Jewel of the Mid-West | Pokhara

Pokhara finds a place in the itinerary of most tourists coming to Nepal unless time constraints limit their visit to Kathmandu. ‘Lakeside Pokhara’, quite distinctly separate from Pokhara city, caters entirely to tourists and lies beside the popular Phewa Lake. With ample space and little traffic, visitors enjoy a relaxed life here at Lakeside. The picturesque Pokhara valley with its tranquil lakes and backdrop of shimmering Himalayan peaks entices hordes of tourists, many of whom make multiple trips to the valley. Today it is gaining fame as the adventure capital of Nepal with all manner of exciting sports: trekking, rafting, paragliding, zip lines and ultra-light flights. Trekkers arrive here to begin or end a trek as well as to relax after a strenuous hike in the Annapurna region. Friendships are made in crowded bars and restaurants, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas for an ideal holiday. Warmer than Kathmandu because of its lower altitude, Pokhara is pleasant in the winter and has a rich flora and fauna making it ideal for bird watching as well. Pokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. Even today mule trains from Mustang and other Himalayan regions arrive in Pokhara and many traders spend the winter here with their yaks to avoid the extreme cold in their homeland. Besides the Magars and Gurungs who made up a large part of the British Gurkha forces, other well-known ethnic group found here are the Thakalis who are known for their entrepreneurship. They run many tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region.

Places To See

Mountain Views Pokhara is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV and Annapurna South. Further away are seen the giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Manaslu (8,163m).Machhapuchhare, although not the highest in the range, dominates the skyline because of its proximity to the valley. Phewa Lake Pokhara wouldn’t be the same without its lakes. Phewa is the largest and most beautiful of the three lakes attracting a large number of visitors who enjoy boating on its placid waters. Boats can be hired and many visit the island temple that lies out in the middle of the lake. Sailing is another attraction. Lakeside is a thriving resort town with its hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops stretching beside the lake and catering to all the needs of visitors. Barahi Temple Located in the middle of Phewa Lake, the Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. The two storied pagoda is dedicated to Ajima, the boar manifestation of' the female force Shakti. Large crowds of devotees arrive here on Saturdays, the official holiday in Nepal.

David's Fall Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Nether Falls), David's Fall (known variously as Devin's and Devi’s Fall as well) is a charming little waterfall about 2 km south-west of Pokhara Airport. Many years ago a trekker named David or Devin is said to have been washed away by the river Pardi Khola and disappeared in an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave One of the interesting places to visit is the Mahendra Gupha, a limestone cave reached after a two-hour walk or a short drive north of Pokhara. Known as the ‘House of Bats’ owing to a number of bats found inside, the cave is an interesting labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors are advised to bring their own torches if they want to closely inspect the formations. World Peace Pagoda High on a hill visible from Lakeside is the World Peace Pagoda on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Once there, you are greeted by the four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The dome shaped pagoda is an impressive sight and commands a great view of the entire valley. Museums The Pokhara Museum is worth a visit. Located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, it showcases the ethnic mosaic of the diverse cultures that thrive in western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of the Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus are attractively represented by models, photographs and artifacts. Of much interest and also a major attraction is the recently discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Tuesdays and public holidays. Annapurna Regional Museum This is the other interesting museum in Pokhara which is also known as the Natural History Museum. Run by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds and models of wildlife found in the area. Located at Prithvi Narayan Campus, east of the old bazaar, it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm except on Saturdays and public holidays. International Mountain Museum The International Mountain Museum (IMM) is housed in a well-designed modern building. It was built with the objective of recording, documenting, exhibiting and chronicling the entire mountaineering past up to the present day, the development of mountain and mountaineering activities in the world. With widespread support from mountaineering clubs and associations as well as individual donors from around the world, the museum has much on display. Established by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with the theme ‘Man, Mountain and Mountain activities around the world’, the entire display area of the museum has been divided along this theme. Hall of Mountain People: This hall exhibits the customs, traditions, heritage, culture and lifestyle of the mountain people. Hall of World Mountains: This hall showcases all fourteen peaks over 8000 m. and displays geological facts related to the origin of world mountain systems. Also exhibited and explained is the flora and fauna of the Himalaya. The museum also honors great personalities like Kumar Khadga Bikrum Shah (Founder President of NMA), Dr. Toni Hagen (Renowned geologist and lover of Nepal, who published the first pictorial "Nepal"), Reverend Ekai Kawaguchi (The first Japanese to visit Nepal in 1899), and Dr. Harka Gurung (Renowned scholar, geographer, development planner and first Tourism Minister of Nepal). Hall of Mountain Activities: This hall is dedicated to mountain activities such as mountaineering and trekking, highlighting historical ascents and explorations in and around the mountainous regions. It also showcases the development of climbing gears and other essential mountaineering equipment over the decades.

