Kathmandu Valley Tour

Sightseeing Places around Kathmandu Valley
Nepal has four heritage sites; two cultural and two natural sites. The Kathmandu Valley is one of the cultural sites enlisted in world heritage. The valley situated at an altitude of 1336 meter above the sea level which covers an area of 218 sq. miles. This valley is believed to have more than 9000 years of human civilization. The Valley hosts seven World Heritage Sites declared by the UNESCO in Nepal. The valley is famous for the scenery, beautiful countryside, ethnic clans, monasteries and thousands of temples. The city is also called the city of temples. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above, which tower mighty snow - capped peaks

The valley accommodates around 3 million population which is almost 12 percent of the total population. The valley is divided into 3 districts, Kathmandu-capital city of Nepal, Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhaktapur famous for their historic, artistic and cultural aspects. These three districts were part of different empires in the period of the Mallas (1200AD), great rulers of the area.

The amazing thing about the Kathmandu valley is that 1 or 2 days is not enough to see all those places though how small the valley looks like. Let’s tour their main sightseeing places one by one:

Kathmandu Darbur Square (Hanuman Dhoka) and its Vicinity
It used to be the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of people. It is here that kings of Nepal crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see her are Taleju Temple built by Mahendra Mall in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the god of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Mall, the Big Drum, the Jagannath temple and  Kasthmandap. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.

Goddess Kumari (the only living goddess in the world)
Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the only living Goddes in the world, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The temple Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival the head of state seeks the Kumari's blessing.

There are many other monuments can be seen moving around the Darbur Square like Machchhendranath Temple, Akash Bhairav Temple, Kasthamandap built in sixteen century by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla from the wood of single tree, Ashok Vinayak, Singha Durbar, Martyr's Memorial (Sahid) Gate, Tundikhel and many more.  

Pashupati NathTemple
The temple of Lord Shiva Pashupati Nath thousands of years old situated at 5 km. east of Kathmandu, built with tow tiered golden roof and silver door. It is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus; although only Hindus are allowed inside 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 in 1979 AD.

Swoyambhu Nath Stupa
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be about 2000 years old. Painted four sides of spire's base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km. west of Kathmanfu city and situated on a hillock about 77 m. above 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 AD.

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

Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu)
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 Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of pond and seems top.

Balaju Water Garden
Situated about 2 km. north-east of Kathmandu, this garden features fountains with 22 crocodiles-headed water spouts dating from eighteenth century. There is also a large swimming pool inside the park. This park is connected with the Raniban- protected jungle now annexd to Shivapuri National Park.

Chobhar
Situated nine kilometers South-west of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the valley drain through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Aadinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a panoramic view of snow capped mountain.

Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about 13 kilometers south from the Kathmandu. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses. Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayer and animal sacrifices to the goddess. Besides, this place has been developed as a popular picnic spot.

Patan
Patan is an ancient city on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five kilometer in the southeast of Kathmandu. It is also known as the city of artists. The city is famous for the monuments, temples, gateways and wonderful carvings.

Patan Durbar Square
Situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The Durbar Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Kesar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpieces of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World  Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.

Krishna Temple
Built in 1637 AD. the temple of  Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made by stone.

Mahaboudha
A litle further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.

Hiranya Verna Mahavihar
Located inside kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Kumbheshwor
This fine tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti Malla. A fair is held here on the Janai Poornima day in August.

Jagatnarayan Temple
Situated at Sankhmul, this tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu. The temple has many fine images of stone and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar
This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas
There are four ancient Stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 B.C. by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four Stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.

Temple of Machhendranath and Minnath
The pagoda of Red Machhendranath built in 1408 A.D. is situated in Tabahal. For six months the deity is taken to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.

The Zoo
The only Zoo of situated at Jawalakhel, which has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collections mostly representing the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in 17th A. D.

Bajra Barahi
Situated in a small woodland park, it is about ten kilometers south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.

Godavari
Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the soutlh-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It opens daily including Saturdays and government holidays.

Phulchowki
Located around ten kilometers southeast of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which can be reached through a jeep able road.

Bhaktapur
It is also known as Bhadgaon and was founded in 889 A.D. by Kind Anand Dev. Situated at an altitude 1401m, it covers an area of four square miles and is flanked by Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers. Bhaktapur means “The city of Devotees" in the Sanskrit language. The city  lies 14 km. east of Kathmandu 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Golden gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of 55 windows built by king Ranjit Mall. The gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The palace of 55 windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the bricks walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in the Durbar square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhar style architecture in Nepal. There is bronze bell in the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the "Bell Barking Dogs". This colossal bell placed in 1737 A.D. was rung to signal curfew during those days. The main square of city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like Lion Gat, the statue of Bhupatindra Mall, the picture Gallery, the Batsala temple etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Mall in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO World  Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.

The National Art Gallery
Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.

The Golden Gate
It 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 specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters of marvelous intricacy.

The Palace of 55 Windows
It was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.

The Stone Temple of Batsala Devi
It is also located in the Durbar square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style of architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 A.D. was used to sound curfew during that time.

Nyatapola Temple
This five-storey 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; two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and Baghini and Singini the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.

Bhairavnath Temple
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but later changed into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatendra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav the god of Terror.

Dattatraya Temple
Built in 1427 A.D. this temple is said to have been built from trunk of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.

Surya Vinayak
Situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, the temple of Ganesh is placed in a Sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. It is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes.

Changu Narayan
Situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the Valley, is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A.D. and said to be the oldest temple in the Valley.

Nagarkot
It is a popular tourist spot in Nepal situated at 32 Kilometers east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175 meter above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha) can be seen from the Nagarkot hotel. More than 80 percent tourists who arrives Kathmandu visit this place. Overnight stay at Nagarkot to view sunrise and stunning view of Himalayas early in the morning is very famous. It is 45 minutes drive from Kathmandu.