Sightseeing Around Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is surely one of the world's most amazing cities, being endowed with a very large number of ancient monuments, historic temples and other interesting and unusual sights.
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. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone. <back>
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is much larger and more spacious than Kathmandu's and much less crowded with temples than Patan.The disasterous earthquake in 1934 destroyed many of the beautiful monuments in the square and are now marked only by empty platforms where they once stood. Some of the most popular monuments golden gate, peacock window and Nyatapola temple are main attractions. <back>
Swayambhunath is one of the most ancient Stupas in the Kathmandu vally.It lies on the top of the hill in west of the valley. The unique architecture of Swayambhunath is one of the most easily recognizable symbols of Nepal. From here one can enjoy a spectacular view of Kathmandu City. Legend says that ancient times the valley was a lake and it was known as the serpent's lake. Saint Manjushree cut the southern part of the valley and drained the water out. The Swayambhu was the first exit and became most important pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. <back>
Boudhanath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. It is religious center for the Buddhist people. Surrounding the stupa there are many different monasteries belonging to different Buddhist sects. Most of the visitors use go to The Stupa for sightseeing and shopping and Tibetans handicrafts. During the full moon day many Buddhist people come to celebrate and take part in various religious activities.
Pashupatinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all Hindus of the world. This temple is dedicated to lord Shiva and one of the oldest temples on the bank of holy Bagmati river. Various religious activities take place here almost everyday. Sadhus (holymen) from many different countries especially from India, visit the temple to pay homage to Lord Shiva. There are Ghats in the bank of Bagmati River, which are rectangular and made of stones. The rectangles are for the cremation of dead bodies and the square ones are for ritual baths. <back>
One of Nepal's delights is the variety of Museums found in the Kathmandu Valley. As rich as Nepal's unique culture and landscape, these museums provide a fascinating look into Nepal's art, people, history and architecture. They also serve as an enjoyable serene alternative to the vigorous of walking and trekking in the countryside.
This is a five-storeyed pagoda-style temple of Lord Shiva. Inside the courtyard is a natural spring having its source, it is said, in the famous glacial lake of Gosainkunda. This temple was built by King Jayasthiti Malla while the golden finial was added later in 1422 A.D. He also cleaned the pond near Kumbheshwar and installed various Images of Narayan, Ganesh, Sitala, Basuki, Gauri, Kirtimukh and Agamadevata around the pond and in the courtyard. Ritual bathing takes place here every year on the day of Janai Poornima. <back>