KATHMANDU VALLEY : The Kathmandu valley is situated an altitude of 1336 m. above the sea level and is the main hub of Nepal. The valley is surrounded hills of 2400 m in altitude. The length of Kathmandu valley in about 25 km. east - West and about 20 km North – South. It is home for about 1.2 million people, which are about 7% of the population of Nepal Here you find three main cities of huge historic and cultural value; Kathmandu , Patan and Bhaktapur all holds very interesting architectures and art treasures.
The major attractions of Kathmandu and nearby surroundings are:
Kathmandu City : Is also known as Kantipur and is the capital of Nepal. You will not find the same exiting concentration of culture, art and tradition, Government and business center that exists here in Kathmandu, anywhere in the world. And further more you find a great variety of temples all over around the city.
Kathmandu Durbar Square and Hanuman Dhoka Palace : This is the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty. The residence of Kumari, whom is a living, virgin Goddess' who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple, is also found nearby Durbar Square.
Patan Durbar Square :Situated in Lalitpur 6 km from Kathmandu. Here you find a tremendous variety of Buddhist monuments, Hindu temples and the ancient palace. Patan is known for its craftsmen and metal workers, but also as the city of artists. One of the main attractions of Patan is the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royalty.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square : Is situated 14 km east of Kathmandu and is the home of medieval art and architecture. The main Durbar square has a lot of temples and other places of architectural interest: the Lion Gates, the Palace of 55 windows, and the Batsala temple. Further more you find the Nyatpola temple, which is one of the tallest pagodas and is known for the five-story massive structure and subtle workmanship, The Dattatraya temple is the oldest temple to be seen in Bhaktapur.
Swayambhunath : 4 km west of Kathmandu centre you find this stupa that is said to be 2000 years old. For Buddhist this is a very glorious and holy stupa. Since the Stupa is placed on a hilltop, you find – after having defeated 365 stairs – a spectacular view of Kathmandu valley. Out of respect try to remember always walk clockwise around a stupa.
Pashupatinath : 5 km east of Kathmandu on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, you find this temple that is dedicated to Lord Shiva. With its richly carved silver doors and gilt roof, this pagoda-style temple is one of the most holy temples in the entire Hindu world. You can spend many hours exploring and sense the atmosphere here. By the Bagmati River you can also see Hindu cremations from a distance and if you are travelling with children, that are not familiar with these traditions, we advice you to consider whether they should see the ceremony of cremation.
Boudhanath : A few kilometres of walking from Pashupatinath one of the world's largest stupas is situated. For the Tibetans Buddhist this stupa is one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monuments outside of Tibet. Tibetans simply refers to it as Chorten Chempo “The Great Stupa” – and for Tibetan exiles in Nepal it has become a kind of Mecca. Kiritipur : It is worth taking the time to travel 8 km southwest of Kathmandu to the small town of Kiritipur on the top of a hill. You will see the local people working on ancient looms, traditional costumes and old houses are also to be found here.
Bungamati : Is quintessential Newar, and what at first glance looks like a very small village quickly envelops you in its own world. No matter which alley you choose to take, eventually it will lead you to the great central plaza and the white temple of Lord Machhendranath.
Dakshinkali : This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of power Kali and is situated 20 km southwest of Kathmandu. By going here you will explore authentic and natural surroundings and every Tuesday and Saturday animals are brought here for sacrifice at the pith of Kali. If you are travelling with children, that are not familiar with these traditions, we advice you to consider whether they should see the ceremony of sacrifice. Changu Narayan :This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is situated on a hilltop 24 km east of Kathmandu. It is told to have been built in the 4th century A.D. From the temple which is overwhelming decorated with sculptures and carvings; you will also find an amazing view of the surroundings.
Nagarkot : For the most amazing sunset and sunrise views you can go 32 km east of Kathmandu. Nagarkot is rising almost 2354 m over sea level and can provide you with fantastic panoramic views over the major peaks of most of the eastern Himalayas as well as quit a lot of the western Himalayan peaks.
Dhulikhel : For the most amazing sunset views you can go 30 km east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway. Dhulikel – an ancient and scenic city - is situated 1815 m over sea level and can provide you with fantastic panoramic views from East to West of the entire Himalayan range. Panauti : 40 km east of Kathmandu via Banepa you find this thriving Newari village with many interesting old houses and beautiful temples.
Namo Buddha : From Panauti there is only a short drive or you can walk to the hilltop, where Namo Buddha is situated. An amazing legend is related to the Buddha, here to be remembered by the presence of an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of lord Buddha.
