Best Sightseeing Places in Nepal Best Sightseeing Places in Nepal Best Sightseeing Places in Nepal

Best Sightseeing Places in Nepal

Pashupatinath Temple

It is situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof & silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Entrance to the temple precinct is forbidden to non-Hindus. The best view is from the terrace on the wooded hill across the river. The large gilded triple-roofed temple was built in 1696 AD though 300 years earlier there was a structure on this site. The Bagmati River is lined with dharmasalas and cremation ghats. There is usually a cremation in progress on one of the platforms by the river, regarded as holy as it flows into the sacred Ganges. There are many occasions when the faithful take ritual baths in the river. One of the most colorful festivals is the women's festival Teej when they are dressed in their finest red and gold saris. Hundreds of women are seen laughing and singing on the way to the temple of Lord Pashupatinath. Another great time to be here is the Festival of Shivaratri, the birthday of lord Shiva.

Bouddhanath Stupa

Situated at the distance of 8 km from Kathmandu Bouddhanath is the biggest stupa in Nepal and the pilgrimage centre for great many Tibetans living in Nepal. Many Tibetan Lamas and Rinpoches reside in surrounding area of the stupa. This colossal Stupa is set on concentric ascending terraces in the powerful pattern of a Mandala. Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels.

Swayambunath Stupa

About 45 min of walk from city centre, atop a green hillock west of Kathmandu stands the great stupa of Swayambhunath, a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley Lake. For centuries an important centre of Buddhist learning, the painted eyes of the Buddha gaze out from all four sides of the monument. Constructed to specific rules each with a symbolic meaning, the stupa of Swayambhunath is a model of its kind. The whole is hung with multi-coloured prayer flags of which every flutter releases holy prayers. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence. Swoyambhunath commands great view of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayas and a visit around sunset time will be highly enjoyed.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square also surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. The square is presently known as Hanuman Dhoka, a name derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, near the entrance of the palace. The preference for the construction of royal palaces at this site dates back to as early as the Licchavi period in the third century. There are very many interesting places to see within Durbar Square premises, to name a few Kumari Ghar – the palace of ‘living Goddess’ kumari, Kastha Mandup – the temple built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree, Maru Ganesh - one of the most famous Lord Ganesh temples of the valley, Big Drums, Shiva Parvati Temple etc.

Kopan

Kopan is situated on the outskirts of Kathmandu, near Boudhanath. It is about 15km from the city, and about 5km from the airport. This place is very famous from the spritual perspective. Many monasteries are scattered hither and thither within Kopan periphery. One of such is the monastery called center of Mahayana Buddhism which was established in 1969 by two Lamas; Lama Thupten Zopa Rinpoche & Lama Thupten Yeshe. Since its inception the center has been responsible for introducing thousands to Buddha's teaching through meditation courses, lectures & retreats. The road to the monastery is accessible all year round.

Patan: Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple, Mahabaudha, and Red Machhendranath Temple

Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life, and 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 – Krishna Mandir built entirely of stone with rare stone carvings on its walls depicting the epic wars from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Golden Temple

This beautiful and tranquil temple in Patan is an unusual Buddhist monastery known commonly as ‘Hiranya Varna Mahabihar’, ‘Kwa Bahal’ or ‘Suvarna Mahavihara’ and is situated north of Durbar Square. Legend has it that the Golden Temple was founded during the 12th Century. Golden temple described as a ‘jeweled casket’ floating in the amrit (the water of immortality), and believed that should the waters of the philosophy of faith be ingested a promise of life eternal is his alone. The waters of amrit are legendary because of its assumed healing powers, vitality and health given to those who believe. Patan's Golden Temple is simple from the outside and majestic from the inside, with stone gates produced by the silakars whose descendants can still be seen working in the woodcarving industry.

Mahabaudha

Mahabouddha can be reached by walking east from the southern end of Durbar Square and then turning right at the sunken water taps. This Buddhist monument is an excellent example of terra cotta art form which points to the skill of Patan’s ancient craftsmen with a variety of building styles. The 14th century monument’s obelisk-like design is also unusual in a city of pagoda roofs.

Red Machhendra Nath Temple

South of Durbar Square, on the western side of the road, is the Rato (Red) Machhendranath Temple. Rato Machhendranath, the god of rain and plenty, comes in a variety of incarnations. To Buddhists he is the Tantric edition of Avalokiteshvara, while to Hindus he is a version of Shiva. Standing in a large courtyard, the three-storey temple dates from 1673, although an earlier temple may have existed on the site since 1408. Each year during the Rato Machhendranath Festival celebrations it's paraded around the town on a temple chariot during the valley's most spectacular festival. Machhendranath is considered to have great powers over rain and, since the monsoon is approaching at this time, this festival is an essential plea for good rain.

