Cultural tour in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu-durbar-squareKathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is a well-known spot of cultural heritage in the world. The word "Kathmandu" is said to have been derived from the wood "Kasthamandup" which means a wooden house from a single tree. Mainly in Kathmandu valley, the big cities Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur are famous for their specialties. Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the attractions of cultural heritages listed in World Heritage by UNESCO. People call it "Hanuman Dhoka". Kathmandu Durbar Square is taken as the old- Place of kings in ancient Nepal. We can observe a museum where the valuable goods used by kings in Nepal are safely kept. The square occupies many temples of Hindus. The Durbar square stands in the heart of Kathmandu.

Sky Bhairab Temple

This temple is located within Kathmandu Durbar square, resembling the divine image of the sky Bhairab. It is the three-storied temple standing at Indra Chowk. The Sky Bhairab is displayed outside for a week-long period during the great festival "Indra Jatra", a celebration of Indra, the king of Heaven & God of Rain.

Hanuman Gate

Hanuman Dhoka of Kathmandu is taken as the historic throne of the past royalty, particularly belonging to the Malla kings. The ages-old temples reflect the religious and cultural richness. Taleju temple built in 1549, is a gigantic stone figure exposing the fearful figure of the Black Bhairab which Hindus regard as the God of Destruction. The stone pillar, the image of the white Bhairab, the nine stored Basantapur palace, the gigantic bell, and the great Drums are the main attractions. The main golden gate is guarded by the monkeys and a faithful servant of Lord Ram Chandra, the unanimous Hero of the ancient epic "Ramayan". Being guarded by the sole protector with a commercial umbrella suspended above his head and wrapped in a scarlet cloak,  squats on a stone plinth to be respected by hundreds of Nepalese and Indian Hindus.

Kumari Temple

kumari-templeThe temple and holy quadrangle with a Buddhist Stupa at the center of the residential quarters of the chaste virgin living Goddess are called Kumari Ghar (temple of Kumari). The traditional building has been carved wooden balconies and window screens. The non-followers of Hindus and Buddhists may enter in Courtyard but may not proceed beyond upstairs. The KUMARI receives their greetings from the window of the balcony, particularly made for her, and snapshot is strictly prohibited.

Kasthamandap

This holy house is situated near the temple of Kumari. The unique building of Kasthamandap is also named "Marusatal". It was built in 1596 A.D. by the Malla king, Laxmi Narsingh Malla. Kasthamandap has sheltered Hindu Gods, especially Gorakh Nath. It is believed that Kasthamandup is made up of the woods of a single tree. It deserves both the ancient architecture and the art of wood carving of the rulers.

The Taleju Temple

It is the tallest of all structures, built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. This temple is open to the public for one day during the Dashain festival yearly.

The Jagannath Temple

It was built in the 16th century and is well-known for the fascinating erotic figures carved on the wooden struts.

The Kal Bhairav

It is one of the largest 17th-century stone statues in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva.

Swet Bhairav

During the Indra Jatra festival, this temple is opened to the public once a year

Nautalle Durbars (Nine-storied palace)

Kathmandu, derived from the word "Kasthamandap" is the capital and the largest city of Nepal resembling cultural, political, and architectural richness. Once, it was known as "Kantipur". The valley is surrounded by green mountains and in winter white Himalayas are displayed to the north. It is rumored that it was a big lake and Manjushree cut the mountain with his mighty sword and all water flowed out from the place called "Chobhar" and this valley originated. This valley is the main residential area of the Newar community with its unique mother tongue, costumes, handicrafts, festivals, and worshipping God and Goddess.

Swayambhu Nath Stupa

The Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the oldest and greatest Buddhist stupas in the world and a glorious site in Nepal. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu and 77m above the hill from the level of Kathmandu Valley. Swayamnhu Nath Stupa is called "Monkey Temple" by most of the tourists. It is said to be 2000 years old by Manjushree. Painted on the four sides of the base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha keeping an eternal watch on the valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. It is listed by UNESCO on the World Heritage List. The main structure of brick and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt Swayambhunath is a mosaic of small stupas, gompas, and pagoda temples. In front of the temple, one of the famous goddesses with the shrine of Ajima called "Harati Mata" is there. The temple of the goddess is believed to be famous in the Trantic warp. The stupa of Buddha and the temple of the goddess are surrounded by temples and Tibetan monasteries.

