| Importance: | Capital of
Nepal | | Altitude: |
1,336
m | | Best
Time To
Visit | Throughout The Year |
Kathmandu
valley consists of three main cities of great historic and cultural
interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur
(Bhadgaon).
Situated at an altitude of 1,336 m, the Kathmandu valley covers an area
of 218-sq-miles.
The
major tourist attractions in Kathmandu
Machchhendrananth
Temple:
The temple
of Sweta
Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a Pagoda of
considerable artistic beauty is also called as ?Janmadyo? or
?Machchhendra? deity.
Akash Bhairav
Temple:
A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk,
the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during
Indara Jatra, the festival of Indra - the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka (Durbar
Square):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old
temples and places, epitomizes the religiuous and cultural life of the
people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their
coronations solemnized.
Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by king
Mahendra malla in 1549 A.D.; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction,
Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, The Gaddi Baithak, the statue
of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath
Temple.
On the right hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an
enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only
during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic Museum and
Tribhuvan museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography
is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on
Tuesdays and government holidays.
Temple Of Kumari (Kumar Ghar): The temple or the residence of Living
Goddess, ?Kumari?, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens.
The Kumari - the Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her
balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
Kasthamandap
Located near the Temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by
King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the 16th century. It is
said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of
Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Tundikhel:
A huge green field, flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhel.
Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the
periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundihkel is a
59.29m tower built by prime minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known
as Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. Sundhara - fountains with golden water
spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to
the same period.
Bhadrakali
Temple:
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the
temple of GoddessBhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi
temple and is one of the main ?Shakta? temples of Kathmandu
city.
 Budhanikantha:
About 8-kms north of Kathmandu, at the base of sivapuri hill is a
remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of
snake. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of
Lichchhavi period. This 5th century statue is in the middle of a small
pond and seems to float in water.
Swayambhunath:
This is one of the world?s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said
to be 2,000-years-old. Painted on the four-sides of the spire bases are
the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3-kms west of Kathmandu City
and is situated on a hillock about 77m. Above the level of the
Kathmandu valley.
National
Museum:
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has
splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and
modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth
seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government
holidays.
Natural History
Museum:
Situated 3-kms west of Kathmandu City behind the famous Swayambhunath
hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish,
reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected
within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.
Pashupatinath
Temple
Situated 5-kms east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord
Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is
famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the
temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the
eastern bank of the Bagmati River.
Guheswari
Temple:
Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of
Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple
courtyard.
Chabahil:
The lovely stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by
Charumati, the daughter of the Indian emperor Ashoka, in the 3rd
century B.C. There are ancient statues around the stupa.
Chandra
Vinayak:
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200 m. north of
Chabahil stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny
image of Lord Ganesh, the Elephant-headed God.
Bouddhnath:
The Stupa of Bouddhnath lies 8-kms east of Kathmandu. This colossal and
ancient stupa is one of the biggest in the world.
Gokarna:
This lovely Toyal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park,
lies about 10-kms north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as
Spotted Deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an Elephant back. On
the northern side of Gokarna, is a Pagoda of Gokarneshwor
Mahadev.
 Kirtipur:
It is a small town, 8-kms south-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill.
Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic
town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, old houses,
the people typically dressed in old traditional costumes, people
working on ancient loom etc.
Chobhar:
Situated 9-kms south-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its
gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small
but picturesque temple of adinath on the top of a hill. From this top
one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain peaks.
Shekha
Narayan:
Situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan
represents one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu valley. The other
three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur, Visankhu Narayan of
Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali:
The temple of Dashinkali is situated about 2-kms south of Shekha
Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu
Goddesses pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal
sacrifices to the Goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a
popular picnic spot.
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