Glance at Natural Beauties of Nepal
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is situated in a bowl shaped valley in central Nepal. The Kingdom extends about 885 km. east to west and 193 km. in width north to south. The entire terrain is like a steep incline, descending from the icy Himalayan Expedition_Regulation heights to the hot Terai flatland within a short distanc.
Historial Background:
The city of Kathmandu was built by king Gun Kamdev in 723 A.D. It is said that Kathmandu was a lake in the past and was made habitable by Manjushree, who cut open the hill to south Chovar) as to allow the water of lake to flow out.
It is said that Kathmandu city was named after "Kastha-Mandap" meaning the temple made of wood in Sanskrit , an imposing pagoda near Hanuman Dhoka Palace. It was built in 1596 out of a single tree by King Laxmi Narashingha Malla.
Kathmandu is the capital of the kingdom, situated in a valley which is an open air museum of famous sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and are inspiring deities, is a city of inexhaustible historic artistic and cultural interest. Several beautiful and interesting villages and towns surrounding the valley offer ideal destinations for mini treks. The dazzling Himalayan peaks are visible from several points on the mountains around the valley.
The capital is quite up to date in terms of comfort and convenience boasting luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, shops and casinos. Transportation is convenient and inexpensive. Medical service is quite good. Shoppers may purchase unusual gifts and souvenirs from an interesting assortment of items such as handicrafts, carpets, wooden art works, bronze casting and metal work, thankas, Nepali paper prints and readymade garments. Places to see Kathmandu Durbar Square * Swoyambhu Nath Stupa * Boudha Nath Stupa * Pasupatinath Temple * Budhanilkantha
Patan/Lalitpur
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments.The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.
Historical Background:
Lalitpur (Patan) said to have been founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A.D. has many old names such as Yala, Yupagram, Lalitpatan, and Maningal. Several historical records plus many other legends, also indicate that Patan is the oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu Valley. Patan was founded by Kirab rulers long before the Lichhavi rulers came into the political scene in Kathmandu Valley. It must be remembered here that one of the most used and typical Newari name of Patan is Yala. It is said that King Yalamber named this city after himself and ever since then this ancient city was known as Yala.
Old Patan developed along two intersecting axes, which extended out to the four Ashokan stupas. The northern route, now pedestrianized, takes in Patan's Durbar Square and also the famed Golden and Kumbeshwar temples. Patan's western axis serves as the main way into town from Kathmandu. The busy southern road runs past the Machhendranath Mandir and the Lagankhel bus park, while the eastern road skirts the temple of Mahabuddha. The 'fibetan crafts centre of Jaulakhel is located at the southwestern edge of the city.
Getting to Patan has become a bit more civilized and less polluting since the introduction of the battery-powered Safaa Tempo ("Clean Tempo") service. the white three-wheelers run from Kathmandu's northern suburbs to Patan's Mangal Bazaar via the City Bus Park and Martyrs' Gate.
By bike, it shouldn't take more than half an hour. Coming over the main bridge from Kathmandu, you can enter the city via the Western Stupa or more directly via Patan Dhoka. Our private transfer will take about 15-20 minutes drive from your hotel to Patan.
Places to Visit:
Durbar Square * Krishna Mandir * Mahaboudha * Hiranya Verna Mahavihar * Kumbheshwor Jagatnarayan Temple * Rudra Varna Mahavihar * The Ashokan Stupas * Acchheswor Mahavihar Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath * The Zoo * Patan Industrial Estate * Bajra Barahi Godavari * Phulchowki
Bhaktapur- an ancient City
Situated at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or "the City of Devotees" still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu.
Historical Background:
The oldest part of the town is around Tachupal Tole (the Dattatraya Square), to the east. Bhaktapur was the capital city of the whole valley during the 14th to 16th centuries and during that time the focus of the town-shifted west, the Durbar Square area. Much of the town’s great architecture dates from the end of the 17th century during the rule of King Bhupatindra Malla. On Yaksha Malla’s death, the kingdom after a period of joint rule among his sons eventually became divided into three small kingdoms, Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and Patan.
