Cities and Picnic Spots in Nepal

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu valley. Much of its glorious architecture dates from the end of the 17th century. The city is famous for its pagoda-style architecture. Tourists are more often attracted to the Hindu temples, pottery crafts, colourful markets and lively people of Bhaktapur.

• Bhaktapur, as the names suggests, is a holy city with pagoda-style temples.
• Bhaktapur is the third largest city in the Kathmandu valley.
• Bhaktapur is also known by woodcarving artists, for it's cap known as Bhadgaon Topi, and for it's curd known by Nepalese as the `Bhaktapur ko Dahe' (meaning Curd made in Bhaktapur).
• The markets in the city are very lively and colourful.
• Places to Visit
  Durbar Square
  As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the spacial layout here. The 15th-century Palace of 55 Windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 30 for SAARC nationals and Rs. 500 for other foreign visitors.
  
  Taumadhi Square
  It lies to the east of Durbar Square reached by a narrow brick-paved lane. The towering five-roofed Nyatapol temple presides over the square. The monument gracefully soars into the sky atop a five-story plinth. The stairway leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures of deities and mythical beasts, each 10 times more powerful than the one immediately below.
  
  Dattatreya Square
  It takes its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated to a three-headed combination of the Hindu deities Brahma, Bishnu and Shiva. If you want to experience the feel of the traditional urban layout of Bhaktapur, Dattatreya Square is it. Set in a maze of streets lined with richly ornamented houses, the square is famed for its many ornate Hindu monasteries known as Math. The National Woodworking Museum is also housed here. The Brass and Bronze Museum is across the street.
  
  Potter’s Square
  A two-minute walk south of Durbar Square brings you to Bolachhen, also known as Potter’s Square because of the many potters seen here moulding wet clay into different kinds of earthen ware. It has a display of fresh pottery left out to dry in the open square. This place can be approached from Taumadhi Square also. The elephant-headed Lord Ganesh is the patron of potters, thus the Jeth Ganesh temple in the square.
  
  Siddha Pukhu
  Siddha Pukhu, a pond dating back to the Lichhavi period, is better known as Ta-Pukhu, meaning big pond. Though situated right at the bus stop, it provides a serene atmosphere with its sashaying fish and the stone images of different Hindu and Buddhist gods.
  
  Surya Binayak
  Surya Binayak is one of Kathmandu’s most popular pilgrimage spots. Situated in a thick forest to the south of Bhaktapur, it is a 20-minute walk from the trolley bus terminal. The temple, dedicated to the Hindu deity Ganesh, is crowded with devotees especially on sunday.

Kathmandu

Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is the largest city in the country. Nepal capital city is in shape of Khukuri knife and its glorious history dates back to two thousand years. Located in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley, the city is the cultural hub of the country and probably the most sought after tourist destination. The home town of Newaras is the meeting point of various ethnic groups.

Kathmandu city is the conjecture to the major routes within and outside the country. Most of the trekking expeditions and tours start from Kathmandu. The city itself is home to the historical monuments, cultural groups, architectural wonders and exotic tourist destinations. The famous durbar squares of Kathmandu are world famous and the Kathmandu valley is a Cultural World Heritage site listed by UNESCO in 1979.
Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square)
The square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting things to see in this Square.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Also known as the monkey temple, the Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath is situated on the top of a hill, west to Kathmandu. The temple is considered to be one of the most popular, holiest and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. Large tribes of monkeys can be seen inside and around the temple. The golden spire of Swayambhunath stupa crowns a wooded hillock and offers a commanding view of Kathmandu city. This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas.

Boudhanath Stupa
The biggest stupa in Nepal is situated 7 km east to Kathmandu. Boudhanath Stupa looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. The Bouddhanath stupa is also known as Khasti Chitya and is considered as one of the oldest stupas in the country.

