Kathmandu
The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336 m above
sea level and covers an area of 218 sq. miles. The rich
tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized
in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of the ancient and sophisticated
Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants
of the Valley and the creators of the splendid civilization
of its three cities - Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
The skillfully-built temples and palaces, delicately-engraved
stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars,
and the history laden shrines and chaityas of these three
historical cities stand testimony to the Newar's artistic
achievements.
Heritage Sites
Hanumandhoka (Kathmandu Durbar Square):
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square,
with its old temples and palaces, 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, the temple of Kal Bhairav,
the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal
Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla,
the Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple. It was listed in
the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen
hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen
is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There
are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside
the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited
inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on
Sundays, Mondays and government 
holidays.
Temple of Kumari (Kumari Ghar):
Kumari (Vestal Vergin), or the Living Goddess, who represents
a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju,
is Buddhist by birth. The temple of 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.
Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of
Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing.
Kasthamandap: Located
near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been build
by King Laxmi Narsimgha 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.
Swayambhunath: This
is one of world's most glorious Buddhist Chaitya. It is
said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides
of the spire's base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
It is 3km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a
hillock about 77m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley
and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley. This
Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed
in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Bouddhanath: The Stupa
of Bouddhanath lies 8km east of Kathmandu. This ancient
colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and
the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed
in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva,
Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver
door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus.
Although only Hindus are allowed inside the 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.
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Museums
The National Museum: Located about 2km
west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid
collection of weapons and artifacts from ancient, medieval
and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays
are worth seeing. The museum is closed on Sunday/Monday
and government holidays.
Natural History Museum: Situated 3km
west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambhunath
hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies,
fish, reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of
fossils collected within the country. Photography inside
the museum is prohibited.
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Other sites
Machchendranath Temple: The temple of
Sweta Machchendranath is situated at Machchendra Bahal
between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable
artistic beauty. The deity is also called Janmadyo or
Machchendra.
Akash Bhairav Temple: A three-story temple
in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image
of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during
Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, the God of Rain.
Jaishi Dewal: A five-minute walk from
Kasthmandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which
is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of
the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra
and other festivals.
Budhanilkantha: About 8km north of Kathmandu,
at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal
statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This
is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the
Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the
middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
Chabahil: The lovely Stupa of Chabahil
is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter
of the Indian Emperor Ashok, in the third century BC.
There are ancient statues around the Stupa.
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Outskirts of Kathmandu
Sankhu: It is a typical Newari town,
with many fine old buildings and temples. Beyond the village,
upon a long flight of stone stairs, is Bajra Jogini, a
historical temple, which offers beautiful view of the
local area.
Sundarijal: It is famous for its scenic
beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and
rock formations. It is an ideal picnic spot, just a short
hike away from the motorable road.
Kirtipur: It is a small town, 8km southwest
of Kathmandu and situated atop a hill. Tribhuvan University,
Nepal's premier seat of education, is located at the foothills
of Kirtipur. This historic town has many things to offer
like old shrines and temples and old houses. Some of the
folks are typically dressed in traditional costumes, and
can be spotted working on looms.
Chobhar: Situated 9km southwest of Kathmandu,
this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the
Valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque
temple of Adinath on the top of a hill from where one
can take in a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks.
Shekha Narayan: Situated between Chobhar
and Dakshinkali the temple of Shekha Narayan represents
one of the four Narayans of the Kathmandu Valley. The
other three Narayans are Changu Narayan of Bhaktapur,
Visankhu Narayan of Patan and Ichangu Narayan of Kathmandu.
Dakshinkali: The temple of Dakshinkali
is situated about two km south of Shekha Narayan. Dakshinkali
is regarded as one of most important Hindu goddesses.
Pilgrims visit this temple to offer their prayers and
animal sacrifices are made to the goddess.
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PATAN
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5km southeast of Kathmandu,
is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of
Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of
the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism
to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing
in this city for today's visitors.
Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square
is situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the
focus of visitors' attraction. The Square is full of ancient
palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite
carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main
chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk
and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its
center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal
Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World
Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Patan Museum: This museum inside the
Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious
objects. It is considered as one of the best museums in
Asia. Opens daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It is closed
only for 3 days during Dashain and for 3 days during Tihar.
Krishna Mandir: Built in 1637 AD, 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.
