Kathmandu and it's surroundings

Officially known as Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, home to 2.9 million people in its metropolitan agglomeration. It is situated at an altitude of 1,400 meters, a sizable valley on the high plateaus of central Nepal (4,600 feet).

It was founded in the second century CE, the city is among the oldest settlements in the world that have been continually inhabited. The Newar people, a cosmopolitan urban culture in the foothills of the Himalayas, have lived in the valley, which was formerly known as the “Nepal Mandala,” for centuries.

The city, which once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal, is home to palaces, residences, and gardens that were created by the aristocracy of Nepal. Since 1985, it has served as the location of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) headquarters. It is now a part of Bagmati Province and serves as the capital of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, which was founded in 2008.
Taleju

Places to visit while you are in Kathmandu

This palace complex, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal were crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. the temple of Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List 1979.

Situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. It consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central mul chowk, Sundari Chowk & Keshar Chowk. It was listed in the UNESCO World heritage monument list in 1979. A little further east of Patan Durbar Square lies the Buddhist temple made of clay brick in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

The golden gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimen of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the lion gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the picture gallery, the Batala temple etc.


Nyatapole Temple: This five story pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

It is situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO world heritage Monument list 1979.

This is one of the worlds most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base are the all- seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the sea level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the valley. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage monument list in 1979.

The stupa of Boudhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage Monument list in 1979.

Situated at the end of a long ridge which runs wells into the valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A.D. and said to be the oldest temple in the valley. It was listed in the UNESCO world heritage monument list in 1979.

About 8 km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

It is a typical Newari town, with many fine old buildings and temples Beyond the village, upon a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Yogini, a historical temple, which offers beautiful view of the local area.

It is thriving Newari village with beautiful temples and interesting old houses. The drive passes through the beautiful countryside.

It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get there. There is an amazing legend related to the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

It is a small town, 8km southwest of Kathmandu and situated   at top of a hill. This historic town has many things to offer like  old shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the folks are typically dressed in traditional costumes, and can be spotted working on looms.

Situated at 9km southeast of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of hill from where one can take in a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks.

It is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and animal sacrifices are made to the goddess.

It is Newar farming village lying 7km south of the Ring Road that encircles the two cities of Kathmandu and Patan. The village begins with a wide cobbled street and in the middle of the main street lies the temple of Shekali Mai, Khokanas local mother goddesses. Khokana is famous for mustard oil, which is still made in traditional way and spun woolen yarn.

Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, the Royal Botanical Garden of Godavari has splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is the only botanical garden in Nepal.

Located about 10km southeast of Patan, this 2,758 m hill, is a good spot for hiking. A buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeepable road.

It is a popular tourist destination of Nepal. It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175 m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalaya including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. Nagarkot is famous for sunrise and sunset viewing.

The ancient town is situated 30km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga ( Kathmandu-Kodari Highway). The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has glorious past which can be seen in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carvings in the shop- lined streets and temples.

Located 80km southwest of the Kathmandu valley, Daman (2,400m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan highway between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes.

Pictures Speaks louder than words

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Boudhanath
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
lakhe
Changunarayan Temple
Hanuman Dokha