Hot Destinations within Kathmandu Valley
Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
It is the nine-storied palace
structure built around 1770 A.D. This palace square was residence to
Nepal's royal family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace.
The house of the living goddess (Kumari), the ferocious Kal Bhairav, the
red monkey god and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of
the sights at the square. All woodcarvings, statues and architecture in
this area are exceptionally fine. Most parts of the palace premise are
open for tourists throughout the week during office hours.
Swayambhunath (World Heritage Site)
Swayambhunath (World Heritage Site)
Swayambhunath, a 2000 years old
Buddhist monument looking out into the four cardinal directions, is
situated on a hilltop overlooking the Kathmandu city. It is one of the
world's most glorious chaityas about 3 km from the city center.
Surrounding the hemispherical stupa are many temples and pagodas and
large band red-faced monkey, believed to be the descendents of the
'Hanuman', the monkey god.
Bouddhanath Stupa (World Heritage Site)
Bouddhanath Stupa (World Heritage Site)
It is the world's biggest Buddhist
shrine located about 2 km to the north of Pashupatinath temple. It is a
dome shaped eight-angled structure with the all-seeing eyes of Lord
Buddha looking out into the four cardinal directions. It was built by
the Lichhavi King Man Dev in the 5th century. Pilgrims and devotees walk
clockwise turning prayer wheels around the base of the shrine.
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site)
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site)
One of the holiest Hindu shrines in
the world, Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Chronicles
indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 km east of
the city center. This holy place is picturesque collection of temples,
shrines, hermitages, images & inscriptions. All the dying persons
are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed
to go inside.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
The square is one of the most
charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights some of
the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The main square of the city contains
innumerable temples and other marvelous architectural showpieces- Lion
Gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Picture Gallery, the golden
Gate, the Batsala Temple and the Bell of Barking Dogs. The centerpiece
is the 55 window palace built by King Yakshya Malla in the 17th century.
Changunarayan: (World Heritage Site)
Changunarayan: (World Heritage Site)
The temple of Changunarayan is richly
decorated with sculptures and carvings and is said to be the oldest
pagoda style temple in the valley. The temple, built around the third
century, is decorated by some of the best samples of stone, wood and
metal craft in the valley. The courtyard has many others temples such as
that of Kiloswar, Shiva, Chhinnamasta Devi and other figures like
Garuda and different image of Vishnu.
Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
The Patan Durbar Square, situated in
the heart of the city, consists of enchanting mélange of palace
buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples belonged to
the medieval period 15th to 17th century. The former Royal palace
complex and its surroundings provide very good example of ancient Newari
architecture. To the west of the complex, there are a dozen of wooden
temples of various sizes and styles.
Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha
It is the largest and the most
important Vishnu shrine in the valley, which is situated at the
Shivapuri foothill some 8 km to the north of Kathmandu. The main shrine
consists of a huge black stone image of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed
of coiled snakes in the middle of a pond. Buddhists and different sects
of Hindus worship this god in the names of their faith. This outstanding
stone sculpture dates around 650 A.D. and is the most beautiful among
all the stone engravings within the Kathmandu valley. http://www.nepalguideinfo.com/Nepal.php http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
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