The Himalayas(Mountains in Nepal)

The Himalayas or "abode of snow" is in fact the youngest and highest mountain system in the world. It extends over 2,400kms as a vast south-facing area between the Indus and Brahmaputra rivers with Nanga Parbat (8,125m) and Namcha Barwa (7,755m) as its terminal high points. Fully a third of 800kms of its central section traverses Nepal and is known as the Nepal Himalayas, Here congregate more than 250 peaks that exceed 6,000m in height-a unique concentration of lofty dazzling summits. Of the thirty one Himalayan peaks over 7,600m, twenty-two like in Nepal Himalayas including eight of the world's fourteen highest giants. These are:


Sagarmatha(Mt. Everest) 8,848m
Kanchenjunga 8,586m
Lhotse 8,516m
Makalu 8,463m
Cho Oyu 8,201m
Dhaulagiri 8,167m
Manaslu 8,163m
Annapurna 8,091m

The Himalayan range within Nepal fits into a geographic pattern as the culmination of a series of parallel ranges. The main mountain region, represented by the eternal ranges, lies about 90kms north of the Mahabharat Lekh. The intervening space between the two parallel ranges is made up of the lower belt of the low hills (Pahar) and the higher belt of elevated ridges (Lekh) that provide the first intimation of the high snow continuous range but rather a chain of lofty ridges separated by deep gorges. Each of these mountain chains or Himals in turn sends out a maze of spurs studded with numerous peaks.

In the western and central Nepal, there is yet another mountain range that defines the boundary between Nepal and China. This border range has elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,000m with comparatively less rugged relief but a harsh climate. Between the main Himalayan range and these border ranges lie some of the elevated Bhot Valleys.

Much of the high country above 5,000m is under the realm of snow and ice although the permanent snow line may vary according to aspect and gradient. Winter snowfall occurs up to an elevation of 2,000m and is much heavier in the western part. While winter is harsh and bitter, summer is the season of alpine flowers and is the time of the year when the high pastures teem with grazing animals from lower valleys. For the mountain communities, it is the time for harvesting their main crop before their winter migration to warmer climates

About Lumbini

Lumbini is located in the south-central Terai of Nepal, situated in the foothills of the Himalayas. For millions of Buddhists the world over, it evokes a kind of holy sentiment akin to the significance of Jerusalem to Christians and Mecca to Muslims. Lumbini is the place where Lord Buddha - the apostle of peace, and the Light of Asia - was born in 623 B.C. In historical terms, the region is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to the pre-Christian era. The site (Lumbini Grove) was described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time and still retains its legendary charm and beauty. Both the Shakyas and Kolias Clans owned the garden and its tranquil environs at the time of Lord Buddha's birth. King Suddhodana, father of Buddha was of the Shakya Dynasty belonging to the Kshatriya or Warrior Caste.

For centuries, Buddhists the world over knew that the general area of Lumbini was where the Lord was born. In the words of those famous Chinese pilgrims of antiquity, Huian Tsang and Faeihan, 'Lumbini -where the Lord was born - is a piece of Heaven on Earth, where one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden, embedded with stupas and monasteries!' However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure until 1 December 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it was indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha. Since that day it has become a focal point for hundreds of thousands of pilgrims.

Lumbini is the fourth largest tourist destination in Nepal. Nearly 20,000 tourists visit the area every year (Source: Nepal Tourism Board). Recently, UNESCO has declared it a World Heritage Site. It has great potential to grow as the major tourist destination in years to come.

The significance of Lumbini
Many of the places that were of importance to the Lord Buddha during his life retain a potent significance to Buddhists of today. Unsurprisingly, nowhere has a greater significance than the site of his birth. In the words of Buddha himself: "O-Bhikshus', after my death when people and members of a new generation come and ask you, then tell them that here the Buddha was born, here he attained the full enlightenment, here he turned the wheel of Dharma twelve times, and here finally the Buddha entered into Parinirvana". Hundreds of years have gone by, but the architectural splendours of that era are still standing and serve as a vivid reminder of the origins of Buddhist philosophy and doctrines. As a complement to the temples and shrines, our aim is to create a living environment in which Buddha would have felt at home during his life.

THE KATHMANDU VALLEY

Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital and the largest city of Nepal, derives its name from Kasthmandap or "house of wood" a pagoda-style temple. A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, where the clients may catch a glimpse of the Kumari at one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. All around the splendour of historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place. Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.

