KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE

Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of old city Kathmandu in Basantapur. It is famous for arts and architecture and has great importance from religion, historical and cultural point of view. The complex was residence to Nepal's Royal family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. The founding of the Palace dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. 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.

Swayambhunath is situated on the hill west of Kathmandu. It is the mostly recognized as a monkey temple by the foreigners. Swayambhu literally means 'Self-Existent One.' Swoyambhunath is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. It is the holiest place for Buddhist and Hindus as well. The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started with the beginning of Swoyambhu. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities dot the stupa complex.

Swoyambhu is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is atop a hill, and requires considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to the base of the statue. From its hilltop setting, Swayambhunath offers fine view over Kathmandu and the valley. It’s particularly striking in the early site is also very attractive under the soft glow of moonlight.

PASHUPATINATH

Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for God Shiva devotees. It is listed on world heritage site. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. This temple stands on the banks of Bagmati River, between Kathmandu and Tribhuwan Airport.
A gold-plated roof, four silver doors, and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda temple of Pashupatinath. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath. Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Behind the temple is the River Bagmati. On the banks of Bagmati are raised platforms used as cremation sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Pashupatinath courtyard. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing inside the temple. Religious pilgrims and sadhus, travel all the way from the remote areas of India to visit this sacred sight, especially during Shivaratri (the night of Shiva) that falls between February/March. We can reach there by taking local bus or car. It is just 30 minutes drive from the stop.

BOUDHANATH (BOUDHA)

Boudhanath Stupa lies about 6 km east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley and one of the largest in the world. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design with hundreds of prayer wheels bearing mantra ‘om mani padme hum’ and 108 small images of Buddha all around. Just like the Swayambhunath, the stupa here is too has four sides with the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha. A number of monasteries can be seen on the alley of Boudhanath Stupa.

It can be reached easily through the local bus, micros or car within a 30 minutes.

BUDHANILKANTHA

Budhanilkantha is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley. It is about 9 km from the city center. The 5m long image of Lord Vishnu as Narayan reclining on the coil 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 Narayan. 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 supposed that lord Vishnu wakens from the his long slumber.

DAKSHINKALI & CHOBHAR

The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to one of the most important Hindu Goddess Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from the city center on the southern rim of the Valley past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar, the famous gorge, 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. A majestic view of snow clad mountain can be viewed from the hilltop close by.