A land locked himalayan country between India and Tibet, Nepal, the only hindu nation on the earth, offers a whole range of Tourism services. From a holiday maker to an adventure traveler to a mountaineer and to wild life enthusiast, Nepal has it all.

It is a country of amazing extremes. From the world's deepest gorge 'Kali-Gandaki' to highest point on earth 'The Everest'.There are the forested plains in which the tiger, the elephant and the rhinoceros live. Natural beauty is abundant and enchantment is everywhere, be it on the villages on high mountains or on terraced ridges like stairways to the sky, in the bustle of the cities, on quiet or rushing rivers, or in forests full of wild life, flowers and birds. Something for every visitor, trekker, river runner, wild life enthusiast, poet, artist, writer, scholar, or the weary in search of a personal tryst with mother nature.

Whether in Kathmandu, the capital, OR in its suburbs, to walk the streets is to travel back in time. Shrines, temples, palaces, palace-squares, ageless sculptures and legend that are parts of every brick and stone and gilded masterpiece, make living museums of Kathmandu Valley.

Places Of Interest

Kathmandu | Patan | Bhaktapur | Outside the Valley | Popular Hill Resorts

The valley of Kathmandu as the main attraction consists of three main cities of great historical and cultural interest Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan) and Bhaktapur (Bhadagaon). Situated at an altitude of 1336 m. above the sea level, the Kathmandu Valley covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The major tourist attractions in Kathmandu and outside include:

Kathmandu
	Durbar Square: Bashantapur It is the historical seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples and the places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that Kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD. Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal
Chowk, the Gaddi Bsithak, The statue of King Pratap Malla, the big bell, Big Drum and the Jaganath Temple. On the right-hand corner, larger wooden lattice screen hides an enormous glide face of Sweata Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also Numismatic and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesday and government holidays.

Temple of Kumari ( Kumari Ghar): The temple or the residence of Living goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.

Kasthamandap: Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives is name from this temple.

Swaymbhunath: 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 kilo-meters west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77m. above the level of the Kathmandu Valley.

Bouddhanath: The Stupa of Bouddhanath lies eight kilometers east of the Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of the biggest in the world.

Budhanilkantha: About 8 km north of the Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill as a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining of the bed of the snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchahvi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Gokarna: This lovely Royal Game Sanctuary, also known as Gokarna Safari Park, lies about ten kilometers north-east of Kathmandu. Many wild animals such as spotted deer can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant back. On the northern side of Gokarna, is as pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

Pashupatinath Temple: Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu, the temple of lord Shiva-Pasupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. Visitor can clearly seen the temple and activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Guheswari Temple: Near Pasupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheshwari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Changu Narayan Temple: Situated on a ridge over looking the valley, about 12 kilometers of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest and the oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings. The sacred complex is a World Heritage Site.

Kirtipur: Situated on a ridge 6 km. south west of the Kathmandu having about 35000 population. The ancient township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history. The chilamchu Stupa and the temple of the Bagh bhairav are major sight here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building and waving.

Dakshinkali and Chobhar: The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km. from the city center on the southern rim of the valley past Pharping village, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animals sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar gorge. The gash in the hills was made by Manjushree to drain out the lake which once covered the valley.

Lalitpur (Patan): This ancient city, also known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five km south-east of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu graceful pagoda temples and Buddhist monuments. Patan is also listed as a World Heritage Site. The major tourist attractions of Patan are:

and reflects the sophisticated architecture of Malla period. there is a shrine dedicated to Shakyamuni right across the intrance.

Krishna Mandir: Built in the seventeen 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.

Kumbeshwar: This temple situated at the northern part of Patan, is dedicated to Shiva. It was founded in 1392 and oldest exiting temple in the city. It is also one of the only three temple in the Valley with five roofs. The two ponds here (Konti) are believed to be connected by a subterranean channel to the holy Gosaikunda lake, which lies several day's walk north of Kathmandu.

Temples of Machchhendra Nath and Min Nath: Each year for six month the Red Machchhendra Nath (also known as Avalokiteshwor and Adinath Lokeshwor) resides here and for remaining part of the year it is taken to the shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Min Nath is situated in Tengal and is believed to be older than the Temple of Red Machchhendra Nath.

Rundra Varna Mahavihar: This unique Buddhist monastery contains fine and amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.

The Ashokan Stupas: There are four ancient stupas popularly belived to have been built in 250 B. C. by Emperor Ahoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.

Achheswor Mahavihar: It was established towards the beginning of the seventeenth century by one Achheshwor by building a temple to house and idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchowk, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Godavari: Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki,Royal Botanical Garden has a splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs to Godavari to the south-east, passing through the small, old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. It is the only in Nepal, is opened daily including Saturdays and government holidays.

Phulchowki: Located about 10 km south-east of Patan, this mountain, 2758 m. high, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill, which can be reached through a jeep able road.

