Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

Kathmandu Valley hosts wonderful, temples, viewpoints and traditional Newari villages, but many people miss out these sights in a feverish rush to get to Chitwan, Pokhara or Everest and other areas. Therefore, wise tourists best use their holiday and explore the hidden this valley. It is no doubt that with a rapidly expanding population of 3-million, the valley has certainly changed over the years, but aspects of traditional life endure. Rural life continues to move to the rhythms of the seasons and spectacular festivals, and the timeless demands of the fields, the family, and the gods remain the fundamental priorities of most people's lives here in the valley. There are also a number of rocks and sloppy walls which are specially preserved for rock climbing. Nagarjuna, the forested hill that lies to the northwest of the Swayambhunath Study only by the new bus park in Kathmandu, Sivapuri hill to the of Kathmandu valley, takes about 30 minutes drive or one-hour cycling from the downtown of the Kathmandu valley to name a few which are accessible.

Kathmandu valley is considered to be the melting pot of diverse cultures and customs besides being a cultural metropolis of the country. It comprises of three cities namely Lalitpur, Kathmandu, and Bhaktapur, whereby resided by Newari ethnic groups who still follow age-old customs of Hindu, Buddhist and Kirati religious practices, they have their own lifestyles. No doubt, the customs, and traditions of Nepal have added the color to the lives of Nepalese, as they celebrate the festivals with much joy. Furthermore, the sightseeing in the Kathmandu valley includes the tour in major historic, cultural and religious sites namely Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. Nagarkot is the popular tourist resort in Nepal, situated 32 km east of Kathmandu, it is famous for having panoramic views of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt.Everest. The Nagarkot is one another spot to enjoy the panoramic view of sunrise and sunset views. These all the spots can be toured in and around Kathmandu valley. Please check here for Entry fees in the world heritage sites, temple, stupas, monasteries, and museum. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square duly recognized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO this particular area lies in the heart of this city. The locals know this area by its old name ‘Hanuman Dhoka’ palace square, an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty.The name Hanuman Dhoka Durbar came from the statue of Hanuman established by King Pratap Malla at the entrance of the royal palace in 1672 A.D. The nine-storeyed residence (which was destroyed by the last earthquake) built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1770, is called Basantapur Durbar Square.The whole complex is known as Kathmandu Durbar Square. The palace complex was originally founded during the Lichchhvi period, but as it stands today most of it was constructed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. The Durbar Square area is actually made up two sub-areas. The outer complex is renowned for numerous interesting temples as Kumari Ghar, Kasthmandap, Shiv-Parvati temple, coutrywardsJagannath Temple, Big Bell etc. While the inner complex comprises the old palace area, Hanuman – Dhocourtyards and it's as Nasal Chowk, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Lohan Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Basntapur and other notable being the Taleju Temple dedicated to the female royal deity. The site is enlisted in the World Heritage Site of UNESCO along with other six monument zones of the Kathmandu valley in October 1979.Besides the magnificent temples and shrines, other interesting aspects are various festivals, cultural activities, and traditions people are following from centuries, which are presented in the Durbar Square. The major festivals including Indrajatra, Dashain, Gai Jatra, Machchhindranath Jatra etc.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath lies three-kilometer west of Kathmandu city. It is one of the best known Buddhist shrines. It is said to be 2000 years old. It is also known to visitors aa ‘monkey temple’. The main structure of the stupa is made up of brick and clay which supports a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. There are all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha on the four sides of a spire. Being situated seventy meters above the level of the valley, the hill of Swoyambhunath is a mosaic of small Stupa and pagoda temples. Aside, in front of the temple, one of the famous goddess with the shrine of Ajima called ‘Harati Mata’. This temple of goddess believes to be famous in the way of tantric. Both the stupa of Lord Buddha and temple of a goddess are surrounded by other temples and Tibetan monasteries. Being located in the top level of the valley, this place is famous for visitors for sightseeing.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple is one of the famous Hindu temples in the world. The temple is situated 5 kilometers east from the heart of the Kathmandu, on the banks of sacred Bagmati River. Being one of the most important Hindu temples, this is a center of annual pilgrimage. From the time immemorial, the Pashupatinath area contains numerous temples, stupas, monasteries, images, and inscriptions. The area is not only a pilgrimage site for the Hindus but also an important cultural treasure for the whole world. However, only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal. Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. The Stupa stands on the massive three level Mandala style platform surrounded by colorful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like that of Swoyambhunath stupa except its final displaying. It is much bigger than Swayambhunath Stupa. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century AD.

