with four faces facing each direction and the fifth one is looking up towads the zenith. A temple dedicaed to Shica was constructed at the present site by Lichhavi King Supushpa Verma according to an ancient chronicle. However the present temple is claimed to have been built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697 AD. Legend has it that a cow would frequently escape from its herds and offer milk on a Jyotirlinga (Phallic symbol of Shiva) which denotes the point where the temple
stands today. It is said that a certain cowherd much to his surprise found the self-generated Jyotirlinga (Phallic symbol of Lor Shiva) when he dug the spot where the cow would give milk. The spot immediately became the center of worship that has been continued till today.

Legend also mentions that the Pandavas after the great Mahabharata battle were told that only by sighting Shiva would they be absolved of their sins and it was at this very spot that they saw the Lord. Hence, this most sacred abode of Lord Shiva, who is the God of the gods-Mahadeva merits a visit by all Hindus,
at least once ina lifetime, to be truly blessed and cleansed. It is believed that pilgrimage to the four dhams like Dwarika, Kedar Rameshwar and Jaganath of India becomes meaningful only after a final darshan of Pashupatinath and by a taking a holy dip in the Bagmati River and conducting a proper puja and
circling the 525 Shiva Lingas in the temple premises will free a person from the cycle of births and rebirths. There are temples of other Hindu deities in Pashupatinath premises. In the premise of the Pashupatinath temple are other temples like Bhairavnath, Vasuki nag, Parbati temple, Ram mandir, Vishwo rup,
Garaknath, Kirateshow temple and dozens of temples dedicaed to different  gods and goddesses.

A considerable part of the temple vicinity is coverted to rest and prayer areas. Behind the temple on the banks of Bagmati is a crematorium for Hindus. It is the wish of every Hindu to be cremated on the bannk of the Bagmati River in near the temple. At the end of the Pashupatinath Temple area is the temple of
Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Parbati also know as Satidevi. There is also a deer part at the back of the temple across the Baagmati river. It is also interesting to watch the monkeys roam in and around the temple freely. One may also observe Sadhus smeared with ashes and dressed in loin-cloths and
Hindu Brahmins offering Tika and blessing to the visitors. Pashupatinath attracts thousands of pilgrims on spring festival called Maha Shivaratri (Feb-March), the day dedicated to Lord Shiva, Haritaalika/Teej (Aug-Sept), Janai Purnima (July-Aug) and all Mondays of the month of Shrawan (July-August).

In October 1979 Pashupati area was declared as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the temple is being managed by Pashupati Development Trust. For the tourist they are not allowed to enter the main temple but temple activites can be observed from the back of the temple.

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Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of the Kathmandu city. The locals know this area by its old name Hanuman Dhoka-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Royal Palace during medieval times were not merely for Royal acitivites but also used as the center of admminstration, cultral activites and festivals.

The historocal buildings and temples in the area were erected from the time of King Ratna Malla (1484-1520 AD) to Prithvi Bir bikram Shan (1875-1911 AD) covering the period of Malla, Shah and Rana period of Nepalese history. The entire palace Complex here is name after a monkey god called Hanuman. one can see a huge stone statue of of Hanuman painted all red next to the main entrance (the golden gage) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square.


Prominent Monuments:

Taleju Temple: The temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1562 AD was dedicated to the royal deity of the malla kings. Resting on a 12 stage plinth, the temple is 36.6 meter high. The temple is opened to the public just once in a year during Dashain (Sep-Oct).

Krishna Temple: This octagonal temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built in 1649 AD by Pratap Malla in memory of his two dead queens. There is a mention in the epigraph that the temple contains the statue of the King and his queens represting as Lord Krishna and his consorts.

Jagannath Temple: The image of Jagannath was installed in 1563 AD during the reign Mahendra Malla and the temple is famous for erotic carvings.

Stone column: The Stone column represents the statue of King Pratap Malla in praying gesture to goddess Taleju-The Royal Family Deity.

Degutalle Temple: A tantric goddess representing the family deity of the Malla king sis enshrined in the temple and access is restricted to visitors. The temple lies opposite the stone column and was built in 1671 AD by King Shiva Singh and later renovated by King Pratap Malla.

Hanuman Statue: Kneeling Hanuman, the monkey god, seated on a stone pedestal and flanked by a pair of linons symbolize stength and protection against all possible treats. The Hanuman pedestral was eretced by Kind Pratap Malla in 1672 AD.

Shiva-Parvati Temple: The divine couple Shiva and his cosort Parvati look out from the central window of the first floor as the temple was bulit during the rein of King Rana Bahadur Shah.

Big Bell: The bell erected in 1797 AD by King Rana Bahadur Shah is rung only when worship is being offered in Degutalle temple situated nearby.

Kal Bhairav: Shiva in his ferocious from is know as Bhairav. This is one of the largest image of Bhairav and was erected by King Pratap Malla.

Maju Dewal: This temple dedicated to Shiva was built in the late 17th century by Queen Mother Riddhi Laxmi and restes on a nine plinth base dominating the square and commanding a good vieew of the area.

Trilokya Mohan Narayan: This Vishnu temple of late 17th centure near the Kumari Ghar, was built on a fivw stage plinth by King Prithibendra in memory of his deceased brother. There is a kneeling image of Garuda-the vehicle of Vishnu, near the temple. During Indrajatra (Chariot festival) large crowd gaher here to see the ten incranations of Vishnu encated on the pedestal.

Kumari House: Kumari Ghar built in 1757 AD by King Prakash Malla is the house of the living goddess "Kumari" who is believed to be the incarnation fo goddess Taleju the protective deity. Kumari often provide her blessing from the window to the visitors.

Basantapur Durbar: The Basantapur Durbar also known as Nau-talle durbar was built by King Prithvi Naryan Shan in 1770 AD. Alongside there are other high standing pagodas known as Kirtipur Tower, Bhaktapur Tower and Lalitpur Tower.

Gaddi Baithak: This neoclassical building was built by Chandra Shamsher in 1908 AD during the reign of King Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah. Such kind of buildings was constructed because of Nepal's contact with the west in the second half of the 18th century.

Kasthmandap: This 12th century wooden building is said to be constructed form the wood of single tree hence Kathmandu obtains its name from this historic building, Kasthamandap. The building was used for public gathering during those days. The central imgae in the building consists of Gorakhnath and ther are miniature temples of four Ganeshas.

Ashok Vinayak: This temple dedicated to the elephant god Ganesha is revered both by the Hindus and Buddhists alike and is one of the most important shrine in the valley.

Dhansa: This temple was built in 1673 AD by pratap Malla to start a new masked dance of Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.

Source: "World Heritage Sites in Nepal" by Nepal Tourism Board

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