Western Region

The city of Pokhara lies in the picturesque Pokhara Valley, an extension of the Seti Gandaki valley. The Western Region is known for its impressive geographical features, with mountains rising up dramatically to great heights, such as the Annapurna, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri ranges which all have peaks over 8,000 meters in height.

Pokhara receives a large number of tourists each year, many of whom are on their way to climb nearby mountains, or enjoy the spectacular trekking routes in the Western Region of Nepal. Other attractions in the area including the Mahendra, Gupteswor and Bat Caves, the Phewa Tal (Phewa Lake) and the awe-inspiring Devi's Falls, where water from the lake rushes over a cliff, disappearing into a seemingly bottomless hole.

The town of Tansen is also a popular holiday destination, offering breath-taking views of the Himalayas and the Terai plains, as well as many historical and cultural attractions. Trekking is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty of the Western Region of Nepal and Tansen serves as a base for trekking enthusiasts to explore the region by means of routes designed to showcase the beauty of the area, such as the route that runs along the Kali Gandaki River.

Travelers who have visited Nepal will agree that the scenery is beyond description, and even the best photograph can’t capture its true beauty. For the experience of a lifetime, visit any of the five regions of fascinating Nepal.

Eastern Region

The area around the town is primarily used for agriculture, with small rural villages scattered throughout the region. Dhankuta is located on the North-South Koshi Highway and serves as an important commercial and trading center for the Eastern Region of Nepal.

Located in the Koshi Zone of the Eastern Region, the city of Biratnagar is Nepal's second largest city, offering quite a number of attractions that tourists find appealing. Biratnagar is the gateway to the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, a peaceful haven for Nepal’s flora and fauna and a prime bird-watching destination that is visited by birding enthusiasts from far and wide. Also near Biratnagar is the Hindu pilgrimage site of Baraha Kshetra drawing Hindu devotees to worship.

Hidden Treasures in Mustang

The team discovered ancient Buddhist shrines in the network of caves. These had been intricately decorated with painted murals, the most outstanding of which is a 55-panel mural detailing events in Buddha’s life. In 2008 another expedition was undertaken and this time several human skeletons were found, which are believed to be at least 600-years old, as well as reams of manuscripts, some of which contained small paintings referred to as ‘illuminations’. Experts agree that these sacred treasures have significant similarities to descriptions said to be found in the so-called ‘hidden valleys’ of Buddhists, referred to as ‘Shambala’, which was the inspiration for the fictional Shangri-La of the 1930s novel ‘Lost Horizon’ by British writer James Hilton.

Sadly, over the centuries looters and souvenir hunters have damaged some of the ancient texts and even some of the cave walls. Nevertheless, researchers have retrieved valuable ancient manuscripts which have been remarkably preserved by the cool, arid climate of the region. These reveal a wealth of religious writings from Buddhism, as well as from Bön, which was an earlier faith of native Tibetans before converting to Buddhism. The writings suggest that Bön may have continued as the primary belief system of the people in the Mustang area for more than a century after the eighth century conversion of Tibet to Buddhism. While no-one knows for sure why these historical religious treasures were hidden in the caves, the general consensus among experts is that the kings of Mustang may have hidden the Bön sacred texts rather than to destroy them, as a sign of respect. Ongoing research will no doubt bring to light more interesting facts about this remote region of Nepal and the people who lived there.

Narayanhiti Palace

The breathtaking Narayanhiti Palace was constructed in the eighteenth century, and has been home to the Shah monarchy for almost two hundred and forty years. Its grandeur has been marveled at for centuries, and with the demise of the monarchy in May of 2008, the public has been given the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of their royal ancestors and explore the world of the privileged. The Nepal Government decided to transform the palace into a museum, to share the history and riches of the country with its people and tourists, and to conserve this vital part of the past.