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Adventure Activities in and around Pokhara

Surrounding Areas From Pokhara begins or ends some of the most popular treks in the Annapurna region. Among them, the highly recommended treks are the scenic Annapurna Circuit and Jomsom Treks. Shorter, easier treks for people with less time on their hands are Sarangkot, Naudanda, Ghandruk or Ghorepani treks. The Sarankot (1,592m) trek provides a bird’s eye view of Pokhara and stunning panoramic views of mountains. It lies west of Pokhara and the hilltop is also a taking off point for paragliders.

Things to do

Motor Biking The thrill of exploring Pokhara valley on a motorbike is incomparable. Natural beauty abounds around Pokhara and the ride becomes an adventure packed excursion. The friendly locals make you feel at home while you roam freely in the unrestricted valley. A good bike and a reliable map is all you need for a great adventure.

Boating Pokhara's Phewa Lake is usually busy with visitors. Boating is a favorite past time any time of day. The second largest lake in Nepal, the Phewa measures approximately 1.5 by 4 km. The other two lakes, Begnas and Rupa Tal are located 15 km out of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns off the Kathmandu highway. Much less frequented, but these two attract those looking for a tranquil setting to enjoy some peace and relaxation. Boats can be rented easily on an hourly basis to check out the other banks that are lush green and tranquil. Taking a swim on a warm sunny day can be a wonderful experience as well. Best time for boating in Pokhara is in winter between October and February. The skies clear up, the mountains are visible and the sun is milder.

Ultra-light Flights For a superb bird's eye view of the entire Pokhara Valley, there is nothing like an Ultra-light flight. Enjoying unhindered views of the mountains and shimmering lakes far below, this is an experience of a life time. From September through June, these flights take off from Pokhara Airport. Ultra-lights have no restrictions and can take off and land on a field or even on a dirt road making them easy to operate. Seating only two, a passenger and the pilot, Ultra-lights can fly for hours ascending to a maximum height of 5000 meters. Surprisingly these little crafts can fly for hours even with the engine shut off. The pilots have over 6000 flights under their belt ensuring a safe flight.

Paragliding Paragliding has become so popular, there seems to be someone coming off Sarankot all the time. Flying over Pokhara valley is an exhilarating experience enjoying the spectacular view of majestic snow-capped mountains, villages, monasteries, temples, lakes and jungles below you. Flying season is from November lasting through February, the best months being November and December. Fishing Anglers can spend their time fishing in the lakes around Pokhara. The lakes and rivers in Nepal have a large variety of fishes. Fishing rods can be rented from the shops around lakeside. Golf With a climate suitable for golfing, Pokhara is a good place to head out to the putting green. The sport was introduced here many years ago and there are at present two world class golf courses in Pokhara valley. Pony Riding Riding ponies doesn’t require much experience and pony rides are a delightful way of getting around Pokhara. Ride operators arrange interesting trips for visitors around the valley and the surrounding hills.

Rafting Rafting is a thrilling adventure and Nepal has an abundance of fast flowing rivers, some of which are ranked high in the world of professional rafting. Pokhara is ideally situated for raft trips along its rivers and rafting is a great way to reach various destinations. The most popular river for rafting is the Trishuli River, which flows along the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway. Some of the other rivers frequently used by rafters are the Kali Gandaki and Seti rivers.

Short Hikes Besides lazing around in Pokhara, one can also do some easy hikes. Walking up the surrounding hills reveals spectacular views and breathing the fresh mountain air is refreshing. There is much to see even around Pokhara as you explore the sights and sounds around the city. Short hikes are typically 3-4 hours long but can be extended by several hours.

Mountain Biking One of the more challenging pastimes is mountain biking but it is also one of the best means to explore the surroundings. Head out to the countryside and there’s no limit to where you can go. Mountain bikes can be easily rented for the day or even longer from the countless bicycle rental shops in and around Pokhara. Ride up and down the hills through lush green rice fields, charming villages, along river banks and visit temples along the way. Guided trips are also available to help you understand local culture and to find interesting spots along the way. Getting there 206 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is just a half hour flight away or a 6 to 7 hour drive from the capital city. On a clear day the flight is rewarding as a panoramic view of the Himalayan chain is fascinating. There are daily flights and buses between Kathmandu and Pokhara. Climate Pokhara enjoys mild tropical temperatures and winters are milder compared to Kathmandu. Pokhara at 827m has a relatively warm climate making it a favorite among tourists. Monsoon in Pokhara begins from early-June lasting to September. Summer temperatures can go up to 30-32 degree and a minimum of 6-degree Celsius during the winter.

