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Travel to Kathmandu...

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal is also its only international air gateway and major travel center. The city is laden religious temples, shrines and statues of deities. The sight of pilgrims paying homage to the holy carved stone idols or practicing sacred rituals are common in this city. Beyond the temples and bustle of the towns of the Kathmandu Valley rise the mountains of the Nepal Himalaya - the 'Abode of Snows'.

History :

Founded in 723AD, the earliest settlers were the Newars. The Malla kings ruled from around 1200 AD and it was during their rule that the Valley went from being a single kingdom to three. In 1482, King Yaksha Malla split the valley into Bhaktapur, Lalitpur (Patan) and Kirtipur (Kathmandu). The beautiful Durbar Squares are legacies of the intense rivalry that erupted among the kingdoms, each trying to surpass the other as much in trade as in architecture and art. In the 18th century, after a long war of attrition, the valley finally passed into the hands of the Gurkha chieftain, Prithvi Narayan Shah. With Kathmandu as his base, Prithvi Narayan ranged far and wide and unified Nepal into its present day form. And though Nepal has had its political ups and downs since, Kathmandu has continued to be the most important city in the country.

Facts and Figures :

Area	150 sq.km.
Altitude	1,336 m.
Language	Nepali and Newari

Best Season to Visit Kathmandu :

Best season to visit Kathmandu is throughout the year.

Sightseeing :

›› Kathmandu Darbar Square :

It is a historic seat of Royalty. The Darbar Square, with it's old temples and places epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Interesting things here to see are : Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, Kal Bhairav, Nautalle Darbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, Gaddi Baithak, Big Drum, Jagannath Temple.

›› Singha Darbar :

A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style. It was the private residence of Rana Prime Minister. Now it's the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.

›› Bhadrakali Temple :

It is at the eastern edge of the Tudikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is one of the main "Shankta or Shaktipeeth" temples of Kathmandu City.

›› Narayanhity Durbar :

It is the Royal Palace of present King, His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev of Nepal. The palace takes its name from the Narayanhiti, a famous historic waterspout situated at the southern corner of the Palace. The Palace compound is immense, surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers.

Excursion :

›› Royal Chitwan National Park :

120-km South West of Kathmandu. Covering an area of 932-sq-kms the park includes hilly areas of the Shiwalik range covered by deciduous Sal forest.
Flora: A fifth of the park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani, Rapti and the Reu Rivers and is covered by dense tall Elephant grass interspersed with revenine forests of silk cotton (Kapok), Acacia and Sisam trees.
Fauna : More than 300 species are found in this forest like rare Royal Bengal Tiger. There are four species of Deer, including the Spotted Chittal, Leopard, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog, Small Wild Cats, the white stockinged Gaur (world’s largest wild cattle) and many other smaller animals. The swampy areas and numerous Ox-bow lakes of Chitwan provide a home for Marsh Crocodiles. In a stretch of the Narayani River is found one of the few remaining of the populations of the rare and endangered fish-only eating Gharial. In the summers the park is alive with migrants such as the fabulous paradise flycatcher, the Indian Pitta ans Parakeets.

›› Swayambhunath stupa :

The most ancient and enigmatic of all the Valley's holy shrines lies 2 km west of Kathmandu city, across the Vishnumati river. The golden spire of Swayambhunath stupa crowns a wooded hillock and offers a commanding view of Kathmandu city. On clear days, one can even view a line of Himalayan peaks.

›› The National Museum :

Located in 2 km west of Kathmandu, The National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. It's archeological and historical displays are worth seeing.

›› Pashupatinath Temple :

The temple of Pashupatinath is one of the most scared Hindu shrines and one of the subcontinent's greatest Shiva sites, a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. Entrance to the shrine is only restricted to Hindus, however, one can still get the good view of the sacred temple from vantage points across Bagmati river. Across the river, one can also visit the temple of Guhyeshwori and a classic 6th century ekmukhi "one-faced" linga of Shiva.

›› Gokarna :

Gokarna, Kathmandu Excursion Situated about ten-kilometer northeast of Kathmandu, this lovely Royal Game Sanctuary is also well known as Gokarna Safari Park. Many wild animals like spotted dear can be viewed in the sanctuary from an elephant bank. On the northern side of Gokarna is a pagoda of Gokarneshwor Mahadev.

›› Sundarijal :

It is a famous for its scenic beauty. There are magnificent waterfalls, cataracts and rock formations. It is an ideal place for picnic requiring a short walk after the motorable road.

›› Kumari Ghar :

Kumari ghar, Kathmandu The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has beautifully carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari- the living Goddess acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.

›› Balaju Water Gardens :

It is situated below Nagarjun Hill about five-kilometer northwest of Kathmandu
City. The garden is known for its bank of 22 stone waterspouts (hiti) carved in the shape of sea-dragons. It also consists of religious shrines, fishponds and a replica of the statue of Budhanilkantha. . There is also a swimming pool inside the park.

Hotels in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Map