Major Destinations of Nepal

Kathmandu Durbar Square

It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju temple built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairab , the god of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal chowk, the Gaddhi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big drum and the Jagannath Temple . It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979.
On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival.

There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Sundays, Mondays and government holidays. 

Patan Durbar Square

It is situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors’ attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Squareconsists of three main chowks: Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. The museum inside the Durbar Square is considered as one of the best museums in Asia . It specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It Opens daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. It is closed only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the the Palace of 55 windows, built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricy. The palace of 55 windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar Squareis full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in . There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the ‘Bell of Barking Dogs’. This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to signal curfew during those days.

The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Batsalla temple etc. A magnificient statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Pashupatinath

Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva , Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World heritage monument list in 1979.

Swayambhunath

This is one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu valley and hence commands an excellent view of the valley. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in . It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Boudhanath

The stupa of Bouddhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu . This ancient colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage monument list in 1979.

Changunarayan

Situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage monument list in 1979.

Bungamati and Khokana

These are two newar farming villages lying 7 km south of the ring road that encircles the two cities Kathmandu and Patan. The villages begin with a wide cobbled street and in the middle of the main street lies the temple of Machhindranath in Bungamati and Shekali Mai in Khokana. Khokana is famous for mustard oil, which is still made the traditional way and spun woollen yarn.

Godavari

 Situated at the foothills of Phulchoki, the Royal Botanical garden of Godavari has splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. The only botanical garden in , it is open daily including weekends and government holidays.

Nagarkot

Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of . It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalaya including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Nagarkot is famous for sunrise and sunset viewing.

Daman

For those seeking the ultimate- Himalayan view, Daman is the place to go. Located 80 km southwest of the Kathmandu Valley , Daman (2400m) offers the only unimpeded view of the Kathmandu valley. Daman (2400m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range.

Manakamana

The temple and small village of Manakamana is situated atop the 1302 meter hill that lies just north-east of the town of Mugling, some three and a half hours by bus east from Pokhara, or about the same time by bus west from Kathmandu. A cable car runs from the cable station of Cheres, just 5 kms east of Mugling to Manakamana in fifteen minutes. It is an exhilarating ride as you pass the river and up two ridges to the top. If you want, you can return by walking down the former well-used track down to its exit on the Gorkha road, just 1 km north of the town of Abu Khareini . People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling deity. From the spot of the temple you can see spectacular views of Mt. Manasalu , Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges.

 Fewa Lake

Phewa lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. The enchanting lake is an idyllic playground. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can be rented on reasonable cost around lakeside. The lake is neither deep (roughly 47 meters at most) nor particulary clean, but the water is warm and swimming is pleasant if you don't think about the probable pollution. The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, consists of seemingly endless strip of lodges, restaurants, bookshops and souvenir shops. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.

Begnas and Rupa Lake

The lakes are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from the highway to Kathmandu . Divided by the forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing can be done here.

Barahi Temple

This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Phewa lake, the two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

World Peace Pagoda

The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Seti River

Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination - over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital , provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Davi's Fall

Locally known as Patale Chhango (Hell's Fall), Devi's fall (also known as Devin's or David's) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinnydipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.

Gupteshwor Cave

 Gupteswar Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city. The entrance is right across from Devi's Fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of Lord Shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered. An entrance fee of Rs. 5 is charged and taking pictures inside the cave is prohibited.

Chitwan

Until the 1950s this narrow strip of land was an impenetrable jungle, infested with malaria. It’s only inhabitants, the Tharus, were somehow immune as was the wildlife that inhabited these dense forests. Even today 450 species of birds and over 50 species of animals have been sighted here. You can either raft down the Himalayan Rivers, or take a short thirty minutes flight or a five hour drive to this adventure land, staying in jungle lodges or camp. Jungle safaris on elephant back, nature walks and canoe trips enable you to watch animals in their natural environs.

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the enlightened one, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Besides its religious and historical significance, Lumbini also offers cultural insights into the village life of southern Nepal. Nepal Airlines and other airlines fly regularly to Bhairahawa, near Lumbini, and bus services are available from Pokhara and Kathmandu. Accommodation : There are several good hotels and lodges in Lumbini.

 Muktinath and Jomsom

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. It is believed that all miseries/ sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple. Jomsom is the gateway of Muktinath. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is a good accommodation facility in Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.

Tansen

Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has the most extensive views of the country’s chief attraction, the Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishankar in the northeast. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

Shirubari

Sirubari is one of the most attractive villages in Nepal. The village is neat and clean, very colorful and warm. The people are friendly, well educated and are enthusiastic about tourism. It is a compact farming community village and short drive from Pokhara, followed by the comfortable walk. In May 2001 this village in conjunction with the Nepal Tourism Board was awarded the PATA Gold award in recognitions of its efforts to preserve the culture and heritage of Nepalese total life.