Kathmandu Valley Tour

Day 1: Kathmandu Valley Tour

Kathmandu Durbar Square: 

Kathmandus Durbar Square is one of three durbar (royal palace) squares in the Valley. It is the site of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal nepalese residence until the 19th century and where important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the nepalese monarch, took place. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden window and panels. The same palace holds the King Tribhuwan Memorial and the Mahendra Museum. It is also possible to visit the State Rooms inside the palace. At the southern end of Durbar Square is one of the most curious attractions in Nepal, the Kumari Chowk. This gilded cage contains the Raj Kumari, a young girl, chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process, to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durba. She is worshipped during religious festivals and makes public appearances at other times for a fee paid to her guards. 

Bouddhanath Stupa: 

The largest stupa in Nepal and revered by both Tibetan and Newar Buddhist. The Tibetans believe, that the stupa contains the bone relics of the past Buddha Kashyapa. The colossal and ancient stupa of Bouddhanath is 36 meter high. At the ground level there is a brick wall with 147 niches and 108 images of the meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels. Early morning and evening are the times to visit Bouddha to join the local residents in Khora (walking the pilgrim’s circuit, sometimes with Tibetan pilgrims on their hands and knees). 

Swayambhunath(Monkey Temple): 

Swayambhunath is one of the most glorious Buddhist stupa. It is said to be 2000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire’s base, are the ‘all seeing eyes’ of Lord Buddha, keeping an eternal watch on the valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. Swayambhunath is, perhaps, the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshippers are many diverse people like Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, Brahaman Priests and lay Buddhist and Hindus. Swayambhu is a major landmark of the valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu valley. 

Pashupatinath: 

Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world. It is a sacred place where Hindus come (to die and) to be cremated. The temple of Pashupatinath is a large double roofed, gilt pagoda, decorated with brass, the gateway is plated with silver. There are images of Shiva along with other statues, shrines and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. A circuit of the Pashupati area takes visitors past a sixth-century statue of the Buddha, an eight-century statue of Brahma the creator and numerous other temples. There are rows of Shiva shrines and Hindu pilgrims from all over south Asia offering ceremonies to worship Shiva, the Lord of Destruction. Entrance to the temple 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. 

Patan Durbar Square: 

Patan Durbar Square boasts of many famous sites and unique architectures. The ancient palaces, temples and shrines with exquisite carving are scattered around Patan Durbar Square. The major attractions of Patan Durbar Square are the stone temple of Lord Krishna, the Royal Bath with many carvings on stone, Viswanath temple and the temple of Bhimsen with a magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square. Many more temples are dedicated to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, Shiva, Narsingh, Taleju and others, situated in the Patan Durbar Square.