Nepal. Land of Himalayas.

Nepal is a kingdom of high Himalayan Mountains, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife, and diverse cultures. It is the land where Lord Buddha was born over 2,500 years ago. The kingdom of Nepal covers an area of 147,181 square kilometers, and stretches 145-241 kilometers north to south and 850 kilometers west to east. The country is located between India in the South and China in the North. Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. Tourism, carpets and garments are major industries.

It has the highest mountain Mt. Everest towering above populated valleys and forested plains in which lordly tigers and lazy rhinoceroses live. Enchantment is hidden everywhere and it has enough excitement to offer to everybody. Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is a living museum. Its shrines, temples and palaces have their own stories to tell. Kathmandu valley has exotic setting. The magic of Nepal is manifested in its mountains, rivers, jungles and intriguing culture. Fly near the summit of Mt. Everest (8848m) and enjoy the convoluting river system beneath. The medieval bazaars the artistic wonders, the dramatic festivals and colorful temple worship of Kathmandu will enrapture you forever.

Places of Interest
 

ATHMANDU: the capital of Nepal resembles a medieval city. It is a city of temples and shrines and living Gods, where worship of God and Goddesses is a legend and public part of daily life. The Pagoda was invented here which was later exported to China and Japan.

Kathmandu Durbar Square ( Hanuman Dhoka) It is top attractions of Kathmandu valley in the heart of the city. The square has more than 50 Temples and shrines  within a few blocks of one another Durbar means "Palace" and it was from the Royal Palace on the square that the kings of Nepal once ruled. It represents the historic seat of the monarchy where the kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnised. The interesting attractions here are (1) Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D. (2) Gigantic statue of Kal Bhairav, an incarnation of Lord Shiva. (3) Basantapur Durbar or Nautalle Durbar, built by the founder of the Shah dynasty, King Prithvi Narayan Shah (4) Nasal Chowk or the Coronation Platform (5) Gaddi Baithak or the Hall of Public Audience (6) the statue of King Pratap Malla, (7) the Big Bell, (8) the Big Drums, and (9) the Jagannath Temple. There is also a temple of Pancha Mukhi Hanuman - the popular Hindu Monkey God. It is one of the only two such structures in Nepal, the other is in the renowned Pashupatinath Temple. Opposite to the entrance of Hanuman Dhoka stands the magnificent (10) Krishna Mandir, which is one of the few temples that is octagonal shaped. The other major attractions of Durbar Square are the (11) Kumari Ghar (housing the residence of Kumari, the Living Goddess of Nepal) and the (12) Kasthamandap Temple, (13) Narayan Temple, (14) Shiva Temple, (15) Lohan Chowk, (16) Lalitpur Tower, (17) Bhaktapur Tower, (18) Kritipur Tower, (19) Hanuman Dhoka, (20) Shiva Parbati Temple, Pratap Malla Column, (21) Mohan Chowk, (22) Sundari Chowk, (23) Kageshvara Mahadev Temple, and (24) Indra Temple.

Boudhanath : One of the world’s largest stupa, Boudha is generally acknowledged to be the most important Tibetan Buddhist monument outside Tibet. Tibetans simply call it CHORTEN CHEMPO "Great Stupa". It has now become the Mecca of Tibetan exiles in Nepal. Walking around Boudhnath one often fins men wearing long braids wrapped around their heads. Many of these pilgrims carry their own prayer wheels, which they spin incessantly.

 

Pashupatinath: The temple of Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated 5 Kms East of Kathmandu on the banks of sacred Bagmati River. It is a pagoda style temple with a gilt roof and richly carved silver doors. During the festival of Shivratri, held in the month of February or March thousand of pilgrims from all over Nepal and India descend on Pashupatinath.
 

 

 

Swayambhunath: This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four -sides of the spire bases are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is three kilometres west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m. above the level of the Kathmandu Valley.

 

ATAN CITY : Also known, as Lalitpur is famous for metalworkers. It is 6 Kms Southeast of Kathmandu City across the southern bank of River Bagmati. Patan is the ideal place to shop cast metal figures of Buddhist  and Hindu deities. Within the courtyard of the Temple of 1000 Buddha’s there are several more metalworkers’ shop.

Durbar Square: Patan Durbar square, situated in the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a master piece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tuhsahity.

Krishna Mandir: Built in the seventeenth century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone. Hiranya Verna Mahavihar: Located inside kwabadehal, this three storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by king Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

 

 

 

HADGAON CITY, known as Bhaktapur is the home of medieval, art and architecture (wood carving capital of Nepal) lies 14 Kms east of Kathmandu City, situated at an altitude of 1,401 m. Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or "the City of Devotees" still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated with myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continue to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu.

 

 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like: the Lion Gate, a Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, a Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Batsala Temple, the Bell of Barking Dogs, and a replica of Pashupatinath Temple.
The Lion Gate which was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla is adorned with stone figures of Hanuman, Ghairav, and Narasingh Narayan. A statue of the Malla King in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many statues in Nepal, this is considered to be the most magnificent. The Picture Gallery contains ancient paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools of Tantrism of various periods and descriptions. The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard and the Palace of 55 Windows. It was built by King Ranjit Malla and is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind showing the Goddess Kali and Garuda, the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu. This gate is embellished with monsters of marvelous intricacy.

The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the seventeenth century by King Bhupatindra Malla. Among the brick walls, with their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of wood carving.

The stone temple of Batsala Devi, which is also located in the Durbar Square, is full of intricate carvings. This temple also shows a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "bell of barking dogs." When it peals, the local dogs start barking. This bell, placed in 1737 A.D. by King Ranjit Malla, was used to sound curfew during his reign. The bell is rung every morning while worshipping the Goddess Taleju.

