NEPAL CITY TOUR

KATHMANDU VALLEY

Once upon a time, Kathmandu valley was a big lake. And, according to the legend, the Buddhist God Manjushree sliced the small hill and drained the water of the lake and made it inhabitable. No doubt, The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities- Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Their art and architecture are of sheer magic that one stares for hours. Consequently, UNESCO has declared a world heritage sites to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square,Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swyambhunath. The profound religious culture based on a unique amalgamation of Hinduism and Buddhism is very interesting. Multi roofed temples, exquisite monasteries, stone carvings and wooden carvings, and the age-old traditions and religious festivals have kept Kathmandu valley with immense vivacity till today.

Swyambhuanth
The Swayambhu Sputa is a Buddhist site over 2,500 years old. Built on a hilltop that stood out as an island when the valley was covered by the lake once upon a time. It marks the spot where a flaming lotus sprouted out of a seed cast by a Buddha of another eon. Statues of various Buddhist deities are embedded around its white dome over which rise a gilded spire. There are numerous other shrines and several monasteries on the hilltop, from where a magnificent view of the valley can be had. UNESCO has declared Swayambhu a World Heritage Site.

Bouddhanath
On the other side of the valley, the Bouddhanath stupa is the largest in Nepal. Its massive white dome looms over concentric ascending terraces and presents an impressive sight. There are 108 images of the Buddha set around the base of the stupa. Tibetan Buddhist monasteries are scattered all around and a large Tibetan community resides in the area. According to legend, builders used dew to mix the mortar which they collected by spreading cloth on the ground as Kathmandu was reeling under a drought during its construction. UNESCO has declared Bouddhanath a World Heritage Site.

Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is the most important Hindu shrine in Nepal. Built in the 17th century, the artistic temple houses the sacred lingam or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Hindu trinity. Its gilded pagoda roofs and silver doorways are specimens of marvellous workmanship. The temple marks the spot where Lord Shiva romped through the woods in the guise of a deer. The bank of the holy Bagmati River flowing beside it is a pilgrimage spot where devotees take holy dips. UNESCO has declared Pashupatinath a World Heritage Site.

Budhanilkantha
The shrine of Budhanilkantha lies at the foot of the hill, on the northern rim of the Kathmandu valley. The site contains a huge stone image of Lord Vishnu, the preserver in the Hindu trinity, reclining on a bed of serpents half submerged in the middle of a pond. The shrine was built more than 1,500 years ago and is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in the valley.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE

The Patan Durbar Square presents an example of mastery in urban design with a complex of temples fronting the old royal palace of Patan. The many shrines here offer a medley of architectural styles, with the stone temple of Krishna Mandir, dedicated to the Hindu deity Krishna, standing out for its workmanship. The palace building contains a number of chowks, or courtyards. The Sundari Chowk has in its centre a sunken bath with itswalls embellished with stone carvings. The Golden Window in the palace is a masterpiece in repousse art. UNESCO has declared Patan Durbar Square a World Heritage Site.

Golden Temple
The Golden Temple, locally known as Kwa Bahal, is one of the most renowned Buddhist monastery courtyards in Patan. Its origin goes back to the 12th century. The monastery complex consists of a rectangular building with three roofs and a facade embossed with gilded copper. The many ancient Buddha images here attract throngs of worshippers.

Kumbheshwor
The Kumbheswar temple in Patan is one of the only three pagoda temples in the Kathmandu Valley with five roofs. It is ornamented with elaborate carvings and the site is strewn with sacred statues. There are two pond in the courtyard believed to be filled with water flowing through a sub-terranean channel from the holy lake Gosaikund, several days' trek north of Kathmandu. It is the oldest existing temple in Patan built in the 14th century.

Mahaboudhha
The Mahabouddha temple of Patan is unusual for its obelisk design in a city of pagoda-shaped temples. Terracotta plaques depicting the Buddha cover the entire structure, which is why it is also known as the Temple of the Thousand Buddha's. A visit to Mahabouddha is also an opportunity to get the feel of traditional Patan with its quaint streets and hidden courtyards. Mahabouddha was built towards the end of the 16th century. It is said it had taken three generation to complete the temple. The whole temple raised by 9999 Buddha images in terracotta bricks is the specialty of this temple.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE

The Golden Gate is the centre of attraction at Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The main entrance of the former palace building here depicts master art at its best. The magnificent workmanship on the tympanum with its images of various deities points to the skill of ancient masters. The Fifty-five Window Palace here used to be the residence of Bhaktapur's old kings. The many courtyards inside contain shrines dedicated to various deities, which are all richly carved. The Durbar Square has a large open brick-paved area in the centre surrounded by temples arranged in a harmonious layout. UNESCO has declared Bhaktapur Durbar Square a World Heritage Site.

Taumadhi
A narrow alley leads from the Durbar Square to Taumadhi Square that contains the pride of Bhaktapur and the symbol of the artistic and architectural supremacy of the Kathmandu Valley - the Nyatapol temple. Built atop a massive terraced plinth, the splendid five-roofed pagoda is the tallest in Nepal. Its stone, woodcarvings, and graceful design display sacred architecture at its height. The stairs leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical animals.

Dattatreya
The Dattatreya Square of Bhaktapur used to be the centre of town in ancient times. The streets are lined with traditional houses ornamented with elaborately carved wooden windows. The Dattatreya temple, which draws both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers, dates back to the 15th century. The Bhimsen temple here was erected in the early 1600s. The famed Peacock Window of Bhaktapur is set into a wall of the Pujari Math where Hindu priests reside.