Transfer to Nirvana Garden Hotel - 33 USD/night
Overnight stay in Kathmandu (Nirvana Garden Hotel)
DAY 2: Visit of KATHMANDU (Western part of the city) and PATAN
Car and driver disposal within the valley - 30 USD
Overnight stay in Kathmandu (Nirvana Garden Hotel)
DAY 3: Visit of KATHMANDU (Eastern part of the city) and BAKHTAPUR
Drive to DULIKHEL (Himalaya view)
Car and driver disposal within the valley - 30 USD
Overnight stay in Kathmandu (Nirvana Garden Hotel)
DAY 4: Drive to BHAIRAHAWA
Overnight stay in Bhairahawa (Hotel Santanu) - 40 USD (not recommended)
DAY 5: Visit to LUMBINI and KAPIL VASTU
Overnight stay in Bhairahawa (Hotel Santanu) - 40 USD (not recommended)
Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace. It is situated 250 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu.
DAY 6: Drive to POKHARA and local visit
Overnight stay in Pokhara (Hotel Barahi) - 40 USD
DAY 7: Drive to KATHMANDU
Overnight stay in Kathmandu (Nirvana Garden Hotel)
DAY 8: Shopping morning
Flight KATHMANDU - ISLAMABAD
Car rental with driver outside the valley: 40 USD/day
Paramount Nepal Tours
PO Box7290
Lazimpat
Kathmandu
Tel: 977-(0)1/439232, 439233, 431176
Fax: 977-(0)1/439230
E-mail: ban@paramount.wlink.com.np
HOTELS
NIRVANA GARDEN HOTEL (***)
GPO Box 5728
Thamel
Chhetrapaty
Kathmandu
Tel: 977-(0)1/256200, 256300, 256333, 256444, 260421
Fax: 977-(0)1/260668
E-mail: nirvana@wlink.com.np
www.nirvanagarden.com
HOTEL SHANTANU (22 Km from Lumbini)
New Road, Siddharta Nagar-7
Rupandehi
Tel: 977-(0)71/21545, 23545
Fax: 977-(0)71/20400, 21645
Mobile: 981021807
HOTEL BARAHI (***)
Lake Side, Pokhara-6, Nepal.
Tel.: 977-(0)61/23017, 23526
Fax: 977-(0)61/23072
Kathmandu Office
Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Tel: 977-(0)1/429820
E-mail: barahi@cnet.wlink.com.np
www.hotelbarahi.com.np
THINGS TO SEE
KATHMANDU
MACHCHENDRANATH TEMPLE
The temple of Sweta Machchhendranath is situated at Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It is a pagoda of considerable artistic beauty. The deity is also called Janmadyo or Machchhendra.
AKASH BHAIRAV TEMPLE
A three-storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk, the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indra Jatra, the festival of Indra, the God of Rain.
HANUMANDHOKA
(Kathmandu Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, Kal Bhairav, the God of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Drum and the J agannath Temple. On the right hand corner, a large wooden lattice screen hides an enormous gilded face of Sweta Bhairav. The screen is removed only during the Indra Jatra festival. There are also the Numismatic Museum and Tribhuvan Museum inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace building. Photography is prohibited inside the museums. Both the museums remain closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.
TEMPLE OF KUMARI (KUMARI GHAR)
The temple of the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari, is situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window. Photography is prohibited.
KASTHAMANDAP
Located near the temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
ASHOK VINAYAK
The small but very important temple of Ashok Vinayak is situated behind the Kasthamandap. It is also know as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.
JAISHI DEWAL
A five-minute walk from Kasthmandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.
TUNDIKHEL
A huge green field known as Tundikhel flanks one entire side of the old city. Some of the important landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley are located in the periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundikhel is a 59 m tower built by Prime Minjster Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A. D. known as Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. Sundhara fountains with golden water spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the same period.
BHADRAKALI TEMPLE
At the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate, stands the temple of goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi temple and is one of the main "Shakta "temples of Kathmandu city.
SINGHA DURBAR
A grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style, Singha Durbar was the private residence of a Rana Prime Minister. Now it is the Secretariat of His Majesty's Government of Nepal.
NARAYANHITY DURBAR
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic waterspout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.
BUDHANILKANTHA
About 8 km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.
BALAJU WATER GARDENS
Situated about 5 km north-west of Kathmandu, Balaju Garden features fountains with 22 crocodile-headed water spouts dating from the eighteenth century. There is an also Olympic-sized swimming pool inside the park.
SWAYAMBHUNATH
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire bases are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 km west of Kathmandu city and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu Valley.
THE NATIONAL MUSEUM
Located about 2 km west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth seeing. The museum is open everyday except on Tuesdays and government holidays.
PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE
Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath, with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for the Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river.
GUHESWARI TEMPLE
Near Pashupatinath Temple is another historic and holy temple of Guheswari. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard.
CHABAHIL
The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashok in the third century BC. There are ancient statues around the stupa.
Map of Kathmandu
PATAN
The ancient city of Patan, 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Situated in the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the Central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity.
KRISHNA MANDIR
Built in the 17th century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is supposed to be the first specimen of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. It is the only temple in Nepal having 21 spires and is completely made of stone.