The part of the palace that has been opened to the public as a museum covers an area just over forty thousand square feet, where visitors will be able to view the old furniture and art that has been in the palace for centuries. They will be able to marvel at the ornaments and lifestyle enjoyed in the walls of the palace. Valuable medals and idols are also on display, including a fleet of historical vehicles, of which one was given to the monarchy by the feared German leader, Hitler. Some items, such as the royal crown and throne are not open to viewing due to security reasons, as they are extremely valuable pieces.

The fall of the monarchy does conjure up some mixed emotions from the Nepali public. They do feel sympathetic to the royal family that had to leave their home, but are happy about a new era beginning; one without an autocratic monarchy. To tourists and visitors, the Narayanhiti Palace is a wonderful addition to the list of attractions in Nepal, and a worthy site to explore.

Gupteswar Gupha

Gupteswar Gupha is viewed as sacred and a very significant site to the Hindus because a shrine to Lord Shiva was discovered in the cave. Photographs of the cave and the shrine are not permitted. Protected from the elements within the cave, the shrine is in the same condition today as it was on the day of its discovery. The name of the cave is derived from this shrine, as Gupteswar means ‘hidden god’. Visitors are also advised to wear comfortable shoes when heading out towards the cave, as there are approximately a thousand stairs to climb to reach the shrine.

The hike to Gupteswar Gupha is most definitely worth the effort, as it winds its way through the breathtaking forests that are home to champaka and sal trees. The cave consists of two main parts, of which the entrance is two meters in height and approximately three meters wide. The first cave has a few rooms that are the size of a hall and has many passageways. Some can only be explored by crawling through them, so it is not recommended for visitors suffering from claustrophobia to try the smaller passages. The shrine in Gupteswar Gupha is believed to have healing powers and many worshipers make their way to the cave each year in the hope of being healed from a variety of illnesses. The second cave is also a place of significance, as it is home to a massive stalactite named the Udder of Kamadhenu. People hold out their hands for hours trying to capture a drop of water from the stalactite. There are smaller caves surrounding Gupteswar Gupha that are also worth exploring, and discovering these ancient wonders is a very rewarding and memorable experience.

Elusive Yeti

The Yeti is known by a number of different names within Nepal and Tibet, but they all basically describe the creature as being wild, man/bear-like and above all, fear-inspiring. It is also said that anyone who sees the Yeti will die. The legend of the Yeti had already been firmly entrenched in Nepali folklore when in 1921 Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Howard-Bury led the 'Everest Reconnaissance Expedition' during which they came across footprints in the snow which he described as being "rather like those of a bare-footed man". He was of the opinion that they may have been caused by a large grey wolf which was loping through the snow in a manner that formed double tracks. But his Sherpa guides immediately identified the footprints as being that of a creature they called ‘metoh-kangmi’ – translated as man-bear snowman. It was later that same year, when journalist Henry Newman interviewed the Everest Reconnaissance Expedition Sherpas, that he coined the term 'Abominable Snowman'.

Although mention of the Yeti had been made in 1832 by trekker Brian Houghton Hodgson who explored northern Nepal, it was during the early 20th century when mountaineers started to explore Nepal’s majestic mountains that sightings of the Yeti started to become more frequent. In 1925, on an expedition for the Royal Geographical Society, photographer N.A. Tombazi reported seeing the Yeti which he described as walking upright like a human being and wearing no clothes.

In the mid 1900s interest in the Yeti reached a peak with debate being fueled by pictures of the footprints which were taken by Eric Shipton while scaling Mount Everest in 1951. These, as well as photographs taken during the Daily Mail sponsored Snowman Expedition of 1954, were discounted by experts as being ordinary tracks of indigenous animals having been distorted by the elements. Hairs taken from what was believed to be a Yeti scalp at Pangboche monastery were thoroughly analyzed by Professor Frederic Wood Jones and compared to hairs of animals found in the region. The professor was unable to determine conclusively what type of animal it had come from, which added more fuel to the fiery debate.

