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Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Kathmandu, Nepal

Kathmandu, Nepal

Nepal as a country is unique! It offers very unique and memorable experiences. It is the country most sought after by the entire planet as it is housing the extraordinarily mesmerizing Himalaya Ranges. The splendor of this part of the earth is a life time experience.

The tourism is at its peak through out the year as the peaks of the planet are found in this region. The adventure seekers find their final destination here as no other part of the world can give humans this brilliance of joy and satisfaction.

While the away from these Himalayan ranges, there is a vibrant life in cities like Kathmandu, Pokhara and Nagarkot etc..

Places to visit

  1. Kathmandu
  2. Pokhara
  3. Nagarkot
  4. Chandragiri

Kathmandu  

Kathmandu Is the largest city and is also called as City of Temples. It is a valley with huge population in Nepal. The valley is fully occupied with the civilization and urbanization. Whole of the city bears an ancient outlook as it is bustling with cultural essence seen in palaces, gardens and royal mansions. 

The main temples and major tourist attractions are, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Budhanikantha. Of all the three, Pashupatinath is most busy and an essential temple for hindus. It is the shiva temple which is believed to be most sacred and sacrosanct. It is located on the banks of Bagmati River. The river is considered so holy that the people believe if dead body is dipped three times in the river it would end the reincarnation cycle. The river purifies the humans spiritually. There are many beliefs of this temple complex while the most spoken about is that the gods, Shiva and Parvati rested at the banks of Bagmati river on their journey and they were very impressed with the beauty of this place. It is considered as Sacred Linga since then.






Boudhanath is the holiest Buddhist site and very popular tourist location. It is a huge temple with largest stupa. The base of the stupa has some nice places which are adorned with the cultural sites to perform prostrations




Swayambhunath is another Buddhist temple site. It has a stupa with large eyes marking on it. It is considered to be the oldest temple.
















Nepal is multicultural with Hindu and Buddhist population and Hindu being the largest, their art and culture is dominantly visible in the Kathmandu.

Kathmandu hosts all the major government organizations including the royal palace of the king. The palace is currently transformed to being a national museum after the massacre in early 2000's. 

Kathmandu is quite hustling and bustling city with all the vibrant streets that include quick shopping destinations and a lot of restaurants, eating joints, pubs, bars etc. Other remarkable destinations exclusive for the foreign tourists are the casinos, the casinos are spread over the main streets of Kathmandu.

The following streets are lit colorfully as they are main crowd pulling streets. 
1. Thamel
2. New Road
3. Civil Mall 

There are durbar squares in Nepal, the two that are most noted are Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the other is Kathmandu Durbar Square. The two squares have a rich historical significance and must visit. These squares have many important buildings that form the square and each one holds and emphatic position in the day to day operations of the early Nepal dynasty. It is shows the true essence of Nepal's culture and art. 









Sanga  

Sanga is a place that hosts the world's tallest lord Shiva Statue. It is is 143ft. It is a small hilltop and has many tourists making short visits. The statue is built by the business man of Nepal. There is a resort called Hilltake and the location as such is good. 

 





Chandragiri 

It is a hill station and very popular tourist location that hosts yet another temple on top of the hill, it is called as Bhaleswar Mahadev temple of Lord Shiva. It is major attraction in the valley as it offers a very picturesque cable ride (10+ mins). The hills as such gives an opportunity to look at the panoramic view of Himalayas and Anapura and Mount Everest. Chandragiri hill is more serene and highly well maintained region. There is a view spot on top and is easily accessible at nominal fee. 






Nagarkot  

is simply beautiful! And there is nothing in this other than nature. There are few resorts and few dwellings of people and very few shops. It is popular for the sunset and sunrise view points. The drive by car to this hill is around 1 and half hour covering a distance of 40kms. The roads are literally missing at some patches, so you are left to the very old path ways created. The terrain is sometimes challenging however safe. Once the hill is captured through this adventurous drive/route, one will be taken be surprise with the views. The panoramic view of the himalyan ranges is so satisfying that you recuperate the stressful drive. The preferable hotel is, Hotel Himalayan Villa, one will be very statisfied with the stay and food. Also the balcony view of the Himalayas.







Stay & Visa

VIsa is not needed to Nepal. Indian nationals need to just fill in the disembarkation form at the airport and go to the Indian Nationals Queue. It is just a walki-n and walk-out if you have the Indian passport. Carry a ID proof such as PAN copy. Aadhar card is not accepted. 

Book your tickets on any booking site. There are direct flights from three places in Indian, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore.

Kathmandu : Hotel Le Himalalya
Nagarkot : Hotel Himalayan Villa

Hotel in Kathmandu
Hotel in Nagarkot

Iterinary

Day 1 : Reach Kathmandu by flight (mostly will reach in the evening)
- Shopping
- Street walks

Day 2: Kathmandu
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Temple

Day 3: Kathmandu
- Swayambunath
- National Museum (The royal palace of the king)
- Thamel

Day 4: Chandragiri Hill
- Cable Car ride
- Bhaleswar Mahadev Temple
- Bhaktapur durbar square

Day 5: Kathmandu to Nagarkot (drive of 2 hours)
- Stay overnight.
- Sunrise and sunset view points

Day 6: Leave Nagarkot to Airport
- Kathmandu Durbar Square 

Date: 06-Apr.19

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