Bhaktapur drapes across an east-west fold in the valley, its southern fringe sliding down towards the sluggish Hanumante River. Owing to a long-term westward drift, the city has two centres (residents of the two halves stage a boisterous tug- of-war during the city's annual Bisket festival} and three main squares. In the west, Durbar Square and Taumadhi Tol dominate the post-fifteenth-century city, while Tachapal Tol presides over the older east end.
You'll arrive by one of two routes. Our Private car/coach or local buses that leaves from Old Bus park Kathmandu every 10 minutes drops you on the main road about ten minutes' walk south of town. Arriving by minibus from the City Bus Park, you'11 be deposited near Sidha Pokhri, a five-minute walk west of Durbar Square. Local buses from Nagarkot terminate at Kamal Binayak, five minutes northeast of Tachapal; tourist buses from Nagarkot continue to the main intersection just north of Durbar Square.
Bhaktapur has no rikshaws and just a few resident taxis, but it's compact enough to be explored on foot one-speed bikes can be rented along the road east of minibus park (west of Durbar Square).
Places to see
Durbar Square * Taumadhi Square * The Nyatapola Temple * Dattatraya Square * Pottery Square
Dhulikhel
DHULIKHEL is justly famous as a well-preserved Newar town, mountain viewpoint, and hiking and biking hub, but its popularity is waning as road-building and modernization take their toll. Located 5km east of Banepa, just beyond the Kathmandu Valley rim, it sits in a saddle at the relatively low elevation of 1550m, which makes it warmer than Nagarkot. A number of resort hotels and guest houses are positioned along the highway to catch the best mountain views in the immediate vicinity, but the full vista can only be seen from a small summit above the town. Most visitors to Dhulikhel stay at least two nights, which allows time for a wander around the old town, a sunrise walk and a full-day circuit of the surrounding countryside and the cultural sites of Namobuddha and Panauti.
Unfortunately, the increasingly busy Arniko Highway passes just north of Dhulikhel and creates a less than idyllic barrier between most lodgings and the old town. On top of that, a major new highway to Sindhulimadi and the eastern Tarai is being built along the town's western and southern flanks. Donated by Japan, it's supposed to relieve pressure on the Prithvi (Pokhara) Highway by providing a second route into and out of the Kathmandu Valley, and its completion will turn Dhulikhel into one of Nepal's principal transport junctions, with all the revving and tooting that that entails. Meanwhile, a flurry of secondary road-building in the area has taken a lot of the pleasure out of the standard Namobuddha-Panauti itinerary, although the destinations themselves remain as worthy as ever. Looking on the bright side, the new roads make possible more and still largely untested mountain-biking possibilities.
Dhulikhel is less well-served by tourist buses than is Nagarkot. Local buses (every half-hour from Kathmandu's City Bus Park or from Bhaktapur's trolley bus stop; Rs15) are exasperatingly slow. You can ask to be dropped off at any of the hotels along the highway, but for most of the cheap lodgings you'll want to stay on until the small bus park. On a bike, it's better to come one of the back ways - via Lubhu-Panauti, Bhaktapur-Nala or Nagarkot-Nala.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round.
Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different coloured flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow-covered mountains. Ever popular among the tourists are the short treks and picnics which Nagarkot offers. Treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to have an adventure without exerting much effort, a hike to Nagarkot's surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as the outer of verdant forests, flower-covered meadows and unusual rock formations.
Chitwan
For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai that stretches through out the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai.
And Chitwan is the best place to do so. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.
Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly warmed compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.
Places Of Interest
Though one can visit neighboring Tharu villages in Chitwan, the major interesting focus of Chitwan is still the exploration of the Chitwan National Park.
Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna of Chitwan make it a great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different species of mammals, 400 different species of birds, and 65 different types of butterflies in its hardwood Sal forests, riverine vegetation, and "elephant grass" savannah. More than 70 different species of grass grow here.
