SIGHTSEEING tours

Kathmandu City - Although the fertile Kathmandu Valley has been inhabited for thousands of years, its rich and varied cultural legacy essentially began during the 14th century under the Malla Dynasty. Patronized by the nobility, Newar artisans constructed temples, monasteries and elaborate courtyards that constitute a fascinating architectural history. Visit Durbar Square and Teleju Temple with its gilded roofs; the present temple was restored by King Mahendra Malla in 1562. The gate to the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the old Royal Palace, is guarded by a statue of Hanuman, the monkey - god, wrapped in a red cloak' the deity's face is covered by a thick layer of sindur, a red dust mixed with mustard oil. Stop at House of the Living Goddess where the virgin goddess known as Kumari may look sown from one of the upper floor windows. Kathmandu derives its name from the 12th century wood temple of Kasthamandap , said to have been built from a single tree. Walk through the bazaar and labyrinthine back streets of the old city.

Move on to Swayambhunath - the “ Monkey Temple ”, the oldest shrine in the world established more that 2500 years ago. Situated on top of a high hill where legendary Manjushri discovered the lotus growing in the ancient Kathmandu Valley lake, Swayambhunath commands an superb view of the valley below. The four side of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a mystical third eye symbolizing true wisdom. The nose, appearing as an incomplete question mark, is the Nepalese number of one, a symbol of unity.

Sightseeing tour of Patan City, the City of arts and architecture founded in 250 A.D. and also known as Lalitpur. It is renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver and copper. Visit the Durbar Square , Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hiranya Verna Mahabihar (the Golden Temple ). A visit to the new Patan Museum is a must. The museum faces Durbar Square and is housed in a beautifully restored and renovated former Malla residential palace. The collection spans much of Nepal 's cultural history, primarily exhibiting metalwork sculptures from Hindu and Buddhist deities, typical of Patan's tradition in craftsmanship. Written commentary explains their significance to Nepal 's art history, spiritualism, cultural heritage and contemporary life.

Also visit the Tibetan Refugee Camp at Jawalakhel to watch the carpet weaving operation. While in Patan, it is worth visiting the Cottage Crafts Exposition in Patan Industrial Estate to see craftsmen doing exquisite woodcarvings, weavers knotting silk carpets and minerals being cut into perfect gemstones for jewellery. The exposition also markets Nepal 's finest leather garments and bags.

Patan - Festival of Lights - In this magnificent setting we recreate the festival of lights. Young torch bearers welcome our guests and escort them. Here the men, women and children of the city perform traditional harvest and festival dances in the moonlight. The dance is performed in the central courtyard which is lit by oil lamps and the dancers wear splendid elaborate costumes with ancient masks.

Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, home of medieval art and architecture, also known as the 'City of Devotees '. Tread the 17th century along cobbled pavements and marvel at the ancient architectures. Visit the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate , and the Palace of Fifty five Windows.

On the way visit Thimi Town , where various type of colourful clay masks are made for Nepalese Lakhe dance.

Bhaktapur - Festival of Lights - This traditional Mask Dance is held in the Kathmandu University Department of Music which is located in a beautifully restored Newari building in Bhaktapur. Before the performance you have the opportunity to explore the historic buildings and meet the German musician who runs the Department and has been instrumental in most of the restoration work. The dance is performed in the central courtyard which is lit by oil lamps and the dancers wear splendid elaborate costumes with ancient masks. Tasty Newari snacks and rakshi (local spirit) are served during the performance.

Dance - This traditional Mask Dance is held in the Kathmandu University Department of Music which is located in a beautifully restored Newari building in Bhaktapur. Before the performance you have the opportunity to explore the historic buildings and meet the German musician who runs the Department and has been instrumental in most of the restoration work. The dance is performed in the central courtyard which is lit by oil lamps and the dancers wear splendid elaborate costumes with ancient masks. Tasty Newari snacks and rakshi (local spirit) are served during the performance.

Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River . Non Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva).

Boudhanath , possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa have sprung up number of monasteries of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned.

Transfer to airport for early morning Mountain Flight. This is an enchanting 50 minute flight over the world's highest mountain range where you can enjoy close-up views of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan giants like Ama Dablam, Lhotse etc.

