Kathmandu City Travel

The Capital City of Nepal

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the largest city in the country. Nepal capital city is in shape of Khukuri knife and its glorious history dates back to two thousand years. Located in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley, the city is the cultural hub of the country and probably the most sought after tourist destination. The home town of Newaras is the meeting point of various ethnic groups.

Kathmandu city is the conjecture to the major routes within and outside the country. Most of the trekking expeditions and tours start from Kathmandu. The city itself is home to the historical monuments, cultural groups, architectural wonders and exotic tourist destinations. The famous durbar squares of Kathmandu are world famous and the Kathmandu valley is a Cultural World Heritage site listed by UNESCO in 1979.

Fast Facts

Official Name	Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)
Location	Central Nepal
Importance	Capital City of Nepal
Altitude	1,336 m
Area	16,241/km²
Population	25.3 million
Native Language	Nepalese, Newari
Tourism Language	English
Temperature	Max: 44°C & Min: 7°C
Nearby Cities	Pokhara, Lalitpur (Patan), Nagarkot, Bhaktpur, Chitwan, Dhulikhel

Fast Facts

Official Name	Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC)
Location	Central Nepal
Importance	Capital City of Nepal
Altitude	1,336 m
Area	16,241/km²
Population	25.3 million
Native Language	Nepalese, Newari
Tourism Language	English
Temperature	Max: 44°C & Min: 7°C
Nearby Cities	Pokhara, Lalitpur (Patan), Nagarkot, Bhaktpur, Chitwan, Dhulikhel

Entertainment - Kathmandu Casinos
The casinos of Kathmandu are famous worldwide. These action-packed, lively casinos of Kathmandu make the night life rocking. These casinos run 24X7 and offer ultimate fun games and entertainment. There are four licensed casinos in Kathmandu, all located in the premises of the city's top hotels, which offer your favorite games: poker, baccarat, roulette, pontoon, blackjack, as well as other card games and slot machines.

Tourist Attractions
Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square)
The square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting things to see in this Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Also known as the monkey temple, the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath is situated on the top of a hill, west to Kathmandu. The temple is considered to be one of the most popular, holiest and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. Large tribes of monkeys can be seen inside and around the temple. The golden spire of Swayambhunath stupa crowns a wooded hillock and offers a commanding view of Kathmandu city. This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas.

Boudhanath Stupa
The biggest stupa in Nepal is situated 7 km east to Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. The Bouddhanath stupa is also known as Khasti Chitya and is considered as one of the oldest stupas in the country.

Balaju Water Garden
The beautiful Balaju Water Garden is a famous tourist destination. It is situated below the Nagarjun Hill, about 5 km narthwest of akthmandu. The garden has an exotic bank with 22 stone waterspouts, carved in the shape of sea-dragons. The water garden also consists of religious shrines, fishponds and a replica of the statue of Budhanilkantha. The swimming pool inside the park attract a lot of tourists.

Budhanilkantha
This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This 5th century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water. The Budhanilkantha temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is believed to be carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. It is believed that ages before the two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were ploughing their field.

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as the temple of living beings. The Pashupatinath Temple is the pride of Kathmandu.

Changu Narayan Temple
The oldest temple in Kathmandu valley, Changu Narayan was built in 4th century. The temple is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood, and metal craft in the valley. The temple possess a Vishnu image with ten heads and ten arms that is a fine example of stone carving from the 5th century. The temple stands as a representative of culture, religion, history and faith.

Kumari Ghar (Temple of Kumari)
The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has beautifully carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.

Narayanhity Durbar
It was the Royal Palace of the Late King, His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev of Nepal. The Shah kings moved to this palace from their old palace in the late 18th century. The new edifice was inaugurated in 1970 on the occasion of the wedding of His Majesty king Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev. The palace takes its name from the Narayanhiti, a famous historic waterspout situated at the southern corner of the Palace. The Palace compound is immense, surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers.

Singha Durbar
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. It was the private residence of Rana Prime Minister. Now it's the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

Machchhendrananth Temple
The temple of Sweta Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a Pagoda of considerable artistic beauty is also called as "Janmadyo" or "Machchhendra" deity.

Dakshinkali
The temple of Dakshinkali is situated about two kilometers south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali is regarded as one of the 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

Art And Culture
Kathmandu is the cultural focal point of Nepal. Being the meeting point of major ethic groups and foreign nationalities, the city has a diverse and rich culture. The unique intermingling of traditional ethnic groups is a characteristic feature of Kathmandu. The popular art museums in Kathmandu are:

National Museum
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological, historical and other heritage displays are worth seeing.

Natural History Museum
Situated 3-kms west of Kathmandu City behind the famous Swayambhunath hillock, this museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected from within the country.

Festivals In Kathmandu
Although each day at Kathmandu Nepal is festive, joyous and ecstatic, there are certain days that are celebrated in high spirits throughout the capital. One doesn't have to be religious to enjoy these festivals as the people of Nepal, particularly Kathmandu are tolerant and open to other religions and stream of faith.

