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 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 Square The
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 or fly from Kathmandu to
Pokhara and sightseeing in
Pokhara. Stay overnight at
hotel in Pokhara.
Pokhara will have you
mesmerized with its majestic
sight of snow-capped
mountain peaks and exquisite
beauty. Pokhara is most
popular for its lakes Phewa,
Begnas and Rupa.
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Day 05 |
Sightseeing in Pokhara. Stay
overnight at hotel in
Pokhara.
Your trip includes visits to
all these exotic places. You
can go for boating on these
famous lakes. Phewa Lake is
the center of all attraction
in Pokhara. It is the
largest and most enchanting
of three lakes that add to
the resplendence of Pokhara.
Here, one can sail or row a
hired boat across the water
of the lake or visit the
island temple in the middle
of the lake, the eastern
shore, popularly know as
Lakeside or Baidam, is the
favorite haunt of all
travelers’ restaurants,
handicraft shops and other
tourist facilities are
located.
Begnas Lake is situated in
the eastern part of Pokhara
valley, at a distance of 15
km from Pokhara. Tourist can
relax in the lodges and
resorts situated alongside
the lake.
Yet another popular lake of
Pokhara is the Rupa Lake. It
is separated from Begnas
Lake by a bridge known as
Pachabhaiya. The lakes offer
the prefect nature retreat
because of their relative’s
seclusion and opportunities
for boating and fishing.
Exploring the deep-seated
mysteries of intriguing
caves like Mahendra Gupha
will further heighten your
adventure spirit. Another of
nature’s wonders in Pokhara
is the Mahendra Gupha. This
large limestone cave is
locally known as the House
of Bats an apt name for it.
A two- hour’s walk to the
north of Pokhara, it is best
to bring your own torch to
see the stalactites and
stalagmites, as well as the
local winged residents.
The Devil's Fall, the gorge
of the Seti River and
Tibetan refugee camp are the
other dotted places you will
be sightseeing.
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Day 06 |
Drive from Pokhara to
Kathmandu by tourist mini
bus that takes about seven
hours. While driving from
Pokhara to Kathmandu, you
head up to Damauli, Dumre,
Muglin and Kurintar where
the Nepal's first Cable car
is operated to reach to
Manakamana Temple. En route,
you could enjoy the mountain
views, green sceneries, rice
terrace fields, vegetable
fields and people being
engaged in their daily life
activities. From Naubishe
you climb up to Thankot, the
gateway to capital city. You
can also fly from Pokhara to
Kathmandu which takes
approximately 25 minutes. | | |
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