Posted by FLORIDNEPAL on Thursday, December 25, 2008
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The political,
commercial and cultural
hub of Nepal, is the
first stop for the
majority of visitors to
the country. Once a
separate kingdom in
itself, it contains
three fabled cities -
Kathmandu (population
550,000); Patan
(160,000); and Bhaktapur
(population 75,000).
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There are seven UNESCO
World Heritage Sites in
the Valley. The history
of the Valley begins
with the Buddhist saint
Manjushree who slashed a
passage through the
surrounding hills to
drain out the primordial
waters and make it
inhabitable
Over the centuries, a
refined urban
civilization emerged,
built on a unique
synthesis of Hinduism
and Buddhism. Dynasties
came and went. Trade and
the arts flourished. Its
deeply religious Newar
inhabitants built
fabulous cities and
artistic temples that
attracted devout
pilgrims as well as
rampaging invaders. In
the late 18th century,
following the founding
of modern Nepal within
more or less the present
boundaries, Kathmandu
was made the capital. |
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Itinerary in Details |
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Day 01 |
Arrival at Kathmandu
International Airport and
transfer to hotel. Stay
overnight at hotel in
Kathmandu.
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Day 02 |
Sightseeing tour of
Pashupatinath, Boudhanath
and Swayambhunath. Stay
overnight at hotel in
Kathmandu.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east
of Kathmandu City,
Pashupatinath temple is one
of the holiest temples
dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Situated amidst a lush green
natural setting on the bank
of the sacred Bagmati river,
the temple built in pagoda
style has jilted roof and
richly carved silver doors.
Visitors will be permitted
to view the temple from the
east bank of Bagmati River,
entrance in the temple being
strictly forbidden to all
non Hindus. Pashupatinath is
the centre of annual
pilgrimage on the day of
shivaratri which falls in
the month of February/March.
Behind the temple are the
cremation grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, 8 kilometers
east of Kathmandu City, is
one of the biggest in the
world of its kind. It stands
with four pairs of eyes in
the four cardinal direction
keeping watch for righteous
behaviour and human
prosperity. This Buddhis
Stupa was built by King Man
Deva at the advice of the
Goddess Mani Jogini. It is
built on an octagonal base
inset with prayer wheels.
The shrine is ringed by
houses of Lamas or Buddhist
priest.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located
approximately 4 kilometers
and this Buddhist Stupa is
said to be 2000 years old.
The Stupa which forms the
main structure is composed
of a solid hemisphere of
brick and earth supporting a
lofty conical spire capped
by a pinnacle of copper
gilt. Painted on the four
sided base of the spire are
the all seeing eyes of Lord
Buddha. This hill is a
mosaic of small Chaityas and
Pagoda temples.
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Day 03 |
Sightseeing tour of Patan and
Bhaktapur and drive back to
Kathmandu. Stay overnight at
hotel in Kathmandu.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, like
its counterpart in Kathmandu,
is an enchanting mélange of
palace buildings, artistic
courtyards and graceful
pagoda temples. Listed as a
World Heritage Site, the
former royal palace complex
is the center of Patan’s
religious and social life,
and houses a museum
containing an array of
bronze statues and religious
objects. One remarkable
monument here is a
17th-century temple
dedicated to the Hindu god
Krishna, built entirely of
stone
The main attractions in
Patan
Beside above mentioned
places to visit there are
other significant sites to
be visited:
1. Golden Temple
2. Kumbheshwar
3. Krishna Mandir
4. Jagat Narayan
5. Mahaboudha
6. Ashokan Stupa
7. Machchhendranath Temple
8. The Tibetan Camp
Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an
area of four square miles.
Bhaktapur or the city of
devotees still retains a
medieval charm and visitors
to this ancient town are
treated to myriad wonders of
cultural and artistic
achievements. The past glory
of the Malla rules continues
to be reflected at the
Darbar Square. Pottery and
waving are its traditional
industries. Bhaktapur is
famous for woodcarving and
the traditional topi or cap.
The city lies about 14 km
east of Kathmandu. The
places of interest include
Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the
National Art Gallery,
Nyatapola Temple,
Bhairavnath Temple,
Dattatreya Temple and
Dattatreya Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar SquareThe
main square of the city
contains innumerable temples
and other architectural
showpieces such as lion
gate, the golden gate, the
statue of King Bhupatindra
Malla, Dattatraya Temple
etc.
A magnificent 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.
Palace of 55 Windows Being
built by King Yaksha Mall in
1427 A.D. and remodeled by
King Bhupatindra Malla in
17th Century, the balcony
and the windows are
intricately carved is a
masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple This five
storied Pagoda Style temple
was built by King
Bhupatindra Malla in 1708
A.D. well known for its
massive structure and subtle
workmanship. It is the
tallest pagoda structure in
the Kathmandu valley.
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Day 04 |
Drive from Kathmandu to Kakani
which takes about one and
half hours. Stay overnight
in Kakani. A trip to Kakani
along the beautiful highway
of Trishuli Road, is
scenically rewarding with
green forest and mountains
grandeur in one direction
and fertile river flats and
terraces cultivation on the
other. This road begins from
Balaju and terminates at
Kaule from where the road
bifurcates
Kakani is located 29
kilometers north-west of
Kathmandu at an altitude of
1982 meters above sea level
and is famous for the
magnificent view over
Kathmandu Valley and the
north-western Himalayas
ranges against the vastness
of the sky. The fabulous
area of Kakani features
attractions ranging from
beautiful alpine scenery to
the magnificent Himalayan
Panorama particularly the
Ganesh Himal massif along
with Langtang ranges. A
close view of the other peak
of Himalayas which can be
seen from here are
Gaurishanker (7134 in),
Choba Bhamte (6016 in),
Dorje Lakpa, Manaslu (8163
in), Himalchuli (7893 in),
Annapurna (8091 m) and the
other several peaks. A
majestic view of the sunset
can also be seen from this
place.
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Day 05 |
Drive back from Kakani to
Kathmandu and it takes about
one and half hours. Stay
overnight at hotel in
Kathmandu.
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Day 06 |
Fly out from Kathmandu. | | |
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