Patan
Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the "city of fine arts" and is the oldest city in the valley. This Buddhist City is said to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. Patan is the cradle of arts and architecture of the valley, a great center both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts & crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these are the Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Kumbheshwar temple, Jagatnarayan temple & the Mahabouddha temple. Patan is enclosed within 4 Buddhist stupas set on the four-corners of the outer boundaries of this ancient city. A tour of Patan would also include a visit to the Tibetan refugee village to witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets using age-old methods of dyeing and finishing. Three or four persons at each loom weaving traditional designs, chatting & singing can also be seen here.

Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon meaning the "city of devotees" lies 14 km east of Kathmandu. It is the home of medieval art & architecture and still retains its rich medieval aroma. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for it's pottery and weaving. Bhaktapur is the most charming and the best preserved of the valley’s three cities. The intricately carved temples, alleyways and timeless atmosphere of this place is simply intriguing. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur include Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows, Bell of the barking dogs, Nyatapole Temple, Bhairavanath Temple, Dattatrya Temple, Pujari Math etc;

Bodhanath
The stupa of Bodhanath lies 8 km east of Kathmandu. It is the biggest Stupa in Nepal and is located on flat land and encircled by houses & monasteries, where Rinpoches reside. 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.

Bungmati & Khokana
The twin villages of Bungmati & Khokana date from the 16th century and are located south of Kathmandu, down a rutty road dotted with Chaityas. Bungmati is the winter home of lord Rato Machhendranath, the protector God of Patan. The shrine of Karya Binayak is located between the two villages. At Khokana ancient oil presses can be seen at work in village houses.

Budhanilkantha
9 km north of Kathmandu in a small pond at the foot of the Shivapuri Hills lies the half-submerged massive black stone statue of the reclining Vishnu resting on a bed of snakes. Worshippers strew the sleeping Vishnu with offerings of flowers & rice. It is a monumental sculpture from the Lichhavi period.

Champa Devi
The hike to the top of Champa Devi (2,278m), the highest peak on the Chandragiri Ridge south west of Kirtipur, affords a panoramic view of the west Kathmandu valley, back dropped by the snow covered Himalayas. Either starting from Chovar or from Pharping the trail climbs steeply to join at a saddle close to the top. A Hindu shrine and a white stupa mark the Champa Devi summit. Several return routes are possible. Staying close to the ridge continuing west, a trail descends from the second saddle north to Kirtipur. Another descends from the third saddle and reaches Kisipidi.

Chandeshwari
Chandeshwari shrine is located north of the sprawling trading town of Banepa near Dhulikhel. A track leads northeast past the town hospital to the temple on the bank of a forested gorge. The temple is dedicated to Parvati, whom they called upon to slay ‘Chand’, the most fearsome of the demons. It thus became known as Chandeshwari, "the slayer of Chand". The main attraction is a remarkable fresco of Bhairav, painted on the western wall of the main structure. The torana and struts of the three-tiered temple are richly carved with the eight Astha Marikas, or "Mother goddesses" and eight Bhairavs.

Changunarayan
The road access to Changunarayan, 18 kms east of Kathmandu is from behind Bhaktapur. Alternatively, it is a 45 minutes walk up from the Sankhu road, across the Manohara River, using the old pilgrim’s route or a pleasant half-day hike along the ridge from Nagarkote on the eastern valley rim. The lavishly decorated two-tiered temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1702, but the earliest inscription in the valley dated 467 A.D. testifies to the considerable talents of the Licchavi King Mandeva I, Nepal’s first great historical figure. The temple stands in a spacious courtyard, littered with priceless stone sculptures from the 4th to 9th century A.D. (Licchavi period). This golden age of classical Newari art produced masterpieces that were entirely religious in character.

Chapagaon
A rough track to the south of the Kathmandu Valley winds steeply downhill, through intricately terraced fields of reddish brown soil to the ancient Lichhavi village of Lele, on through terraced mustard fields and bamboo groves to Chapagaon. An important tantric temple of Vajra Varahi is located here in a sacred grove of trees, built in 1665 – however, the site is much older. Various naturally sculpted stones strewn about are regarded as images of Ganesh, Bhairav and the Ashta Matrika.

Chovar
Carved out of a hillside, the Chovar gorge is the only outlet for all the waters of the valley. Legend has it that Manjushree, an ancient saint cut the mountain with his magical sword, to drain out the water from the Kathmandu Valley which was then just a lake. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of the hill with a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks. Just beyond the gorge is a temple of lord Ganesh. The main image of the shrine is a massive rock, naturally carved.