Elusive Yeti

The Yeti is known by a number of different names within Nepal and Tibet, but they all basically describe the creature as being wild, man/bear-like and above all, fear-inspiring. It is also said that anyone who sees the Yeti will die. The legend of the Yeti had already been firmly entrenched in Nepali folklore when in 1921 Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Howard-Bury led the 'Everest Reconnaissance Expedition' during which they came across footprints in the snow which he described as being "rather like those of a bare-footed man". He was of the opinion that they may have been caused by a large grey wolf which was loping through the snow in a manner that formed double tracks. But his Sherpa guides immediately identified the footprints as being that of a creature they called ‘metoh-kangmi’ – translated as man-bear snowman. It was later that same year, when journalist Henry Newman interviewed the Everest Reconnaissance Expedition Sherpas, that he coined the term 'Abominable Snowman'.

Although mention of the Yeti had been made in 1832 by trekker Brian Houghton Hodgson who explored northern Nepal, it was during the early 20th century when mountaineers started to explore Nepal’s majestic mountains that sightings of the Yeti started to become more frequent. In 1925, on an expedition for the Royal Geographical Society, photographer N.A. Tombazi reported seeing the Yeti which he described as walking upright like a human being and wearing no clothes.

In the mid 1900s interest in the Yeti reached a peak with debate being fueled by pictures of the footprints which were taken by Eric Shipton while scaling Mount Everest in 1951. These, as well as photographs taken during the Daily Mail sponsored Snowman Expedition of 1954, were discounted by experts as being ordinary tracks of indigenous animals having been distorted by the elements. Hairs taken from what was believed to be a Yeti scalp at Pangboche monastery were thoroughly analyzed by Professor Frederic Wood Jones and compared to hairs of animals found in the region. The professor was unable to determine conclusively what type of animal it had come from, which added more fuel to the fiery debate.

Mountain Flight

Nepal is a beautiful country, diverse in its many habitats ranging to some of the most extreme on the highest mountain ranges in the whole world. For those who have the chance to get away and travel, this is definitely a country to explore in-depth. There is an amazing variety of ways to see the countryside and all depends on the experience you would like to have. Some travelers are pure adrenaline junkies and so taking the opportunity to see Nepal through one to two day tours is the answer as you bungy jump off the side of a steel bridge or raft down the Bhote Koshi. Others prefer the serene views up in a hot air balloon or through some of the most intriguing jungles on elephant back and if you really do feel like taking a challenge its to trek up some of the highest and majestic mountains the greatest, Mount Everest.

If you feel that time or physical fitness is against you, but desire to feel and experience the awe inspiring views of Nepal in something a little faster than a hot air balloon, then the mountain flights may just be the answer you were looking for. The duration of the mountain flight in Nepal is exactly the same as the balloon ride, the difference is that you will cover a lot more area in camera range of some of the most incredible scenes. Nothing can explain the emotions, sensations and thoughts that race through your mind as you glide just meters away from some of the most incredible rock masses and natural ice sculptures on the mountain faces.

Jungle Safaris

Nepal's national parks offer endless opportunities for jungle safaris. The Royal Chitwan National Park, located within Terai in central Nepal, is a safe haven for some of the most endangered species, such as the last breed of the beautiful Asiatic wild buffalo. The park is situated south-west of Kathmandu, about a 25 minute flight or a hundred and sixty-five kilometers overland. Once inside you will experience one of the richest and most unique ecosystems encircling a variety of habitats such as ox-bow lakes, tall grasslands, rolling hills, flood plains and thick jungle, predominantly made up Shores robusta or as it’s commonly known ‘Sal’. Thus it could be said to be one of the richest jungle safari destinations spread over 932 square kilometers.