Bhaktapur: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Sidhha Pokhari, Batsala Temple, Dattatraya Square, Survavinayak Temple

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The Palace of 55 Windows built during the period of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 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 known as Sunko Dhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares in the Valley, the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is the best preserved one.

Sidhha Pokhari

A pond dating back to the Lichhavi period, is better known as Ta-Pukhu, meaning big pond is associated with a number of different myths. Though situated right at the bus stop, it provides a serene atmosphere with its sashaying fish and the stone images of different Hindu and Buddhist Gods. From this location a wide range of snow-caped peaks are visible on clear days.

Batsala Temple

This 17th century stone temple, dedicated to a mother goddess, is full of intricate carvings on stone. It is most renowned for its bronze bell, known to local residents as ‘ the bell of barking dogs’, as when it is rung, all dogs in the vicinity start barking and howling! The huge bells was hung by a king of Malla dynasty named Ranjit Malla in 1737 A.D. and was used to give notice of the daily curfew.

Dattatraya Square

Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. This temple is said to have been built from he trunk of a single tree. It was built in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla and was repaired in 1458 A.D. by King Bishwor Malla. If you want to experience the feel of the traditional urban layout of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Set in a maze of streets lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street. The oldest structure in Bhaktapur was raised during the reign of the last Malla King, Yaksha Malla who ruled the Valley before it was divided into three Kingdoms amongst his three heirs.

Survavinayak Temple

Suryavinayak is one of the most popular pilgrimage spots of Bhaktapur, 12 kilometers east of the centre. It has been positioned in such a way to catch the first rays of the sun in the morning. Situated in a thick forest to the south of Bhaktapur, it is a 20-minute walk from the trolley bus terminal. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesh (the Elephant-headed God) is crowded with devotees especially on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It is also one of the favourite picnic spots offering elegant views of Bhaktapur and other attractive landscapes.

Namobuddha

Namobuddha meaning, "hail to the Buddha" a sacred site, where according to legend Buddhist prince sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress & her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa depicts the moving story. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the hills visit this stupa. It is a lovely day hike from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha and back to Panauti. The hike from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha takes about two hours. It is relatively easy and passes through some typical villages such as Kawe (Kavre) and Phulbari before reaching the Buddhist monastery and stupa at Namobuddha, an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims. On the hill above Namobuddha is a famous stone tablet (left) depicting a Buddha (there have been many before the historical Buddha) feeding himself to a starving tigress and her cubs. This is from a famous Buddhist tale expressing the great compassion of the Buddha.

Phulchowki (Godawari)

A visit to the hilltop of Phulchowki (2,762) would be one of finest natural retreat you can ever experience while in Kathmandu. Located just 20 km west off Kathmandu, Phulchowki, in Nepali, literally means “hill of flowers”. So do not get surprised over hundreds of species of flowers blooming across the hill, not to mention rhododendrons. While going for Phulchowki, don’t forget to drop at Godawari and visit the Botanical Garden, which houses variety of flowers found in Nepal. There are also Hindus and Buddhist shrines you can hike to and watch the local people engage in prayers and puja.

Kakani

Kakani (2000m) is situated 30 km northwest of Kathmandu and is a great spot to catch sunrise and sunset. The one and a half hour drive will take you through scenic rides through terraced fields and rural settlements. Some of the popular Himalayas that you can watch the panoramic views including Ganesh Himal, Annapurna, Gaurishankar and Manaslu.

Dakshinkali

A 45 minutes drive to the south of Kathmandu is one of the most sacred places in Nepal – Dakshinkali. Named after Kali, consort of Lor Shiva, Dashinkali is a popular retreat for locals as well as tourists. The impressive stone sculpture of Kali carved out on a black stone is a usual spot for hundreds of sacrifices observed on Saturdays and Tuesday made in the name of goddess by locals. From Dakshinkali, you can also take short hikes to Vajra Yogini and Gorakhnath.

Kirtipur – Bungmati – Chobhar

Kirtipur, situated 5 km southwest of Kathmandu, is a medieval town of Newars. In fact Kirtipur is the only place whose culture and lifestyles has been rarely touched by modernity. Thus a walk tour of the Kirtipur city will offer rare glimpses of Newari lifestyle and a chance to meet and socialize with local people. The civilization in Kirtipur dates as far back as 1000 AD. The medieval architecture imprinted on traditional houses, cobbled streets, women thrashing out grains, men sitting their afternoon out in inns comprise few unforgettable moments you can experience in Kirtipur. Temples of Uma Maheshwar, Bagh Bhairab, Thai-styled Buddhist viharas and locally staffed meditation centers are some of the major highlights of Kirtipur visit.

