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INSIDE KATHMANDU VALLEY (1,520 M) ~ Kathmandu Durbar Square ~ Patan ~ Swayambhunath Stupa ~ Bhaktapur Area ~ Changunarayan ~ Pashupatinath Temple and Guheswory Temple ~ Bouddhanath Stupa ~ Bungmati & Khokana ~ Budhanilkantha ~ Chovar ~ Dakshinkali ~ Godavari ~ Kirtipur ~ Nagarjun ~ Namo Buddha ~ Phulchowki ~ Sankhu ~ Shivapuri ~ Thimi ~ Gokarna-Sundarijal ~ Kakani ~ Panauti ~ Dhulikhel ~ Nagarkot ~ Banepa/Bhonta ~ Chapagaon OUTSIDE KATHMANDU VALLEY ~ Daman ~ Gorkha ~ Janakpur ~ Lumbini (Birthplace of the Lord Buddha) ~ Namche Bazaar ~ Pokhara ~ Tansen ~ Muktinath/Jomsom ~ Tika Bhairav ~ Nuwakot ~ Bandipur ~ Dhankuta ~ Dolkha ~ Kodari ~ Palung SACRED SITES INSIDE KATHMANDU VALLEY (1,520 M) There`s a wealth of culture and nature waiting to the discovered in the three ancient cities of the Kathmandu(about 20 by 25 Km) Valley which derives its name from Kasthmandap or "house of wood" a pagoda style temple. Surroundings of the urban area are the villages and small towns dotting the landscape provide charming glimpses of rural life. Kathmandu Durbar Square (Hanuman Dhoka)  Kathmandu Durbar Square is the old palace of Royal Dynasty. This area is one fine example of rich Nepalese traditional craft. It has many interesting temples such as Seto Machchhendranath Temple, Akash Bhairav Temple, Hanu man Dhoka, Kasthamandap,Ashok Vinayak Temple Jaisi Dewal. The museums inside the Hanu Man Dhoka Palace are worth visiting. Above all, it is famous for the temple of the Living Goddess, where the clients may catch a glimpse at one of the open windows overlooking the inner courtyard. Top Patan Area (5 Km south of Kathmandu) Patan is also known as Lalitpur or the "city of fine arts" and is the oldest city in the valley. This Buddhist City is assumed to be founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC. It is a great center for both of the Newari Buddhist religion and of traditional arts, architecture and crafts with 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples. Well known among these are the Krishna Mandir, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Kumbheshwar temple, Jagatnarayan temple and the Mahabouddha temple. It is enclosed within 4 Buddhist stupas set on the four-corners of the outer boundaries of this ancient city. Top Swayambhunath Stupa ( 3 Km west of Kathmandu)  The great stupa of Swayambhunath stands at a top of green hillock., a site over 2,500 years old marking the point where the legendary patriarch Manjushri discovered the lotus of the ancient Valley lake. This is one of the world`s most glorious Buddhist Stupa, the holiest shrine for both Buddhist and Hindus. The painted eyes of the Buddha gaze out from all four sides of the monument; constructed to specific rules each with a symbolic meaning. Its’ dazzling white hemispherical mound represent the ladder to nirvana, itself symbolized by the umbrella on the top. The whole is hung with multi-colored prayer flags whose every flutter releases holy prayers. The faithful circumambulate the stupa clockwise, turning the banks of prayer wheels and even prostrating full-length in reverence. Top Bhaktapur Area (14 km East of kathmandu, at an altitude of 1401 m) Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon meaning the "city of devotees covers an area of 4 Sq.  miles. It is the home of medieval art & architecture and still retains its rich medieval aroma. It was also one primary kingdom during the 18th century of Malla Dynasty. A city of farmers, Bhaktapur is also known for its pottery and weaving. The intricately carved temples, alleyways and timeless atmosphere of this place are simply intriguing. The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur are the Durbar Square,the then capital of kingdom which consist of Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 windows, the Batsala Temple, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatraya Temple , Surya Vinayak Temple.Top Changunarayan (4 km north of Bhaktapur)  The lavishly decorated two-tiered temple was rebuilt after a fire in 1702, but the earliest inscription in the valley dated 467 A.D. testifies to the considerable talents of the Licchavi King Mandeva I, Nepal’s first great historical figure. The temple stands in a spacious courtyard, littered with priceless stone sculptures from the 4th to 9th century A.D. (Licchavi period). This golden age of classical Newari art produced masterpieces that were entirely religious in character. Top Pashupatinath Temple and Guheswory Temple (5 km East of kathmandu) This ancient Hindu temple is one of the most Scared pilgrimage for