Kathmandu

In Kathmandu it seems that around every corner there is something to see. Kathmandu boasts no less than seven UNESCO cultural heritage sites. Its buildings and monuments display a significant variety of historic and artistic accomplishment.

Besides the more obvious landmarks there are far too many temples and places of interest to the list. We are therefore very keen to help you discover more than the normal tourist package. For many a trip to Nepal would be incomplete without delving deeper into the culture and lifestyle of Nepal.

Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as “Basantapur’,

In the heart of old Kathmandu city Durbar Square of course never fails to impress visitors with its rich history. Once the residence of Nepal’s Royal family Durbar Square was the traditional location for Coronation ceremonies.

50 temples lie within the vicinity including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. There are two courtyards in the square. The Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temples are in the outer courtyard whilst The Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace are in the inner section.

Museums dedicated to three generations of Shah kings have now  also been established on some floors. Most parts of the palace premises are open to tourists throughout the week.

The Kumari Ghar is home to the Living Goddess, Kumari. If you are lucky you may  catch a glimpse of her.  All in all Kathmandu Durbar Square is a spectacular array of architecture and culture.

The Boudhanath Stupa

This is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of most familiar sites in Kathmandu. It is one of the largest Stupa (Buddhist Shrines) in the World. The Boudhanath is 120 meters in diameter with a 36-meter spire from which many colorful prayer flags are draped. Prayer wheels surround its 8 sided base.

There has believed to have been a Stupa on this site for over 1,400 years. The five statues of Dhyani Buddha’s on the site represent the 5 elements of earth, air, fire, water, and ether .

The 13 rings from its base to its summit  represent the Buddhist steps to Nirvana (enlightenment). It has nine levels, representing Mount Meru which is believed to be at the center of the Buddhist cosmos. This is truly a truly holy place.

The Pashupatinath Temple

The Pashupatinath Temple is an Elegant and highly decorative Hindu temple of Lord Shiva and sits alongside the banks of Bagmati River.

A guided roof and pagoda style of architecture are noteworthy features. Members of Shiva’s family are also featured in its rafters  and similarly its silver plated entrance doors are bordered by statues of deities.

Entrance to the temple is restricted to Hindus but its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will no doubt see many holy men (Sadhus), and the river banks are a popular place for Hindu cremations.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar square is another world Heritage site and contains a high concentration of temples and stupas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the:

• 14th-century Kumbeshwar Temple.
• 17th century Red Machhendranath Temple which is notable for its carvings of curious animals.
• The Golden temple is a unique Buddhist monastery just to the north of Durbar Square. Reputedly founded in the 12th century.

The golden temple derives its name from the gilded metal plates that cover most of its frontage. It is significantly one of the most beautiful in Patan. The tortoises pottering around the compound are the traditional temple guardians. Look out for them when they are not in hibernation!

Patan Museum

Patan Museum is  widely regarded as one of the finest museums in South Asia. The museum houses many rare objects and treasures.

Most of the objects are traditional Paten crafts such as cast bronzes and ornamental gilt copper artifacts. These also include about 200 statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities mostly created in Patan.  Others have also come from India, Tibet, and the western Himalayas.

Swayambhunath 

365 steps lead to the Swayambhunath (the “Monkey Temple) which  overlooks the city .  Apart from its architectural and religious significance, it affords a grand vista of Kathmandu. It derives its popular name from the many “holy” Monkeys living in its surrounds; they are keen to be fed.   The story of how they originated is worth checking out!

The complex contains temples, a Stupa, many shrines as well as a monastery, museum and library. This Stupa comprises a white base, the Buddha’s mystical eyes and a golden gilded spire.

Swayambhunath is second only to the Boudhanath in terms of religious significance.

The Swayambhunath is guaranteed not to disappoint and is naturally a must-see option for most visitors.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, and the ‘Living Heritage’.

Monuments,  mostly terracotta with carved wood columns fill The square .  Temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs and  open courtyards are also here.

Bhaktapur is home to numerous Religious shrines with pagodas.  Ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites filled with monuments, most terracotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards form part of Bhaktapur’s rich  architectural beauty.

In addition one could easily  spend much time here absorbing the traditions and culture of the Newars.

Other options

But it’s not all about these architectural and cultural wonders!

You will also have many opportunities to engage in a wide range of spiritual and sporting activities.  Mountains encompass the Kathmandu valley. These mountains have a vast and too often overlooked potential for adventure.

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