Glimpse of Nepal

Nepal

Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and altitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on Earth, Mt Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150km resulting into climatic conditions from sub-tropical to Artic.

Nepal occupying only 0.1% of the total landmass of the earth is home to:

– 2% of all the flowering plants in the world.
– 8% of the world’s population of birds (more that 848 species)
– 4% of mammals on Earth.
– 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies (more than 500 species)
– 600 indigenous plant families.
– 319 species of exotic orchids.

Nepal at a glance

Area : 147,181 sq. km.
Location : Situated between China in the north and India in the south, east and west.
Capital : Kathmandu.
Population : 25.8 million.
People : Nepal has more than 101 ethnic groups and 92 spoken languages.
Language : Nepali is the national language; travel-trade people understand and speak English as well.
Religion : Nepal is a secular state with a pre-dominance of Hindu & Buddhist population.
Currency : Nepali Rupee (approximately USD 1 equals Rs. 107.23 as of July 2016)
Political System : Federal Democratic Republic.
Climate : Nepal has four major seasons
(1) Winter: December-February,
(2) Spring: March-May
(3) Summer: June-August,
(4) Autumn: September-November.
Monsoons are from June till mid September. Nepal can be visited the whole year round.
What to wear : Light weight clothing is recommended from May through October. Warm garments are required in October-March. An umbrella or a raincoat is a must for the rainy seasons.

Places to visit in Pokhara

Pokhara Valley

Fewa Taal (Lake): Fewa Lake, the second largest lake in the kingdom, roughly measuring 1.5 km by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. The enchanting lake is an idyllic playground. Brightly painted wooden boats and sailboats can be rented on reasonable cost around lakeside. The lake is neither deep (roughly 47 meters at most), the water is warm and swimming is pleasant. The eastern shoreline of the lake, popularly known as Lakeside or Baidam, consists of seemingly endless strip of lodges, restaurants, bookshops and souvenir shops. One of the fascinating parts of lakeside is the splendid view of the mountains, especially when the still water reflects the peaks, creating a double image.

Barahi temple: This is the most important religious monument in Pokhara. Built almost in the middle of Fewa Lake, the two storied pagoda representing the female force of Hindu (Shakti). Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturdays, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity.

Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake: The lakes are located about 15km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from the highway to Kathmandu. Divided by the forested hillock called Panchabhaiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing can be done here.

World Peace Pagoda: The pagoda is a massive Buddhist stupa and is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Fewa lake. Besides being an impressive sight in itself, the shrine is a great vantage point which offers spectacular views of the Annapurna range and Pokhara city. You can get there by crossing the lake by boat and then hiking up the hill.

Seti Gandaki (River Gorge): 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 (bridge) 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 (Hell’s fall), Devi’s fall (also known as Devin’s or David’s) is an awesome waterfall lying about 2 km south-west of Pokhara airport on the highway to Tansen, Butwal. An interesting modern legend says that a foreigner named David was skinny-dipping in the Pardi Khola (river) when the floodgates of the dam were opened, sweeping him into an underground passage beneath the fall, never to be seen again.

Gupteswar Gupha (Cave): Gupteswar Gupha, a sacred cave, lies 2 km from Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway leading southwest from the city. The entrance is right across from Devi’s fall and the cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall-size rooms and some passages where you have to crawl on all fours. 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 (cave) and Chamero Gupha: Mahendra Gupha is the large limestone cave. Shepherd boys are said to have discovered it around 1950. A two hour walk to the north of Pokhara, it is best to bring your own torch to see the stalactites and stalagmites, although most of them have been carved out by souvenir hunters. Chamero Gupha locally called Chamero Odhaar (“House of Bats”) located nearby Mahendra Gupha

The Old Bazaar (Ganesh Tole and Ram Krishna Tole): 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, the market’s original charm is alive and well.

Bindbasini Temple: Bindbasini temple is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to goddess Bindbabasini, yet another manifestation of Shakti (Power) of Hindu.

Matepani Gumba (Buddhist Monastery): There is a splendid Buddhist Monastery on the top of the small forested hill above Matepani east of Mahendra Pul. It overlooks a large section of the Pokhara city and once there on find oneself lost in time amid the chanting Ramas, there colossal guardian images of the Buddha accompanying two other gurus and a prayer house with exquisitely carved columns and friezes.