Hindus,  situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River There are many occasions when the faithful take ritual purificatory baths in the river. The temple of lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with a tiered golden roof & silver doors is famous for its superb architecture. The large gilded triple-roofed temple was built in 1696 AD though 300 years earlier there was a structure on this site. Entrance to the temple precinct is forbidden to non-Hindus though one can view from the terrace on the wooded hill across the river. This is the appropriate site to view the tradition of Hindu devotees alone with the cremation. Top Bouddhanath Stupa ( 8 Km east of Kathmandu) The stupa of Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. Monks chant near by the gumbas and the area is full of people of Tibetan origin. This colossal Stupa is set on concentric ascending terraces in the powerful pattern of a Mandela on flat land, encircled by houses & monasteries.. Around the base of this strikingly enormous and simple stupa is a ring of 108 images of the Buddha and 147 insets containing prayer wheels. Top Bungmati & Khokana The twin villages of Bungmati & Khokana date from the 16th century are located south of Kathmandu, down a rutty road dotted with Chaityas. Bungmati is the winter home of lord Rato Machhendranath, the protector God of Patan. The shrine of Karya Binayak is located between the two villages. At Khokana ancient oil presses can be seen at work in village houses, the best place to experience the rural life. Top Budhanilkantha (9 km north of Kathmandu) The reclining Vishnu, the half-submerged massive black stone statue, resting on a bed of snakes lies in a small pond at the foot of the Shivapuri Hills. Worshippers strew the sleeping Vishnu with offerings of flowers & rice. It is a monumental sculpture from the Lichhavi period. Top Chovar (6 Km South of Kathmandu) Carved out of a hillside, the Chovar gorge is the only outlet for all the waters of the valley. Legend has it that Manjushree, an ancient saint cut the mountain with his magical sword, to drain out the water from the Kathmandu Valley which was then just a lake. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of the hill with a magnificent view of the snow capped peaks. Just beyond the gorge is a temple of lord Ganesh. The main image of the shrine is a massive rock, naturally carved. Top Dakshinkali (20 Km soth of Kathmandu)  Dakshinkali is lcated in a dark valley at the confluence of two streams, the shrine of Dakshinkali is the most spectacular of all Kali temples. Animal sacrifices are offered to this deity signifying fertility and the procreative powers of the Female, every Tuesday & Saturday. The animals are presented to the priest who will ritually decapitate them with a khukuri and bath the black stone image of Kali in blood. Top Godavari (12 Km south of Patan) Royal Botanical Gardens lies at Godavari which has a notable collection of orchids, cactii & ferns. It is a popular picnic spot for its rushing streams and shady meadows.. A quiet path leads to the Godavari Kunda, a spring where the sacred water of the Godavari river pours from the mountains. Top Kirtipur (5 km south west of Kathmandu) Perched on twin hillocks and clinging to a saddle lies the village of Kirtipur. Steep paths link brick houses built on terraces. The villagers dressed in traditional costume work on ancient looms. The people are well known for their strength and valour. Many historical battles were fought and won by the inhabitants of Kirtipur. Top Nagarjun  Nagarjun, a prominent forested hill, west of Kathmandu topped with a Buddhist stupa can give the superb views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and the Kathmandu valley. A road winds to the top (2,096m; a trek would take two hours) and a return trail descends the southwest side of Nagarjun to Ichangu Narayan and reaches Kathmandu via a road that eventually comes out behind Swayambhunath. Top Namo Buddha Namo Buddha meaning "hail to the Buddha" a sacred site, where according to legend Buddha sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress & her cubs. A carved stone slab at the main stupa depicts the moving story. A road (suitable for 4 wheel drive vehicles) leads up to Namo Buddha from Dhulikhel. A different trail returns descending south through a forest heading west up a long vale for a round trip walk of six to seven hours, or 2 to 3 hours to Panauti. Top Phulchowki (20 kms south east of Kathmandu) The triple peaked hill of Phulchowki the "flower-covered hill", is highest on the valley rim at 2,762m. A road winds its way to the top where a small shrine is built to the mother of the forest, Phulchowki Mai. The trail up to the top takes about 4 hours through lovely rhododendron & oak forests crossing the motorable road. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the white peaks from Himalchuli to the Everest. There is a trail connecting Phulchowki to Pharping on one side and Panauti on the other. Top Sankhu The sleepy village surrounded by the hills, it was once on the trade route situated east to Helambu. An important temple to the tantric goddess, Bajra Jogini is hide in the forests above the village flanked with smaller shrines, stupas and statues. The main structure is 17th century and has a fine golden structure above the door. Top Shivapuri Shivapuri, at a height of 2,732m, allows one a 360 degree view of the Himalaya in the north & the Kathmandu valley in the south. The trail up to Shivapuri hill leads through small farming villages & a protected forest of Rhododendrons & orchids with little mountain streams running through it. This can be made into a most enjoyable full day`s program. Top Thimi  A name derived from the world "Chhemi" meaning "Capable people" is well known for its colourful painted masks, dolls & for its terracotta work including delightful peacock & elephant flower pots and imaginatively moulded candle stands & ashtrays. This village of Thimi lies on the old road to Bhaktapur from Kathmandu. Top Gokarna-Sundarijal (8 km northeast of Kathmandu) Gokarna, the sacred site is thronged by Hindus to pay homage to Gokarneswar, or the Shiva of Gokarna is highly popular among pilgrims and tourists. sThere are a number of intricately carved stone images scattered all around the place, the oldest among which is an eighth-century image of Parbati, the consort of Shiva. In addition to the religious significance, Gokarna is acclaimed for its wildlife and many species of birds. Another pleasant destination situated just beyond Gokarna is Sundarijal, which means "pure water", is a beautiful waterfall cascading down from a hill-top., Sundarijal is also the starting point for adventurers embarking on the popular Langtang Helambu trek. Top Kakani (29 kms north west of Kathmandu.1,982 m) The village of Kakani is famous for magnificent views of the sun setting over the north western Himalayan range; the Ganesh Himal massif, Gaurishankar (7,134 m), Choba Bhamare (6,016 m), Himalchuli (7,893 m), Annapurna (8,091 m). The drive to Kakani & back along the Trishuli Road with green forest & mountain grandeur on one side and fertile river flats and terraced hillside cultivation on the other is scenically rewarding. Top Panauti (26 km to the east of Kathmandu)  Panauti, located at the confluence of the Roshi and Pungamati rivers, is a charming old Newar town which lies to the south of Banepa.This ancient settlement, rich in art and architecture still has its traditional characteristics intact. The town contains beautiful red brick houses with intricately carved wooden windows as well as a plethora of temple and shrines. Indreswar Mahadev of 13th century temple is said to be the oldest existing pagoda structure in the county. It enshrines a lingam, the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple`s carved wooden struts are said to be the best in Nepal. The confluence is an important pilgrimage site where every 12 years a month-long fair is held. Across the river is the 17th-century Brahmayani temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of Panauti. Panauti affords a number of pleasant hikes to nearby places.. Top Dhulikhel (32 km to the east of Kathmandu. 1,440m) Dhulikhel was flourished as a trading center handling commerce between Kathmandu and Lhasa that delights today visitors with its enchanting cultural heritage and stunning Himalayan views. More than 20 Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna (8,091 m), Ganesh (7,429 m), Langtang (7,234 m), Phurbi-Chyachu (6,637 m), Gauri Shankar (7,134 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m) can be seen in all their glory. For an unforgettable view of the sunrise over the Himalaya, take a 30-minute hike to the Bhagwati temple situated in the highest part of the town to watch the first rays of the sun hit the summits. The artistic skill and urban ethos of its Newar inhabitants have created a place of charm and beauty. Streets are lined with bare-brick houses, carved wooden windows, sloping tile roofs, pagoda temples and sacred statues. You will think you have wandered into a cultural theme park. The major palace of worship here are the Narayan and Harisiddi temples which are adorned with profuse wood carvings. The Gokhureswar Mahadev temple, a 30-minute walk to the eastern part of town, is a peaceful and scenic spot. Top Nagarkot (32 Km east of kathmandu. 