Nayatpola Temple: This five story pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five story terraced platform. On each of the terraces squats pairs of figures: two famous wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini, the tiger and the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones immediately below, while the lowest pair, the two strong men, Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla, were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. The temple was built for Goddess Laxmi. Dattatraya Temple: This temple is said to have been built from he trunk of a single tree. It was built in 1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla and was repaired in 1458 A.D. by King Bishwor Malla. Surya Binayak  a shrine of Ganesh, the elephant-headed God, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Bhadgaon, placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. The view of the city of Bhaktapur is seen from here with snow-capped peaks in the background. Changu Narayan Temple is said to be the oldest in the Kathmandu Valley. Although it was rebuilt in 1702, its origin goes back to the 4th Century. Located on the top of a spur rising in the eastern part of the valley, it is 22 kilometres east from Kathmandu and 4 kilometres north of Bhaktapur.

 

 

agarkot: Nagarkot is situated about 35km/22 miles east of Kathmandu. It lies between Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229m/ 7133ft.above sea level. It is about an hours drive from Kathmandu. It is hailed to be the best for the mountain watchers. People normally spend the night in one of the lodges to see the sun set and sun rise. Nagarkot extends the views all the way from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchanjunga in the east. There are number of walks from Nagarkot, down to cheese factory, Bhaktapur, Sundarijal, Changu-Narayan.

 

hulikhel: This ancient town is situated 30 kilometres 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.This place is also surrounded by Harisiddhi temple, Vishnu Temple, Krishna Temple and Bhagwati Temple, Shiva Temple
and Famous Kali temple. 

 

okhara Valley is one of the most picturesque places. The lakes- Phewa, Begnas, and Rupa enhance the beauty of the Valley, which have their source in the glacial region of the Annapurna Range of the Himalayas. Pokhara is situated 200 kilometres north-west of Kathmandu and is connected by air as well or by a five-hour ride from Kathmandu.
 

Pokhara Valley is situated at an altitude of 827 metres from the see-level. For mountain viewers, Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and five peaks of Annapurna range. Pokhara is one of the few places in the world to provide such a dramatic view in a subtropical setting. Machhapuchhre also called Fish-Tail Mountain, that is situated only 28 kilometres from Phewa Lake, and not a single mountain range intervenes between the two natural enties. Pokhara's numerous lakes, known as "Tal" in Nepali offer tourists facilities likefishing, boating and swimming.

 

    The major sightseeing places in Pokhara are:

    • Devi's Fall                                • Mahendra Cave
    • Seti River Gorge                      • Bindabasini Temple
    • Tibetan Refugee Camp            • Lake Side
    • Dam Side

Trekking from Pokhara
If Pokhara is famous for its lakes and mountain views, it is equally famous as a base for treks and expeditions into the Central Nepal Himalaya. The town is the best way to end the classic three-week Annapurna Circuit, an exhilarating trek that takes one to the spectacular Trans-Himalayan domain of Manang and Mustang in the rain shadow of the Annapurna range.

Short Treks in Annapurna Region

 

ROYAL TREK

	Trek Name	ROYAL TREK
	FLY then DRIVE	from Kathmandu to Pokhara
	SEASONS	END OF AUGUST- MID MAY
	Day	Activity

	DAY 01	Arrive in Kathmandu
	DAY 02	Kathmandu - Pokhara
	DAY 03	Pokhara - Kalikasthan
	DAY 04	Kalikasthan - Syaglung
	DAY 05	Syaglung - Chisapani
	DAY 06	Chisapani - Pokhara
	DAY 07	Pokhara - Kathmandu

 

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GHOREPANI TREK

	Trek Name	GHOREPANI TREK
	DRIVE then FLY	from Kathmandu to Pokhara
	SEASON	END OF AUGUST- MID MAY
	Day	Activity

	DAY 01	Arrive in Kathmandu
	DAY 02	Kathmandu City Tour
	DAY 03	Kathmandu - Pokhara
	DAY 04	Pokhara - Tikhedhunga
	DAY 05	Tikhedhunga-Ghorepani
	DAY 06	Ghorepani - Tadapani
	DAY 07	Tadapani – Ghandrung
	DAY 08	Ghandrung - Pokhara
	DAY 09	Pokhara - Kathmandu

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umbini: Lumbini is the birthplace of lord Buddha, the apostle of peace, and non-violence. It is situated 250 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu. The broken Ashokan pillar, remnaths of an old monastery, image 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 Tansen via Bhairahawa. From Kathmandu it takes eight hours by bus or car.

 

 

 

WHEN to travel?

he best time to visit Nepal depends largely on your tolerance and expectation, and where you will be going. To varying degree each seasons brings its own joys as well as trials.  October-November, the start of the dry season, is in many ways the best time of year: the weather is balmy, the air is clean, visibility is perfect and the country is lush following the monsoon. February-April, the tail end of the dry season, is the second-best period: visibility is not so good because of dust, but the weather is warm and many of Nepal's wonderful wild flowers are in bloom. In December and January the climate and visibility are good but it can be chilly: trekkers need to be well prepared for snow, and for cheaper hotels in Kathmandu - nonexistent heating makes for rather gloomy evenings. The rest of the year is fairly unpleasant for travelling: May and early June are generally too hot and dusty for comfort, and the monsoon from mid-June to September obscures the mountains in cloud and turns trails and roads to mud.

 

What does a tour cost?

t depends on how many people in the group and the length of the programme. If you email to us an outline of what you would like to do, we shall get back in touch with a more definite programme and a firm quote.
We do not attempt to offer the cheapest tours to Nepal. We do endeavour however, to offer the best!  We do not skimp on the quality of vehicles, of food and accommodation, of local staff and suggestions regarding the number of days to make a journey ideal.

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Last updated: 16 May, 2006