Kathmandu's cycle of festivals is rooted in history, mythology and religion. Most festivals honor and propitiate the Valley's multitude of gods, control malicious spirits and celebrate mythological victories over evil. Some mark seasonal changes, celebrating the coming rains or the completed harvest. Others honor kinship ties. Many are socially approved opportunities to "let off steam" and have fun. Above all, a festival is a social occasion, and an affirmation of the Valley's ancient and strong bonds of religion and culture.

Winter Group	Monsoon Group
Maghe Shankranti	Ghantakarna
Basant Panchami	Naag Panchami (Serpent Festival)
Vimsen Jatra	Janai Purne
Thousand Lights Ceremony	Gai Jatra (Cow Festival)
Shiva Ratri	Mata-Yaa
Lhosar (Tibetan New Year)	Krishna Jayanti
Holi (Color Festival)	Teej Batra
Vimsen's Penis Puja	Indra Jatra & Kumari Jatra
Ghoda Jatra
Spring Group	Harvest Group
Ram Nawami	Bada Dashain
Chaitra Dashain	Pachali Bhairav Yatra
Mother's Day	Tihar
Voto Jatra	Bala Charuadashi
Buddha Jayanti	Yomarhi Punhi

Shopping In Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the best place to shop in Nepal. be it contemporary handicrafts, fashion clothing, great books, music or traditional souvenirs and curios. Lets have a look at some of the best buys of Kathmandu:

Traditional Souvenirs and Curios
Household brassware like khukuri knife; musical instruments like flutes; Tibetan-style curios; gem jewellery, glass beads, embroidered and kashmiri handicrafts like silk carpets are found in bulk at the small vendors and street make-shift shops of Kathmandu.

Contemporary Crafts
The Nepali artisans are famous for their unusual range of contemporary crafts like dhaka, beautiful greeting cards of handmade paper, Maithili-style paintings and toys, dolls in ethnic dress, ready-made clothes, woollens, leather goods, batiks, scented candles, and ingenious articles out of bamboo and pine needles.

Fashion Clothing
Thamel and Freak Street in Kathmandu have a lot of shops selling wool sweaters, jackets, embroidered clothings; scarfs and shawls made of pashmina and the famous characteristic topis caps of Nepal.

Apart from this, Thangka art work, music alums and books of Nepal also attract a lot of foreign tourists.

How To Reach
By Air
There are regular flights all major airports across the world to Tribhuwan International Airport, 5 km east of the center of Kathmandu. From the airport, taxis, cabs and buses are available to reach guest houses and hotels within the city.

By Road
Kathmandu has a good road network. There are several land routes that you may take from India to reach Kathmandu. From Kolkata you may travel to Raxaul and via Virganj reach Kathmandu. From Gorakhpur, there are several modes of land transport that take you across to Nepal and Kathmandu in turn.

Tourist Information
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has information centers at Tribhuvan International Airport, and at Basantapur, Kathmandu, Durbar Square.
Telephone: +(977)-(1)-220818

Sagarmatha National Park

The Sagarmatha National Park is the highest national park in world, located above 3000 meters i.e. 9700 feet. The park comprises the upper catchment areas of Dudh Kosi and Bhote Kosi Rivers. Most part of the landscape is rugged terrain and gorges of the high Himalayas.

The Park is located amidst the peaks which are counted among the tallest in the world. Mount Sagarmatha is none other than Mt. Everest itself. Other well known peaks such as Lhotse, Thamerku, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, Kwangde, Kangtaiga and Gyachyung Kang are also located nearby. More than 118 species of birds and 26 species of butterflies reside in the park.

Location	Solu-Khumbu District of the Sagarmatha Zone, Northeast of Kathmandu
Established On	July 19, 1976
Importance	UNESCO World Heritage Site
UNESCO Category	Natural
Listed In Year	1976
Area Covered	1,148 sq. km.
Endangered Species	Wild Yak, Musk Deer, Red Panda, Snow Leopard and Himalayan Black Bear
Best Season To Visit	October to November and December to February

UNESCO World Heritage Site

• The Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) and the surrounding areas are important not only to Nepal but also to the rest of the world. too. Its regnition as a National Park since 1976 intends to protect its unique cultural, physical and scientific values.
• The UNESCO recognised Sagarmatha National Park as a world heritage site in 1976 as the park 'contains superlative natural beauty and is of great aesthetic importance'.

Fauna
Creatures that can be witnessed in the wildlife tour of the park are following:

Endangered Animals : Endangered animals residing in this park are Snow Leopard, Musk Deer, Wild Yak, Red Panda and Himalayan Black Bear.
Large Mammals : Big mammals commonly seen in the park are the Himalayan Tahr and Musk Deer.
Other Mammals : Other mammals include the Himalayan Black Bear, Jackal, Weasels, Marten, Common Langur and the Himalayan Mousehare (Pika).
Birds : The park is the residence of more than 118 species of birds. The most common ones are the Impeyan Pheasant (Danphe), Redbilled Chough, Blood pheasant and Yellow-billed Chough.

