Travel Guide For Kathmandu

Kathmandu at Night

Kathmandu (काठमांडौ) is the capital and commercial hub of Nepal, located near the confluence of two rivers at an elevation of 4,344 feet (1,324 m). According to legend, the area was originally a lake but the Hindu god Manjushri cut open a hill to the south and allowed the water to flow out, making the region habitable. The city was founded in 723 as Manju-Patan, its present name comes from a wooden temple (kath mandir) built from a single tree by Raja Lachmina Singh in 1596. Once thought to be the inaccessible Shangri-La, modern Kathmandu is now a major transportation hub and an increasingly popular destination for travelers. It is also an important pilgrimage destination with a wide variety of temples and shrines sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus.

Pashupatinath Temple

The most significant Hindu temple of Lord Shiva
The UNESCO listed World Cultural Heritage Site is a Symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition in Nepal.It was built prior to 400 A.D. Only four priests can touch the idol of Lord shiva. Gold painted Images of guardian deities, Brahma Temple, Dharmashila, Arya Ghat, 15 shrines, Guhyeshwari are some of places which are must visit site when you are there. Temple's doors are adorned with silver whereas two level roofs are embellished with gold. Shivaratri is the biggest festival celebrated in this temple.

Swayambhunath

Swoyambhunath is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in Kathmandu Valley
The Monkey temple is located high in the hills which could be seen from miles. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into Valley. A stairway leads you to the front as well as back side of stupa. The area surrounding the stupa is filled with chaityas, temples, painted images of deities and numerous other religious objects. Its most visit place of Nepal

Dakshinkali:

Dakshinkali become the one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. Although Dakshinkali lies in the Kathmandu valley, but it is far from the centre location of Kathmandu city. Dakshinkali is a very famous Hindus goddess Kali temple. It is situated 22km south of Kathmandu city. Entire route to the temple is a beautiful countryside drive. Regular religious worship is performed daily. A large number of animals are scarified on twice a week, on every Tuesday and Saturday. More incredible animal rituals are held during Dashain festival. On the return journey one can visit the temple of Shesh Narayan, a cave temple where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have gained his physical power through meditation. Dakshinkali is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Sankhu and Bajrajogini:

Sankhu and Bajrajogini is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. Once the city was on the trade route towards the east of Helambu to Tibet. It is a typical Newari town with many fine old buildings and temples, Forest above the village hides and important temple of the Tantric goddess Bajra Jogini. The main structure is of the 17thcentury, but Nepalese legend says the goddess has resided here since pre-medieval time. Sankhu and Bajrajogini is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Bungamati:

Bungamati is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. It lies five kilometers south of Patan. A typical Buddhist Newar village is tightly clustered against a hilly riverside slope surrounded by terraced rice fields. A stone paved path leads to a gate guarded by two lions and the head of a third one. Here is the powerful Shikara style Rato Machhendra Nath temple with heavy columns and beautiful supports at its lower part. Bungamati is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Khokana:

Khokana is another one of top 10 Places to Visit around Kathmandu Nepal. About twenty minutes walk towards Karya binayak from Bungamati, is the village of Khokana. Khokana is the famous for manufacturing mustard oil. It is worthwhile to seek out one of the village’s oil press, located in poorly lighted factories with medieval atmosphere. Khokana is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Panauti:

Panauti is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. one of the finest Newar settlements in the region is the village of Panauti. It is build at the confluence of two rivers in a small valley surrounded by examples of early temple architecture. Among all, the most interesting ones are the 14th century Indreshwar Mahadev temple and Brahamayani temples are very good examples of historical Newari architect.  the roof struts, showing different manifestations fo Shiva, are matchless in their serenity. Panauti is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal. img src

Nagarkot:

Nagarkot is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. A 32 east drive from Kathmandu at the altitude of 2,175 (700 ft) is Nagarkot, The ridge offers possibly the best display of Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) and many others like Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, Choba Bhamree, Gauri Shankar, Shisa Pangma and many more to count. Visitors are recommended to stay three overnight to enjoy the sunset and sunrise. Nagarkot is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal. img src

Dhulikhel:

Dhulikhel is another one of top places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. A scenic 30 km drive along the terraced paddy rice field on the Arniko Highway leads to Dhulikhel, at an altitude of 1600 m. This place is famous for its vantage location for viewing the Himalayan range from Cho-yu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing surnrise an sunset and for serene atmosphere free from the smoke and bustle of the Kathmandu city. It is better to stay overnight in one of the beautiful lodges to enjoy sunset and sunrise the next day. Dhulikhel is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal. img src

Kakani:

Kakani is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. One and hlf haours (29 km) drive from Kathmandu along the beautiful mountain highway on the Trishuli road is scenically rewarding with green forest and mountain terraced cultivation. The vantage point at an altitude of 1982 m. above the sea level is famous for the magnificent view of Ganesh Himal on one side and Kathmandu city on the other side. other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are Gauri Shankar, Choba Bhamare, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Annapurna and many more. Kakani is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal. img src

Namobouddha:

Namobouddha is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. There are many religious places and view points around the Kathmandu Valery. One of them is Namobouddha. This is a one hour drive or 3 hours trekking from Panauti or from Dhulikhel. Very much respected place by Buddhist for its religious importance also offers beautiful countryside and commanding view of the surrounding mountain. There is a Stupa with all seeing eyes of the Buddha, Buddhist Monastery with colorful flags fluttering in the wind, a massive statue of Buddha and many more Stupas. Namobouddha is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal. img src

Godavari:

Godavari is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. Godavari is one of the major tourist attractions near Kathmandu city. Located in the south western edge of Lalitpur district,  Phulchowki is a nice picnic spot. It lies 14 km from Patan, at the base of the 2715 m high Mt. Phulchowki (Mountain of Flowers). Godavari is a peaceful little village, surrounded by dense jungles going up the western ridge of the Mahabharat range. There are the Botanical Garden, the Royal department of Medicinal Plants, greenhouses and fish farms. Known for its natural beauty the jungles here are home to at least 256 species of birds and 300 species of butterflies and moths. Phulchowki is another one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal. img src