Mahabouddha: A little further east from
Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of
clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha
are engraved. The Terra-cotta structure is one of the
fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: Located inside
Kwabadehal, this three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwor
(Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King
Bhaskar Verma. It is famous as the Golden Temple. Inside
the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden images of
Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
Kumbheshwor: This five-tiered temple
of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayasthiti
Malla. On the Janai Poornima day in August, a fair is
held in Kumbheshwor.
Rudra Varna Mahavihar: This unique Buddhist
monastery contains an 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 believed to have been built in 250 BC
by Emperor Ashoka at the four cardinal directions of Patan.
The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi
and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas
are evidence of the city's ancient religious importance.
Achheswor Mahavihar: It was established
towards the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheshwor
who built a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The
Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind
the Ashokan Stupa at Pulchok, the Mahavihar commands a
beautiful view of the Kathmandu Valley.
Temple of Machchendranath and Minnath:
The pagoda of Red Machchendranath built in 1408 AD is
situated in Tabahal. For six months, the deity is taken
to its other shrine in Bungmati. The temple of Minnath
is situated in Tangal on the way to Tabahal.
The Zoo: Situated at Jawalakhel, the
zoo has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collection
representing mostly the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful
pond built in the 17th century.
OUTSKIRTS OF PATAN
Godavari: Situated at the foothills of
Phulchowki, the Royal Botanical Garden of Godavari has
splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan city runs
to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small
old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun. The only
botanical garden in Nepal, it is open daily including
weekends and government holidays.
Phulchowki: located about 10 km southeast
of patan, this 2758 m hill, is a good spot for hiking.
A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill which
can be reached through a jeepable road.
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BHAKTAPUR (BHADGAON)
Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers an
area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the City of Devotees
still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient
town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic
achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues
to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving
are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for
woodcarving and the Bhadgaolen topi or cap. The city lies
about 14km east of Kathmandu.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Golden Gate
is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of
55 Windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one
of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its
kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with
deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The Palace
of 55 Windows was built in 1700 AD. Among the brick walls
in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a
balcony of 55 windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of
wood carving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is
also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate
carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of
Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze
bell in the terrace of the temple which is also known
as the "Bell of Barking Dogs". This colossal
bell, palaced in 1737 AD, was rung to signal curfew during
those days.
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples
and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate,
the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery,
the Batsala temple, etc. A magnificent statue of King
Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a
column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO
World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
The National Art Gallery: Contains ancient
and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist
schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.
Nyatapola Temple: This five-story pagoda
was built in 1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands
on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat
a pair of figures. 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-story pagoda but was later changed into
a three-storey temple in 1718 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla.
The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated
to Lord Bhairav - the God of terror.
Dattatraya Temple: Built in 1427 AD,
this temple is said to have been built from the trunk
of a single tree. Near this temple is a monastery with
exquisitely carved peacock windows.
Dattatraya Square: The Square takes its
name from the Dattrataya Temple. The Square is famous
for ornate monasteries known as Maths. The National Wood-working
Museum and the Brass and Bronze Museum are housed here.
OUTSKIRTS OF BHAKTAPUR
Thimi: Thimi is a farming town situated
8km east of Kathmandu on the way to Bhaktapur. Thimi is
famous for earthen pots, home spun cotton cloth and artistic
masks
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Changu Narayan: Situated at the end of
a long ridge which runs well into the Valley, it is said
to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said
to be the oldest temple in the Valley. It was listed in
the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Panauti: It is a thriving Newari village
with beautiful temple and interesting old houses. The
drive passes through the beautiful countryside.
Namo Buddha: It is situated on a hill
above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk
to get there. There is an amazing legend related to the
Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab
and a stupa with the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Timal Narayan: The route from Dhulikhel
to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here
one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishankar Himal and
other important peaks as well as the Sunkoshi river. A
pleasant option is to visit the village of the Tamang
people in this area.
Palanchowk Bhagawati: It is a 42km, one
hour drive from Kathmandu to Palanchowk on the Arniko
Highway (Highway to Tibet border). This noted historic
temple of goddess Kali is located at a hilltop some 7km
north of Panchkhal. One can really enjoy the panoramic
view of the landscape from this spot. This temple is said
to have been constructed during the reign of King Man
Dev. The temple houses a three feet high idol of goddess
Bhagwati (Kali) artistically carved in a black stone which
is one of the best examples of such intricate workmanship.
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Hill Resorts
NAGARKOT
Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort of Nepal. It is situated
32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2,175m above
sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern
Nepal Himalaya including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can
be seen from here. Nagarkot is famous for sunrise and
sunset viewing.