If you have a lot of patience during your jungle safari in Nepal you may be privileged to see some of the largest arrays of protected wildlife such as the one-horned rhino, leopard, gaur or wild bison and the sloth bear. There is also a variety of other game like the musk deer, black buck, swamp deer, blue bull, gharial and the Royal Bengal tiger. If you are an avid bird lover you will be enchanted to know that you can view over 400 species of birds including the endangered cheer pheasants. The most famous of all the birds is the beautifully multicolored Impevan pheasant, also known as Nepal’s national bird. Most of the areas which lie at such high altitudes are under the protection of the Langtang, Shey-Phoksundo, Sagarmatha and Rara national parks. Some of the other exciting jungle activities offered in these parks include canoe rides, jungle walks, village tours, jeep drives and what has to be the ultimate experience sightseeing on elephant-back

Water Sports in Nepal

There are a many white waters and fine rivers in Nepal, which offer excellent opportunities for water sports, and of course there is something for everyone. Rafting, canoing and fishing are all very popular in Nepal. Imagine gliding along calm, sparkling waters surrounded by magnificent scenery, or rush through roaring whitewater rapids - whatever your preferences are, Nepal caters.

Rafting in Nepal provides you with the chance to view the beautiful countryside while enjoying the sights of traditional Nepali houses sitting on the hillsides and slopes. Rafting is truly spectacular in Nepal with lush tropical gorges that will give you the roller-coaster ride of your life. The rivers in the upper Himalayas are among the best in the world for river rafting sports, with many staircase rapids that challenge the body and spirit of anyone. Tourists can also enjoy overnight trips and packages where you can camp on sandy river banks.

In Nepal another enjoyable water sport is kayaking. This is usually an individual water sport. Kayaks are made from a special type of plastic and have flotation devices. Kayakers move through the water with a double blade paddle, and are able to work through the rapids facing the many challenging obstacles on the rivers. The sport of kayaking has become increasingly popular in Nepal and it is ideal for the average recreational boater. So come and enjoy an outstanding kayaking holiday in Nepal.

Hot Air Ballooning

Hot Air Ballooning which is an amazing experience is headed by Sunrise Nepal (Pty)Ltd, with daily flights starting the first week in October all the way through to the last week of April. However, Nepal’s climate is ever changing, therefore it all depends on weather conditions. With this in mind it may be advantageous to get confirmation as to the best time to go hot air ballooning in Nepal and base your holiday accordingly. However, it may be essential to do this closer to the date you wish to leave, so as to have a realistic forecast of weather conditions. Nonetheless, Hot air ballooning should rather be kept as a flexible event should you wish to avoid disappointment.

Some interesting points to note: There is no age limit for hot air ballooning, however, a moderate fitness level is still necessary as you will need to stand the duration of the flight and after landing you may also be required to amble through paddocks. Small children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Bear in mind the walls of the baskets are about four feet in height, making it difficult for children to see over. If you’re wondering what you should wear, it is best to base clothing choices according to what would have been worn if you had decided on hiking, therefore it includes sunglasses, cap, gloves and boots or a strong pair of shoes. Lastly never assume you have enough memory or film in your camera always take more than less, you’ll never forgive yourself when you have to let an awe inspiring view pass you by.

Bungy Jumping in Nepal

It’s a crazy sport that has some of the best views imaginable, if you don’t mind heights and being upside down. It has to be said that the Nepal bungy jump experience, with the longest free-fall to date, is nothing like you could imagine at 160 meters over the untamed waters of the Bhote Koshi. It is about a three hour drive from Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, to begin your adrenalin pumping adventure.

At the moment there is only one bungy jumping agency operating in Nepal, known as ‘The Last Resort’. This agency hosts some of the most experienced jumpmasters in the field of bungy jumping. The jump they offer was designed by one of the leading consultants in New Zealand and abides by the strict international standards, thus guaranteeing the utmost safety from beginning to end. The bungy jump in Nepal takes place from a 166 meter steel suspension bridge that is Swiss designed and made specifically for bungy jumping with a safety factor of x4 and a loading factor of 4.5t or 41,500kg. Interestingly, before the bridge was constructed, surrounding villagers would have to walk for about 5 hours in order to cross the river gorge safely.