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Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon)
	Although the "youngest" among the three royal cities, Bhaktapur is carrying the oldest image. It is situated at an altitude of 1.401 meter from the sea level. Bhaktapur covers an area of 4 square miles shaped like a conch-shell. Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Pottry and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur includes:
Durbar Square: The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla, the picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, the Batsala temple and the Bell of barking dog, etc. The statue of the King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is palace of the many statues available in Nepal, this is considered to be the most magnificent.

The Nyatapola & Bhairavnath as frame for the famous Bisket Jatra Nyatapola Temple: This five storey pagoda was built in 1702 A. D. by King Bhupitendra Malla. It stands in a five terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figure; two famous wrestler, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, Baghini and Singhini the tiger and the lion goddesses. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship..

Bhairavnath Temple: This temple was first built as a one storey pagoda but latter changed into a three-storey temple in 1718 A. D. by King Bhupatrindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav-the god of Terror.

Dattatreya Square: Dattatreya Square takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. Set in a maze of streets lined with richly ornamented houses, the squar is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed here and the Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.

Changu Narayan: Situated at the end of the long ridge which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 A. D. and said to be the oldest temple in the valley.

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Outside the Kathmandu Valley
Pokhara: A fabled sopt for a closeup of the high Himalaya, Pokhara is one of the main starting points for trekking and lies on the foot of the Annapurna Himal (8.091m) alonng the lake Fewa. Just a mere 40 min flight or a 5 hours drive brings you there. Gorkha: The historical city of the founder of the modern Nepal, Prithvi Narayan Shah, you can enjoy good views on the Himalaya and visit this historical place too! Gorkha lies between Kathmandu and can easily be combined with
travel from Kathmandu to Pokhara or Chitwan to Kathmandu or v/v.

Lumbini: The historical birthplace of Lord Buddha, located near the southern border to India, can be reached by road and flight. You might visit also the nearby city of Kapilavastu, the archeological site and city of Siddartha Sakya's Kingdom before becoming the Lord Buddha.

Chitwan: The well known National Park, needless to explain, one of the best spot's to enjoy wildlife in Nepal. Famous for the great one horned rhino, eleohant and te Bengal Tiger and other species of Deer, Antelope, Birds and Plant Life.

Endangered Species:

Tiger, Rhino, Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Brown bear, Assamese macaque, Gangetic dolphin, Wolf, Wild elephant , Giant horn-bill, Swamp deer, Wild yak, Tibetan antelope, Black buck, Four horned antelope, Musk deer, Pigmy hog, Haspid hare, Pangolin, Gharial, Indian bustard, Saras crane, Impean pheasant, Python.

Wildlife:

One horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Snow-leopard, Clouded-leopard, Red panda, Blue-sheep, Long snouted fish eating Gharial, wild elephant , buffaloes, bisons, blue bull, brown bear, leopard, crocodiles and many varieties of cat, dog, deer and antelope fmilies and 840 different species of wet-land, migratory and residential birds.

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Popular Hill Resorts

Nagarkot: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2175m. above the sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. Fascinating mountain view from Nagarkot

Dhulikhel: This ancient town is situated 30 kilometers eaast from Kathmandu. From here one can have a coplete panoramic view of the snowy ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the West.

Daman: It is situated 80 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of about 2,400 meters. Daman is located on the Trivuwan Highway in between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj. For the view of the Breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peaks extending in one glittering are from far-west of Dhaulagiri to far -east of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) there is no better place than Daman. There is a view tower fitted with long range telescope. Daman can be reached in hours from Kathmandu.

CLIMATE AND CLOTHING :

Nepal's climate varies with its topography. The climate ranges from tropical to arctic varying with the altitude (29,028 ft. to a little below 1,000 ft. above sea-level). The Terai region, which lies in the tropical section of the country, has a hot, humid climate. The mid-land regions are pleasant all the year round, although winter nights are cool. The northern region, at an altitude above 1 1,000 ft., has an alpine climate with a considerably lower temperature in winter.

Seasons & Clothing : Nepal has four seasons: (a) March-May - Spring, (b) June-August - Summer, (c) Sept-Nov. - Autumn, (d) Dec-Feb -Winter.

Clothing depends on place and time. It is recommended that one have both light and warm clothing. For summer in the Terai or Kathmandu, only light clothes are needed.

RELIGION AND CULTURE :

Hinduism and Buddhism are the two major religions of Nepal, the only Hindu state in the world. Hindus and Buddhist live together in a friendly way. They worship both Hindu and Buddhist deities and celebrate festivals of both religions. The Kumari, or virgin goddess of Kathmandu, for instance, is a Hindu goddess, but selected from a Buddhist clan for worship.

A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious harmony that exists, particularly between the Buddhist and Hindu communities. The People are extremely religious and observe from day to day the traditional customs and rites that both religions command. The rich cultural heritage of Nepal can be seen in the diverse social customs and frequent socio-religious festivals which spill into the streets and squares of the cities and villages. There is hardly a day or a place where one can not see the celebration of some sort of festival, however small.