Flora
Pine and hemlock forests are found at the lower elevations of the park. Above 3500m, trees such as birch, rhododendron, silver fir and juniper trees can be seen. Rhododendron show luminous colours in spring and monsoon seasons. The tree line in the region is at 4500m. Birch gives way to juniper and rhododendron scrubs. The park landscape is cut by deep rivers and glaciers. It can be segregated into four climatic zones:

• The Lower Forested Zone where Juniper, Birch, Blue Pines, Bamboo, Firs and Rhododendon grow.
  
• The Upper Zone where plant life is limited to Lichens and Mosses.
• The Artic Zone where plants stop to grow.

Activities
Nature Walk
The park can be best experienced on foot. Nothing can match the walker's sense of excitement at complete fusion with the world of Nature by observing the park's vegetation and wildlife.

Trekking
From Sagarmatha National Park, trekking trail to Kala Pathar Peak is the most popular, though the treks to Gokyoand Chukung Valleys are no less thrilling.

Places Of Interest
Apart from the greatly varied flora and fauna as well as the impressive mountain scenery of the park, there are some monasteries and gompas in the Sagarmatha National Park premises that hold the travellers' attention. Here is brief infomation about such places.

Park Visitor Center
It is located at Mendalphu i.e. the park's Headquarters. While staying at Namche Bazar, don't forget to visit the natural history and cultural heritage museum.

Thame Gomba
It is one of the most important religious centers in the area. Renowned Mani Rimdu festival is celebrated here in May.

Khumjung Gomba
In June the Dumje festival is observed here as well as at the monasteries of Namche and Pangboche.

Highlights

• Marvellous mountains, glaciers and deep valleys, dominated by Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world (8,848 m).
• Several rare species, such as the snow leopard and the lesser panda, can be found in the park.
• The presence of the Sherpas, with their unique culture, makes the site more interesting.

How To Reach
Common ways to reach the national park are:

• Flight to Lukla followed by two days walk.
• Bus to Jiri and 10 days walk
• Flight to Tumlingtar and 10 days walk.
• Flight to Syangboche, the highest airstrip in the world.
• Flight to Phaplu and 5 days walk.

Jungle Safari In Nepal

Nepal is one of the world's best destinations for the different Holidays.
You can Journey into deep jungle on an Elephant riding, or taking Jeeps to view wild animals, Rhino, Crocodile different kinds of birds make your
journey very attractive.
Still more you can go village tour, specially you will find out Tharu village, Dugout can be
done in river, birds watching excursoin are the vital program of the Chitwan National Park.

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve is situated in the Dhaulagiri Himal range in Western Nepal.It has expanded the area of 1320 square Kilometer.The reserve is established in 1987

Its features are:
Dhorpatan is the only hunting reserve in Nepal. The reserve is divided into six blocks for hunting management purposes. The reserve’s elevation ranges from 2,850m to more than 7,000m.

It is characterized by alpine, sub-alpine and high temperate vegetation. Common plant species include fir, pine, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, oak, juniper and spruce. Pasturelands at higher elevations occupy more than 50% of the total reserve area of the reserve.

The hunting reserve is one of the prime habitats for blue sheep. Other animals found include leopard, goral, serow, Himalayan tahr, Himalayan black bear, barking deer, wild boar, langur monkey. Endangered animals in the reserve include musk deer, wolf and red panda. The bird species found within the reserve is rich in diversity including several endangered species of pheasants and partridges. Impeyan pheasant, cheer pheasant, Satyr Trapopan, and Himalayan pied woodpecker are the main attraction of the Dhorpatan.

Jungle Safari in Chitwan

Nepal has got different holidays, among of them, can be done Jungle Safari in Chitwan National Park. We organize this program through this company.

Chitwan national park is an unique garden where you can feel different activities, which are guided by nature guide the park.If you like to see Rhino and different birds you can use either Elephant or you can walk yourselves with a jungle guide.

Koshi Tappu Bird Watching

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Camp, was the first luxury camp in this wildlife Reserve.Koshi Tappu is considered to have been one of the best bird watching center in Nepal.It is understood to have been more than eight hundred species of birds are found in this reserve.

It was specially built/ set up for bird watchers. Here many bird specialists used to visit. Some clients spend here up to very long time to learn about different birds.Here also bird watchers or clients are guided by local naturalist guides.

In Koshi Tappu : accommodation will be in tents.
" " " : food will be served by local restaurant
" " " : drink is available in local restaurant.
Accessible of the Koshi Tappu by vehicle either from Kathmandu or Pokhara.

Lumbini (Sanskrit for "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located at the Nepalese town of Kapilavastu, district Rupandehi, near the Indian border.

Lumbini is one of four Buddhist pilgrimage sites based on major events in the life of Gautama Buddha. Interestingly, all of the events occurred under trees.

The other three sites are in India: Bodh Gaya (enlightenment), Sarnath (first discourse), and Kushinagar (death).

History

Lumbini is the traditional birthplace of Gautama Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, who was born in the 7th or 6th century BC.

According to Buddhist tradition, Maya Devi (or Mayadevi) gave birth to the Buddha on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha in the month of May in the year 642 BC. Feeling the onset of labor pains, she grabbed hold of the branches of a shade tree and gave birth to Siddharta Gautama, the future Buddha. The Buddha is said to have announced, "This is my final rebirth" as he entered the world. Buddhist tradition also has it that he walked immediately after his birth and took seven steps, under each of which a lotus flower bloomed.

