Kathmandu valley, hoding numerous places of interest, is one of the must visit places in Nepal. There are many places for the sightseeing. One can find a number of interesting places for a hangout in and around Kathmandu valley. Today, we are presenting some of these places for you peruse. Happy reading!
1. Bouddhanath
Bouddhanath temple/monastery is a sacred Buddhist pilgimage site. It was built in the 14th century circa after the Mughal invasions. Following the 1959 Chinese invasion thousands of Tibetans throng to Nepal and as a result, Bouddhanath has been built to accommodate the visitors. Afterwards, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. Bouddhanath, being the largest stupa in Kathmandu and an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Buddhists as well as others, is a popular tourist site. It is known as Khasti in Nepali Bhasa, it’s far acknowledged via Jyarung Khashor in Tibetan language or as Bouddha as is understood by most of the people in Nepal. It is located about 7 kilometers east of the oldest stupa. There are different 45 Buddhist monasteries in this vicinity. The Stupa is enlisted in UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979 A.D. Bouddhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos from an aerial view. Like other Tibetan mandalas, the cardinal points are marked by four of the Dhyani Buddhas whereas the centre is enshrined with the fifth Buddha called Vairocana in the white hemisphere of the stupa . The five Buddhas, as the legend says, personify Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. These are reflected in the stupa’s architecture
2. Pashupatinath
The Pashupatinath Temple is a well-known, sacred Hindu holy area committed to Pashupatinath and is positioned on the banks of the Bagmati River five kilometers north-east of heart of Kathmandu. The Pashupatinath, Deupatan, Jaya Bageshwori, Gaurighat, Kutumbahal, Gaushala, Pingan Nath and Sleshmantak forest.There are approximately 492 Temples, Chaityas, Satals, having been constructed in various styles. The Pashupatinath region holds almost a thousand Shivalingas. Pashupatinath temple was enlisted in UNESCO world Heritage site in 1972 A.D.
3. Swoyambhunath
The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath, situated loftily atop a hill in Kathmandu, is one of the most popular holy sites standing as the recognizable symbol of Nepal. Most of the people recognize this temple as a “Monkey Temple” as a number of roaming monkeys welcome the visitors here. This temple is believed to have been constructed earlier than the fifth century. This temple appears as an image of the spiritual tolerance as there is the temple of Hindu goddess Saraswati. There are other stupas and idols additionally. These days, the biggest statue of Buddha has been constructed on the foot of Swayambhunath temple. It was enlisted the UNESCO world heritage site in 1979 A.D. Swayambhunath temple is one of the best sightseeing places in Nepal in all the season.
4. Patan
Historically Patan is the third largest metropolis of Nepal after Kathmandu and Pokhara and it’s far placed within the south-principal part of Kathmandu Valley that is a new Metropolitan metropolis of Nepal. It remained the typical residential area of the ruling Malla Kings all through the medieval era. Lalitpur is likewise referred to as Manigal. Patan Durbar square is located in Patan. Krishna temple holding 21 golden pinnacles represents the masterpiece artwork and structure of the Malla dynasty. There are other highlights including a statue of Yog Narendra Malla,Kumbheshwor Mahadev, Mahabouddha, Bhimsen temple, Vishwanath temple, Jagat Narayan Temple, and the temple of Rato Machhindranath. This site was also enlisted inside the international heritage websites in 1979 A.D. Patan is one of the best visiting places in Nepal.
5. Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur,the most popular medieval city in Nepal, is a famous city located about 20 km east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur, the city of devotees, is considered the Cultural Gem of Nepal. Having been a popular city for Pagoda-style construction, thousands of tourists visit Bhaktapur for the amazing architecture, lively people and colorful markets. The city of Bhaktapur, having situated at an average elevation of 1000m, is surrounded by lush green mountains and terraced landscapes. It provides a splendid aerial view of the Himalayas. Culturally, Bhaktapur is entirely covered by Hindu as well as Buddhist religious sites. Although majority of the Hindu people reside in Bhaktapur, almost nineteen Buddhist monasteries are the popular sites to visit there. A number of seasonal festivals are celebrated throughout the year to pay tribute to gods and to mark the historical as well as legendary events . Similarly, one can easily explore the city’s cultural life put on a display in different places. One can see artisans weave cloth along the road side, and, the locals gather in the courtyards. Bhaktapur offers a lot for sightseeing. The medieval squares, hidden courtyards, narrow streets, virtually everywhere you can see the statues and temples. To be precise, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Surya Binayak, Changunarayan and The National Art Gallery are some of the important locations you should not miss. Apart from wondering around cultural and religious places, you can visit places like Nagarkot for the view of mesmerizing sunrise and Himalayan ranges. Unlike the city of Kathmandu Bhaktapur has still preserved its traditional arts, crafts and culture, and is still untouched by modernization. The well conserved artefacts evidently proves that Bhaktapur still stands as an ancient city attracting spiralling numbers of tourists from the world. The city of Bhaktapur is also enlisted in the UNESCO world Heritage site for its rich culture and architecture.
6. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nepal
Bhaktapur actually translates to the region of devotees. It becomes the location from in which the Malla kings of Bhaktapur dominated over their state. Additionally known as Bhadgaon or Khowpa, it’s far recognized as a historical Newar city within the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, approximately 8 miles from the capital city, Kathmandu. In Bhaktapur, we can locate Bhaktapur Durbar square. It includes fifty-a 55-window palace, a statue of Bhupendra Malla, country wide artwork Gallery, Golden Gate, Nayatapola, and so forth. It was enlisted within the World Heritage website in 1979 A.D.
7. Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel,the headquarters of Kavrepalanchowk District, is 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu. The old Newari town is situated at the foothills of the Panchkhal basin along the Arniko highway that joins Kathmandu with the Tibetan border of Kodari. Dhulikhel is one of the best places for sightseeing in Nepal suitable to visit in both winter and summer season. One can observe the magnificent views of the high Himalayas from Dhulikhel. From the ridge, breathtaking and panoramic views of two mountain gigants called Langtang to the east and Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shankar to the East gets unfolded. Thousands of visitors are attracted to Dhulikhel because of the lush green inviting hills and beautifully carved terraces. The old city of Dhulikhel provides insight of the typical lifestyle of the local community. The five century old city gives the true picture of the medieval city. The city with the narrow streets provides a true picture of the local community, their culture, their religion and way of life. Dhulikhel is also a home for numerous temples depicting traditional Newari arts, crafts and architecture. A number of Hindu shrines and Buddhist stupas can be visited here. The other highlights of Dhulikhel are Narayan Temple with a yellow metal roof, Harisiddhi Temple, Bhagwati Temple. Although Dhulikhel is mostly inhabited by Newari People, an assortment of people with other casts such as Bhramin, Chhetri, Dalit and Tamang also reside in unity. The variation in culture means one can find different attire and customs of the people living in this area.
8. Nagarkot
Nagarkot, approximately one hour drive from Kathmandu, lies at Bhaktapur.Nagarkot is the best spot to view the vicinity stretching from Dhaulagiri from the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. Situated on the top of the north-eastern ridge of Kathmandu valley at an altitude of around 2300 m, one can best view mesmerising sunrise, sunset and Kathmandu valley. Nagarkot makes a best location for refreshment and hiking giving the joy of peace and tranquility. It is one of the magnificent destination to escape the bustling city of Kathmandu. Visit to Nagarkot can be made in both winter and summer season.
9. Kakani
Kakani, just 23 km northwest of Kathmandu, is a small village is on a ridge of Nuwakot district. Kakani offers the best view of the snowcapped mountains lying both in the western and in the central regions. Being naturally and climatically a perfect site for holiday and picnic celebration, a number of both domestic and international tourist visit this site. The view of Ganesh Himal during the sunset is really mesmerizing. Visitors get attracted by the lush green hills, terraced paddy fields and the beautifuls forests along with the panoramic views of different mountatain ranges equally draws the attention of the visitors to this site. Kakani is one of the best places in Nepal to visit in both winter and summer season.