The Last Resort offers a full package for adrenalin junkies. On the first day of your bungy jumping experience you will be provided with both lunch and dinner which will take place around the jump. As the time nears the anticipation almost seems too much before being transported off to the bungy jump site. It must be said, nothing can prepare you for this most unforgettable jump you will make. You will then spend the night at the resort, however, your experience does not stop here. On the second day you will enjoy a wonderful breakfast before you are once again whisked away from ‘The Last Resort’ to a site close to where you had previously jumped, this time you will get up close and personal, viewing the scenery from a totally different perspective while white river rafting and completing the Bhote koshi which entails 80 of the most challenging rapids. Lunch will then be provided before you make your way to your outside accommodation.

Activities in Nepal

Nepal's outdoor activities range from the world renowned mountain climbing, mountaineering and trekking across the Himalayas to less physical golfing and birdwatching. For the extreme sport enthusiasts, there is white water rafting and bungee jumping. Hot air ballooning is also becoming a very popular way to navigate the mountains of Nepal. If you enjoy a tour with a difference, you might try elephant safaris – definitely one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the local wildlife. Mountain biking and horse-back riding are two other popular options. If white water rafting sounds a bit extreme for you but you'd still like to spend time in the countries water-systems, you might try your hand at kayaking, canoing or even fishing. Whatever the case, you can be sure that there is an outdoor activity to suit you!

Nepal is a beautiful country which is rich in plant and animal life and has an abundance of open spaces. Subsequently there are many outdoor activities in Nepal which can be enjoyed by young and old alike. Some of these activities are incredibly physical and demand good physical health and mental vitality. Others are less grueling and those who are a little less healthy can enjoy them. Whatever category you fit into, you will likely agree that there is nothing quite like getting out and about in nature, enjoy the many pleasantries that it holds.

J ART Gallery

The J ART Gallery is one of the galleries where you will be able to find some amazing examples of the artwork produced by the local artists in Kathmandu. The gallery is located in Durbar Marg, a prominent area in Kathmandu, not far from the Royal Palace. Durbar Marg is near the Tribhuwan International Airport, which will take you fifteen minutes by car, so is easily accessible. Durbar Marg is a peaceful area but can become very busy during festivals like the Indra Jatra that takes places once a year. Apart from the art galleries in Durbar Marg there are also well-known sights and historical attractions that you can go visit as well.

The J ART Gallery displays and sells, as mentioned before, local art works completed by recognized painters in Kathmandu and from around the rest of the country. Every few months the gallery puts on an exhibition displaying artwork collected from one particular artist or a range of artists to give them a little more exposure. You will often find local diplomats and foreigners coming and supporting the J ART Gallery and their artists. Remember to visit J ART Gallery whenever you are next in Kathmandu, you are assured to come out of the art gallery with an authentic piece of art in hand.

Kathmandu is a unique city where one can really experience the traditional lifestyles of the Nepalese people while still enjoying the modern luxuries.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Visitors to the Durbar Square of Kathmandu will be amazed by the architectural wonders spanning several centuries. The majority of the structures built in Kathmandu Durbar Square date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with some sections from the 12th century. The central feature of the square is the renowned Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex. The striking palace was named in honor of the monkey god, Hanuman, and a statue of the unusual deity stands at the main entranceway. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex served as the residence of Nepal's royalty right up to the 1800s. It was also the gathering place of important administrators and numerous ceremonies were hosted here. The Nepali palace itself is a stunning structure with carefully carved wooden panels and windows. Visitors to the palace are welcome to stroll through the Mahendra Museum and the Tribhuvan Memorial Museum located here.