In 249 BC, the Buddhist convert Emperor Ashoka visited Lumbini and constructed four stupas and a stone pillar. Ashoka's Pillar bears an inscription that translates as: "King Piyadasi (Ashoka), beloved of devas, in the 20 year of the coronation, himself made a royal visit, Buddha Sakyamuni having been born here, a stone railing was built and a stone pillar erected to the Bhagavan ["blessed one"] having been born here. Lumbini village was taxed reduced and entitled to the eight part (only)".

Monasteries and temples were built at Lumbini until the 9th century, but Buddhism declined in the area after the arrival of Islam and later Hinduism. All that remained was a sculpture, revered by local women as a fertility symbol. The garden of the Buddha's birth was lost for a thousand years.

The site was rediscovered in 1895, when a German archaeologist came upon Ashoka's Pillar, identified by its inscription. Records made by the Chinese pilgrim Fa Xian were also used in the process of identifying this religiously acclaimed site. Lumbini was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

What to See

Lumbini lies in the foothills of the Himalayas in Nepal. The site is a large garden with a grove of pipal trees. The area around Lumbini is entirely Hindu, but many Buddhist temples and shrines from various nations are scattered around the holy site itself.

The most important temple at Lumbini is the Maya Devi Temple, which enshrines the traditional site of the Buddha's birth. The current temple stands on the site of earlier temples and stupas, including the stupa built by Ashoka.

The modern temple consists mainly of simple white building that protects ancient ruins, with the exact spot of the Buddha's birth identified. The delicate sandstone sculptures discovered here are now in the National Musuem in Kathmandu.

Atop the temple is a small square tower of the type seen in Kathmandu, with Buddha eyes on each side and a golden pinnacle on top.

On the south side of the temple is a sacred pool (see top photo), where it is said Maya Devi bathed before giving birth, and where the newborn Buddha was washed by two dragons.

The Maha Devi temple is surrounded by the brick foundations of ancient temples and monasteries. All around Lumbini, long lines of colorful prayer flags are strung between trees. They carry prayers and mantras heavenward as they flap on the breeze.

The other main sight of interest at Lumbini is Ashoka's Pillar, near the temple. It is protected by a small fence, which is decorated with prayer flags and banners from the faithful. Around the courtyard containing the pillar are bowls for incense sticks, and there is room to sit in front of the pillar for contemplation.

Getting There

Lumbini is in west-central Nepal near the Indian border. It is not terribly easy to get to, and the site does not receive a large amount of visitors. Most pilgrims to Lumbini come from Southeast Asia, Japan and Tibet, but westerners come regularly as well.

Lumbini has a small airport, which receives flights from airlines like the aptly-named Buddha Air. Consult the links below for more information.

World Peace Pagoda,Lumbini

Lumbini, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha,UNESCO World Heritage Site

Lumbinī it donates ( "the lovely") is a Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Rupandehi district of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Queen Mayadevi is said to have given birth to Siddhartha Gautama, who as the Buddha Gautama founded the Buddhist tradition Buddha was a prince,it is said to have stayed up to 29 years old. Then he realized that suffering is in the world.Consequence he left his palace to search eternal peace or Nirvana. The Buddha lived between roughly 563 and 483 BC. in Lumbini Lumbini is one of four magnets for pilgrimage that sprang up in places pivotal to the life of the Buddha, the others being at Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath.Mostly Buddhist people used to visit these holy places once or more time within a life time.

Maya Devi, grasping the branch of tree in Lumbini

Nowadays it is being changed as a mini Buddhist world, where you can find different monasteries including different style of structures like: Chinese people have built their own style's monastery.

Kapilvastu is the name of the place in question as well as of the neighbouring district. Lumbini has a number of temples, including the Mayadevi temple, and others under construction. Also here is the Puskarini or Holy Pond - where the Buddha's mother took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he, too, had his first bath - as well as the remains of Kapilvastu palace. At other sites near Lumbini, earlier Buddhas were, according to tradition, born, achieved ultimate awakening and finally relinquished earthly form. According to story it is said that Buddha had walk 7 step as soon astaking birth from Mayadevi,Buddha didn't step on the ground ,he stepped on the lotusflower,you can see seven lotus flower in Lumbini.

BUDDHA STATUE

In the Buddha's time, Lumbini was a park situated between Kapilavastu and Devadaha.It was there that the Buddha was born. A pillar now marks the spot of Asoka's visit to Lumbiní.According to an inscription on the pillar, it was placed there by the people then in charge of the park to commemorate Asoka's visit and gifts. Some time you can read Asoka got the pillar built in the Lumbini and some inscription is written on Pillar.It is stated that the Buddha was born in a village of the Shakya in the Lumbini. The Buddha stayed in Lumbini during his visit to Devadaha and there preached his preachings Mainly his preachings are based on four noble truth and eight fold path.According to Budha four noble path means suffering in the world etc.....we will explain you all the details during of your visit in Lumbini.