Bungamati, another traditional Newari village, is located at a distance of 10 km from Kathmandu and is well connected with local transportation network. The village’s history has been recorded since the 16th century and is strongly influenced by both Hindu and Buddhist. The festival of Rato Machendranath originally began in Bungamati and is observed till today. There are many Buddhist vihars and Hindu temple in and around Bungamati that calls out to every tourist.

Situated at a stone throwaway distance from Kirtipur is the gorge of Chobhar. The gorge is believed to have been created by Manjushree during his quest to drain the lake that had submerged the Kathmandu valley. A trip to Kirtipur is incomplete without a visit to Chobhar.

Bandipur

Bandipur is a picturesque town nestled in the Himalayan foothills of Nepal, a land as famous for its natural beauty as for the hospitality of its people. Due to it’s preserved, old time cultural atmosphere, Bandipur has increasingly been coming to the attention of tourism. Formerly a Magar village, Bandipur today is settled by a variety of Nepali ethnicities with different beliefs: the Bahuns, the Chettris, the Newars, the Damais, Kamis, Sarkis, Kasais, the Magars and Gurungs.

Other attractions include the Bindyabashini temple and the library in the village centre, Thani Mai, Tindhara (“Three Taps” washing place at the south-eastern outskirts), Raniban (Queen's Forest), the downhill trek to the Siddha Cave and a hike to Ramkot village. Some villagers out here have picked up growing oranges, which do quite well in the climate of that area. An hour’s walk to the west of Bandipur is a silk farm. On Mukundeswari, the elevation at the western end of the saddle is a little shrine and one has a view of Bandipur itself.

Manakamana

Manakamana Temple is a holy place for all Hindus. It is a temple dedicated to the queen of King Ram Shah of Gorkha. As the story goes, king was unaware of queen’s divine powers. The only person who knew about her secrets was Lakhan Thapa. But one day the King caught her disguised as goddess. When the king finally revealed that secret to her he died. And as it was the tradition, queen also committed a Sati on her husband’s pyre but she had said to Thapa that she would reappear near his home. About six months later when the farmer was making usual round in his field he strike upon a stone which instantly overflowed with milk and blood. Immediately using his tantric power Lakhan Thapa is said to have build the foundation by worshiping on the very site. This today has come to be known as Temple of Manakamana. Locals believe that goddess Manakamana grants the wishes of the devotees who worship here.

Daman

Situated 80 km to the southwest of Kathmandu along the Tribhuvan Highway, Daman is one of the least visited and pristine hilly ridge. It offers magnificent views of Himalayan scenery which include Annapurna and Gauri Shankar. Daman sits at an elevation of 2400m above sea level.

Pokhara

Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The valley surrounding Pokhara lake is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and the world famous views of Himalayas. Situated at an altitude of 827m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a centre of adventure. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic. The city is the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destinations and also a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. 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.

Sightseeing around the Pokhara valley to explore the various places like David Falls, Mountain Museum, Barahi Temple, Bindhabasini Temple and many Caves including Mahendra Cave becomes a lifetime memory for everyone who loves nature, culture and adventure. The atmosphere around the Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality; boating in Fewa Lake viewing the Mt. Fishtail along with the members of Mt. Annapurna is larger than life opportunity. Further 12 km east of Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from highway to Kathmandu lies the Begnas Lake offering the perfect nature retreat because of its elative seclusion. Splendid hiking, boating and fishing opportunities can be found here. Trekking of different duration can be organised from Pokhara. This city is really blessed with natural jewels and is regarded as a Shangri-La for nature’s lovers.

Lumbini

Lumbini, the birthplace of lord Gautam Buddha, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of Buddhists. The sites described as a beautiful Garden in the Buddha's time still retain its legendary charm and beauty. The main attraction at Lumbini remains the sacred garden spread over 8 sq. km and possessing all the treasures of this historical area. UNESCO lists this site, identified by the Indian Emperor Ashoka’s commemorative pillar as a world heritage site. To the south of the pillar, you find the sacred pond Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had her bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. Other attractions include the various monasteries and stupas erected by different Buddhist countries. Lumbini Museum, Lumbini International Research Institute, and Kapilvastu Museum (situated 27km west of Lumbini in Tilaurakot) are yet other places to see in this region. The Kapilvastu museum has ruins of ancient capital of Sakya kingdom where the Buddha spent his youth as Prince Siddhartha.