Surrounding the mighty Nepali palace complex are a large number of temples. These Nepali religious sites were constructed over many years and a number of architectural styles can be seen as you walk around Durbar Square. The oldest temples were built in the late 1500s by Mahendra Malla. These include Taleju Temple, Jagannath, Mahendreswara and Kotilingeswara Mahadev. The Hindu and Jain temple of Taleju is known as the tallest in Durbar Square and is said to have been built in the shape of a yantra under the orders of the goddess Taleju. Jagannath Temple is best-known for the erotic figures which were expertly carved into doors, roof struts and windows.

Standing on the southern side of the Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal. This is home to Nepal's living goddess, the Raj Kumari. She is a specially chosen girl who is said to be the human incarnation of the head Hindu goddess. If you are fortunate enough you may see her during one of her public appearances.

The Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery is located in Kathmandu, on the grounds of the Bhrikutimandap Exhibition. It was founded in 1985 and consists of the collaboration of art pieces created by both painters and sculAs with many of the art galleries in Nepal, the Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery tries to promote local Nepali art, and develop contemporary art as a part of the country’s culture. Curious local residents or tourists will be able to meet the various artists and discuss their art style. Not many art galleries in Nepal offer visitors the chance to improve and explore their own creative skills. The Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery offers art classes in the adjacent building, where the artists have established a college to promote the talents of upcoming artists and offer assistance and advice to those who are just interested in art as a hobby.

When looking for fascinating and exciting contemporary art galleries in Nepal, visitors will find that the Srijana Contemporary Art Gallery comes highly recommended. It has a permanent exhibition of established and new artists, but also hosts a wide variety of temporary exhibits. The temporary exhibits change regularly and therefore always has something new to display. These temporary exhibits have also assisted many new artists to be seen and start very successful careers. In 2002, as part of a promotion campaign, the gallery hosted an art sale. The art on display ranged from works of art done in oil, water, pen, acrylic and etchings. Landscapes, contemporary and abstract art was available. Any from of art you can think of was on sale. It was an opportunity for the artists to receive great exposure, and the public to buy and own a magnificent piece of art. To make the sale accessible to all members of the public, prices of the art were not allowed to exceed the maximum price limit, which was determined by the organizers.

ptors.

Boudhanath Stupa

The Boudhanath Stupa is very similar to the Swayambhunath Stupa, only it is bigger and enjoys better symmetry. The great white dome on which it is situated is almost perfectly spherical when compared to the somewhat irregular shape of the one at Swayambhunath although the actual four-sided dome-topped golden tower at the top is almost completely identical. The Boudhanath Temple is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal and the stupa measures an impressive 36 meters in height. This makes it one of the largest stupas in South Asia. The stupa has been built on a massive three level mandala style platform. The platform is surrounded by private family homes and extends the overall size of the stupa quite a bit in all directions. Another key difference between the Boudhanath Stupa and the Swayambhunath Stupa is that the Swaymabhunath Stupa was built on a hilltop while the Boudhanath Stupa is situated on the valley floor. Apparently the mandala design employed in the base was an imitation of the one in Gyangtse in Tibet.

Part of the reason why the Boudhanath Stupa has become so popular is that it is situated on a trade route between Tibet and Nepal and merchants often chose to rest here and offer prayers during their travels. During the 1950s a number of Tibetan refugees settled at Boudhanath forming a township around the shrine. Today you will find a busy settlement complete with shrine and complementary curio shops and restaurants. There are also a number of smaller stupas and monasteries to be found here which are worth taking a look at.

Guheswari Temple

The Guheswari Temple in Nepal is a very sacred temple which is dedicated to the Goddess Parvati. The name ‘Guheswari’ is sometimes also spelled ‘Guhyeshwari’ or ‘Guhjeshwari’. The temple has a strong sexual connotation that is not only linked to its fabled beginning but also to its name. According to legend the wife of Lord Shiva, Parvati, sacrificed her life by burning herself to death in her father’s ritual fire. Her distressed husband then chose to wonder the world, carrying the body of his dead wife as he did so. As he passed over the spot where the Guheswari Temple is located today it is said that her ‘yoni’, or female sex symbol, fell to the earth. In the 1653 King Pratap Malla saw fit to restore the magnificent Gushewari Temple. This temple represented the female force that Parvati was the very embodiment of. The temple name comes from the words ‘guhya’ which means ‘vagina’ and ‘ishwari’ which means ‘goddess’.