Dhulikhel - The small quiet town, known for its traditional crafts, lies 30 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1470 m. Climb a little to see the mountains, from Cho Oyu in the east to Himalchuli in the west.

Hattiban - Located in a pine forested sun drenched hilltop, 13 kms. south of Kathmandu, offers the most magnificent views of the mighty Himalaya rising high above the Kathmandu valley. The sun rises touching the pinnacles of ice not far away sets equally majestically in a great ball of fire leaving twinkling embers in the valley below as the stars fill the sky. Blue skies, fresh air and the stars that fill the night. In a vacationer's paradise where the air is clean and clear, the panoramic views -spectacular, the pine forest-breathtaking, the sunshine- abundant and peace and serenity.

Gokarna - Southeast of Kathmandu, bordered by the holy Bagmati River is the beautiful forest grove of Gokarna. It is said to be the place where Shiva himself once wandered, disguised as a beautiful golden deer under cover of the low forested hills. Local people built a fine shrine, the Gokarna Mahadev temple on the river bank opposite the forest. Visitors pay a fee to enter Gokarna which also contains a safari park and other facilities. Many species of deer roam here as well as pheasants and peacocks. Elephants and ponies are available for adventurous riders.

Sankhu - Hills encircle the ancient settlement of Sankhu in the northeastern part of the Valley. They are covered with dense forests which hide a temple to a secret goddess, the Bajra Jogini. Her shrine is tucked away among tall, dark pines in a secluded spot. Nepalese legend says the goddess has resided here from primeval history.

The central temple is located amid a series of stupas containing four dimensional Buddha. Built in the 17th century, it has three roofs, struts with figures of various deities. Within the temple sanctum, the goddess is flanked by her two traditional Nepalese companions, Singhni the lion son and Byangini the tigress daughter.

Bajra Jogini - Hills surround the sleepy village of Sankhu , once one the trade route east to Helambu. Forests above the village hide an important temple to the Tantric goddess, Bajra Jogini. Follow the wide stone path north of the village and climb up the steps to the temple, flanked with small shrines, stupas and statues. The main structure is 17th century and has a fine golden torana above the door. Behind the temple there are other shrines and sculptures.

Changu Narayan - The temple of Changu Narayan , built on a hilltop some 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu dates back to the 4th century. As you walk through the main entrance you are greeted by a couple of stone elephants, then encounter a twin roofed pagoda and the main two tiered temple. In the center of the main temple is Vishnu, with 10 arms going through the different layers of the universe. This beautiful priceless piece of the 5th or 6th century is surrounded by half a dozen more images dating back to the 9th century. There is also an image of Garuda, the mythical bird that serves as Vishnus heavenly vehicle. Besides, it is one of the oldest and most important Licchavi inscriptions in the Valley.

Vajra Varahi - Of greater scenic, if not religious interest is the Vajra Varahi Temple . One of the most important sites of Tantric origins in the Valley, is located in a sacred grove of trees east of Chapagaon. There is an interesting network of canals - some of them underground - with little round bridges, an exceptional indication of a sophisticated but long forgotten irrigation and drainage system. Beyond the canal, are bright open fields; you then pass through the dense cover of tall trees before reaching the temple.

Panauti - One of the finest all-Newar settlements in the region is the village of Panauti . It is built at the confluence of two rivers in a small valley surrounded examples of early temple architecture. The Indreshwar Mahadev Temple is architecturally and historically one Newari culture of the Kathmandu Valley . It is certainly a temple of fine proportions and exquisite carving, simple yet beautiful. The roof struts, showing incarnations of Shiva are matchless in their serenity. Archaeological findings may reveal the existence of a pre-Licchavi settlement in or around Panauti.

Phulchowki - 20 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu is encircled by the tallest foothills in the Valley. It's a triple peaked mountain culminating at 2,762m/9062 ft, its name meaning 'flower covered hill'. especially in spring, when pilgrims climb high to fetch blossoms - orchids, clematis vines and rhododendrons - for offering to the mother of the forest, Phulchowki Mai, to whom two shrines have been built on the mountain.

The view from Phulchowki's summit can only be termed phenomenal. To the north the whole Kathmandu Valley lies at your feet. Beyond, the snow clad Himalayan range provides an incomparable backdrop. To the south you gaze across the valleys of the lower hill ranges that lead into the terai lowlands and India .