The most famous wildlife in Chitwan is perhaps the single-horned Asian rhinoceros. A few decades ago, their number had fallen to less than 100, but recent count puts them at 400. These animals have thick armor like hide that is hard to penetrate even with a bullet.
A fully grown animal can be as tall as 180cm. In spite of army protection for these animals and severe punishment for harming them, rhino poaching is still a problem as every organ of the animal carries some (probably superstitious) value. The horn fetches about US$10,000 per kilo and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. The dung can be a laxative; the urine cures tuberculosis and asthma. The blood can help cure menstrual problems. The hide keeps away evil spirits. And so on.
Chitwan has about 150 Bengal tigers left of the one time 3000 or so. Though poaching is a serious threat, the real threat for these majestic animals is the gradual loss of its habitat. A male tiger requires almost 60km space, and a female one requires a third of it. Chitwan is simply not big enough to handle many tigers. It is rare for one to actually see a tiger, though looking for one is an interesting part of the trip.
Other wild mammals one may see are leopards, various types of deer, monkeys, sloth bear, and antelope.
lumbini- The Birth Place of Buddha
Lumbini - a place in the South-Western Terai of Nepal, evokes a kind of holy sentiment to the millions of Buddhists all over the world-as do the Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place Lord Buddha -the apostle of peace and the light of Asia was born in 623 B. C., Located in the flat plains of south-Western Nepal and the foothills of Churia range, Lumbini and its surrounding area is endowed with a rich natural setting of domesticable fauna and favourable agricultural environ. Historically, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruisn and antiquities, dating back to pre-Christian era. The site, described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha’s time still retains its legendary charm and beauty. To the mere 12 miles north of Lumbini lies the dense and picturesque sal-grove. For centuries, Buddhists- all over the world, knew that Lumbini where the Lord was born is somewhere around. The descriptions of famous Chinese pilgrims (of ancient times) Huian Tsang and Faeihan indicated to this area-saying ‘Lumbini-where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden-embedded with stupas and monasteries!
Places to Visit inside Lumbini Garden
The Ashoka Pillar * Puskarni-the sacred pool * Sanctum-Sanctorum of the Birthplace
* Image of Maya Devi * The Buddhist Temple
Places around Lumbini
Kapilvastu * Tilaurakot * Gotihawa * Kudan * Niglihawa * Lumbini Development Project
Gorkha
Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the kingdom of Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. Situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, Gorkha offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountain.
Then the small kingdom of Gorkha, founded by king Drabya Shah in 1560 A. D. became famous during the dynasty of Ram Shah (1604-1641 A.D.), who earned the reputation of being just to his people. There was a famous proverb in those days which said that one should go to Gorkha if he were looking for justice.
In the middle of eighteenth century there were hundreds of small kingdoms and principalities in what is today's Nepal. The great Prithvi Narayan Shah took the mammoth task of unifying Nepal in the eighteenth century. The Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of greater Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.
Places to Visit
Gorkha Durbar * Gorkha Bazaar * Gorakhnath Cave * Manakamana
Pokhara-The city of Lakes
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley; it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the Shore 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.
Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. 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.
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on the out-skirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here, are known for their entrepreneurship.
Pokhara is located roughly 200 km west of Kathmandu.
The journey between these two famed cities is certainly part of the Pokhara experience. Flying over the snow-capped Himalaya to the north and green Mahabharat range to the south is thrilling, while the overland journey past sparse rural settlements nested along the Trisuli River provides a view of life particular to Nepal's middle hills.
There are daily several flights between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Places to see
Mountain Views * Phewa Lake * Barahi Temple * Seti River * Devi's Fall * Mahendra Cave * The Old Bazaar * The Pokhara Museum * The Annapurna Regional Museum
Janakpur
Janakpur , 165km east of Birgunj, is indisputably the Tarai's most fascinating city. Also known as Janakpurdham (dham denoting a sacred place), it's a holy site of the first order, and its central temple, the ornate Janaki Mandir, is an obligatory stop on the Hindu pilgrimage circuit.
