 KATHMANDU
DURBAR SQUARE: Kathmandu Durbar Square
complex of palaces, courtyards and temples,
built between the 12th and 18th centuries,
used to be the seat of the ancient Malla
kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece
here is the 17th century stone inscription
set into the wall of the palace with writings
in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected
as a UNESCo as a world heritage site, is
the social, religious and urban focal point
of the city. There are also museums inside
the palace building.
SWAYAMBHUNATH: It is said to be 2000
years old. The Chaitya which forms the main
structure is made of a solid hemisphere
of brick and clay supporting a lofty conical
spire capped by a pinnacle of copper, gilt.
Painted on the four sides of the spire bases
are the never sleeping eyes of Lord Buddha.
It is three kilometers west form Kathmandu
city, and is situated on a hillock about
77m. Above the level of the Valley. The
hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda
temple.
PASHUPATINATH: A Hindu temple dedicated
to lord Shiva is one of the most sacred
Hindu shrines in the world. It lies 5km
east from the city on the bank of Bagmati
River. Entrance of Pashupatinath precinct
is permitted to the Hindus only. However
visitors can clearly see the temple and
the activities performed in the temple premises
from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.
 BOUDDHANATH
STUPA: It is one of the biggest Stupa
in the world, which is built by Lichchhavi
king of Mana Dev in the 5th century A.D.
it is situated 8km east of Kathmandu. The
colossal and ancient Stupa of Buddha is
36m high also a world heritage site. It
is also known as Khasti or dew drops as
it is said that the builders had to use
dewdrops to mix the mortar because Kathmandu
was suffering from a severe drought during
its construction.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE: As you walk
in you cannot but be over come by a feeling
of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture
and the special layout here. The 15th century
palace of 55 windows, situated to the left
as you enter through the city gate, inspire
admiration. The National Art gallery is
also housed inside. The Palace entrance,
the golden gate is a masterpiece in repose
art. In front of the palace building is
a medley of temples of various designs.
The major sightseeing places in Bhaktapur
include Durbar Square, the Golden Gate,
Palace of 55 windows, Bell of the barking
dogs, Nyatapole Temple, Bhairavanath Temple,
Dattatrya Temple, Pujari Math etc;
 PATAN
DURBAR SQUARE: The ancient city of Patan
is situated on the southern bank of the
river Bagmati and is about 5km. Southeast
of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu
temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze
gateway, guardian deities and wonderful
carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal
workers, it is known as the city of artists.
The major sightseeing place in Patan including,
Royal Palace, Bhimsen temple, Manga Hiti,
King Yogaendra Malla’s Statue, Krishna
temple, Taleju temple, 15th century Golden
Temple and Mahaboudha Temple known as temple
of 10,000 Buddha, Kumbeshwar Temple. Bishwakarma
Temple, Uma Maheshwar Temple.
BUDANILKANTHA: About 8km north of
Katmandu, at the base of Shivpuri hill is
a remarkable, colossal statue of Lord Vishnu,
reclining on the bed of snakes. This is
one of the masterpieces of stone sculpture
of Lichchhavi period. This fifth century
statue is in the middle of a small pond
and seems to float in water. It is a famous
place of pilgrimage for Hindus.
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