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Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is one of the world's
oldest cities. The old part of the city, with narrow
medieval streets and lovely little shrines, centers on the
Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive pagoda-roofed
temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic
monuments.
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Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur or also known as Bhadgaon , is a museum of
medieval art and architecture with many fine examples of
sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples
consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is
shaped like a conch shell-one of the emblems of the god
Vishnu and was founded by King Ananda Deva in A.D.889. The
city is 1,402 meters above sea level. Pottery and weaving
are its major traditional industries. The city lies fifteen
Kilometers to the east of Kathmandu.
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Patan
The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur meaning, city of
beauty. It is indeed a city of beauty and grace and is
planned on a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of
the four points of the compass. The city is three Kilometers
southeast of Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like
Kathmandu, its center of attraction is its Durbar Square
complex, situated right in the middle of the market place.
The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples
with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful
carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is
also know as the city of artists. The city is believed to
been built during the reign of Vira Dev in A.D. 299.
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Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is scenic and town situated 30 kilometers east of
Kathmandu on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway).
From here one can have a panoramic view of the Himalayan
range. From the main town, a short visit to Namobuddha, with
stupa and Buddhist Monastery is highly recommended site to
visit. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous temple with
magnificent woodcarving, is a short distance from Dhulikhel
Gorkha
The township of Gorkha situated on the lap of a hill is the
headquarters of the district by the same name. King Prithvi
Narayan Shah the great whi unified the Kingdom of Nepal
during the 18th century was born here. The historic Gorkha
palace is situated on the top of a fortified hill above the
township about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station.
The Gorkha Durbar is also a holy shrine for Goddess Kali,
the goddess of velour, whom no mortal is allowed to pay
homage. On every 8th day of the lunar calendar sacrifices
are offered to the Goddess. There is a famous cave
sheltering the statue of Goraknath Baba (sage) on the
premises. From the top of the hill above the Gorkha Durbar
and from a saddle east of the bazaar, a spectacular view of
Manaslu and Himalchuli peaks is possible. On a beautiful
ridge southeast of the township of Gorkha lies the holy
temple of Manakamana, the goddess of aspirations. It is a
famous pilgrimage site for Hindus where animals and birds
are sacrificed for the goddess. Manakamana is 4 hour's walk
uphill from Anbu Khaireni on Kathmandu Pokhara highway.
There are a number of good lodge at the Manakamana hill and
the Gorkha bus park is a government recognized hotel
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Pokhara
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley
(827m), is the starting point for many of Nepal’s most
popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of
Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-trail summit of
Machachhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an
ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara
is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and
the world famous views of the Himalaya. Situated 200 km west
of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well as by road
from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India.
Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu,
Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.
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Lumbini
Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha , the apostle of
peace and compassion . It is 21 km. west of Bhairahawa in
Rupandehi district in the mid west terai of Nepal south west
of Tansen. There is an all weather airport at Bhairahawa for
those who want to take a direct approach to this revered
from Kathmandu.
Lumbini is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists as well as a
place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith
throughout the world. The center of attraction at Lumbini is
the sacred garden with Mayadevi temple depicting the birth
of Lord Buddha, the Ashokan pillar pinpointing the place of
birth of the Buddha and the Sakyan Tank where Mayadevi, the
mother of the Buddha is supposed to have taken a dip before
bringing forth the baby. All around this holy site there are
remnants of monasteries and chaityas built over the
centuries following the Buddha's birth in 623 B.C.
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Chitwan National Park
Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia,
renowned for its concentration of wildlife and top class
tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity to see animals
in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means the ‘heart of
the jungle’ is among the last surviving example of the
continuous band of forests and grasslands, which once
extended from the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese
border. The main attraction here is the Chitwan National
Park, One of the largest forests regions in Asia teeming
with wildlife such as the rare great one-horned rhinoceros,
several species of dear, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar,
fresh water, dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of
birds and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger.Chitwan National
Park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural)
list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back
excursions, nature walks, canoe trips and jungle treks.
There are several authorized agencies to organize such
safaris. Visitors may also take a river raft. First driving
from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. The
five-hour drive to Chitwan (165km overland) from Kathmandu
is filled with thrilling views of the hills, rivers and
plains with jungles on either side.
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Muktinath & Jomsom
It is believed that all miseries / sorrows are relieved once
you visit this temple (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God). The famous
temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and
is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of
about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple
dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it is 108
waterspouts from which pour holy water. 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 take a direct flight from Kathmandu via
Pokhara to jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours via Kagbeni or trek
all the way from Pokhara which takes 7-8 days. It is
believed that one should visit this temple after competing
pilgrimages of four Dhams in India. This temple is held
sacred by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple
nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural
gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna
region. There is a world-class accommodation facilities in
Jomsom from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.
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