KATHMANDU VALLEY AND THE RIMS

The Kathmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first stop for visitors to the country. The Valley contains the three fabled cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, each a living open-air museum of artistic temples, elegant palaces, brick-paved courtyards and quaint streets. There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley.

Bouddhanath Stupa lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the Valley. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. The area around Bouddhanath, a World Heritage Site, also contains more than 45 Buddhist monasteries.

Pashupatinath Temple: One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies 5 km east of the city center. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple, also a World Heritage Site.

Swayambhu Stupa watches over the Valley from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is listed as a World Heritage Site.

Budhanilkantha: Situated below Nagarjun hill about 3 km northwest of the city center, Balaju is known for its bank of 22 stone water spouts carved in the shape of sea-dragons. Devotees take ritual baths under the gush of water.

Changu Narayan Temple is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the east of the city. This temple too is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. One of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site.

Patan Durbar Square: The artistic city of Patan is just next door to Kathmandu. The Patan Durbar Square forms the nucleus of the city’s religious and social life. Like the Durbar Square in Kathmandu, it is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex also 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, and is built entirely of stone.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: About 16 km east of Kathmandu is the ancient and historic city of Bhaktapur. The drive that takes you there winds through idyllic countryside. As you walk into the city’s Durbar Square, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repose art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. In addition to this main square, there are other squares like Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square and Potter’s Square nearby which you can also explore.

Dhulikhel: The Newar town of Dhulikhel (altitude 1,440 m) offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Situated just past Banepa some 32 km east of Kathmandu, Dhulikhel is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range. Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate woodcarvings found along the shop-lined streets and in the temples.

Nagarkot: Of the possible resort destinations, Nagarkot (altitude 2,175 m) is by far the most popular. Located 30 km east of Kathmandu, Nagarkot has developed into a favorite weekend getaway among those seeking mountain views in comfort and quiet. At sunrise, the Himalayan range, stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east, emerges from the darkness to greet the happy visitor with its awe inspiring majesty and beauty. The local habitants of Nagarkot enjoy their birthplace everyday.

Kakani: 23 km northwest of Kathmandu, is a less crowded and more pristine destination which provides excellent mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Annapurnas. The offerings of nature provide the impetus to visit Kakani (altitude 1,982 m) and nature-lovers will hail the close-up view of Ganesh Himal to the north, as well as the beautiful oak and rhododendron forests on the south slope leading down to Balaju.

Godavari: Southeast of Kathmandu, about 20 km away, is Godavari. Situated at the foot of the 2,762-m Phulchowki hill, the Royal Botanical Garden here is a peaceful green sanctuary far removed from the city. The well maintained grounds contain many flowering and non-flowering plant species. On clear days, you can also catch Himalayan views. Dotting the road that runs from Patan to Godavari are compact old Newar settlements like Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaon.

POKHARA AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Pokhara: Situated on the lap of the Annapurna mountains, Pokhara is the most popular adventure hub of the country. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m), it is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Fewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambiance of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.

Ghandruk village: The well known Gurung village of Ghandruk is situated at an altitude of 2,012 m and is only a five-hours’ drive away from Pokhara. There is a motorable road going right up. The village is one of the most famous of the Gurung villages in the area because it is from here that the legendary Gurkha soldiers come. The village provides excellent close-up views of the western mountain ranges.

Dhampus: This place perhaps offers one of the easiest day-hiking trips in the vicinity. Situated at an elevation of about 1,500 m north of Pokhara, one can take in wonderful mountain views from here and encounter traditional Gurung culture as well.

Sarangkot: Situated at an altitude of about 1,600 m to the west of Pokhara, Sarangkot is one of the best points from where to view the entire western Himalayan range. There is a motorable road leading from Pokhara all the way to the top. You can also choose to hike up which takes about three hours of steady walking.

FEW OTHER INTERESTING PLACES OF WESTERN NEPAL

Gorkha: Gorkha is a historical place. It is the place where King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the great founder of modern Nepal and the ancestor of the present monarch of Nepal, was born. This typical hill town is tucked away right in the heart of Nepal. Though Gorkha is easy to reach, only 18 km up a paved road off the Pokhara-Kathmandu highway, very few travelers stop here - and therein lies much of its charm. The Gorkha Durbar is a fortress situated on top of a hill. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace. One can take in the wonderful sights all around from here. You also have the opportunity to explore the bazaar.

Jomsom: To the north of Pokhara in the Annapurna region, is the town of Jomsom (altitude 2,713 m). Located upriver in the broad valley of the Kali Gandaki river, Jomsom is a a pleasant stop on the trekking route from Pokhara to Muktinath. The town has a small airstrip which can be used by aircraft with STOL (short take-off and landing) capabilities. A number of hot water springs can be found in the hill sides to the west and ammonite stone fossils, which are believed to be the symbols of the Hindu god Vishnu, are commonly found near the river banks.

Tansen: The town of Tansen, set at 1,371 m on the southern side of the Mahabharat range, is a town big enough to be interesting, yet so far, utterly unspoiled. With a marvelously fresh climate, it is an ideal hill station. The narrow cobbled streets with prosperous-looking collection of old brick houses lining either side is filled with the cheerful bustle of a city-like life. Tansen is a friendly, unspoiled, completely natural place that is seldom found.