2099 m) The tiny settlement of Nagarkot clings to a hilltop is one of the best vantage points to view the peaks - from the Annapurnas to Everest, the peaks seem no more than a day`s walk away. You can see five of the world`s 10 tallest mountains - Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m) Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463 m) and Manaslu (8,163 m) and many other lesser summits. The snow peaks look especially gorgeous during sunset and sunrise. Surrounded by terraced hillside and picturesque farmhouses, the hilltop resort is the epitome of an idyllic escape - with only the wind and the sound of rustling leaves to disturb you. Top Banepa/Bhonta (26 km east of Kathmandu.1, 461m) It is the modern version of the ancient trade route to Tibet. This quaint Newar town has a glorious history as a flourishing trading post and important political center. It offers artistic temples, monasteries, rest houses and a colorful culture marked by vibrant festivals. The most important shrine here is that of the goddess Chandeswari. The temple is dedicated to Parvati, whom they called upon to slay ‘Chand’, the most fearsome of the demons. It thus became known as Chandeshwari, "the slayer of Chand". The main attraction is a remarkable fresco of Bhairav, painted on the western wall of the main structure. The torana and struts of the three-tiered temple are richly carved with the eight Astha Marikas, or "Mother goddesses" and eight Bhairavs. Top Chapagaon  A rough track to the south of the Kathmandu winds steeply downhill, through intricately terraced fields of reddish brown soil, mustard fields and bamboo groves to the ancient Lichhavi village of Lele is Chapagaon. An important tantric temple of Vajra Varahi is located here in a sacred grove of trees, built in 1665 – however, the site is much older. Various naturally sculpted stones strewn about are regarded as images of Ganesh, Bhairav and the Ashta Matrika. Top OUT OF KATHMANDU VALLEY Daman (80 kms southwest of Kathmandu. 2400m)  Daman is the appropriate place to visit for the ultimate pan of Himalayan view. Fours hours of pleasant drive through Tribhuvan Highway will take you to Daman from Kathmandu.. There is a view tower fitted with long-range telescopes to have a breath taking view of the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest, a sight guaranteed to leave the early riser spellbound for days to come. Pony trekking, Mountain Biking, fishing and many more can also be operate. Top Gorkha (146 km west of Kathmandu. 1,135m) Scenic and historical hill town is the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty and home of the original Gorkha soldiers. Gorkha`s centerpiece is the magnificent Gorkha Durbar, which is a fort, a place and a temple with excellent views of the surrounding valleys and the Manaslu range. It was from this very place that King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founding father of Modern Nepal began his campaign to unify the entire then small kingdoms formulating the present kingdom of Nepal. Treks to the Manasalu Region start from Gorkha and treks to the Annapurna Circuit can be started from here. Top Janakpur (375 Km south of Kathmandu)  Janakpur was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mithila, which existed around 700 BC. It stands out as the cleanest and the most attractive towns of the terai and is named after the legendary king Janak. The most sacred sites are the Janaki Temple dedicated to Sita, the Ram Sita Biwaha Mandir built over the spot where Ram and Sita were married, Ram Mandir dedicated to Lord Ram and the holy pond Dhanush Sagar. Janakpur is thronged by thousands of pilgrims and other visitors throughout the year and especially during the festival of Bibaha Panchami Janakpur is also the center of the Mithila arts and crafts in Nepal. Top Lumbini (325 Km south of Kathmandu. Birthplace of the Lord Buddha) Lumbini, is the symbol of peace for all humanities and the most Holy ground for the whole Buddhist world. It is spread over 8 sq. kms situated in the tropical terai plains. The pillar that stands right in front of the Mayadevi is the one erected by the first Buddhist ruler of India, Emperor Ashoka to commemorate his visit to this holy place. Excavations have turned up a  stone bearing a "foot print" indicating the exact place of birth of the Lord Buddha. Adjacent to the Mayadevi temple is a sacred pond called "Pushkarni