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NEPAL
ATTRACTIONS
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Nepal is one of the richest countries in the
world in terms of bio-diversity due to its unique geographical
position and latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country
ranges from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth,
Mt. Everest at 8,848 m, all within a distance of 150 km with
climatic conditions ranging from sub-tropical to arctic. This
wild variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the
greatest mountain range on earth, thick tropical jungles teeming
with a wealth of wildlife, thundering rivers, forested hills and
frozen valleys.
Within this spectacular geography is also one
of the richest cultural landscapes anywhere. The country is a
potpourri of ethnic groups and sub-groups who speak over 70
languages and dialects. Nepal offers an astonishing diversity of
sightseeing attractions and adventure opportunities found
nowhere else on earth. And you can join in the numerous annual
festivals that are celebrated throughout the year in traditional
style highlighting enduring customs and beliefs.
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Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital
city of Nepal, is one of the world's oldest cities. The old part of
the city, with narrow medieval streets and lovely little shrines,
centers on the Durbar Square. Here one can find distinctive
pagoda-roofed temples, stone sculptures, old monasteries and historic
monuments. Nestled in the lap of snow mountains, the verdant Kathmandu Valley
abounds in archaic temples, shrines and palaces that reflect its
glory of the bygone era. Colorful Kathmandu with its old Asian
legacy houses seven Cultural Heritage Sites four of which are its
art-excelling temples while three are residential palaces of ancient
Royals. The Valley is situated at 1,336 meters above sea level and
comprises three cities within its parameters. With its many facades,
Kathmandu is a true little city of wonder for its visitors.
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Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur or also
known as Bhadgaon , is a museum of medieval art and architecture with
many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda
temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. The city is
shaped like a conch shell-one of the emblems of the god Vishnu and was
founded by King Ananda Deva in A.D.889. The city is 1,402 meters above
sea level. Pottery and weaving are its major traditional industries.
The city lies fifteen Kilometers to the east of Kathmandu. |
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Patan
The ancient name of Patan is Lalitpur
meaning, city of beauty. It is indeed a city of beauty and grace and
is planned on a circular format with Buddhist stupas at each of the
four points of the compass. The city is three Kilometers south-east of
Kathmandu across the river Bagmati. Like Kathmandu, its center of
attraction is its Durbar Square complex, situated right in the middle
of the market place. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu
temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful
carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is also know
as the city of artists. The city is believed to have been built during
the reign of Vira Dev in A.D. 299. |
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Pokhara
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 fish-trail summit
of Machachhapuchhre (6,977m) rising behind it create 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 as by road from Kathmandu and Bhairawa, a border town near
India. Pokhara offers manificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu,
Machchhapuchhre, five peaks of Annapurna and others. |
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Lumbini
Lumbini, the
birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama. 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. UNESCO
lists this nativity site, identified by Indain Emperor Ashoka’s
commemorative pillar as a World Heritage Site. The main attraction of
Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden which spread over 8sq km ,
possessing 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, Lord Buddha’s mother giving birth to
him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of
Nepal, the Ashoka Pillar. Emperor Ashoka erected the pillar 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 Lord Buddha. Places of
various interest surrounds the area There are other places of
interest too nearby. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to
Bhairawa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car. |
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Chitwan
Chitwan is one of the
finest national parks in Asia, renowned for its concentration of
wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity
to see animals in their natural habitat. Chitwan which means the
‘heart of the jungle’ is among the last surviving example of the
continuous band of forests and grasslands, which once extended from
the Indus River in Pakistan to the Burmese border. The main attraction
here is the Royal Chitwan National Park, One of the largest forests
regions in Asia teeming with wildlife such as the rare great
one-horned rhinoceros, several species of dear, sloth bear, leopard,
wild boar, fresh water, dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of
birds and the elusive Royal Bengal tiger. Royal Chitwan National Park
is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site (natural) list. Visitors
to Chitwan may enjoy elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe
trips and jungle treks. There are several authorized agencies to
organize such safaris. Visitors may also take a river raft. First
driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. The
five-hour drive to Chitwan (165km overland) from Kathmandu is filled
with thrilling views of the hills, rivers and plains with jungles on
either side. |
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Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is scenic
and town situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the Arniko
Rajmarg (Kathmandu Kodari Highway). From here one can have a
panoramic view of the Himalayan range. From the main town, a short
visit to Namobuddha, with stupa and Buddhist Monastery is highly
recommended site to visit. Panauti, a village noted for its numerous
temple with magnificent woodcarving, is a short distance from
Dhulikhel |
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Muktinath & Jomsom
It is believed that
all miseries / sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti=Nirvana,
Nath=God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of
Mustang and is situated about 18km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude
of about 3,749m. The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated
to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it is 108 waterspouts from
which pour holy water. The temple is situated on a high mountain range
and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to
Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight from Kathmandu
via Pokhara to jomsom and hike for 7-8 hours via Kagbeni or trek all
the way from Pokhara which takes 7-8 days. It is believed that one
should visit this temple after competing pilgrimages of four Dhams in
India. This temple is held sacred by Hindus as well as Buddhists. The
Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by
natural gas underground. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna
region. There is a world-class accommodation facilities in Jomsom from
where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty |
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Information Provided by Government of Nepal - Ministry of Culture,
Tourism & Civil Aviation
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