Bhadrakali Temple: To the south of the Buddhist Monastery there is another small but very beautiful hill and in this pleasant sylvan setting lies Bhadrakali temple which also merits a visit.

Museums: Pokhara Regional Museum, located in Nayabazar, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed. Open daily, except Tuesdays and holidays, from 10 am to 4 pm.

Annapurna Museum: also known as the Natural History Museum, is located at Prithivi Narayan Campus east of the old bazaar named Bagar. Managed by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife as well as samples of various precious and semi-precious stones and volcanic rocks. Open daily, except Saturdays and holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm.

International Mountain Museum: The theme of this museum is to cover the information and exhibits related with the Man, Mountain and Mountain activities around the world. Open daily (365 days in a year) from 9 am to 4:30 pm.

Gorkha Memorial Museum: In 1815 Nepalese soldiers clashed with the British troops in the northern border of India. After a fierce battle they showed respect to those “… Brave Gurkha’s…” by erecting a stone with engravings. Soon they become close friends and the Gurkha regiments were formed. To this day, Gurkha solders still serve in the British Army.

Himalayan View: The magnificent Annapurna panorama that’s visible on the northern skyline of Pokhara is quite incredible. The main peaks are Annapurna I to IV and the beautiful Machhapuchhre (or Fishtail Mountain, so named after its twin peaks). Besides these, you can also see the Manaslu range, Dhaulagiri range and other peaks.

The mountains will probably be hidden in the clouds between April and September. A nice evening on the banks of Fewa Lake with the mountain range as the backdrop is what Pokhara is really about!

Nightlife and Entertainment There is not much of nightlife in Pokhara other than dining. The town shuts down by about 10:30 in the evening. Until you can hang out some of the bars and pubs that are becoming trendy in the area.

Places to Visit at Kathmandu

Pashupati Nath Temple (Early Morning), Kathmandu

There are many historical, cultural and peaceful places to visit at Kathmandu and some of them are as follows:

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are Taleju Temple built by Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kaal Bhairav (God of destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, Gaddi Baithak, Statue of King Pratap Malla, Big Drum, Jagannath Temple and Kasthmandap. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.
Goddess Kumari (the only living goddess in the world): Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the only living Goddess in the world, who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju. The temple Kumari is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window.

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 its name from this temple.

Ashok Vinayak:

The small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap -also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.

Jaishi Dewa:

Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.

Tudikhel:

A huge green field, flanks one entire side of the old city Tudikhel. Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south western end of Tudikhel is a 59.29m. Tower built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as Dharahara (or Bhimsen Stambha). Sundhara-fountains with golden waterspouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.

Pashupati Nath Temple:

Situated 5 km. east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupati Nath, with tow tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus, although only Hindus are allowed inside temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.

Guheswari Temple:

Near Pashupatinath is located another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.

Boudha Nath Stupa:

The stupa lies 8 km. east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in world, and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO World heritage Monument list in 1979 AD.

Swoyambhunath Temple:

A top the green hillock west of Kathmandu stand the great Stupa of Swoyambhunath – a masterpiece of bronze art, situated some 4kms. from main Kathmandu City and above 77 meter from Valley floor. On all four side of the structure are painted the ‘All seeing’ eyes of Buddha looking out on all direction at the Valley below. Between them is the mystic third eye symbolic of true wisdom. Its dazzling white hemispherical mound represents the four-element earth, fire, air and water. The thirteen gilded rings on the spire are the thirteen degrees of knowledge and represent the ladder to “Nirvana” symbolized by the umbrella at the top. Around the Stupa runs a row of prayer wheels which is turned symbolically by Buddhist devotees representing the “Cycle of life and death” The Stupa was established some 2500 years ago and is the main center for all Buddhist settled in Nepal and Tibet. The spot commands a beautiful ‘bird’s eye view’ to Kathmandu Valley. The site is listed as ‘world heritage site’ by UNESCO and is one of the other seven such sites in Kathmandu Valley

CHANGU NARAYAN Temple: Perched at the abrupt end of the ridge north of Bhaktapur, the tranquil temple complex of CHANGU NARAYAN commands a fine view of the valley in three directions. “One remembers all the wealth of carving of the rest of the valley,” wrote Percival Landon in 1928, “but when all is recalled it is probably to the shrine of Changu Narayan that one offers the palm.” Landon wasn’t wrong, and once you’ve run the gauntlet of the souvenir stalls in the little village, you’ll find a site that retains its palpably holy, ancient atmosphere – not to mention the finest collection of statues outside the National Museum.

