The political, commercial, and cultural hub of Nepal, Kathmandu is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it now contains three fabled cities - Kathmandu (population 550,000); Patan (160,000); and Bhaktapur (population 75,000).
There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley. The history of the Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and make it inhabitable
Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Dynasties came and went. Trade and the arts flourished. Its deeply religious Newari inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders. In the late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal within more or less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital.
Around Kathmandu valley
These are a couple of the places around Kathmandu valley. because they are so close, there are many ways to get there (including mountain biking!)
Nagarkot :
Savor the beauty of majestic mountains in comfort and quiet.
Nagarkot is located 30 km to the east of Kathmandu on the valley rim. It is the favorite weekend gateway for those who seek Himalayan scenery in rural serenity. From Nagarkot, you witness the stunning view of mountains that extend all the way from Dhaulagiri in the west past Mt. Everest to Kanchenjunga in the east. The surrounding countryside of Nagarkot is great for walking.
Nagarkot is situated at an elevation of (2,175 m), and provides a grandstand panorama of the Himalayas. You can see five of the world’s tallest mountains – Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516m), Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m) – and many other lesser (yet still impressive) summits. The snow peaks look especially gorgeous during sunset and sunrise.
Nagarkot, surrounded by terraced hillsides and picturesque farm houses, the hilltop resort is the epitome of an idyllic escape – with only the wind and the sound of rustling leaves to disturb you. Bird watching is a joy in the forests here. Short hiking options abound. The most popular walk leads down from Nagarkot along a ridge to the temple of Changu Narayan-with views of Sankhu village to the right and Bhaktapur to the left. Another preferred trail leads south, from Nagarkot to Nala and Banepa, on the highway to Tibet.
Dhulikhel :
Himalayan viewing amid nature’s bounty.
Dhulikhel (1440vm) is a small town with a long history. Records show that it has been around for more than 500 years. The artistic skill and urban ethos of its Newari inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty. Streets lined with bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, sloping tile roofs, pagoda temples, and sacred statues everywhere. You will think you have wandered into a cultural theme park.
The major places of worship here are the Narayan and Harisiddhi temples, which are profusely adorned with wood carvings. The Gokhureswar Mahadev temple, a 30 minutes walk to the eastern part of town, is a peaceful and scenic spot. The Bhagawati temple is situated at a height in the western part of Dhulikhel and dominates the skyline. From here, you can get a beautiful vista of the town and surrounding areas.
There are many vintage points in Dhulikhel which offers a panorama of the Himalaya that will leave you spellbound. Looking out over low hills and valleys, the mountains rise up in an extended arc, stretching from the far left to the far right. More than 20 Himalayan Peaks can be seen in all their glory. You should get up early in the morning to watch the first rays of the sun hit the summits and see their colors change. Sunset views are equally spectacular!
Pokhara: An Enchanting Himalayan Valley
Pokhara is a resort city of remarkable beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificent summit of Machhapuchhare rising behind it create a magical ambience of peace. Pokhara is part of a once vibrant caravan route extending between India and Tibet. This is the land of Magars and Gurungs who have earned worldwide fame as Gurkha soldiers.
Places To Visit in Pokhara
Mountain View:
Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara’s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. The Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna south. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8,091 m), which dominates all others in this area.
Phewa Lake:
The second largest lake in the Kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 x 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of the resort town. The eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, is the favorite home base for travelers and is where most of the hotels, restaurants, and handicrafts shops are located.
Begnas Lake And Rupa Lake:
Begnas lake and Rupa Lake are located about 15 km from Pokhara at the end road that turns north from the highway to Kathmandu. Divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing opportunities can be had here.
Barahi Temple:
Barahi Temple, Build on an island in Phewa Lake, this two storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying animals across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.
World Peace Stupa:
World Peace Stupa, a massive Buddhist stupa, is situated on the to of the southern shore of Fewa lake, beside being an impressive sight in itself, The shrine is a great vantage point which offers superb views of Annapurna range and Pokhara city.
Seti Gandaki:
Flowing right through the city, the boisterous river runs completely underground at places. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its depth is quite beyond imagination – over 20 meters! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river’s dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow.
Devi’s Fall:
Locally known as patale chhango Devi’s fall (also knows as Devil’s, devin’s or david’s) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 KM. south-west of pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen. Legend has it that a trekkers (devin, David.) Was washed away by the pardi khola and disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.
Gupteswar Gupha:
This is a sacred cave located near devi’s fall. The cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big, hall-sized rooms and some passages. This cave holds special value for Hindus since a phallic symbol of lord shiva is preserved here in the condition it was discovered.
Mahendra Gupha:
Another of nature’s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the house of bats, an apt name for it. A two-hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the local winged residents.
Robert’s Aviary:
Colonel Jimmy Roberts, the father of trekking in Nepal, collected pheasants during his trekking and mountaineering forays into the Annapurna mountains. He maintained an aviary for these colorful birds, and it was acquired by the Fulbari Resorts & Spa.
The Old Bazaar:
Pokhara’s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu valley. Located about 4 km from Lakeside, this market’s original charm is alive and well.
Bindhyabasini Temple:
Bindhyabasini Temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, a manifestation of Shakti. The park-like grounds offer a fine picnic area, and on Saturdays and Tuesdays, when devotees flock there, it has a festive local flavor.
The Tibetan refugee settlement, Tashi Palkheil, also known locally as Hempa Camp, is 7 km north of Pokhara on the west bank of the Seti River. Of interest here are a monastery, handicraft center, and herbal medicine clinic.
Mailing Address:
First Environmental Trekking (P.) Ltd.
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal
P.O.Box : 8056
Tel : + 977-1-4417343
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E-mail : firstentrek@wlink.com.np
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