Up to now lots of archaeologists have attempted to discover regarding the Lumbini.As a result lots of records are founds too, like: Written of OM MA NI PAD ME HUN pillar,and rest of the numerous artifacts in the periphery of the Lumbini.Lumbini, as of 1997, is an UNESCO World Heritage Site specifically nominated for the international World Heritage program.

The holy site of Lumbini is bordered by a large monastic zone, in which only monasteries It is separated into an eastern and western monastic zone, the eastern having the Theravadi monasteries, the western having Mahayana and Vajrayana monasteries.Shakya Muni Buddha profounded four kinds of Buddha school, like: Hinnayana, Mahayana Vajrayana and tantrayana, up to Buddha time people used to follow Hinayana or Theravadi.After Buddha's death rest of the three principles were followed. Among of they have their own descriptions, we will provide you details description during of your visit of Lumbini.

The holy site of Lumbini has renovated now. the Asokan pillar and the Mayadevi temple. where the precise place of birth of Buddha is located. Actually Lumbini is very tranquility for meditation and chanting activities.During of the Buddha Jayanti day there used to be very big fair to honor the Buddha.Nowadays some accommodation are available in the vicinity of of Monastery zone.Accessible: by aircraft and vehicle.

Photo Gallery

Gautam Buddha Airport in Lumbini

Eternal flame symbolizing peace

A temple and trees strung with prayer flags.

Shrine at the site of Buddha's birth

The Buddha's birthplace in Maha Devi Temple.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and pottery and handicraft. Actually Bhaktapur is really crucial for the Hindu temples, Museums, Newari People.It has own its features which attracts lots of tourists for the sight seeing, tyhere is lots of hindu philoshopy.

Bhaktapur is famous for the following:
It is the home of traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and craft works, magnificent which are really local products.windows, pottery and weaving industries, excellent temples, mostly temples are belong to the Hindusm actually Hindus is the not follower of somebody's philoshopy, but it follows some natural attributes, vedic assumptions which unwritten science of overall knoledge of everything in the context of Nepal. Beautiful ponds, rich local customs, culture, religion, festivals, musical mystic and so on these this are einherited by different generation of the local people. Bhaktapure people are follower of Hindusm, they organize and different religious festival and perform too. Every ceremonies and feast gives their own significats, you will gain lots of knowledge regarding the Bhaktapur and its culture, for it you need to take a city guide as well.Bhaktapur is still an untouched as well as preserved ancient city, which in fact, is itself a world to explore for tourist , many tourists used to go there for their day trip programme.

Some attraction of Bhaktapur
* Three Squares - Darbar Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya Square.
* Popular Places - Changu Narayan (World Heritage Site), Nagarkot, Surya Vinayak, Kamal Vinayak, Siddha Pokhari, Chonga Ganesh etc.
* Devine Miracolus Vision - Largest Shiva lingum, Golden Spout and Gate, Magnificent peacock windows, around 40 temples etc.

DURBAR SQUARE
Bhaktapur's main square, Durbar Square, houses the 55-window Palace which was constructed by King Jitamitra Malla and was home to royalty until 1769. It is now a National Gallery. Close by is the Golden Gate which leads into Mulchok Court which is home to the Taleju Temple. This temple, like others in the main towns of the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani and includes shrines to both the Taleju Bhawani and Kumari. Entrance to the temple is restricted to Hindus and the living goddess strictly cannot be photographed.

The Durbar square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The royal palace was originally situated at Dattaraya square and was only later moved to the Durbar square location.

The Durbar square in Bhaktapur was severely damaged by an earthquake in 1934 and hence appears very spacious than the other ones located at Kathmandu and Patan.

A statue in the main square of Bhaktapur	View of a typical square	Peacock Window
Temple of Nayatapola

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kal Bhairav

Kathmandu Durbar Square World Heritage Sites,UNESCO Basantapur Durbar Square is one of the famouse sight seeing spot for the wood carving. A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu as the land of gods surrounded by beautiful Hindu temples.Mainly trinity gods are found there like Brama, Vishnu and Shiva alongside shakti temples. Kal Bhairav- one of the largest stone idol in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspects of Shiva.Kal Bhairav is the god of the Justice in the ancient time. It means origin of the modern rules and regulation through Kal Bhairav. It has vital role todays environment. How? why?

Shiva

This above picture of Shiva seen on top of the temple. actually to be really Shiva we ahould remove jealousy, hatred, anger, greedy, attachments out of our soul .......It teaches lots of moral aspects of life too.
Some two hundred years ago a western Visitor wrote that there were as many temples as there were houses and as many idols as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built.Duly recognized as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO- this particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of this city. Locally also called as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty.

Vishnu

In front of Vishnu temple the Vishnu vehicle Garuda seen. Vishnu is god of protection. This god is very popular in terms of Nepalese religious. It helps to people to be safe from various obstacles....It has 10 incarnations as well what is the significance of these incarnations?

Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square emposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century.

The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance ( the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square.