MAHABOUDDHA
A little further east from Patan Durbar Square lies this Buddhist temple made of clay bricks in which thousands of images of Lord Buddha are engraved. The terra-cotta structure is one of the fourteenth century Nepalese architectural masterpieces.
HIRANYA VARNA MAHAVIHAR
Located inside, Kwabadehal, this three-storey golden pagoda of Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King Bhaskar Verma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden images of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.
KUMBHESHWOR
This five-tiered temple of Lord Shiva was built during the reign of Kinglayasthiti Malla. On the lanai Poomima day in August, a fair is held in Kumbheshwor.
JAGATNARAYAN TEMPLE
This tall, imposing temple of Lord Vishnu is situated at Sankhmul. The temple has many fine stone images and an artistic metal statue of Garuda on a stone pillar.
RUDRA VARNA MAHAVIHAR
This unique Buddhist monastery contains an amazing collection of images and statues in metal, stone and wood. It is believed that the king in the ancient times were crowned in this
monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the devotees can be seen here even today.
THE ASHOKAN STUPAS
There are four ancient stupas popularly believed to have been built in 250 BC by Emperor Ashoka at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are situated in Pulchok, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively. These stupas give evidence to the city's ancient religious importance.
ACHHESWOR MAHAVIHAR
It was established towards the beginning of the 17th century by one Achheshwor by building a temple to house an idol of Lord Buddha. The Mahavihar has recently been reconstructed. Situated behind the Ashokan Stupa ot Pulchok, the Mahavihar commands a beautiful view of Kathmandu valley.
BHAKTAPUR
Situated at an altitude of 1.401 m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the City of Devotees still retains the medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the
Malla rulers continue to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu and can be reached by public transport and by trolley buses.
BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard of the Palace of 55 Windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the Gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvelous intricacy. The Palace of 55 Windows was built in the 17th century. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 Windows. This balcony is a masterpiece of woodcarving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar Square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets a beautiful example of Shikhara style architecture in Nepal. There is a bronze bell on the terrace of the temple, which is also known as the "Bell of Barking Dogs". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to signal curfew during those days.
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, the Picture Gallery, the Batsala temple, etc. A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace of the many.
NYATAPOLA TEMPLE
This five-storey pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a five-terraced platform. On each of the terraces squat a pair of figures. This is one of the tallest pagodas and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
BHAIRAVNATH TEMPLE
This temple was first built as a one-storey pagoda but was later changed into a three-storey temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav - the god of terror.
SURYAVINAYAK
TAUMADHI SQUARE
DATTATRAYA SQUARE
DHULIKEL
This ancient town is situated 30 km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari Highway). The Newar town of Dhulikhel offers a traditional atmosphere along withlspectacular views. Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be witnessed in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carvings, which can be found ill the shoplined streets and temples.
LUMBINI
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world's millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka's commemorative pillar is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The main attraction at the Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden spread oyer 8 sq km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashokan Pillar. The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we find the sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. There is also a sacred stone marked with a "foot imprint" of Emperor Ashoka which had been placed here to mark the exact birthplace.
TILAURAKOT-KAPILAVASTU
Located at a distance of about 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the ruins of the historic town of Kapilavastu. Believed to be the capital of Sakya republic where the Lord Buddha lived and enjoyed his life until his 29th year, ancient Kapilavastu has been identified with Tilaurakot by the archaeologists. There are ruins and mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar. The remains are surrounded by a moat and the wall of the city is made of bricks. In fact, the sight of the city of Kapilavastu visualizes a seat of high culture.
POKHARA VALLEY
Pokhara, an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtail summit of Machchhapuchhre (6.977m) rising behind it creates an ambience of peace and magic. The valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, clear lakes and the world famous views of the Himalaya. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu, Pokhara is connected by air as well or by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near India. Pokhara offers magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others.
REMARKS
LUMBINI – POKHARA: Initially we intended to drive straight north to Pokhara. Due to the bad road conditions we had to drive partly back to Kathmandu over Bharatpur to Pokhara. Pokhara is worthwhile to stay for a few days. Bear this in mind.
POKHARA-KATHMANDU: The trip should normally not take more than six hours. We left although at 0800 Hr in the morning with the intention to have the afternoon free in Kathmandu, but arrived in the capital after 1830 Hr, due to different incidents on the road (2 Hr road closure for market, huge traffic jam caused by a road accident, …).
DHULIKEL offers is a short drive of Kathmandu and offers an impressive view of the Himalayas. Mount Everest although can not been seen from here. The terrace garden of the hotel SUN-N-SNOW is a nice spot to view the scenery. It is a great place to spend the night enjoying sunset and dawn.
SUN-N-SNOW
Dhulikel
Tel: 977- (011)/61296, 61260, 61955, 62196
Fax: 977-(0)11/61476
E-mail: hi.horizon@dhulikhel.wlink.com.np
www.catmando.com/hotel-horizon
Kathmandu office
Durbar Marg
PO Box 1583
Tel: 977-(0)1/225092, 247183
Fax: 977-(0)1/225092
Rates: Double standard 55 USD, Deluxe 66 USD