Asan

Ason is the busiest marketplace for all kinds of important things such as vegetables, kitchenware, clothes, handicrafts, Chinese goods, seeds of crops, etc. Asan has six roads following different directions. The three-stroyed pagoda style Annapurna temple plays a pivotal role in most festivals held and is dedicated to the Goddess of Grains.

Thamel

Thamel, which lies in the heart of Kathmandu is also called "small-Europe". This place gives visitors a glimpse of Western cultures in all sectors. It is a unique and different place in Kathmandu and the best tourist area in Nepal. The goods such as Pashmina clothes, wooden carved idols, handicrafts, ornaments, musical instruments, verities of dishes from different countries, highly facilitated hotels, restaurants and bars, book shops, cyber cafes, and travel agencies have made this area a tourist center. The activities such as food, visiting, and marketing (shopping) run here till late at night.

Dharahara (Bhimsen Tower)

The Dharahara tower is 50.5m tall and was built by the then Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832. Once it was closed to the public it has been recently opened again and anyone can go up after paying the entrance fee Visitors can have some food within its premises and have good snapshots that can be developed immediately. The 3600 astounding view of the Kathmandu Valley is well worth the long climb up the spiraling staircase.

Dream Garden:

The Garden of Dreams was built by the then Prime Minister Bir Shumsher JBR in 1895 and was inherited by their son Keshar Shumsher JBR as a wedding gift. A learned man made the garden the spot of art. It included a fabulous lawn. It is a wooded area that is enriched with birds, flowers, and ducks in the pond. Within Garden, wall, Keshar Shumsher created an exquisite ensemble of pavilions, fountains, decorative garden furniture, and European features of verandas, pergolas, balustrades, urns, and birdhouses. He erected six freestanding pavilions each dedicated to one of the six seasons of Nepal namely Basanta (spring), Grishma (summer), Barsha (monsoon), Sharad (early autumn), Hemanta (late autumn), and Sishir (winter). Later Keshars family bequeathed some portion of the Keshar Mahal including his garden and Keshar Library to the government. Now it is open to the public with restaurants and bars to rise for its upkeep.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath-temple Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest and most powerful temples of Hindus in the world, situated 5km east of Kathmandu. This is the temple of Lord Shiva, known as the creator and destroyer in the Hindu religion, and appears in many forms. Pashupatinath temple lies between Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA) and Bauddha, standing on the bank of a holy river the Bagmati with a storyed golden roof silver doors, and superb architecture. The pilgrims throughout the world center in this temple on the day of Shivaratri (birthday of God Shiva). Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple visitors can see the temples and activities. Pashupatinath was also listed on the World Heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. Since that time, the Pashupatinath area has contained numerous temples, stupas, monasteries, images, and inscriptions. Every day, numerous dead bodies of Hindu followers are cremated on the bank of the holy Bagmati River. It has been under immemorial the supervision of the Pashupati Development Area (PDA).

Bouddhanath Stupa

The Buddha-nath Bouddhanath stupa is the largest shrine of Buddhists and lies 8 km east of Kathmandu amid Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa stands on the massive three-level mandala-style platform surrounded by colorful private houses. The stupa is bigger than the Swayambhunath stupa and is said to have been built in the 5th century A.D. Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the biggest Buddhist Monasteries in the world and was listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO in 1979. The stupa is the center of learning, cultural activities, prayers, and meditation. You should always circle the stupa in a clockwise direction. While entering the surrounding gompas, you must take off your shoes and take permission before taking photos and must not step over Monks cushions. The major gompas around Bouddhanath stupa are Kargyupa, Sakyapa, Nyingmapa, and Gelugpa Gompas.

Budhanilkantha

The shrine of the sleeping Vishnu, also known as "The Reclining Vishnu" is located 8 km north of Kathmandu, known as Budhanilakantha. Budhanilkantha is situated below Shivapuri hill, possibly the largest image of lord Vishnu. The five-yard-long, colossal lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. Budhanilkantha is the pilgrimage for all Hindus and the scene of great activity at such festivals as Haribodhani Ekadashi and Kartik Poornima. The statue of Vishnu is carved on a single black stone in the pond. Budhanilkantha is rumored that it was found by a couple while plowing in ancient times and started to worship. It is said that reigning Kings of Nepal may not visit this spot, otherwise, they are harmed according to an old tradition. It is one of the exciting sightseeing spots.

