SIGHTSEEING
Pashupatinath
- The most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath is situated on the banks of the holy Baghmati River.
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva) that takes place in early spring.
Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look in from the opposite bank and walk around the outer complex
Nyatapola
The spectacular Nyatapola temple is five storied and is a superb specimen of Newari architecture. While many temples collapsed around Bhaktapur during the great earthquake of 1934, Nyatapola stood its ground. Dedicated to a tantric Goddess, this towering temple is a prominent landmark in Bhaktapur.
Boudhanath
Possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa, Boudhanath is a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa are numerous monasteries of the various sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha (future Buddha), splendidly adorned.
Swayambhunath
Steeped in legend, Swayanbhunath is an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is a World Heritage Site. Popularly known among tourists as the 'Monkey Temple' because of the presence of a large number of monkeys around the shrine, it is located atop a hillock just outside Kathmandu city. It is only a short walk from the tourist centre of Thamel and seen from miles around. Patronized by the Newar Buddhists, a large number of devotees flock to the shrine during important Buddhist festivals especially on Buddha's birthday in May. Each day multitudes of Buddhists can be seen circumambulating the immense base of the stupa.
Patan Durbar Square
The fabulous Durbar Square of Patan showcases Newari art and architecture of centuries ago. Alongside the palace with its grand temples and courtyards, is a row of temples mostly pagodas built of bricks and a few of stone that are outstanding, especially the popular Krishna Mandir with a Garuda on a high pillar. The palace also houses the Patan Museum which has a remarkable collection of antique sculpture.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Durbar Square in Bhaktapur is famous for the Golden Gate and the superbly crafted palace of Fifty-five windows adjacent to it. Unlike its counterparts in Kathmandu and Patan, this square has many shikara style stone temples along with the pagodas. A remarkable statue of King Bhupatindra Malla faces the Golden Gate. The old palace houses the Art Gallery which has on display some invaluable art words and sculpture that date back several centuries.
Bungamati
On the outskirts of Patan in a place known as Bungamati, which is important for the fact that one of the revered deities of Patan has a temple here. The temple of Bunga Deo houses the statue of Rato Machhendranath, the God of rain which is taken around on a chariot procession through the streets of Patan for several months with rest stops in various sections of the city.
Sankhu
Bajra Jogini – Lying at the north-eastern edge of Kathmandu Valley is the ancient settlement of Sankhu. This sleepy town was once on the important trade route east to Helambu. The neighbouring hillside is covered in dense forests, which hide a temple to a secret goddess, the Bajra Jogini. Her shrine is tucked away among tall, dark pines in a sacred, secluded spot. According to legend, the goddess has been residing here from time immemorial. The deity is taken on a procession by her devotees through the streets of Sankhu during the Bajra Jogini festival.