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Top Things To See
Bhaktapur
In ornate Bhaktapur, known as the Temple City, admire unusual animal paintings in the National Art Gallery, located in the old Malla Palace. Other museums include the National Woodworking Museum, showing fine examples of renowned Newari woodcarving, and the Brass and Bronze Museum. Lumbini: Buddha’s birthplace Meditate on the teachings of Buddha at his birthplace near the border town of Lumbini. Lumbini is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, and is a buddhist plgramage centre because, as it is believed by many around the world, Buddha was born there more than 2,600 years ago. Kathmandu Enjoy the magic of Nepal's capital Kathmandu: the cultural, commercial and business hub. The bars of bustling Thamel are packed with travellers, while in Durbar Square, discover a wonderful collection of temples and shrines, the old Royal Palace, and the Statue of Hanuman the Monkey God. Pashupatinath Pashupatinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, and is found on the banks of the Bagmati river in the eastern part of the city. See the many sadhus - wandering Hindu holy men swathed in bright red and yellow robes - who make pilgrimages to the river's holy waters. Patan Patan has long-standing artistic traditions. As well as an array of beautifully crafted goods, discover ancient historic and artistic landmarks, including Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Mandir, the Royal Bath, the Kumbheshwor Temple and the Golden Temple. Royal Chitwan National Park This, Nepal's oldest national park, is home to endangered Royal Bengal tigers and the one-horned Indian rhino. Explore Royal Chitwan National Park by elephant-back, foot sarafi or even spend a night in a jungle watch tower listening to the weird and wonderful sounds of the jungle. Shrine of Ganesh Visit the Shrine of Ganesh the Elephant God, reputed to bring good luck. There are four Ganesh temples in the valley, each a masterpiece of Nepalese architecture: one in Kathmandu's Durbar Square, one in Chabahil, one in Chobar and one near Bhaktapur. Siddha Gufa Siddha Gufa, the largest cave in Nepal, features spectacular undulating limestone formations. It is found just outside the hilltop Newari village of Bandipur, a short trek (about one and a half hours) away. Swayambhunath Stupa Stop on the way up the steep steps to Kathmandu's Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the monkey temple) to watch the spritely community of monkeys, and have your fortune told by a Tibetan astrologer. From the temple itself, be treated to views over Kathmandu. Thani Mai Temple Stretch your legs with the short but steep walk from Bandipur, south of Pokhara, to visit the Thani Mai Temple. The architecture around the preserved Newari village is stunning. Equally impressive are the Himalayan views, particularly spectacular at sunset. |