The Guheswari Temple is located in Kathmandu not far from the Pashupatinath Temple. The actual temple does not house any images of the legendary goddess but there are a lot of other things here worth seeing. The building is ornate and beautiful and the worship of the people here is usually very sincere and touching. Many believe this to be the temple to go to in order to pray for marital fidelity and a lot of different Hindus will make the trip here to ensure that their marriages do not suffer.

Folklore of Nepal

Nepal is known as a country with a distinctive and strong cultural heritage.A world renowned figure in Nepal's folklore is the legendary Abominable Snowman also known as the Yeti which is said to live in the Himalayas and is similar to North America's Bigfoot or Sasquatch. Several reports of sightings of the Yeti have been made in Nepal as well as in China, Siberia and other Asian countries. The Yeti or Abominable Snowman is described as a large apelike creature who uses grunts, whistles and cries to communicate. Various individuals have attempted to find out if there is any truth in the stories. They have carefully considered Nepal's folklore as well as making efforts to gather casts of footprints, even going so far as to create devices to capture the elusive Yeti. Even the famous Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand set about probing reports such as one made by Tensing Norgay's father regarding the Yeti. Despite all these efforts no tangible evidence has been found that confirms the existence of an Abominable Snowman. Thus, the Yeti remains an element of Nepalese folklore.If you come across any folktales, consider the meaning behind them and what they can teach you about Nepalese society, life and religion, it will be a truly rewarding experience.

Religious Sites

Nepal is the center of certain Buddhist philosophies and teachings and they aim to either explore this religion more fully or to adopt certain teachings themselves. Whether that is your goal or not, you will certainly find an abundance of religious sites in Nepal such as temples, shrines and monasteries.

With beautiful Mount Everest towering in the nearby Himalayas, Nepal seems like the perfect place to examine our role in the circle of life and our link to the heavenly cosmos. Many come here seeking spiritual enlightenment and some even claim that they have found it. Still others simply come here to explore other cultures and visiting temples, shrines and monasteries is very much a part of local culture so these ancient religious edifices generally become popular tourist attractions. Of course, some temples and monasteries in Nepal are considered to be sacred places where few people are allowed access so if you are a foreigner, do not always expect to get your way. It is simply a sign of respect for the very culture you are trying to gain appreciation for to resign yourself to the fact that access is prohibited in certain places. Generally speaking though, the people of Nepal are very friendly and do not mind allowing foreigners to enter their places of worship.

Some of the beautiful temples in Nepal are as follows;
1;Barahi temple
2;Guheswari
3;Boudhanath temple
4;Changu Narayan Temple
5; Mahaboudha Temple

Kathmandu(Heart of the Himalayas)

is truly the , it has a wonderful history that goes back to about two hundred years and a very refined culture, the richest of all in Asia. Kathmandu attracts many tourists all year round, and it is not only just a tourist destination it is also an important business hub and a sacred place for pilgrims.

It is said that Kathmandu has been found by king Gun Kamdev in AD 723. According to the legend, the area was a lake in the past, but Manjushri, a disciple of the Shakyamuni Buddha, cut open a hill to the south and allowed the water to flow out, making the region habitable. The origin of the present name is unclear, but one of the more likely theories is that it was named after Kastha-Mandap ("temple of wood" in Sanskrit), after a pagoda carved from the single tree on the order of King Lakshmi Narasingha Malla in 1596.

The old city is noted for its many Buddhist and Hindu temples and palaces, most dating from the 17th century. One good example is the Kathmandu's Durbar Square. This Durbar Square was built in the 16th century. It contains a marvelous royal palace and many temples built in the traditional Newar, Pagoda style. In the square is a house called the Kumari Chowk. The Kumari Chowk is home to Nepal's 'Kumari' – a little girl that is chosen as the living incarnation of the Hindu goddess.

