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Sight Seeing in Nepal ! |
| Major
sightseeing places in Nepal
Nepal has many
different things to offer for sightseeing. The natural beauty
and Himalayan views, the culture and traditions, the historical
monument, art and architecture, Hindu temples and Buddhist
stupa and monasteries, its people and rites, myths and mysteries
which are a part of the daily life of the people of Nepal.
Kathmandu is the first arrival point for most visitors. Mountains
surround the valley and it is divided into the three major
cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. These were once
three different kingdoms and to this day retain their own
rich artistic styles and traditions. Out of the valley there
are also other beautiful unexplored destinations, sight seeing
packages are included some of them. |
| Kathmandu
Durbar Square: |
Kathmandu
Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in the valley.
The word Durbar Square translates in English as palace complex
and is listed as a World Heritage Site. Clustered around Durbar
Square is the old Royal palace, which has been converted into
a well-equipped museum. Numerous other beautiful temples,
shrines, Kumari Bahal, House of the living Goddess, Kastamandap
(a house build from the wood of a single tree) and other small
temples are scattered everywhere in the square. The main palace
building is 9 stories high and anyone can visit to the top
and experience panoramic views of the city. |
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Patan Durbar Square is a
concentrated mass of temples, the most stunning display
of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal. Listed in World
Heritage Site, the former Royal Palace complex is the center
of Patan's religious and social life, and houses a museum
containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects.
One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated
to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.
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Bhaktapur
Durbar Squarel: |
Bhaktapur
Durbar Square is much larger and more spacious than Kathmandu's
and much less crowded with temples than Patan.The disasterous
earthquake in 1934 destroyed many of the beautiful monuments
in the square and are now marked only by empty platforms where
they once stood. Some of the most popular monuments golden
gate, peacock window and Nyatapola temple are main attractions. |
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Swayambhunath: |
Swayambhunath
is one of the most ancient Stupas in the Kathmandu vally.It
lies on the top of the hill in west of the valley. The unique
architecture of Swayambhunath is one of the most easily recognizable
symbols of Nepal. From here one can enjoy a spectacular view
of Kathmandu City. Legend says that ancient times the valley
was a lake and it was known as the serpent's lake. Saint Manjushree
cut the southern part of the valley and drained the water
out. The Swayambhu was the first exit and became most important
pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists. |
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Bouddhanath: |
Boudhanath
is the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal. It is religious center
for the Buddhist people. Surrounding the stupa there are many
different monasteries belonging to different Buddhist sects.
Most of the visitors use go to The Stupa for sightseeing and
shopping and Tibetans handicrafts. During the full moon day
many Buddhist people come to celebrate and take part in various
religious activities. |
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Changunarayan
Templel: |
This
temple is situated on a scenic hill top 20km from Kathmandi
and 7 km from Bhaktapur. King Hari dutta verma built this
temple. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works
made of metal and woodcarvings. This is the finest example
of Nepalese pagoda architecture.The inscription at Changunarayan
is the oldest recorded in history, dating to the 4th century.
Its history dates back to the Lichhavi period when the Lichhavi
king Manadeva installed pillars in 464 AD. The temple is worth
visiting to see the architectural and iconography combination. |
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Pokhara: |
Pokhara
is the second major tourist destination in Nepal. It is 200km
west of Kathmandu. Standing at 884m above the sea level, Pokhara
offers a mild climate. It is famous for the natural beauty
of its lakeside location and its proximity to the mountains.
Especially stunning views of Machapuchhare 6997m (also known
as the Fishtail mountain). There are many places to visit
in this beautiful city such as the panoramic mountain views,
Phewa Lake and the Varahi Temple on its island, David's fall,
Mahendra Cave, etc. Activities such as boating, fishing and
canoeing can be organized on the Phewa Lake. |
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Lumbini: |
| Lumbini
is situated about 250km South West of Kathmandu. This place
famous for Buddhist pilgrimage because Lord Buddha was born
here in 560 BC. The birth of Buddha at Lumbini has been recorded
in the pillar inscription 'The Light of Asia' although there
is not much to see but the peaceful environment provides you
with inner sense of tranquility. In some ways, Tilaurakot,
the site of Kapilavastu, the fortress-palace where Buddha
was raised as a prince of the royal family is more evocative. |
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