Balaju Water Garden
The beautiful Balaju Water Garden is a famous tourist destination. It is situated below the Nagarjun Hill, about 5 km narthwest of akthmandu. The garden has an exotic bank with 22 stone waterspouts, carved in the shape of sea-dragons. The water garden also consists of religious shrines, fishponds and a replica of the statue of Budhanilkantha. The swimming pool inside the park attract a lot of tourists.

Budhanilkantha
This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of Lichchhavi period. This 5th century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water. The Budhanilkantha temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is believed to be carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. It is believed that ages before the two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were ploughing their field.

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple, with its astonishing architectural beauty, stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. Regarded as the most sacred temple of Hindu Lord Shiva in the world, Pashupatinath temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple, that is also known as the temple of living beings. The Pashupatinath Temple is the pride of Kathmandu.

Narayanhity Durbar
It was the Royal Palace of the Late King, His Majesty King Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev of Nepal. The Shah kings moved to this palace from their old palace in the late 18th century. The new edifice was inaugurated in 1970 on the occasion of the wedding of His Majesty king Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev. 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.

Pokhara

Pokhara, the city of lakes, is blessed with extreme natural beauty. It is located at an altitude of 827m, 200 km west to Kathmandu valley. The city is famous for the adventure opportunities it offers that include sightseeing, white water rafting, kayaking and mountaineering.
The Fewa (or Phewa) Lake
Phewa Lake, majestic in stretch and beauty, is the second largest lake of Nepal. Foremost attraction in the lake is the pagoda style temple which holds the shrine of Barahi or Water Goddess. Another attraction is the amazing image of Mt. Machhapuchhre and Annapurna in the clear water of the lake. One is advised to view the south-eastern side of Phewa lake for it has the best views. Tourists can also indulge in activities like fishing and canoeing. Several varities of fish can be found in the lake. Nearby forest is the residence of numerous animals and birds.

Begnas Lake
Begnas Lake, the second largest lake of Pokhara Valley, is 13 km away from Pokhara. The lake is a nice destination for the tourists who want to pass some time in seclusion. They can indulge in activities like boating and fishing.Nearby jungle is the residence of more than 150 dpecies of birds. Water fowls can be observed from the northern part of the lake.

Gupteshwar Cave
Gupteshwar Cave or Gupreswar Gupha, considered sacrosanct by the locals, is 2 km from Pokhara airport. The 3km long cave has some large hall-like rooms and some passages where one is forced to crawl. A Shivalinga, phallic symbol if Hindu Lord Shiva, is preserved in the cave.

Davis Fall
One of the most famous tourist attractions in Pokhara is Davis Falls. Source of water in Davis Fall or Patale Chango (in Nepali) is Phewa Lake. The Fall looks very impressive specially during the rainy season. There is also a cave near the falls.

Mahendra Cave
A popular Pokhara tourist destination, Mahendra Cave has been named after the late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. The cave has been fitted with lighting system for convenience of the tourists. Mahendra Cave is known for its rock types and stones that glitter when a beam of light hits them.

Around Pokhara
Many popular trekking routes in the region start and end in Pokhara. Longer treks, which stretch for one to three week, like Annapurna Circuit, Annapurna Sanctuary and Jomsom Trek commence in Pokhara.

Nepalgunj

The Western border town of Nepal, Nepalgunj is famous for the exciting treks to the Dopolo plateau and Jumla region. Known as the industrial and transport hub of the country, Nepalgunj has various attractions: Gharbaritole, Ganeshpur and Sadar Line to name a few. The border crossing, 6 km south of Nepalganj, is one of a limited number of places where non-Indian foreigners are allowed to cross the border with India.

Major Tourist Attractions
The multi lingual and multi ethnic city of Nepalgunj welcomes visitors to explore the other side of this industrial city. Nepalgunj offers a relaxing atmosphere to the tourists heading toward other destinations in Nepal. The following the main attractions of Nepalgunj.

» Gharbaritole
» Ganeshpur
» Sadar Line
» Koreanpur
» Belaspur
» B.P. Chowk
» Mini Zoo
» Muslim Bazar
» Indian Border Crossing
» Rapti River