Royal Botanical Garden in Godavari

The attracts many local residents and visitors over the weekends. The garden is an extravaganza of plants, trees, ferns, flowers and orchids. Most of the plants within the garden are marked, making recognition much easier. Godavari is also famous for its breathtaking butterflies, which can be seen gliding peacefully amongst the beauty and splendor of the garden. Avid bird watchers can be spotted in the garden, patiently waiting to view some of the rare and unique birds.

Another popular attraction in Godavari, is the Godavari Kunda, or Godavari Spring. It is a sacred and religious site that is absolutely fascinating. Gargoyles carved from stone will lead visitors to the tank of sacred water. This water flows from within the temple’s courtyard to the tank. Many legends are connected to the spring and the Madras River. The marble quarry that has operated in the region since the year 1890 has caused mass deforestation, exposing the 2 762 meter Pulchowki mountain. Visitors that summit the “Place of Flowers” will find the Pulchowki Mai shrine, in dedication to the goddess of the forest. Godavari is also home to the Mohan Meakin Brewery and a meteorological observatory.

Godavari is one of the most picturesque and diverse destinations in Nepal and has much to offer visitors. From fascinating sights, breathtaking natural beauty and a rich history, just waiting to be discovered.

artistic history

Nepal's has seen many colorful phases – each with its own distinct trademark. For many years, artwork was dictated by a sort of trade standard, which resulted in many similar works being produced. These were in great demand for the decoration of shrines and temples and so there was not much room for elaboration. Certain slight deviations in style and subject matter did occur from time to time and the trained eye will easily use these period characteristics to guesstimate what era the artwork is from. Much of the artwork currently on display at various museums and galleries has been carefully excavated from a number of Nepal's mountains.

More recent years has seen Nepal receive more foreign influences and this has clearly been reflected in the contemporary arts. Whilst still usually retaining a dynamic and cultured feel, the artwork has steered away from the religious stereotypes of the past and become more of an expression of the artists thoughts and emotions. As you visit the various art galleries in Nepal, you will find works from both well known artists and artists still struggling to make a place for themselves in the busy world of art. Visiting art galleries is one of the best ways to unwind after a long trek or a hard day of haggling with shopkeepers in the various markets. Make sure that you spend at least a little time at one or two of Nepal's art galleries while in Nepal. To ignore these little collections of color and culture would be a real crime! We have listed a few galleries below to help yo

Tourist Attraction

The majority of the structures built in Kathmandu Durbar Square date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with some sections from the 12th century. The central feature of the square is the renowned Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex. The striking palace was named in honor of the monkey god, Hanuman, and a statue of the unusual deity stands at the main entranceway. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex served as the residence of Nepal's royalty right up to the 1800s. It was also the gathering place of important administrators and numerous ceremonies were hosted here. The Nepali palace itself is a stunning structure with carefully carved wooden panels and windows. Visitors to the palace are welcome to stroll through the Mahendra Museum and the Tribhuvan Memorial Museum located here.

Surrounding the mighty Nepali palace complex are a large number of temples. These Nepali religious sites were constructed over many years and a number of architectural styles can be seen as you walk around Durbar Square. The oldest temples were built in the late 1500s by Mahendra Malla. These include Taleju Temple, Jagannath, Mahendreswara and Kotilingeswara Mahadev. The Hindu and Jain temple of Taleju is known as the tallest in Durbar Square and is said to have been built in the shape of a yantra under the orders of the goddess Taleju. Jagannath Temple is best-known for the erotic figures which were expertly carved into doors, roof struts and windows.

Standing on the southern side of the Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal. This is home to Nepal's living goddess, the Raj Kumari. She is a specially chosen girl who is said to be the human incarnation of the head Hindu goddess. If you are fortunate enough you may see her during one of her public appearances.