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Peaceful co-existence of Hinduism & Buddhism | Kathmandu

History Kathmandu valley was once a giant lake until the waters were drained through the Chobhar gorge in the south west. Legend has it that Manjushree cut open an outlet at Chobhar and people settled in the fertile valley which was the beginnings of a whole new civilization. Art and music flourished in the 19th century largely patronized by royalty. The Newar population that inhabited the valley was to a large extent engaged in farming but they were and are also excellent artists, builders and craftsmen. They enjoy an unusually large number of religious festivals unique to the valley, during which they feast endlessly on cuisine quite different from that of other Nepalis. The valley was once ruled by herders known as Gopalas until they were ousted by the Kirantis who are said to have ruled for more than 5oo years. They were in power during the time of the Mahabharata. The Kirantis were finally conquered by the Lichhavis whose temples and water systems remain to this day.

They were followed by the Malla kings whose reign brought in the Golden period when local art and architecture reached its pinnacle, capturing the hearts of visitors even to this day. Much of what this dynasty introduced in the form of architecture such as the temples, palaces and palace squares, religious festivals such as Gai Jatra, the cult of the Living Goddesses and much more make up the bulk of Nepal’s proud heritage. The Shah dynasty from the kingdom of Gorkha captured the entire valley, subjugating and banishing the Malla rulers from Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhadgaon and Kirtipur. But the Shahs were not to rule for long. An exceptionally shrewd and power hungry Prime Minister wrested power from the ruling monarch and his queen, establishing a hierarchical rule of Rana Prime Ministers while keeping the kings on the throne as puppet rulers with no power whatsoever. However, by 1950, the Shahs managed to win back their right to rule with the help of their subjects and disgruntled Ranas. But, history was to repeat itself, after taking back power from the Ranas, they were to finally give it up once and for all in 2005, losing power to the democratic forces who now had the country firmly in their grip. Nepal is now a federal republic.

Places to see: World Heritage Sites

Pashupatinath Temple The holiest of Hindu shrines devoted to Lord Shiva, Pashupati draws the largest crowds of devotees and has vast tracts of land under its jurisdiction. The deceased are brought here for cremation along the banks of the Bagmati and many Hindu festivals bring devotees here for a dip in the river and to pay homage to their god Shiva. The largest crowds gather here for Shivaratri ‘the night of Shiva’ in the beginning of spring when along with devotees, sadhus (the holy men) arrive here in great numbers from India.

Boudha The largest stupa in Nepal, Boudha is not very far from Pashupati and should be included in the same tour. This magnificent shrine has been an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world and especially from Tibet where Buddhism reached its pinnacle. In the vicinity of the stupa are many monasteries where hundreds of monks reside and foreigners take up courses in Buddhist studies. The largest crowds of devotees descend here for the Lhosar (the Tibetan New Year) festival in late winter or early spring.

Swoyambhu Yet another powerful shrine and also one of the oldest, Swoyambhu is dominated by the Newar Buddhists. Perched atop a small hill, it is seen from most parts of the city and has a circular road around it for circumambulation where devotees are seen from early morning. A big draw for pilgrims from around the world, a near vertical staircase leads straight up to the stupa but there are also easier approaches. A great view of the city can be had from the shrine.

Durbar Square and the old Palace

One of the city’s major attractions, Durbar Square showcases the artistry of the Newar artisans going back many centuries. The square is a treasure trove of woodcarving and metal craft that embellish the windows and doors of the remarkable temples as well as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace (an image of the god Hanuman can be seen near the door (“dhoka” in Nepali). The palace houses interesting museums dedicated to the Shah kings and was once the seat of power where the coronation of these monarchs also took place until 2001 when the last king was crowned.