A religious temple

This temple is roofed style temple. Some red and yello jewellery seen around temple, indicates shiva and Brahma.Actually mostly Nepalese temples are associated with male and female traits.

some of the important monuments to be seen here are:
Taleju temple- tallest of all structures built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. During of the greatest destival Dashain, The temple gets opened once within a year, Jagannath temple- built in the 16th century, known for fascinating erotic figures carving I the wooden struts eaves, it indicates people towards worldly life, practical, science and technology.

Mahadeva
During of Teej festival the Mahadeva gets worshiped by Nepalese devotees woman, They stay fasting one day for the Mahadeva, rest of the explain we will elaborate later. It indicates that this word is running through combination of male and female. Without their presence the world would be empity. How ? why? what is further significant of the Mahadeva ?

Statue of King Pratap Malla in praying gesture to Digu Taleju the royal family deity right across.It is said to have been carried the single stone.

Ganesh and Kumar

Ganesh is the god of good luck and Kumar is god of secuirity. Any kinds of arts,crafts and cultures are associated to human beings civilized.First of all developed terracotta arts, stones, wood carving then metal.

Kumari Ghar- 17th century Kumari temple, an example of the highly developed Nepalese temple craft.Where we can see lots of symbols of wood carving, Buddhist miniature stupa inside middle of the yard.

A stupa inside Kumari Ghar

This miniature stupa is situated inside the Kumari Ghar(house), it indicates religious harmony between hindu and Buddhist dogma. You can see four different buddhas arround the stupa and one is remained in the core of the stupa so we can not see him, is called vairochana,
If you are really interested towards the five buddhas we wiil tell you during of your city tour. For example, fromwhere came from these Buddhas? What they represent ? etc......?

Kasthamandap- built from the timber of a single tree. The Kathmandu City derives its name from Kasthamandap. Besides this other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast Basantapur square where Prithivi Narayan Shah built mansion to commemorate his victory in 1768 A.D.and he ruled from here. This building complex is known for the most intricately carved wooden doorways roof struts and massive lattice windows full of mythical figures.

Shiva Parvati Temple

This Shiva Parvati temple is popular . they are looking down from the upstar. You can see tussule between Armies. you can see it bellow against the wall. It means they want to pacify people, or the whole world.
Nowadys modern people want cause and effect workout. If not they begin to fight, anyway lots of hints indicate. we will give you some idea later.



Wood Carving
This wonderfull wood carving gives our traditional wooden crafts, it is associated to human civilized.Having beed creating newness in every moment, human developed this kinds of arts.Once this kinds of art was very popular in Nepal, especially during of the Malla dynast .

Places to Visit in Nepal

Chitwan National Park

For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai that stretches through out the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. (See the separate section on the Terai for more details.) A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai.

And Chitwan is the best place to do so. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna –read further for more details. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.

Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly warmed compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.

Of Interest

Though one can visit neighboring Tharu villages in Chitwan, the major interesting focus of Chitwan is still the exploration of the Chitwan National Park.

Flora and Fauna
The flora and fauna of Chitwan makes it a great place for nature lovers. Chitwan has over 50 different species of mammals, 400 different species of birds, and 65 different types of butterflies in its hardwood Sal forests, riverine vegetation, and "elephant grass" savannah. More than 70 different species of grass grow here.

The most famous wildlife in Chitwan is perhaps the single-horned Asian rhinoceros. A few decades ago, their number had fallen to less than 100, but recent count puts them at 400. These animals have thick armor like hide that is hard to penetrate even with a bullet.

A fully grown animal can be as tall as 180cm. In spite of army protection for these animals and severe punishment for harming them, rhino poaching is still a problem as every organ of the animal carries some (probably superstitious) value. The horn fetches about US$10,000 per kilo and is believed to be an aphrodisiac. The dung can be a laxative, the urine cures tuberculosis and asthma. The blood can help cure menstrual problems. The hide keeps away evil spirits. And so on.

Chitwan has about 150 Bengal tigers left of the one time 3000 or so. Though poaching is a serious threat, the real threat for these majestic animals is the gradual loss of its habitat. A male tiger requires almost 60km space, and a female one requires a third of it. Chitwan is simply not big enough to handle many tigers. It is rare for one to actually see a tiger, though looking for one is an interesting part of the trip.

Other wild mammals one may see are leopards, various types of deer, monkeys, sloth bear, and antelope.

Exploring Chitwan
There are several ways to do this; and if you stay there two to three days, as most tourists do, you can try them all out.

An elephant ride is the most popular way of exploring the Chitwan jungle. For about US$15, the government elephants take you around the jungle for an hour and half. There are two trips a day, one in the morning at eight and another at four in the afternoon. During peak seasons, there are long lines for tickets. Your lodge will normally get you one for a dollar or two extra. If you are staying at the luxury lodges inside the Park itself, they have their own elephants too. Note that, other than the elephants owned by these lodges, only the government runs elephant services inside the Park. Privately owned elephant rides (which go for cheaper rates) take you around the outside of the Park, where the chances of game spotting are far less.

Jeep safaris are also very popular. For US$15, they take you around for four hours. A great way to spot wildlife in areas further inside the Park which are less trodden.