Dakshinkali
Dakshinkali is 45-minute drive south from Kathmandu. Located in a dark valley at the confluence of two streams, the shrine of Dakshinkali is the most spectacular of all Kali temples. Animal sacrifices are offered to this deity signifying fertility and the procreative powers of the Female, every Tuesday & Saturday. The animals are presented to the priest who will ritually decapitate them with a khukuri knife & bathe the black stone image of Kali in blood.

Dhulikhel
30 kms east of Kathmandu lies the small resort town of Dhulikhel set on a hill top, enveloped in copper soiled terraces with magnificent views of the central Himalayan peaks. Dhulikhel is well known for its sunrise views and a number of day trails lead along the north ridge of the town. A good way to get a glimpse of Nepalese village life.

Godavari
18 kms south of Kathmandu lies the Royal Botanical Gardens at Godavari. With its rushing streams and shady meadows it is a popular picnic spot. It also has a notable collection of orchids, cactii & ferns. A quiet path leads to the Godavari Kunda, a spring where the sacred water of the Godavari river pours from the mountains.

Kakani
The village of Kakani lies 29 kms north west of Kathmandu City. Famous for magnificent views of the sun setting over the north western Himalayan range; the Ganesh Himal massif, Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Choba Bhamare (6,016 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Annapurna (8,091 m). The drive to Kakani & back along the Trishuli Road is scenically rewarding with green forest & mountain grandeur on one side and fertile river flats and terraced hillside cultivation on the other.

Kirtipur
Perched on twin hillocks and clinging to a saddle about 5 km south west of Kathmandu lies the village of Kirtipur. A long flight of steps leads up to Kirtipur from the valley floor & a motorable road goes part way up the hill. Steep paths link brick houses built on terraces. The villagers dressed in traditional costume work on ancient looms. The people are well known for their strength and valour. Many historical battles were fought and won by the inhabitants of Kirtipur.

Kopan Monastery
A center of Mahayana Buddhism 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.

Nagarkot
The tiny settlement of Nagarkot clings to a hilltop 36 kms east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,099m. It is one of the best vantage point to view the peaks - from the Annapurnas to Everest, the peaks seem no more than a day's walk away. It is also possible to do a day hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel along the valley rim.

Nagarjun
Nagarjun, a prominent forested hill, west of Kathmandu topped with a Buddhist stupa with superb views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Kathmandu valley. A dirt road winds to the top (2,096m) though a trek would take two hours. A return trail descends the southwest side of Nagarjun to Ichangu Narayan and reaches Kathmandu via a dirt road that eventually comes out behind Swayambhunath.

Namo Buddha
Namo Buddha meaning "hail to the Buddha" a sacred site, where according to legend Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress & her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa depicts the moving story. A dirt road (suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles) leads up to Namo Buddha from Dhulikhel. A different trail returns descending south through a forest heading west up a long vale for a round trip walk of six to seven hours, or 2 to 3 hours to Panauti.

Panauti
Located at the confluence of the Punyamati & Roshi Khola rivers, Panauti was once an important staging post on the Tibet trade route with pre-Lichhavi origins. The banks of the river are now crowded with temples, shrines and cremation ghats. Across the river lies the recently restored Brahmayani temple. The Indreshwar Mahadev temple is a 15th century Newari structure with exquisite woodcarvings especially on the roof struts.

Pashupatinath
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 including a royal ghat reserved exclusively for members of the royal family. 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 purificatory baths in the river. One of the most colorful is the women's festival of Teej when dressed in their finest red and gold saris hundreds of women, laughing and singing converge on Pashupatinath.

Phulchowki
The triple peaked hill of Phulchowki the "flower-covered hill", is highest on the valley rim at 2,762m. Lying 20 kms south east of Kathmandu, a road winds its way to the top where a small shrine is built to the mother of the forest, Phulchowki Mai. The trail up to the top takes about 4 hours through lovely rhododendron & oak forests crossing the motorable road a couple of times. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the white peaks from Himalchuli to the Everest. There is a trail connecting Phulchowki to Pharping on one side and Panauti on the other.

Sankhu
Hills surround the sleepy village of Sankhu, once on the trade route east to Helambu. Forests above the village hide an important temple to the tantric goddess, Bajra Jogini. Follow the wide stone path north of the village and walk up the steps to the temple, flanked with smaller shrines, stupas and statues. The main structure is 17th century and has a fine golden torana above the door. Behind the temple there are other shrines & sculptures.

Shivapuri
Shivapuri, at a height of 2,732m, allows one a 360 degree view of the Himalaya in the north & the Kathmandu valley in the south. The trail up to Shivapuri hill leads through small farming villages & a protected forest of Rhododendrons & orchids with little mountain streams running through it. This can be made into a most enjoyable full day's programme.

