Kathmandu Valley Tour

The valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is famous for its natural beauty and history. It is situated at an altitude of 1,350m above the sea level and covers an area of 218sq.miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Valley and the pioneers of the splendid civilization of its three cities-Kathmandu, Latitpur, Bhaktapur.

Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)

The Kathmandu Durbar Square is an overwhelming frenzy of art and architecture. This medieval palace complex is erected in different styles at the right hand side of the Kumari temple. This palace complex is locally known as Basantapur Durbar or Nautale Durbar and the street is called Basantapur after it. This monument was constructed in 1770A.D. in initiation of King Pritivi Narayan Shah after capturing the Kathmandu Valley in 1768A.D. The massive pagoda structure houses the tutelary deity of the Malla Kings. The palace building is a labyrinth of stone paved quadrangles. The coronation ceremony is still performed in the main courtyard, the Nyasal Chowk. The palace façade is a tapestry of intricately-carved windows, shaded by gently sloping roofs of shimmering brown tiles.

Kumari Temple

It is the house like pavilion located at the left hand side of the huge courtyard known as Basantapur. In Kathmandu Valley, there temples built in different styles such as Pagoda style, Stupa style, summit style and muslim style. In this style, a courtyard surrounded on all four sides by residential buildings. In Harmaya style, generally the deity of the temple is placed straight behind the front gate. In this shrine, you will see no image inside because it is the home of the living Goddess, a young girl who reigns as goddess Kumari until she reached puberty. However if she likes, she can appear at the window of the second floor on the opposite of the main gate.

Kasthamandap

It is locate at near the temple of Kumari temple. 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. But it is totally destroyed by the massive earthquake at 25 April 2015.

Jaishi Dewal

A five-minute walk from Kasthamandap 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.

Swoyambhunath, Monkey temple (World Heritage Site)

The swayambhu Stupa crowns a hillock to the west of Kathmandu. A massive white dome surrounded by a 13 stage spire, the stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is said to be 2000 years old. It origins are linked to the founding of the Kathmandu Valley by draining the water of the lake by Boddhisattva Manjushree. Swoyambhu manifested in the lake as a brilliant light emanating from a lotus and Manjushree let the water out by slashing a passage through the surrounding hills to facilitate paying homage to Swayambhu, thus making the valley inhabitable.

Bouddhanath

It is the world’s biggest stupa located about two kilometers to the north of Pashupatinath temple. This colossal Stupa is known by the name of Bouddha Nath, the god of wisdomI t is difficult to assign a period to it is as some believe that it was built during the reign of either Shiva Deva or Anshu Verma in the 7th century A.D. The design is much like the Swayambhu stupa, except that the final consists of receding squares instead of circles. Boudhanath attracts attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. It was totally damage by massive earthquake at 25 April 2015 but it is renovated and opened for the visitors.

Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site

One of the holiest Hindu Shrines in the world, the temple of Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrims from all over from Nepal and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built in the familiar pagoda style. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 kms. East of the city centre. This holy place is picturesque collection of temple and shrines. All the dying persons are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed to go inside the temples.