Patan Durbar square

Patan Durbar Square is located on a lovely little plateau across the Bagmati. It is situated 7 kilometer southeast of Kathmandu. This city is roughly inhabited by some 1.2 million people. It is considered to be the oldest of the city in Kathmandu valley. This city was founded in 3rd century AD. This is known to be the city of fine arts having hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. The most important monument no doubt is Patan Durbar Square, recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. The square has been described as one of the most picturesque collections of buildings that have been set up so small place by the piety of oriental man. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century, known to be the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. The important things to be seen in this area include the golden gate and the golden window of the old palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone. Royal Taleju temple, Viswa Nath temple, and Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.

Bhaktapur Durbar square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is situated at an altitude of 1,401 meters above sea level. Bhaktapur is a unique and old town in the valley. This city is divided into 24 traditional localities covering an area of 5 square kilometers. Founded by King Anand Dev in 889 AD Bhaktapur is said to have been built in the shape of conch shell a sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu. The word Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Before the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who was very much devoted to religion, culture, and art. During the period many magnificent temples and mansions were built. This period is remembered as the golden period in the Nepalese art and remains a unique example.

Changu Narayan temple

The temple of Changu Narayan is situated on the hillock of Dhaulagiri in the northern part of Bhaktapur. It is one of the oldest temples in Nepal situated at an altitude of 5000 ft. This temple has its distinct historical and architectural significance. The most authentic and oldest ever inscription is located in the precinct of Changu Narayan. The oldest inscription dated 464 AD is a credited to have been set up by Lichchshavi King Manadeva. The erection of Garuda Piller by Manadeva is expression of his devotion and reverence to Chang Narayan as learned from the inscription, points that the temple of Changu Narayan was built sometime before 464 AD

Kirtipur

Kirtipur is a small but old town lying some eight kilometers southwest of Kathmandu valley on the top of a hill. Tribhuwan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to see such as old shrines and temples, old houses, and people dressed in traditional costume while working on ancient looms.

Chobhar

Chobhar has situated some nine kilometers southwest of Kathmandu. This place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the Valley drain flows through it. The legend says that the god Manjushree cut the gorge to drain out Kathmandu Valley which was then a lake. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill. From this point, one has a complete view of snow-capped mountain peaks. Just beyond the Chobhar Gorge. There is the 17th-century temple of Jal Vinayak. The main image of the temple is on a massive rock. Only a small part in front vaguely resembles an elephant's head. The image at Jal Vinayak is different from other images of Lord Ganesh. Shrine of Shekha Narayan is situated between Chobhar and Dakshinkali which represents one of the four Narayan's of the Kathmandu Valley. The shrine stands on a hillock beneath a stalactite rock. At the base of Shekha Narayan is a pond with several verities of fish.

Dakshinkali

The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is an important place for pilgrimage, drawing over 400,000 pilgrims a year. Devotees visit this temple to offer prayers and animal sacrifices to the Goddess Kali. Apart from the religious aspects, the site has also been developed as a popular picnic spot.

Nagarkot

There are various places around the edge of the Kathmandu Valley offering great mountain views. One of such areas is Nagarkot. Whereby, it does not only provide magnificent views of Himalayas but also the resort village of Nagarkot. It is generally held to be the best mountain watchers makes their way up to the village, stays overnight in one of Nagarkot's lodges or hotels than rising at dawn to see the sun appear over the Himalayas. Nagarkot is popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated some 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Himalayan peaks like Manaslu (8463m) Ganesh Himal (7111m) Langtang (7246m) Gaurishanker (7134m) can also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motorable road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.