Swayambhunath
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 center 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. Its’ dazzling white hemispherical mound represent the ladder to nirvana, itself symbolized by the umbrella on the top. The whole is hung with multi-colored prayer flags whose every flutter releases holy prayers. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence.

Thimi
A name derived from the world "Chhemi" meaning "Capable people" is well known for its colourful painted masks, dolls & for its terracotta work including delightful peacock & elephant flower pots and imaginatively moulded candle stands & ashtrays. This village of Thimi lies on the old road to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu.

Tika Bhairav
A Shiva shrine of an altogether difference register is located at Tika Bhairav near Lele, where Shiva is portrayed in his terrible form as Bhairav. To reach this unusual shrine, the client must travel outside the Kathmandu Valley to the adjoining Lele Valley to the south. This monumental, multi colored fresco is an abstract close-up of Bhirav's face painted on a huge brick wall, barely sheltered by a tin roof.

The Four Ganesh Temples
Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is one of the most favored divinities in Hinduism and is certainly the most favored in the Kathmandu Valley. The god of good luck, who casts aside obstacles is believed to be the son of Shiva & Parvati. The shrew is his vehicle and he especially likes offerings of food. Ganesh has numerous shrines throughout the Valley but four are particularly sacred. The Chandra Binayak is in the middle of the village of Chabahil, 200m behind the Chabahil stupa. This small Ganesh is enshrined amidst rich brasswork & is believed to cure diseases and external bodily injuries. The simple stone Ganesh at the Surya Binayak is halfway up the foothills south of Bhaktapur. The path heads uphill to the little shrine, considered able to give the power of speech to young children who are slow to talk. In a forest preserve between the villages of Bungmati & Khokana lies the Karya Binayak. From the road linking the hamlets, a path leads up to a beautiful clearing and the walled compound of the shrine. Here Ganesh is an elephant-shaped stone and is believed to help complete difficult tasks. Those seeking strength of character go to worship the Ganesh at Jal Binayak, just beyond the Chovar Gorge. A beautiful brass shrew faces the massive rock that represents Ganesh in this triple roofed temple constructed in 1602 AD.

About Pokhara - One of the wonderful place Of World

About Pokhara: Pokhara valley occupies the central location in Nepal and is dominated by the peaks of Annapurna range. Its unique setting may be judged from the fact that the town of Pokhara (91 3 metres), is only fifty kilometres from Annapurna 1 (8,091 metres), clearly seen from the valley. There is a decline of six thousand metres in altitude within a short distance of only twenty-nine kilometres; thus the region provides a dramatic contrast in landscape. The northern horizon is defined by a seventy kilometres long wall of snow and ice with numerous peaks. The prominent peaks from east to west are Annapurna South (7,21 9 metres), Fang (7,647 metres), Annapurna 1 (8,091 metres), Rock Noir (7,454 metres), Glacier Dome (7,193 metres), Gangapurna (7,455 metres), Annapurna Ill (7,555 metres), Machhapuchhre (6,997 metres), Annapurna IV (7,525 metres), Annapurna 11 (7,937 metres) and Lamjung Himal (6,983 metres). In addition to these, Dhaulagiri 1 to the north-west and Manaslu-Himalchuli peaks to the north-east are also visible.

Lakes: Pokhara valley abounds in lakes. Phewa, Rupa and Begnas are the most famous ones while Khaste, Dipang and Mardi are some other smaller lakes situated further away. Sporting activities like canoeing and swimming are conducted on Phewa Lake, together with angling of carp fish. On a small island is a temple dedicated to Varahi, and in contrast to the gaiety of holiday makers, devotees go about their worship undisturbed by the goings-on in the water as well as occasional barbeques on the banks of the lake. Apart from the lakes, the floor of the valley is made up of a layer of gravel, cut into intricate terraces and deep canyons by various tributaries of the Seti river.

People:Similar to the contrast between the level plain and the rugged hills, there are sizeable variations in the cultural pattern of the area. The tropical plain and low hills are the home of mainly Newars, Brahmans, Chhetris and other Hindu castes, while the temperate highlands are mainly inhabited by tribal Gurungs and Magars. Above the highest villages at 1,900 metres, there are extensive temperate forests with alpine pastures further beyond.

There are also two Tibetan settlements near Pokhara where one can see women weaving exquisite carpets using traditional designs and methods handed down to them for generations. Both these settlements are famous for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and souvenirs.

