Hill Region
Kathmandu
Valley
The Kathmandu Valley, the capital, is the political, commercial
and cultural hub of Nepal. Spread across an area of 360 square kilometers
and at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level, Kathmandu
is an exotic and fascinating showcase of a very rich culture, art
and tradition. The valley, roughly oval bowl measuring 24 km east-west
and 19 km north-south, is encircled by a range of green terraced
hills and dotted by compact clusters of red tiled-roofed houses.
A remarkable legend speaks that the valley was once covered by a
lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushri raised his sword of wisdom
and sliced a passage through the mountain walls, draining the water
and creating the first settlements.
The valley embraces most of Nepal's ethinc groups, but Newars are
the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the valley's splendid
civilization.
Not very long ago, it was said that there were just as many houses
as there were temples and shrines in Kathmandu valley. Now, of course,
that fact does not hold true because of the rapid urbanization and
population growth in the last three decades. Nevertheless, the valley
still exhibits a living, breathing entity,a vital culture that has
miraculously survived till now.
The valley consists of three fabulous cities of great historic
and cultural interest.
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KATHMANDU
The city of Kathmandu is a melting pot for the nations population
not only today but also in the yester years. Perhaps that is the
reason behind the rich cultural heritage of the city. Kathmandu
with its unique architectural heritage, palaces, temples and courtyards
has inspired many writers, artisits, and poets both foreign and
Nepalese.
It boasts a unique symbiosis of Hinduism, Buddhism as well as Tantrism
in its culture which is still alive today as it was hundreds of
years ago. The relegious influence can be openly seen in the city.
Attractions
| Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square)
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| Akash Bhairav Temple |
| Kumari Ghar (Temple of Kumari) |
| Kasthamandap |
| Jaishi Dewal |
| Bhadrakali Temple |
| Singha Durbar |
| Narayanhity Durbar |
| Swayambhu Stupa |
| Balaju Water Garden |
| Budhanilkantha |
| Boudhanath Stupa |
| Pashupatinath Temple |
| Gokarna |
| Sankhu |
| Sundarijal |
| Changu Narayan Temple |
| Dakshinkali |
| The National Museum |
| The Museum of Natural History |
| Kakani |
| Nagarjun Forest |
| Namo Buddha |
| Palanchowk Bhagwati |
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LALITPUR
Just across the holy Bagmati river stands another ancient
city called Lalitpur. A twenty-minute cab ride from Kathmandu city,
Lalitpur is a charming city which has still retained its tranquil
ambience. Walking down the quiet, narrow streets of the city, you
would come across traditional building, exquisite temples and tiny
shops of artists, metalworkers, wood workers and stonecutters. The
city is indeed renowned for its fine craftmanship.
Attractions
| Bungamati and Khokana |
| Patan Durbar Square |
| Krishna Mandir |
| Mahabouddha |
| Kwa Bahal "Golden Temple"
|
| Kumbeshwor |
| The Ashokan Stupas |
| Achheswor Mahavihar |
| Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath |
| The Central Zoo |
| Patan Industrial State |
| Tibetan Refugee Camp |
| Bajra Barahi |
| Godavari |
| National Library |
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Bhaktapur
(Bhadgaon)
Situated at an altitude of 1401 meter, Bhaktapur covers an
area of 4 square miles. Shaped liked a conch-shell, Bhaktapur means
the city of devotees. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries.
The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu city and can be reached
by public transport and by trolley (electric) buses.
Attractions
| Bhaktapur Durbar Square
|
| Nyatpola Temple |
| Bhairavnath Temple |
| Dattatraya Square |
| Potter's Square |
| Surya Vinayak |
| Thimi |
| The Bronze and Brass Museum |
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Pokhara
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated
at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu
valley, the city is known as a center of adventure. The enchanting
city with a population of around 95,000 has several beautiful lakes
and offers stunning panaromic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity
of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them
create an ambience of peace and magic. So today the city has not
only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting
destinations but also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade route extending between
India and Tibet. To this day, mule trains can be seen camped on
the outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade from remote regions
of the Himalaya. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs, hardworking
farmers and valorous warriors who have earned worldwide fame as
Gurkha soldiers. The Thakalis, another important ethnic group here,
are known for their entrepreneurship.
The climate of Pokhara is slightly warmer than Kathmandu with daytime
temperature hovering around 15 degrees Celsius in winter and 35
degrees in summer. The monsoon season which lasts from mid-June
to mid-September is very wet; in fact Pokhara records the highest
rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is between October and
April.
The activities of foreign visitors to Pokhara focus around two
districts known as Damside and Lakeside (or Pardi and Baidam, in
Nepali, respectively). These two areas, with their strips of hotels
and restaurants, are a few kilometers south-west of the main Pokhara
bazaar.
Attractions
| Phewa Lake |
| Begnas lake and Rupa lake |
| Barahi temple |
| World Peace Pagoda |
| Seti Gandaki |
| Devi's Fall |
| Gupteswar Gupha |
| Mahendra Gupha |
| The Old Bazaar |
| Bindbyabasini Temple |
| Museums |
| Himalayan Vista |
| Nightlife and Entertainment |
| Around Pokhara |
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