Kirtipur town

Kirtipur is known as "the city of glory" which is located 8 km southwest of Kathmandu. Nepals central University "Tribhuvan University" stands at the foot of the hill this town was founded by Shiva Dev between 1099 and 1126 B.C historically, it is famous for its resistance against the invasion of Gorkhas. The king of Gorkha Prithivi Narayan Shah attacked there time to conquer this city. There are many small and big temples and stupas scattered around the city the Baghvhairav Temple and the Chilamchu stupa are major religious sites most of the inhabitants are farmers here. Besides, spinning and weaving prevail here. The houses are still carrying vividly carved windows.

Chobhar

Chobhar is situated 9 km southwest of Kathmandu. Legends say that there was a very big lake in Kathmandu Valley and the god Manjushree cut off the hill with his sword to outlet the water and when all the water drained out, then settlements originated in the valley. At present, it has been famous for its deep gorge. The Adinath Temple on the top of the hill is picturesque from where complete views of snowcapped mountains can be taken. The most remarkable things of the temple are numerous water vessels, pots, and pans nailed to boards all along the building. A massive stone Shikkara is beloved to be the entrance to a stone cave that cuts through the hill, emerging at the Chobhar Cave.

Dakshinkali Temple

The temple of Dakshinkali is 22 km south of Kathmandu, passing through Pharping village. The temple was built by Pratap Malla in the 17th century. The temple is one of the famous Hindu pilgrimages dedicated to Goddess Kali or "Southern Kali". Several devotees arrive here on Tuesday and Saturday every week to sacrifice animals offering goddess Kali. According to mythology, Goddess Durga had killed demons and drank blood. It is believed that she gives energy and willpower to her devotees. The six-armed goddess, trampling a male human, stands in the company of Ganesh, seven Ashta Matrikas, and a stone image of Bhairav. In the inner sanctum, there is a black stone idol of Kali. Besides, religious popularity, this spot has become a famous picnic spot. Every year half a million pilgrims visit here.

Nagarkot

Many spectacular mountains in Nepal serve unimaginable features to onlookers. Among them, around Kathmandu Valley, Nagarkot is known as the best tourist resort. Nagarkot lies 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m best tourist spot. Most of them never miss visiting Nagarkot for heart-touching views of sunrise and sunset. Spending a night here is a superb one. Tourists can get facilities for lodging and food as they wish because of the excellent lodges and hotels you can reach there by car, van, or bus with easy drive through Bhaktapur. You can have panoramic views of the eastern giant Himalayas such as Mt. Everest (8,848m), Ganesh Himal (7,111m), Langtang (7,246m) Gaurishankar (7134m), and Mt. Manasalu (8,156m) and the clear weathered days.

Kakani

Kakani is one of the most beautiful destinations for tourists. It is located at an altitude of 2,037m and 29 km northwest of Kathmandu. It is famous for the fabulous and magnificent views of panoramic snow giants. From the hilltop, excellent views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli (7893m), Manasalu (8163m), Annapurna (8094m ), Gaurishanker (7134), Choba Bamte (6,016m), Dorje Lakpa and so on Kakani is one of the famous picnic spot for the people in Kathmandu located besides the road heading for Trishuli, During spring wildflowers cover the hillside. The trekking begins at Balaju (Kathmandu) and terminates at Kaule from where the road bifurcates.

Dhulikhel

Dhulikhel is an ancient town located at 32 km. east of Kathmandu along the Araniko Highway (Kathmandu-Kodari), the way to Tibet and famous for its scenic beauty and tradition-lovely place. It is 3 km away from Banepa. Dhulikhel is a small town inhabited by the Newar community but one of the best vantage points to view the great range of mountains like; Annapurna Range, Langtang, Gaurishanker, Choba Bhamte, etc. There are resorts and tourists/visitors can stay overnight there.

Namo Buddha

Name Buddha which means "Hail the Buddha" is situated at an altitude of 1,700m above Panauti, 30 km. east of Kathmandu. It is one of the famous holy places for Buddhists and Hindu pilgrims. It needs to drive or hike, walk to get there. There is an amazing story concerning Buddha being commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha it is an ideal place for meditation.

The trek to Namobuddha starts from Tudhikhel (1,600m) from where a rough trail climbs steeply to Kavre, a village inhabited by Brahmin, Chhetris, Tamangs, and Newars. In clear weather, there you can have magnificent views of snowy massifs to the north and peaks such as Gang Chenpo (6,390m), Dorje Lakpa (6,990m), Pharb Chyachu (6,658m), and Gaurishanker (7,145m). After a two-hour uphill walk, the ancient pilgrimage named Buddha is reached. There is a small village around the stupa and the top of the hill is adorned with prayer flags, chortens, and monasteries