Places to see: Pokhara is full of interesting places to visit such as the Seti River Gorge which flows some ninety-one metres below ground level, Davis's Fall called Flatie Chhango in Nepaii where the cascading water vanishes underground, and Mahendra Cave where one can see stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Mini Treks: Although a base for all treks to the Annapurna region, several mini treks can also be organised from Pokhara, notably to Sarangkot. The four-hour trek to the top of this hill offers a spectacular birds-eye-view of Phewa Lake, the entire Annapurna range, the river Seti and the village of Hyangza. A one night trek to Naudanda and Ghachowk can also be made. On the way to Naudanda, one passes the village of Hyangza while from Naudanda, the twin peaks of Machhapuchhre, the Fish Tail Mountain can be seen.

Climate: The prevailing climate of Pokhara valley is humid sub- tropical with heavy rains during the summer. Spring, autumn and winter are ideal seasons for visiting and trekking around Pokhara valley.

Pokhara is connected by daily flights with Kathmandu and also by highway from Kathrnandu and Siddharthanagar (Bhairawa). The town has good hotel facilities, and for trekkers, provisions and porters can be easily arranged.

Good Tourists Spots in Nepal

 

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Nepal (Nepali: नेपाल  [neˈpaːl] (help·info)), officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia and is the world's youngest republic. It is bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. With an area of 147,181 square kilometers and a population of approximately 30 million, Nepal is the world's 93^rd largest country by land mass^[3] and the 41^st most populous country.^[4] Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largestmetropolitan city.

Located 29-km north-west of the Kathmandu city, the fabulous holidays area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are: Gaurishanker (7,134m.), Choba Bhamre (6,109 m), Manaslu (8,163 m), Himalchuli (7, 893m), Annapurna ( 8,091m), and several other peaks.

Gosainkunda:

One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132-kms north east of Kathmandu. 

Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati Bhairv, Sourya and Ganesh Kund, etc.

Dhulikhel

This ancient town is situated 30-km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west.

Panauti:

It is a thriving village of the road to Dhulikhel, with some very lovely temples and interesting old houses particularly beautiful area some 14th century wooden temple struts. The drive is through beautiful countryside.

Namo Buddha:

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

Timal Narayan:

The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit to the village of the tamang people who live in this area.

Palanchowk Bhagawati:

7-km north of the mountain of Panchkhal, on the top of a hill lies the noted historic temple of palanchowk bhagawati. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of goddess bhagawati.

Charikot:

About 133-km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spetacular mountais view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.

Helambu:

Helambu situated about 72-km north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11-km away from Kathmandu.

Gorkha:

Gorkha is the birth place of King Prithivi Narayan Shah - The Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace precinct. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temple of Gorakhnath. Gorkha can be reached in about 6 hours from Kathmandu and in about 4 hours from Pokhara. A side trip to Manakamana on the way to Gorkha is very enjoyable and interesting.

Muktinath:

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of mustang and is situated about 18-kms north-east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749m. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather.

There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.

Pokhara Valley:

The Pokhara Valley one of the most picturesques spot of Nepal, is enhanced by its lovely lakes Phewa, Begnas and Rupa. Situated 200-kms west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by bus from Kathmandu and Bhairahawa a border town near India. Situated at an altitude of 827m, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. Pokhara’s numerous lakes known as ‘Tal’ in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming.

Tansen:

Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching views of the country’s chief attractions. The Himalayas from Dhaulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. It takes just seven hours by bus from Pokhara to reach Tansen.

Lumbini:

Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non violence. It is situated 250-kms south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi, etc. are still preserved in Lumbini. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa. Also one can reach Lumbini in about 3 hours by bus or car from Tensen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes about 8 hours by bus or car.

Rapti Valley (Chitwan):

From Kathmandu it takes 6 hours to reach chitwan. Situated 120-kms south-west of Kathmandu, the main attraction of chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park. This is one of the Nepal’s largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife - the rare great One-horned Rhinoceros, several species of Deer, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Wild Boar, Fresh Water Dolphin, Crocodile, more Royal Bengal Tiger. Visitors to chitwan may view game of Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, from window and on jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize such safari. Visitors may also take river raft, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.

Nepal)-

Daman:

It is situated 80-kms south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400m. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the breathtaking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far west of Dhaulagiri to far east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.

Namche Bazaar:

The name of namche bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest - the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241-kms. From Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region.

Janakpur:

A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days.

Biratnagar:

The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in dharan and barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with kathmandu by air and road.

Barahachhetra:

A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century.

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Hile:

It is situated about 13-kms north of Dhankuta Bazaar. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, Makalu, Lhotse and Kumbhakarna.

Antu Danda:

It is situated at an altitude of 1,677 m. In the llam district and is famous for its unique views of everest and kanchenjunga. It is the best place for viewing sunrise and sunset.