Although Indian in every respect except politically, the city is, by Indian standards, small and manageable: motorized traffic is all but banned from the centre, tourist hustle is largely absent, the poverty isn't oppressive, and the surrounding countryside is delightful. To top it all, Janakpur's railway, the only one still operating in Nepal, makes an entertaining excursion in itself. There's so much going on, both in and around Janakpur, that it's worth setting aside a few days to absorb it all - though bear in mind that there are no tourist-style lodgings, restaurants or other facilities.
Hindu mythology identifies Janakpur as the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mithila, which controlled a large part of northern India between the tenth and third centuries BC. The city features prominently in the Ramayan, for it was in Janakpur that Ram - the god Vishnu in mortal form - wed Sita , daughter of the Mithila King Janak. Recounting the divine couple's later separation and heroic reunion, the Ramayan holds Ram and Sita up as models of the virtuous husband and chaste wife; in Janakpur, where the two command almost cult status, the chant of "Sita Ram, Sita Ram" is repeated like a Hindu Hail Mary, and sadhus commonly wear the tuning-fork-shaped tika of Vishnu. Mithila came under the control of the Mauryan empire around the third century BC, then languished for two millennia until Guru Ramananda, the seventeenth-century founder of the sect of Sita that dominates Janakpur, revived the city as a major religious centre.
Despite the absence of ancient monuments to confirm its mythic past - no building is much more than a century old - Janakpur remains a strangely attractive city. Religious fervour seems to lend an aura to everything; the skyline leaves a lasting impression of palm trees and the onion domes and pyramid roofs of local shrines. Most of these distinctively shaped buildings are associated with kuti - self-contained pilgrimage centres and hostels for sadhus - some five hundred of which are scattered throughout the Janakpur area. Janakpur's other distinguishing feature is its dozens of sacred ponds ( sagar or sar), which here take the place of river ghats for ritual bathing and dhobi -ing. Clearly man-made, the roughly rectangular tanks might, as locals claim, go back to Ram's day, although it's more likely that they've been dredged over the centuries by wealthy merit-seekers.
Janakpur is a long haul from Kathmandu - eleven hours by bus- and only a couple of services ply the route during the daytime. The rest are night buses. The new Dhulikhel-Sindhuli Highway (completion in 2001 or 2002) is expected to bring the travel time down to eight or nine hours, making Janakpur a lot more accessible. In the meantime, your only other options are to break the journey in Hetauda or Birganj (the latter is better for getting a seat on to Janakpur) or fly. Necon Air and Royal Nepal both fly from Kathmandu to Janakpur ($55), Necon's service being the more reliable.
Daman
Daman has some of the most fantastic views of the Himalaya. It has a great view of the mountains from Dhaulagiri to Mt Everest. Daman is halfwaay between Kathmandu and Hetauda. It is definitely a worth visiting.
Daman is situated 80 kilometers south- west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2400 meters. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway in between Kathmandu and the town to Birgunj. For the view of the Breath taking grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-east of Sagarmatha (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 from Kathmandu because of mountain highway. However it is worth visiting the area after watching the landscape of the Himalayas with having luxurious accommodation and cuisine of International standard there if one wishes to stay overnight.
Accomodation:
Several hotels, resorts and tea houses are available to stay and enjoy the delicious cuisine.
Travel to Daman:
Daman by car is about three hours from Kathmandu and four hours from Hetauda. It makes a nice day trip from Kathmandu to come here by car for the day.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is a village in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Namche is located at 3,440 metres (11,286 ft.) (the low point that is), populating the sides of a hill. From the bridge over the Dudh Kosi, the trail winds its way up a "big" hill, finally cresting at a small building which also serves as an army/police check point.