Canoeing along the Rapti river is another option. With some luck you will get to see Gharial crocodiles, marsh muggers, and variety of fish. With a lot of luck you may be able to see a Gangetic dolphin. The trip is a paradise for birdwatchers with possible spotting of kingfishers, ospreys, and egrets. Chitwan is known to have 400 species of birds. For less than US$3-US$5, you can canoe downriver for about an hour, and take a three hour guided walk back.

Jungle walks through the jungle is a good way to spot game. Monkeys, birds and deer are assured; rhinos are less common (but not uncommon). A guide is recommended, and you can hire one for $3 per day (or pro-rated for shorter time). They can help you stay safe as well as point out interesting things.

For those who want a more extended experience, and are there for more than a couple of days, overnight jungle hike deeper into the jungle can be rewarding. Most do a two night hike. Designated camping spots inside the park cost US$5 per night. Guides cost US$6-US$8 for the trip. You may have to rent your camping gear in Kathmandu, because there aren't really any such facility in Sauraha itself.

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Transportation

Air
There are regular daily flights to Bharatpur, about 25km from the Park area, and to Meghauli (US$75). The flights take about half an hour. One can easily get rides from the airports to the Park area. If you plan to stay in one of the expensive resorts inside the Park, your flights to and from Kathmandu will probably be included in your package.

Land
Public buses go to Tadi from Kathmandu and Pokhara for about US$2 (twice the cost for more comfortable "tourist buses"). The ride takes about seven hours from Kathmandu, six from Pokhara. From Tadi, you will either have to cover the six kilometer distance to Sauraha on an ox cart (takes two hours to cover the distance!) or in a rented jeep for US$0.50. You can also rent a bike for about US$1 a day, or walk. On the way you need to cross a river which can be waded across during offseason, but during seasons with high water, local fishermen will ferry you across in their dugout boats for a couple of cents.

There are some who take a car from Kathmandu for the trip for an outrageous roundtrip price of US$100 (plus or minus US$50, depending upon your bargaining skills!). These are generally arranged by the lodges themselves. You can ask around in Thamel in Kathmandu. Another option is to rent a taxi in Kathmandu or Pokhara for about US$75 or less for a two day roundtrip travel. Split among two or three travellers, this can be reasonable.

River
Package organizers in Thamel will also arrange rafting trips to Chitwan. The trip normally starts at Mugling, 110km out of Kathmandu on the Kathmandu-Pokhara-Chitwan road. The trip itself is an easy river cruise that takes two or three days. The price ranges from US$30-US$75 per day. Before you pay up, shop around, bargain, and ask a lot of questions about the details of the arrangement.

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Accommodation

The choices are of a wide range but, as usual, they fall in two general categories: luxury and budget. The luxury hotels in Chitwan are inside the Park itself. They cost about US$150-US$250 per person per night, and provide you quite an exquisite experience. Swimming pool, cocktail bars, safari ambience, organized game spotting trips, orientation by trained naturalists, and all. You will love it if you have the money. These luxury hotels generally package the whole tour for their price, including transportation to and from Kathmandu, meals, park entry fees, daily activities, etc. You need to make your reservations well in advance; if you are going to be there between November and February, the busiest season, a 6-12 month advance booking will be necessary.

The budget hotels in Chitwan are all located just outside the northern border of Chitwan National Park, in a village called Sauraha. Sauraha, in the past few years, is quickly turning into another Thamel or Lakeside. They range between US$3-US$15 per night; reservations are not necessary. Competition is so intense among the dozens of hotels that bargaining is very common. If you take the public bus to Tadi, touts who serve as agents to one of these budget hotels will pounce on you, don't give in. Check the hotel out yourself, and play one tout against another to get the best rate.

Some of the more upscale budget hotels in Sauraha also organize three day packaged tours of the area for about US$75-US$150 from Kathmandu. The price includes all basic expenses including transportation, accomodation, meals, tours of the area, etc. You can obviously do the same for much less, but if you want to go on these tours, the main tourist areas in Kathmandu and Pokahara have booking agents. Shop around, and bargain.

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Dining

If you are staying in one of the luxury hotels inside the park itself, they provide you with excellent western meals. Except for the drinks and tips, the meals are normally included in your price.

Outside the Park, for those who stay in Sauraha, there are a few decent dining places in the main market place. As Chitwan becomes more and more popular among foreign visitors, more and more establishments are opening. The restaurants here don't meet the standards of Kathmandu, or even those of Pokhara, but they are manageable for a couple of days.

Mt. Everest Information

How tall is Mt. Everest?
The official altitude of the world's highest peak is 29,029 feet (8,848m). However, the National Geographic Society has determined the height to be 6 feet taller, 29,035 feet, but the Nepali government has not yet been made this new altitude official.

Shifting tectonic plates continue to push Everest upward, along with the whole Himalaya mountain range, at 1.6 to 3.9 inches (4 to 10 centimeters) per year.

Where is Mt. Everest?
Everest is part of the Himalaya mountain range along the border of Nepal and Tibet. It is located 27° 59' North latitude, 86° 55' East longitude.

Why is it called Everest?
In 1841, Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843, first recorded the location of Everest. It was subsequently named "Peak XV". In 1865, it was renamed Mt. Everest to honor Sir George.