DHULIKHEL
This ancient town is situated 30km east of Kathmandu on
the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari Highway).
The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere
along with spectacular views. Once an important link in
the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious
past which can be seen in the lovely buildings and intricate
wood carvings in the shop-lined streets and temples. Pleasant
climate (even during summer) is big attraction at Dhulikhel.
KAKANI
Located 29km northwest of Kathmandu city, the fabulous
holiday area of Kakani features attractions ranging from
beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan
panorama particularly of the Ganesh Himal massif. Other
peaks that can be closely seen from Kakani are: Gaurishankar
(7,134m), Choba Bhamre (6,109m), Manaslu (8,163m), Himalchuli
(7,893m), Annapurna (8,091m), and several other peaks.
DAMAN
For those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view, Daman
is the place to go. Located 80km southwest of the Kathmandu
Valley, Daman (2,400m) offers the only unimpeded view
of the entire Himalayan range. Daman is located on the
Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and the town of Birgunj.
There is a view tower fitted with long range telescopes.
Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.
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EASTERN SITES
ANTU DANDA
It is situated at an altitude of 1,677m in Ilam district
and is famous for the splendid views of Mt. Everest and
Mt. Kanchenjunga that it commands. It is one of the best
places for sunrise and sunset viewing.
NAMCHE BAZAAR
The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with
that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, the highest point of
earth. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Namche
Bazaar is about 241km from Kathmandu and the distance
is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. Nowhere
else can you immerse yourself so totally among the highest
mountains on earth and travel among the legendary Sherpas.
One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla. Phaplu or Syngboche
in the Everest region. Acconodations are available at
Lukla, Namche Bazaar, Thyangboche, Pangboche, Pheriche,
Lobuche and Gorakhshep,which is also very popular rout
for trekking, Mt.Everest base-camp.
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Mt. Everest or Khumbu region
The Khumbu, known commonly as the Everest region,
is also known as the home of the Sherpa people and the
mysterious Yeti. The complete trek starts at Jiri in the
Solu region, and reaches Mt. Everest base camp at an elevation
of 5,450 meters. The round trip takes at least three weeks.
The many ascents and descents have given this trek a rating
of "strenuous". Along the way to the base camp,
the combined ascents total more than 10,000 meters.
Many trekkers cut out the one-week walk through the lovely
Solu region by flying to Lukla airstrip, a day or two's
walk from Namche Bazaar. Above Namche Bazaar there are
four major valleys to explore. Walking here is less arduous
than the ups and downs of the route in the Annapurna Region
but it is at a higher altitude.
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Far East region
The Arun River and Makalu base camp route is
one of the wilder treks in the country, and it is necessary
to bring along one's own tent and food. One treks up the
Arun River close to the Tibetan border and then east toward
the foot of Makalu. As one approaches Makalu, one definitely
leaves civilization behind. Another trek in the Far East
brings one near to the foothills of Kanchenjunga. This
is one of the few new treks which His Majesty's Government
has wisely limited to organized groups.
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WESTERN SITES
POKHARA VALLEY
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley
(827m), is the starting point for many of Nepal's most
popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity
of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tail summit
of Machchhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create an
ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara
is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes
and the world famous views of the Himalaya. Situated 200
km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well
as by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town
near India. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri,
Manaslu, Machchha-puchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and
others.
GORKHA
Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah
the Great, the founder of modern Nepal. Situated on a
hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya is a
beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar. There are
two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the
palace precinct. Gorkha can be reached in about six hours
by road from Kathmandu and four hours from Pokhara. A
side trip to Mankamana temple on the way to Gorkha is
very enjoyable and interesting.
TANHU
Tanhu village has many attractions like natural beauty,
farmlands and forests, great views of the Himalayan peaks
such as Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhare.
LUMBINI
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya
prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is
the pilgrimage destination of the world's millions of
people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity
site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka's comme-morative
pillar is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The main attraction at the Lumbini remains the Sacred
Garden spread over 8sq km and possessing all the treasures
of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main
attraction for pilgrims and archaeolo-gists alike. Here
we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother
giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine
is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashokan Pillar. The
pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249BC to commemorate
his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the
pillar, we find the sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen
Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to
the Buddha.
There are other places of interest too nearby. It is accessible
by air from Kathmandu to Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes
about eight hours by bus or car.
MUKTINATH AND JOMSOM
It is believed that all miseries/sorrows are relieved
once you visit this temple (Mukti=Nirvana, Nath=God).