Chitwan National Park

Situated at the southern part of Kathmandu at the distance of about 170km, Chitwan National Park extends its territory in the southern belt of Nepal sharing border with India. Just about 6 hrs bus ride or 15 minutes flight from Kathmandu, the ancient majestic valley take you to the flat lowland of tranquillity named Chitwan. ‘Chitwan’ meaning "in the heart of the jungle’ really touches the hearts of most of the nature’s admirers. Chitwan happily cradles a protected area, which holds the glory of being the first and most famous wildlife destination of Nepal. In 1973 the protected area was declared as National Park and in 1984 it added another feather to its glory being UNESCO designated ‘Natural World Heritage Site’. The Chitwan National Park has many premier jungle resorts scattered inside and outside its boundaries.

Highlights of Chitwan Jungle Safari:
Chitwan National Park is the most popular tourist destination for jungle safari in Nepal. You can visit a wonderful world of lush sub-tropical jungles, tall elephant grass, lakes and rivers – a home for some of the most endangered animals on earth, the elusive tiger and the prehistoric rhinoceros, including many species of mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Make your tour on elephant back, by jeep and on boat. Savour the forest and its unique sanctuary through a quite natural walk with a local guide. All the jungle activities are just a step away and there's always a chance to spot wildlife.

May secluded resorts inside the Chitwan National Park having opportunity of excellent experience of the true safari atmosphere of the Terai. The resorts offer individual cottages with a private bath or well-appointed luxury tent camps to stay in. You will be in the heart of the park surrounded by the soothing jungles of Nepal. The accommodations outside the Chitwan National Park are more budget type guesthouses. Nevertheless if you are on a tight budget, we can arrange reservations at one of the best lodges outside which also include jungle activities and transportation. We have especial 2 nights/ 3days and 3 nights / 4 days package trips to Chitwan. Furthermore, we could design the trip as per your interest too.

Bardia National Park

Bardia National Park takes its glory of being the Largest National Park of Nepal and stretches within the area of 968 sq. km. This park is situated in the lowland of Terai and on the eastern banks of the Karnali River, the longest river of Nepal. Being in the mid-west region at the remoteness of 400 km west of Kathmandu this park is one of the most undisturbed areas of wilderness. The ecosystem of this area is well protected and has conserved the tiger and its prey species. In 1988, the wildlife reserve was given the status of a National. In 1997, an area of 327 sq. km surrounding the park was declared as a buffer zone, which consists of forests and private lands. The park and local communities jointly manage the exemplary buffer zone. In their united efforts they run many community development activities in order to manage natural resources in the buffer zones.

Highlights of Safari:
The Safari experience in Bardia National park, a land of opportunity to explore and enjoy the wilderness, is amazing and rewarding. This National park proffers you chance to observe 30 different mammals and 250 species of birds. The Park contains 70% of shore Robusta and the remaining 30% is covered with the balance mixture of grasslands and reverie woods. The Wild Boar, Hog Deer, Blue Bull, Porcupine, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Mongoose, Civets, Jungle Cats, Rhesus Monkey, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Otter, Jackal, Hyena, Common Leopard, Fishing Cat, Langur Monkey etc. are commonly seen. The Woodpecker (10 species), Heron (5 species), Bulbul (5 species), Dove (5 species), Egret (4 species), Parakeets, King fisher, Bee Eater, Barbet, Pigeon, Stork, Sunbird, Babbler, Warble, flycatcher and Bar-headed Goose are seen in this park. Catching views of a wide spectrum of such wildlife and birds sitting on the specially trained Elephant top happens to be a lifetime memory for you. The splendid Jeep Safari is yet another opportunity to have a quick recap over the beautiful and rare wildlife jungle adventure. Last but not the least you will enjoy your moments discovering the unique tradition and culture of an interesting ethnic people of Nepal – the Tharu. Although Nepal a land for all seasons and all reasons the best time to visit this National Park is November to April.

Janakpur

Janakpur is one of the most devout places of Hindus. It is popularly known as the ancient kingdom of King Janak, the noblest king to have ruled during the period of Ramayan. Janakpur is also the birth place of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. The Hindu god Ram was a prince of Ayodha, a kingdom in now the Bihar state of India.

Situated in the South-Eastern section of Nepal, Janakpur lies in Dhanusa district and is at a distance of 400 km from Kathmandu. The major attractions of the place include the beautiful and artistic temple of Janaki. The temple lies alongside two sacred pond Ganga Sagar and Dhanush Sagar. Ram Mandir is also a highly visited place among pilgrims coming to Janakpur.