A single, stone-paved pedestrian street stretches west from the entrance booth, where you pay a fee, along the ridgetop, towards the temple at its apex. It’s lined with souvenir stalls for much of its length, or simple shops selling soft drinks and the like.

BHUDHANILKANTHA:

A paved road leads 8km north from Kathmandu to Narayanthan, a roadside village centered on BUDHANILKANTHA, the site of a monolithic and hugely impressive sleeping Vishnu statue. A visit can be combined with a hike or mountain bike ride up to the thickly forested peak of Shivapuri, from where there are some of the finest Himalayan views anywhere in the valley. The road from Kathmandu to Budhanilkantha is busy at first, but a quieter route heads north to Tokha then cuts across east.

Dakshinkali:

Dakshinkali become the one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. Although Dakshinkali lies in the Kathmandu valley, but it is far from the center location of Kathmandu city. Dakshinkali is a very famous Hindus goddess Kali temple. It is situated 22km south of Kathmandu city. Entire route to the temple is a beautiful countryside drive. Regular religious worship is performed daily. A large number of animals are scarified on twice a week, on every Tuesday and Saturday. More incredible animal rituals are held during Dashain festival. On the return journey one can visit the temple of Shesh Narayan, a cave temple where Guru Padmasambhava is said to have gained his physical power through meditation. Dakshinkali is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Khokana:

Khokana is another one of top 10 Places to Visit around Kathmandu Nepal. About twenty minutes’ walk towards Karya Binayak from Bungamati, is the village of Khokana. Khokana is the famous for manufacturing mustard oil. It is worthwhile to seek out one of the village’s oil press, located in poorly lighted factories with medieval atmosphere. Khokana is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Panauti:

Panauti is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. One of the finest Newar settlements in the region is the village of Panauti. It is built at the confluence of two rivers in a small valley surrounded by examples of early temple architecture. Among all, the most interesting ones are the 14th century Indreshwar Mahadev temple and Brahamayani temples are very good examples of historical Newari architect. The roof struts, showing different manifestations of Shiva, are matchless in their serenity. Panauti is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Dhulikhel:

Dhulikhel is another one of top places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. A scenic 30 km drive along the terraced paddy rice field on the Arniko Highway leads to Dhulikhel, at an altitude of 1600 m. This place is famous for its vantage location for viewing the Himalayan range from Cho-yu in the east to Himalchuli in the west. Dhulikhel is very popular for viewing sunrise and sunset and for serene atmosphere free from the smoke and bustle of the Kathmandu city. It is better to stay overnight in one of the beautiful lodges to enjoy sunset and sunrise the next day. Dhulikhel is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Kakani:

Kakani is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. One and half hours (29km) drive from Kathmandu along the beautiful mountain highway on the Trishuli road is scenically rewarding with green forest and mountain terraced cultivation. The vantage point at an altitude of 1982 m. above the sea level is famous for the magnificent view of Ganesh Himal on one side and Kathmandu city on the other side. Other peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are Gauri Shankar, Choba Bhamare, Manaslu, Himalchuli, Annapurna and many more. Kakani is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.

Namobuddha:

Namobuddha is another one of top 10 places to visit around Kathmandu Nepal. There are many religious places and viewpoints around the Kathmandu Valery. One of them is Namobuddha. This is a one hour drive or 3 hours trekking from Panauti or from Dhulikhel. Very much respected place by Buddhist for its religious importance also offers beautiful countryside and commanding view of the surrounding mountain. There is a Stupa with all seeing eyes of the Buddha, Buddhist Monastery with colorful flags fluttering in the wind, a massive statue of Buddha and many more Stupas. Namobuddha is one of the best places to visit near Kathmandu Nepal.