Patan Durbar Square Similar to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square is a living museum enriched by art represented in the wood-carving, stone carving, metal work and superb architecture of the temples built centuries ago. Part of the old Malla era palace has been converted into a museum that showcases the art of old Lalitpur. The outstanding Krishna temple in stone is worth a visit.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square The most spacious of the three palace squares of the valley, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square also has fewer temples but more space for people to sit around. The major attractions are the Golden Gate and the Fifty-five windows of the old palace. Worth a visit is the Art Gallery which houses some ancient artifacts. The art around Durbar Square is quite exceptional especially in the form of metal craft which includes some fine repouse work. This is where the remaining Malla kings took their last stand against the invading Gorkha army and lost their kingdoms.

Changu Narayan temple Not far from Bhaktapur and accessible by car or bus, is one of the oldest temples of the valley, the Changu Narayan dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Standing majestically on a hilltop, it overlooks a large part of the valley and boasts some wonderful sculptures. Eateries, souvenir shops and hotels line the steps leading up to the shrine. Built in the Lichhavi period, it dates back to the 4th Century AD.

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Cities In and Beyond Kathmandu | Culture, Nature and Heritage

Patan (Lalitpur) Patan lies 5km southeast of Kathmandu, and is home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who preserve ancient techniques such as repoussé and the lost wax process, still producing exquisite works of sculpture. The district within which Patan lies is known as ‘Lalitpur’, literally, the City of Artisans. With its narrow streets, brick houses and the multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples and Buddhist monasteries (Vihars), the old city is a delightful sight that charms visitors. The tinkering of craftsmen bent over the statuettes they are shaping fills the air around here. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other and the religious harmony can be seen as Buddhist vihars and Hindu temples stand side by side.

Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon) 14km east of Kathmandu, at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon (literally the City of Devotees) is perched on a plateau and is a major tourist attraction. This city retains the old world charm of paved roads, red brick houses and a laid back lifestyle that is infectious and reminiscent of medieval times. The spectacular ‘Durbar Square’ with its resplendent Golden Gate and extraordinary Palace of Fifty-Five windows reminds one of the glorious rein of the Malla Dynasty when the city flourished in rich art and architecture. This archaic city is also known for its pottery and exquisite woodcarving plainly visible in the streets and squares.

Beyond Kathmandu Valley

Pokhara Every visitor to Nepal soon hears about the enchanting Pokhara valley, the ‘Jewel of the mid-west’, and a must-visit place. They are greeted by the magnificent Annapurna range of mountains which forms the backdrop for the Lake District. Tourists also enjoy a relaxing time in the tranquility of the three lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. Pokhara is the ultimate destination for an R & R. But in recent years its reputation has grown exponentially as the destination for adventures sports. From zip lines to paragliding and ultra-light flights to rafting on the raging rivers, there is much to do here. With boating, bird watching, trekking and mountain biking as the other attractions, Pokhara is a must visit for everyone.

Chitwan Renowned as one of the best conservation areas in Asia, the Chitwan National Park is only a half-hour flight away from Kathmandu. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, wildlife sighting is guaranteed in this remarkable forest where birds and animals thrive in their natural habitat. Established in 1973 the park lies in the 'Tarai' region (plains) and is home to a wide variety of wildlife that includes endangered species like the Greater One-horned rhinoceros and the majestic Royal Bengal tiger. With its rich flora and fauna, the park is home to more than 450 species of birds and 68 species of mammals. The activities within the park include safaris on elephant back, boat rides, jeep drives and walks accompanied by naturalists.

Lumbini As the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini attracts Buddhists and other visitors from around the world. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, this pilgrimage site lies in southwest Nepal where people arrive to pay homage at the Sacred Garden where the ‘Enlightened One’ was born. Of great interest here is the Ashoka Pillar which was erected by the Emperor Ashoka of India who famously converted to Buddhism. Today Lumbini has been enlivened by a display of architecturally beautiful temples, stupas and monasteries built by various international Buddhist communities.

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Explorations to the East of the valley

East of Kathmandu, there are some medieval Newar towns full of narrow alleys, old brick houses and plenty of folklore. But as you climb up, the view to the north on a clear day is one to die for. With a regular influx of tourists, Nagarkot and Dhulikhel both known for spectacular views are not only popular destinations but are full of upscale resorts, hotels and all manner of eateries. On the other hand, Panauti attracts a different set of visitors; those with an interest in architecture, culture and history.