Godavari - Situated at the foot of Phulchowki, in the Godavari area are located the Royal Botanical Gardens ; the Royal Department of Medicinal Plants and a fish farm. The garden houses thatched-roof picnic shelters, lily ponds, rushing streams and beds of seasonal flowers which has a notable collection of orchids, ferns and cacti. A clear water spring that emerges from a cave, known as Godavari Kunda, is revered by the Hindus. Every 12 years, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims come to bathe in the Kunda which is believed as having magical powers.

Dakshinkali - Situated in a natural recess between two mountains, at the spot where two streams unite between forested hillsides, is a place of considerable beauty - Dakshinkali. It is decorated with brass tridents and a canopy adorned with snakes. Inside, the main Kali statue is of black stone. The six armed goddess, trampling a male human, stands in the company of Ganesh, seven Ashta Matrikas and a free shaped stone of Bhairav. Legends say that Kali herself commanded a 14th century Malla king to build her this shrine.

The most spectacular, regular, open religious worship is performed in the Valley takes place here. Twice a week, a large scale animal massacre is staged; an even more incredible annual ritual is held during Dasain, with the image of Kali being bathed in blood. Fittingly, this is at a shrine to the Dakshin or 'southern' Kali.

Kirtipur - Perched on a rock saddle, five kilometers southwest of Kathmandu is the picturesque town of Kirtipur . First established in the 12th century, it later became an independent kingdom and the last stronghold of the Mallas. Remains of the original fortification can still be seen.

A majority of the inhabitants are farmers, and most others are merchants. Besides farming, traditional occupations are spinning and weaving. Kirtipur arouses a feeling of walking back into Nepal 's past. Some of the multi storied houses still have exquisite carved windows and all homes are laid out on stepped terraces.

Chobar - Legend tells us that the waters of the lake of Kathmandu escaped through the beautiful Gorge of Chobar after being released by Manjushri. This natural wonder, is located southwest of the city, where Chobar Hill, the highest point in a range of gentle hills, is sliced in two by the waters of the Bagmati River .

The famous Buddhist temple known as Adinath Lokeshwar is located here. The most remarkable features of this triple roofed structure - built in the 15th century are the numerous water vessels, pots and pans nailed to boards all along the building. Facing the shrine, a stone shikhara is believed to be the entrance to a stone cave that cuts through the hill, emerging at the Chobar Cave . On one side is a deep scar in the Chobar Hill which legend says was cut by Majushri's sword.

Bungamati - Lies five kilometers south of Patan. The approach road from Patan to Bungamati is dotted with small votive chaityas , appropriate for an ancient processionary path. The village of over 2,000 people is tightly clustered against a hilly riverside slope, surrounded by terraced rice fields and clumps of trees. Open ponds flank the paved path as it enters the village.

Past a Ganesh temple, a series of steps leads to a gate guarded by two lions and the head of a third one, which juts from a ramp obviously built around the animal. Here is the powerful, shikhara-style Rato Machhendranath temple, with heavy columns and beautiful supports in its lower part. Through the grille of the wooden door of the nearby Lokeshwar Shrine, you may catch a glimpse of the huge head of Bhairav, with crooked nose, greedy lips and global like eyes.

Ten minutes walk away, past the important Karya Binayak shrine on a tree-covered hillock, is the village of Khokana . Slightly bigger than Bungamati, with a population of about 3,000 Newari Buddhist. It is famous for its mustard-oil manufacturing. It is worthwhile to seek out one of the village's oil presses, located in poorly lit factories with medieval atmosphere.

Khokana's streets are brick and stone-paved with central gutters. The main street is remarkably wide; it was built after the 1934 earthquake. the village's main temple is dedicated to the goddess Shekali Mai, also known as Rudrayani, one of the Valley's nature goddesses. Return to Hotel Malla/ Hotel Kathmandu for overnight stay.

Budhanilkantha - The site of the Reclining Vishnu, possibly the largest image of Vishnu, lies 8 km north of the city. The five-yard long image on a sculptured bed of also considered a Vishnu incarnate, cannot cast eyes on the image without being harmed. (There is a replica of the image at Balaju which the King can visit.)