Pond" where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathed and Prince Siddhartha was given his first purification bath after his birth. As part the global initiative to promote Lumbini, many countries have built or are building temples, monasteries and stupa near the Sacred Garden in the International Monastery Zone. The Lokamani Cula Pagoda, a gold and white structure gracefully soaring into the sky in the style of the Shwedagon Pagoda of Yangon, is one of the impressive attractions. Nearby, the International Gautami Nuns Temple is a fine replica of the Swayambhu stupa in Kathmandu. The magnificent China Temple is a complex of pagoda, prayer rooms and meditation cells. The exquisitely worked sloping roofs, vivid colors and pleasant walkways add to its beauty. A number of other countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Korea and Thailand are also erecting temples and monasteries. Around an hour`s drive northwest of 27 km from Lumbini lies the interesting archeologically important site of TILAURAKOT. It evokes the ancient palace of King Suddhodhan, Siddhartha Gautam`s father, where the Buddha spent his formative years as a Shakya prince. It is an important archeological and history site . Top Namche Bazaar (241 km north east of kathmandu. 3,440m.) The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Trekkers cover this distance in 9 days from Jiri town. Namche Bazaar, the largest settlement in the Everest region now boasts of its own electricity generated from the Dudhkoshi river. One can also reach Namche Bazaar by flight to Lukla and then a 2 days trek through Phakding. A trip to this exotic location of worldwide fame is quite rewarding Top Pokhara (200 Km west of Kathmandu.900 m)  Clearly the most stunning of Pokhara`s sights is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from the east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna I to IV and Annapurna South. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I (8,091m), it is Machhapuchhre(6,977 m) : which dominates all others in this neighborhood. The fishtailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needlepointed mountain. Phewa Lake, the second largest lake in the Kingdom roughly measuring 1.5 by 4 km, is the center of all attractions in Pokhara. Barahi temple : Built almost in the middle of Phewa Lake, this two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti. Devotees can be seen, especially on Saturday, carrying male animals and fowl across the lake to be sacrificed to the deity. Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake : are located about 15 km from Pokhara at the end of a road that turns north from the highway to Kathmandu. Divided by a forested hillock called Panchabhiya Danda, the lakes offer the perfect nature retreat because of their relative seclusion. Splendid boating and fishing opportunities can be had here. World Peace Pagoda : a massive impressive Buddhist stupa, is situated on top of a hill on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Seti Gandaki : 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, a small 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. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an under ground passage beneath the fall. Gupteswar Gupha : is a sacred cave located near Davi`s Fall. The cave is almost 3 km long. It has some big hall size rooms and some passages. 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 : Another of nature`s wonders in Pokhara is the Mahendra Gupha. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats, an apt name for it. The Old Bazaar : Pokhara`s traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temple and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about 4 km from Lakside, the market`s original charm is alive and well. Bindhyabasini Temple : is the center of religious activity in the old bazaar. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagawati, yet another manifestation of Shakti. Sarangkot : which is 5 Km east of Old Bazaar, Pokhara at an altitude of1,592 m, Ghalchowk a five hour walk to the north of Pokhara, is the typical Gurung village and Naudanda is a five-hour walk are some of the surroundings ideal for savoring the splendors of nature. Top Tansen (302 Km of KTM; 123 km to the south of Pokhara. 