Almost everyone trekking in the Khumbu region will visit Namche Bazaar, as it is the gateway to the high Himalayas. Visitors are likely stay at least one night, if not two for altitude acclimatization. The village has many shops and lodges where one can find almost anything required for trekking (no camera repair shops), although prices are higher than in Kathmandu. However, the higher you go up into the Khumbu, the more expensive everything gets so by the time you reach Lobuche (4,930m/16,175'), the prices in Namche will seem quite reasonable.
Above Namche BazaarNamche is the administrative center for the Khumbu region so there are many Nepalese officials, a police check post and a bank. Near the top of the village is the headquarters for Sagarmatha National Park as well as Nepalese army barracks.
Immediately west of Namche is Kongde Ri at 6,187 metres (20,298 ft.) and to the east is Thamserku at 6,608 metres (21,680 ft.).
On a hill overlooking Namche Bazaar is the Shyangboche Airstrip (3,750m / 12,303ft). This is not generally used as it's surface is made of loose pebbles and therefore unsuitable for fixed wing aircraft, but it enables visitors to reach Namche Bazaar by air.
Many trekkers get up before sunrise and walk up to the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters to take in the impressive views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, Thamserku, Ama Dablam (6,856m/22,493') and other magnificent peaks (though these can only be seen on a clear day) and visit the museum. Pictures of peaks to the west from this vantage point such as Kongde Ri, cannot be taken as the army barracks are between you and these mountains. The army does not permit pictures to be taken of the barracks. Because of the proximity of the army barracks, the Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters is surrounded by a large amount of barbed wire.
A good acclimatisation walk from Namche Bazaar goes to Everest View Hotel, which it at altitude of 3,800m / 12,467ft. As the name suggests, the hotel gives good views of Everest (when it is not enveloped in cloud) and this is generally considered the best view in the surrounding area. Everest View Hotel is a luxury hotel, which has had mixed success. Although the rooms are oxygenated, many guests have become sick. The hotel does however have the only decent restaurant, serving western food, in the region.
Namche Bazaar has two internet cafés, making it the only place in the region where trekkers can access the internet. Both internet cafés connect via satellites and so the resulting connection speed is slow.
The village also contains a German bakery, well known in the region for providing good quality western food, including pizza.
Gosiankunda
One of Nepal's most famous religious places of pilgrimage is Gosainkunda lake situated at an altitude of about 4360m. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and east, this lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati, Bhairav, Sourya and Ganesh Kunda. Every year during Janai Purnima in August, thousands of Hindu pilgrims come here to lake holy bathe in the lake. The large rock in the center of the lake is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine and it is also claimed that channel carries water from the lake directly to the tank at the Kumbheshwar Temple in Patan, 60 km to the south.
Access:
The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. The trekking to Gosainkunda from Dhunche takes two days.
Accommodation: Several tea-houses and tourist inns offer lodging and meals.
Helambu
Nestled at the foot of these Himalayan ranges is a beautiful, secluded, valley filled with nature is bounty of the Langtang National Park. Here the rare red pandas lurk in dense lichen-draped rhododendron Transfer interrupted!
The alpine meadows and lammergeiers glide over glaciated valleys amidst scenery of lofty Himalayan peaks. From Kyanjin Gompa we will have a chance to climb a ridge on Yala Peak, or hike to the foot of Langshisa glacier, for an incredible view of glaciers, icefalls and snowfields surrounded on all sides by high mountains. The Helambu villages, over the holy Gosainkunda lakes and Laurebenayak pass, are the home of the Sherpas of Nepal. Their slate and single-roofed villages, that dot the terraced hillsides, present very fine trekking. The region of Langtang and Helambu although easily approached from Kathmandu is far less trekked than the Annapurna or Everest areas making it all the more attractive. It is a wonderful walk through a naturalist's trail, moderate to rigorous trekking and lodging between 2003m and 4,380m with one pass crossing of 4,610m.
Namo Buddha
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. This sight can be reached in a couple hours by jeep or for those who prefer a half-day hike it gives beautiful views of the local villages and lush scenery.
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