Nagarkot - The ridge (2174m) offers possibly the best display of the Himalaya including if you are lucky, a glimpse of a dark shape in the back that is Everest - while remaining in the proximity of the valley.

Namobuddha (meaning “Hail of Buddha”) 1700 m - A Sacred site for which untold centuries has drawn reverent pilgrims. Drive one hour to Dhulikhel, 30 km east of Kathmandu on an ancient Tibetan trade route. The trek start point is Tudhikhel (1600 m) from where a rough trail climbs steeply to Kavre, a substantial village which gives its name to this district. A rough unhitched road exists to Namobuddha but is often not passable by vehicles. The trail avoids it, and passes through forested areas and scattered villages inhabited by Brahmins Chettris, Tamangs and Newars. In clear weather there are good views to the north of Gang Chenpo (6390 m) Dorje Lhakpa (6990 m) Purbi Chyachu (6658 m) and Gauri Sanker (2145 m).

A further two hour gradual uphill walk reaches the ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site of Namobuddha. There is a small village around the stupa and the top of the hill is adorned with prayer flags, chortens and monastery. Legend tells that Buddha sacrificed himself to a starving tigress to feed herself and her cubs.

Gorkha - The ancient capital of the principality of Gorkha that gave the feared Gurkha soldiers their name and from which King Prithivi Narayan Shah set out to unify all of Nepal - is approximately half way between Kathmandu and Pokhara. the old palace of King Prithivi Narayan Shah, the unifier of Nepal , is about a 40 minute climb to the top of a ridge, which also offers a fine view of the Annapurna and Himachuli ranges and the surrounding area. Also on top of the ridge are the temple of Kali and the temple of Gorkhanath with its legendary cave.

Tansen - Located in Nepal 's central hills, Tansen offers a lovely setting for those with a wandering imagination and a desire for solitude's company. It has not only a far-stretching view of Nepal 's chief attraction, the Himalaya (from Dhaulagiri in the Annapurna to Gauri Shankar, north-east of Kathmandu), but from this hilltop vantage, you'll view the sweeping Tinau River valley below and the surrounding Churia and Mahabharata hills as well. To the far south, Terai's flatlands shimmer in the glistening sun.

Lumbini - The birthplace of the Buddha, located some 250 kilometers wet of Kathmandu , rests on the plains of Kapilvastu. In the 6th Century B.C., when the Buddha lived, a confederacy of Sakya clan people was situated here. There are numerous buildings of religious significance in Lumbini, the most important of which is massive stone pillar erected by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka in 250 B.C. It was discovered only in 1895. Beside the Ashoka Pillar and the Maya Devi Temple , plinths of huge temples and a pond, where the new-born infant and his mother bathed, have been unearthed.

Kakani - This weekend treat lies 29 km northwest of Kathmandu on the road to Trisuli. From the hill-top, excellent views can be had of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Gauri Shanker. In spring, wild flowers veil the hill. The trekking trail begins at Balaju and continues on a flat stretch for more than an hour until Kauli. From there a stiff one-hour climb.

Shivpuri - From Shivpuri (2760m), north valley, fine views can be had of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli, Manaslu and Langtang range. The entire hill is a thick forest with good plant and birdlike and butterflies. Hike begins at Budanilkanta and takes four hours. Camp overnight (remember to carry water) and rise early for the sunrise. Returning, climb down to Baghdwar, source of the holy Bagmati, and stop for lunch at Narge Gompa, after which Budanilkanta is a short distance.

Palanchowk Bhagvati - It is one of the most impressive and rare aricient monument of Nepal located over 5,000 feet armidst the mainden natural landscape over shadowed by the majestic north eastern himalayan range. The Palanchowk Bhagvati temple houses a three feet long beautiful artistic stone image of Goddess Bhagvati.

Planchowk Bhagvati stands as a symbol of matriarchal prominence from the 5th century A D. The festive atmosphere, medieval style Newari market, the unique and accomplished ancient statues besides the temple housing the statue makes senitising impact to every visitor.

It takes about 2 hrs by surface from Kathmandu along the hills and valleys covering a distance of about 55 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Kathmandu/Kodari ( Tibet border) highway.