1,371m) It is a pristine hill town that prides itself in its glorious past, exquisite craftsmanship, beautiful hills that are ideal for hiking, and a town layout that is old Kathmandu. The compact houses with their intricately carved wooden windows and sloping tile roofs, pagoda temples and shrines bear resemblance to medieval Kathmandu. The most imposing building in the town is the pinkish Tansen Durbar. Behind the durbar is the renovated temple of Bhagawati built in 1815 to commemorate the Nepalese victory over British-India forces at Butwal. To the east of the town lies the multi-roofed temple of Amar Narayan, rich in metal craft and erotic carving - one of the finest pagoda temples outside Kathmandu. Srinagar Danda, at the elevation of 1,525-m hill provides stunning views of Mt. Dhaulagiri, the Annapurna range and Machhapuchhre well as that of Tansen on its lap. Ranighat Durbar, a two hours` hike to the north of Tansen is constructed on a massive hard rock on the bank of the Kali Gandaki river, built by a governor of Palpa in memory of his wife, as often been dubbed as the Taj Mahal of Nepal. Top Muktinath/Jomsom (3749 m) It is small but one of the most scared Hindu temple surrounded by lofty himalayas in Mustang district on the northern arc of the Annapurna circuit trekking trail. It can be reached by 10 days trek from Pokhara or flight to Jomsom (2713 m 18 kilometers southwest of Muktinath and 6 hrs) from Kathmandu or from Pokhara. The trek is one of the most beautiful trek in Nepal, passing through typical Nepalese villages and viewing many mountains including Annapurna & Dhaulagiri. It is held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists. Set around the main temple of Lord Vishnu is 108 waterspouts. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas spewing out of the ground. Top Tika Bhairav A Shiva shrine of an altogether difference register is located at Tika Bhairav near Lele, where Shiva is portrayed in his terrible form as Bhairav. To reach this unusual shrine, the client must travel outside the Kathmandu Valley to the adjoining Lele Valley to the south. This monumental, multi colored fresco is an abstract close-up of Bhirav`s face painted on a huge brick wall, barely sheltered by a tin roof. Top Nuwakot  Nuwakot,15 km south of Devi`s Fall, Pokhara, is also ideal for savoring the splendors of nature. You can see a wonderful palace of Great King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the founding father of Modern Nepal. The hilltop of Nuwakot is one of the best spots for watching the terrific Himalayan panoramic views. Top Baglung (60 km west of Pokhara.1,120m) It is a trading town of quaint streets and traditional buildings where merchants from the Terai plains in the south and the hills in the north come together to barter. Splendid views of the Dhaulagiri range can be had from here. Top Bandipur (1,005m) It is a hilltop town situated midway on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway over looking the Marshyandi river valley. In the early 1800s, the ordinary mountain village was transformed into a vibrant commercial center on the Tibet-India trade route after Newar traders from Bhaktapur moved here. It offers magnificent mountain views, artistic houses and pagoda temples. It has the largest cavern in the country, the Siddha Gupha, which is full of stalactites and stalagmites. Top Dhankuta (1,220m north of Biratnagar in east Nepal)  It is a charming hill town of cobbled streets and whitewashed houses populated by Rais, Limbus and Newars. It is about 50 km from Dharan, formerly a recruitment center for British Gurkha soldiers. The villages north of Dhankuta are the trailheads to the Makalu and Kanchenjunga regions. Top Dolkha It is an old settlement known for its shrine of Dolkha Bhimsen, the patron deity of businessmen. It is 4 km from Charikot (133km) on the Lamosangu-Jiri Highway which branches off to the east from the Arniko Highway at Lamosangu. Dolkha is a chance to visit an historic place and enjoy fantastic near-range views of Mt. Gauri Shankar. Top Kodari (114 km northeast of Kathmandu.1,640m)  It lies on the Nepal-China border. The village has an exotic history as the starting point of the ancient trans Himalayan caravan route, the Nepalese equivalent of the Silk Road. The Arniko Highway connecting Kathmandu and Kodari takes you through magnificent river gorges and mountain scenery. The famous hot water springs known as Tatapani are situated 3 km before Kodari. Top Palung (65 km Kathmandu. 