The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district
of Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom
at an altitude of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda
shaped temple dedicated to Lord Voshnu. Set into the wall
around it are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water.
The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is
visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get
to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight
from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a 7-8
hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara
which takes 7-8 days. It is believed that one should visit
this temple after competing pilgrimages of four Dhams
in India. This temple held sacred by Hindus as well as
Buddhists. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring
and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. Jomsom
is a major center in the Annapurna region. There is a
world-class accommodation facility in Jomsom from where
one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.
SIRUBARI
Sirubari is a small village nestled on the southern slopes
of a ridge at 1,700m above sea level. The village which
is inhabited entirely by the Gurung people, is small and
compact with neat and clean trails. Sirubari offers attractive
valley views stretching away towards the Terai and gives
visitors a spectacular Himalayan panorama. The living
culture and tradition of the Gurungs blended with their
rich hospitality make for an unforgettable experience.
TANSEN
Situated at an altitude of 1,343m, Tansen is the most
popular summer resort in western Nepal on account of its
position and climate, which has the most extensive views
from Dhaulagiri to Gaurishankar Himalaya.
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Annapurna Region:
The most popular trekking destination in Nepal is the
Annapurna region. Alpine meadows, bamboo forests, and
a variety of trees make a day's experience remarkable.
Wildlife includes the barking deer, bear, tahr, ghoral,
danphe, musk deer, and blue sheep. Three favorite treks,
each a minimum of about one week (one-way), include the
Manang region along the east side of the Annapurna range,
the walk up the Kali-Gandaki gorge to Jomosom, and the
Annapurna circuit which combines the first two areas by
crossing a high-altitude pass, Thorang La (5,360 meters).
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Far western region:
One recently opened area lies in the shey-Phoksundo National
Park. By flying to Dunai and walking for less than a week,
one approaches the edge of the high Tibetan plateau as
it dips down into Nepal. It is a stark and beautiful landscape,
with people similar to the Tibetans or Sherpas.
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CENTRAL SITES
CHITWAN
Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia, renowned
for its dense concentration of wildlife and top class
tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity to see animals
in their natural habitat. Chitwan, which means the ‘heart
of the jungle’, is among the last surviving examples
of the continuous band of forests and grasslands which
once extended from the Indus river in Pakistan to the
Burmese border. The main attraction here is the Royal
Chitwan National Park, one of the largest forest regions
in Asia teeming with wildlife such as the rare great one-horned
rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard,
wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 350
species of birds and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Royal
Chitwan National Park is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage
Site (natural) list. Visitors to Chitwan may enjoy elephant
back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips and jungle
treks. There are several authorized agencies to organize
such safaris. Visitors may also take a river raft, first
driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola.
The five-hour drive to Chitwan (165km overland) from Kathmandu
is filled with thrilling views of the hills, rivers and
plains with jungles on either side.
TATOPANI
Tatopani is a small village in a picturesque setting.
The hot springs of Tatopani are famous for their curative
powers. A bungy jumping site is a few km away. There is
a beautiful resort as well.
HELAMBU
Helambu, situated about 72km northeast of Kathmandu, is
famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There
are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting
landscape. Sundarijal, the starting point to trek to Helambu,
is a mere 11km away from Kathmandu. A four-five hour drive
from Kathmandu by a motorable road leads to Melamchi.
Tarkegyang and Sermathan should not be missed.
GOSAINKUNDA
One of the most famous pilgrimage destinations of Nepal
is Gosaikunda lake which is situated at an altitude of
about 4,360m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through
Dhunche, 132km to the northeast of Kathmandu. Dhunche
is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded
by high mountains on the north and the south, the lake
is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous
lakes such as Saraswati, Bhairav, Sourya, Ganesh Kunda
etc.
CHARIKOT
Situated about 133km from Kathmandu, Charikot provides
a spectacular view of Mt. Gaurishankar. In the eastern
upper part of Dolakha township, there is a famous roofless
temple of Dolakha Bhimsen.
JANAKPUR
A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace
of Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic
marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha
Mandir. Religious festivals, trade fairs and other festivities
are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami. Janakpur
is also linked with Kathmandu by air and road.
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Kathmandu North or Langtang Region:
The Langtang-Helambu-Gosaikund region is easily accessible
from Kathmandu. Each area in itself is a good choice for
those with limited time. In one week to ten days, one
can visit any one of these areas. A three-week trip could
cover all three but would involve crossing high mountain
passes.
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