Everest is also called Chomolungma in Tibet and Sagarmatha in Nepal.

Is it windy at the top of Everest?
Yes. Blowing with the strength of a hurricane at 118+ miles/hour, the Jet Stream blasts the rocky, icy summit of Everest nearly all year long. The Jet Stream is a constant wind force at 4 - 6 miles above the earth. Observers can tell when the Jet Stream is blowing on the summit of Everest from the long while stream of ice crystals extending out from the tip of the mountain. Those wishing to actually stand on the summit have to choose their moment carefully: the mountain is most inviting in early May, when the Jet Stream is pushed northward over Tibet by the arrival of the monsoon. There is also a window of opportunity in the Fall when the Jet Stream is again pushed northward.

Is the air very thin on Everest?
As the altitude increases, the oxygen content of the air decreases dramatically. At 9,800 feet, for example, there's about 2/3 of the oxygen in the air than at sea level. At 20,000 ft, there is roughly half the oxygen content in the air. At 29,035ft, the summit of Everest, there is only a third of the oxygen in the air.

How does your body get used to the altitude?
Mountaineers climbing Everest establish a camp at the base of the mountain, and four higher camps before reaching the summit. For the next 30 days or so, they will move up, then down again, allowing their bodies to get used to the reduced oxygen content of the air. This process is called acclimatization.

Acclimatizing properly is essential to safely ascend to high altitudes. Climbers acclimatize by ascending slowly, resting one day for every 1,000 feet they climb in one day. They drink plenty of liquids and eat healthy food. They also practice a rule of thumb: climb high, sleep low. Climbing high, then descending to lower altitudes allows the body to build up and gain strength with fresh oxygen, digest food better, get sounder sleep and any wounds can heal and they'll feel much stronger by descending. It was also allow them to build up their bodies, worn from the low O2 content, with fresh oxygen.

Some climbers don't like to go down, but the significant benefits on the body from staying at lower altitudes make it worth it. It's important that the climbers don't stay down too long because it's possible to lose some acclimatization in the process.

How high are the camps?
The approximate elevations of each of the camps are:
Base Camp - 17,500ft (5,400m)
Camp 1 - 20,000ft (6,100m)
Camp 2 - 21,300ft (6,500m)
Camp 3 - 24,000ft (7,400m)
Camp 4 - 26,000ft (8,000m)
Summit - 29,035ft (8,850)

What is the temperature high on Everest?
At the summit, the temperature can be 100°F below zero. But on a good summit day, a climber can expect around -15°F

What is the hardest part about climbing Everest?
Each climber has a different opinion about what is the most difficult part of climbing Everest. Most would agree, though, that the altitude is tough to deal with. And most will also have stories about crossing the infamous Khumbu Icefall going from Base Camp to Camp One. Mountaineers climb through this moving sea of ice using ordinary aluminum garden ladders.

When was Everest first climbed?
On May 29, 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal & Edmund Percival Hillary of New Zealand climbed to the summit of Everest via the Southeast Ridge Route

What are some other important "firsts"?
The first woman to climb Everest was Junko Tabei of Japan. She climbed via the Southeast Ridge on 16 May, 1975.

Appa Sherpa has made the most successful ascents of Everest. He has reached the top 11 times.

On May 8, 1978, Peter Habeler of Austria and Reinhold Messner of Italy climbed made the first ascent without bottled oxygen via the Southeast Ridge.

Ang Rita Sherpa has reached the summit 10 times, all without oxygen.

Reinhold Messner climbed for 3 days completely alone from his base camp at 6,500m without the use of artificial O2. Messner climbed via the North Col to the North Face and the Great Couloir.

Babu Chiri Sherpa set the speed record from the Nepal side.

Davo Karnicar made the first true ski descent.

At age 16 Temba Tsheri Sherpa become the youngest person to Summit Everest in 2001.

American Sherman Bull, at age 64, is the oldest person to summit Mount Everest, also in 2001.

Anna Czerwinska was born on 7/10/49 and climbed Everest from Nepal side, making her the oldest woman to reach the summit.

On 24 May, 1996, Hans Kammerlander of Italy Hans made the fastest ascent of Everest via the standard North Col-North Ridge-North Face. He left base camp at 6,400m on 23 May at 5pm and was on the summit 16 hours, 45 minutes later at 9:45 am the next day. He descended most of the route on skis.

Andrej & Marija Stremfelj of Slovenia were the first married couple to summit together on 7 October, 1990.

Peter Hillary of New Zealand was the first son of a summiteer to reach the summit on 10 May, 1990.

First Ascent by an American was made by James Whittaker via the Southeast Ridge Route on May 1, 1963. Whittaker summitted with Sherpa Nawang Gombu.

Stacey Allison made the first Ascent by an American Woman via the Southeast Ridge Route on 29 September, 1988.

Mexican climber Ricardo Torres was the first Latin American.

In May, 2001, American Erik Weihenmayer becomes the first blind person to summit Everest.

May 23, 2003, Gary Guller became the first person with one arm to reach the summit of Everest.