2,100 m) This is a settlement of Newars who moved here from Patan some 600 years ago. Palung is set in a beautiful and serene valley surrounded by terraced fields. It lies just below the village of Tistung. Top SACRED SITES Beside Pashupatinath, Lumbini, and Janakpur the Kingdom contains many other holy places which attract the faithful from all over. Balmiki Ashram. The Balmiki Ashram was a retreat used by the great Hindu sage Balmiki..Various statues were unearthed in the area during an archaeological excavation in the late 60s. A temple to Sita has been built recently. The Ashram is situated in a forest on the bank of the Tribeni river, at the south-western corner of the Royal Chitwan National Park. It can be reached by boat. Barah Chhetra. It is one of the four great Hindu pilgrimages. This is the spot where Barah, the boar incarnation of Lord Bishnu, protector of the universe, fought with the demon Hiranakshya and killed him. Barah Chhetra is located at the confluence of the mighty Saptakoshi and Koka rivers, a few kilometers from the industrial town of Biratnagar in east Nepal. A religious fair takes place here in Novermber. Devghat. It is where the Trisuli and the Kali Gandaki rivers meet to form the Narayani, a major tributary of the Ganga.Confluences of major rivers such as these are considered very holy.Devghat is stituated 6 km to the north of Bharatpur. Dhanushadham. It is a historical and religious site dating back to the time of the great Hindu epic Ramayan. Located 18 km to the northeast of Janakpur in south central Nepal, it was here that Lord Ram broke asunder Shiva`s divine bow-a condition for obtaining the hand of Sita in marriage. Gosaikund(4,380m). It is situated to the north of Kathmandu  on the Langtang trekking trail is the lake believed to have been created by Lord Shiva, when he thrust his trident into a mountain to draw water so that he could cool his burning throat after swallowing poison. There is a large rock at the center of the lake which is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine. The holy lake is a two-day trek from Dhunche (1,950m.132 kms from Kathmandu) The Lake is closely surrounded by nine other small lakes in Langtang National Park. Manakamana (125 km to the west of Kathmandu). The temple of Manakamana lies atop a 1,302-m hill. The deity is one of the manifestations of the Hindu Goddess Bhagawati who is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes. Muktinath. It is held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.  The main shrine is a pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu. Set into the wall around it are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water. Ridi. It is second to the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu in holiness. The Rikheswar Narayan Mandir situated here is the local version of the Pashupatinath temple with its auspicious cremation ghats. Ridi is situated at the confluence of two rivers- the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi Khola - in mid-west Nepal. A 50-km dirt road links Ridi with the hill resort town of Tansen, where accommodation is available. Simraungadh. The capital of the former kingdom of Tirhut, is the seat of a rich civilization which peaked between the 11th and 14th centuries. The ancient city suffered terrible devastation at the hands of past invaders, but its cultural glory can still be seen in the archeological treasures that abound here. There are also many Hindu temples which draw pilgrim in large numbers. Simraungadh is situated in the Terai plains directly to the south of Kathmandu. The most convenient access is from Birgunj (270 km by road from Kathmandu) from where it is 49 km to Simraungadh. The Four Ganesh Temples. Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, is one of the most favored divinities in Hinduism and is certainly the most favored in the Kathmandu Valley. The god of good luck, who casts aside obstacles is believed to be the son of Shiva & Parvati. The shrew is his vehicle and he especially likes offerings of food. Ganesh has numerous shrines throughout the Valley but four are particularly sacred. The Chandra Binayak is in the middle of the village of Chabahil, 200m behind the Chabahil stupa. This small Ganesh is enshrined amidst rich brasswork & is believed to cure diseases and external bodily injuries. The simple stone Ganesh at the Surya Binayak is halfway up the foothills south of Bhaktapur. The path heads uphill to the little shrine, considered able to give the power of speech to young children who are slow to talk. In a forest preserve between the villages of Bungmati & Khokana lies the Karya Binayak. From the road linking the hamlets, a path leads up to a beautiful clearing and the walled compound of the shrine. Here Ganesh is an elephant-shaped stone and is believed to help complete difficult tasks. Those seeking strength of character go to worship the Ganesh at Jal Binayak, just beyond the Chovar Gorge. A beautiful brass shrew faces the massive rock that represents Ganesh in this triple roofed temple constructed in 1602 AD. Top |