Nagarkot Let’s start with the most popular hill station on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. 32 Km east of the Capital city, Nagarkot (2,175m) undoubtedly is the first choice for most people, locals and foreigners alike, if they want to escape the smoke and dust besides the overcrowded streets and the chaotic traffic of Kathmandu. Spend a night here to enjoy a spectacular sunrise, which is what Nagarkot is famous for, besides the sweeping views of the Himalayan chain of mountains. Yes, the panoramic view is stunning and the air, refreshing. The sight of the Annapurnas, Hiunchuli, Ganesh and Langtang Himals along with lesser peaks is enchanting and on a very clear day, even Everest is visible in the east. The viewing tower which is about an hour’s hike up from the center of Nagarkot, has the best views, but can get crowded. However, there are plenty of alternative view- points. This peaceful getaway is also the ideal place for short hikes as there are many hiking trails in and around Nagarkot that lead to interesting places in the vicinity. You can hike to Sundarijal via Chisapani and enter the Shivapuri National Park or opt to go down south to Dhulikhel, the other popular tourist destination and enjoy spectacular views along the way. The trails around the area will also take you through pristine forests, opening up to villages that are home to mostly Tamang people. Mountain biking trails around Nagarkot are very popular among bikers who crave that adrenaline rush as they navigate the rough terrain up and down the hillsides. Then there are folks who come for family picnics, office day trips or a lively gathering of friends. From Nagarkot, drive down or hike to Changu Narayan, one of the oldest temples in Nepal built during the Lichavi period, and from this hilltop temple, Bhaktapur seems like the obvious place to go next; an ancient, charming city that’s only a 20-minute drive away.

Dhulikhel Dhulikhel (1550m) is one of the easiest getaways to reach by road as it lies close to the Arniko Highway, 30 km southeast of Kathmandu. Also known for spectacular panoramic views of snow covered mountains; Langtang Lirung (7,227m) in the west, through Dorje Lakpa (6,966m) to the huge bulk of Gauri Shankar (7,134m) and nearby Melungtse (7,181m), and as far as Numbur (5,945m) in the east are all visible from here. But unlike Nagarkot, Dhulikhel is a Newar town where traditional Newari art and architecture are still well preserved, mostly showcased in the temples, wood-carved windows and doors. Early risers can enjoy the most memorable sight of the sun coming over the mountains, coloring the snowy peaks in changing colors of red, orange and yellow. Yes, join the famous Sunrise Hike and walk through town, then climb up a long flight of stairs to reach the Kali Temple on the summit. The viewing tower here is damaged but you still get a fascinating sunrise over the row of mountain peaks from nearby view-points. The sleepy Dhulikhel town below is a wonderful sight. Once an important trading center along the ancient India-Tibet trade route, Dhulikhel still lies beside the highway to Tibet and anyone going to Khasa has to drive past the little town. But today, Dhulikhel is more famous as a destination for tourists to gaze in awe at the mountains from this vantage point. Spread in and around the town are a large number of resorts and up market hotels that cater to all the needs of the visitors. An hour’s drive from Kathmandu, Dhulikhel has many temples of interest and a laid back, tranquil atmosphere for tourists to enjoy. From Dhulikhel, a day trip to Namobuddha (either by car or a pleasant hike), a popular Buddhist pilgrimage site is worth the trouble. Its claim to fame is that once upon a time, a highly regarded Boddhisatva is said to have offered his own flesh to a starving tiger and on that very spot, the stupa was built. After visiting the revered stupa and nearby monasteries, one can return to Kathmandu via the old Newar towns of Panauti and Banepa. The Arniko Highway has become busier since the opening of the B.P. Highway which veers off to the right just before reaching Dhulikhel.

Panauti Panauti is an ancient town 32 Km southeast of Kathmandu. When King Yakshya Malla, the 15th Century ruler of Kathmandu valley decided to divide his kingdom among his children, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan (Lalitpur) were handed over to his sons while his only daughter was given Panauti. Situated between the confluence of two rivers – Roshi and Punyamati, this old town is known to have been founded long before by Ananda Deva, who united several scattered villages in 1006 AD. One of the interesting facts about this town is that since it is believed to rest on one solid rock, earthquake impact is far less than in other areas that were severely damaged during the tremor of 2015. Time seems to have stood still here in Panauti as life in this little town has changed little for its simple folks. Take a tour of the town, and you will notice the slow pace and medieval ways of the locals. There are many temples to explore and admire such as the Unmat Bhairab with wood carved windows and tiled roofs. The stone sculptures remind you of the ancient art world of stone carvings that once dominated the field of architecture. Panauti’s Indreshwar Mahadev temple dedicated to Shiva and built in 1294, is the oldest standing pagoda in Nepal. 7 km south of Banepa, Panauti boasts a rich history and the town’s culture has been well preserved. After enjoying the peaceful ambience and admiring the craftsmanship of its wood and stone carvers, you can head out in the direction of Namobuddha or Dhulikhel, walking through verdant rice fields. They are both good hikes. Or you can go via Banepa and drive back to Kathmandu along the Arniko Highway.

