Patan Durbar Square
 Patan located on lovely little plateau across the Bagmati is only 7-k.m southeast of Kathmandu. This city roughly inhabited by some 125000 people in considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. This city founded in 3rd century AD. By King Veera Dev has a finest Newar crafts since time immemorial. Meaning the city of fine arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. The most important monument area of course is Patan Durbar Square. Recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. 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. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century as the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. 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, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone. Royal Taleju temple, Viswa Nath Temple and Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Situated at an altitude of 1401 meter above sea level Bhaktapur only is a very unique old town. This city divided into 24 traditional locality covers an area of 5 square kilometers. Founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD Bhakatapur is said to have been built in the shape of conch shell a sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu. The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. 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.
Changu Narayan Temple
The temple of Changu Narayan situated on the hillock of Dolagiri to the north of Bhaktapur is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. Situated at an altitude of 5000ft. This temple has its distinct historical and architectural significance. The most authentic and oldest ever inscription is located in the precinct of Changu Narayan. The oldest inscription dated 464 AD is a credited to have been set up by Lichchshavi King Manadeva. The erection of Garuda Piller by Manadeva is expression of his devotion and reverence to Chang Narayan as learnt from the inscription, points that the temple of Changu Narayan was built sometime before 464 AD
Daman
Daman is situated 80 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-west of Dhaulagiri to far-east of Mt. Everest there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours drive from Kathmandu.
KIRTIPUR: It is a small town, eight kilometers southwest of Kathmandu, on the top off a hill. Tribhuwan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to see such as old shrines and temples, old houses, and people dressed in traditional costume while working on ancient looms.
KAKANI:
Kakani is located 29 km north-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1982 m above sea level and is famous for the magnificent view over Kathmandu Valley and the north-western Himalayas ranges against the vastness of the sky. The fabulous area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan Panorama particularly the Ganesh Himal massif. A close view of the other peak of Himalayas which can be seen from here are Gaurishanker (7134 in), Choba Bhamte (6016 in), Dorje
Lakpa, Manaslu (8163 in), Himalchuli (7893 in), Annapurna (8091 m) and the other several peaks. A majestic view of the sunset can also be seen from this place. A trip to Kakani along the beautiful highway of Trishuli Road, is scenically rewarding with green forest and mountains grandeur in one direction and fertile river flats and terraces cultivation on the other. This road begins from Balaju and terminates at Kaule from where the road bifurcates.
DHULIKHEL:
Dhulikhel is an ancient town located at 30 km east of Kathmandu along the Kathmandu - Kodari or Arniko Highway (way to Tibet) is famous for its scenic beauty and tradition - a lovely place. From this place, one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges of Annapurna range, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker, Number Karyolung etc. From here one has a good view of the sunrise.
 CHOBHAR: It is situated nine kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. This place is famous of its gorge. All the waters of the Valley drain though it. Legends says that the god Manjushree cut the gorge to drain out Kathmandu Valley which was then a lake. There is a small but pictusque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this point, one has a complete view of snow-capped mountain peaks. Just beyond the Chobhar Gorge. There is the 17th-century temple of Jal Vinayak. The main image of the temple is on a massive rock. Only a small part in front vaguely resembles an elephant's head. The image at Jal Vinayak is different from other images of Lord Ganesh.
Shrine of Shekha Narayan is situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali which represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The shrine stands on a hillock beneath a stalactite rock. At the base of Shekha Narayan is a pond with several verities of fish.
Dakshinkali: The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is an important place of pilgrimage, drawing over 400,000 pilgrims a year. Pilgrim visit this temple to offer prayers and animal sacrifices to the Goddess Kali. Apart from the religious aspects, the site has also been developed as a popular picnic spot.
Nagarkot
 There are various places around the edge of the Kathmandu Valley which offer great mountain views, but the resort village of 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.
Nagarkot is popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m. above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463m) Ganesh Himal (7111m) Langtang (7246m) Gaurishanker (7134m) can also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motor able road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur. |