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Exploring the City of Temples

A Day Trip around Kathmandu Kathmandu Valley was once known as the ‘abode of the gods’, perhaps because of the amazing number of shrines of every shape and size on every street. Here in the valley, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed for centuries, the two religions mingling with each other and sometimes seemingly inseparable. Naturally, the valley tours take you to the major temples and stupas with visits to palaces and museums in between.

In the morning Swoyambhu is one of the oldest stupas of Nepal, located on a hilltop west of Kathmandu city. Take an early morning drive and observe local devotees gathering for puja and circumambulation. Apart from the main stupa, where five transcendent Buddha images are worshipped, the complex is also home to numerous Hindu shrines like Harati Ajima temple, Pratappur and Shanitpur along with The Shri Karma Raja Maha Vihara Monastery among others. A panoramic view of Kathmandu can be enjoyed from the hilltop and an excursion to the Manjushree Chaitya on the next hill is worthwhile. The stupa complex is home to hordes of rhesus monkeys leading the early tourists to name it “Monkey Temple”. Swoyambhu remains one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites for Newar Buddhists as well as Tibetan Buddhists. Nearby, the Natural History Museum is also worth a visit. After the visit to Swoyambhu, walk down to the National Museum in Chauni. The building is more than a century old and was built by Bhimsen Thapa, the second Prime Minister under the Shah King of the time. The museum houses arms and ammunitions dating back several centuries and a very interesting machine gun manufactured here in Nepal. One of the attractions is a sword gifted by Napoleon III to the King of Nepal. An impressive collection of coins and stamps are housed in one section. The museum is divided into three buildings: the main Historical Museum, the Buddha Art Gallery full of Buddhist artifacts and the Hall of Sculptures. For lover of art, history or culture, this museum provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy the ancient art of Nepal. The statue of King Jayaverma that dates to around 185 AD is one of the chief attractions of the museum. The image of Uma Maheshwar from the 17th century that is displayed here was returned to Nepal from a museum in Berlin. The Buddha Art Gallery houses numerous images, and the gallery called Mandala Gallery was designed by Prof. Tachikawa, from the Ethnological Museum of Osaka, Japan.

Pashupatinath After lunch, drive over to the northeast of Kathmandu to explore two famous religious sites, the Pashupatinath temple and Boudha stupa, both ancient pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists respectively. Located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is one of the most important shrines of the Hindu God Shiva. The temple draws thousands of devotees from Nepal and India during the popular festival of Mahashivaratri that falls in spring (February/March). The main temple precinct is located west of the Bagmati river, but the complex spreads to the other side as well making it the largest temple complex in Nepal. It’s not just the temple that attracts visitors. Tourists come to Pashupati to observe the cremations at Aryaghat as well, where the Nepali people carry out funeral rites for the deceased. Besides the funeral ceremonies, Sadhus, the followers of Shiva who have given up their worldly desires, with their ash-covered skin and dreadlocks, are also tourist attractions and are commonly photographed by visitors. Besides the main temple complex, you can also visit Guheshwori Temple dedicated to Shiva’s consort Sati Devi and Kiranteshwor Mahadev, another Shiva temple, worshipped mostly by the ethnic group of Kirats and other temples like Deupatan.

Boudha Boudha Stupa is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for people following both Newar and Tibetan Buddhism. The stupa is the largest in Nepal and is completely surrounded by buildings housing shops, cafes, restaurants and hotels with a few monasteries in between. People are seen circumambulating the stupa at all times of the day. The neighborhood has a large Tibetan presence and many Tibetan festivals are held here, like Lhosar, the Tibetan New Year celebration. Boudha is also known for delicious Tibetan cuisine like momos, shyaphalay, Laphing (spicy cold noodles), T Momo (steamed buns), thukpa (noodles) among others. But the various restaurants also serve Vietnamese, Italian, Chinese and more while also providing rooftop views. Tibetan artifacts, jewelry, clothes, incense, furniture and more are sold around the stupa. In the vicinity there are dozens of monasteries belonging to various Buddhist sects that also have Buddhism courses which are attended by resident foreign students of Buddhism. Around here many foreigners in Buddhist robes are seen every day circumambulating the stupa. Boudha is one of the most vibrant religious sites in the valley.

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