I supposed to visit Nepal in 2014 but by fate, I did it this year. I was a bit lucky since I am visiting Nepal before the monsoon starts. I had so much fun and admiration about Nepal and as a matter of fact, I am planning my next visit to the land of its own, again!
In the mean time, here is a run-down of the places I have visited in Nepal. I will make a more detailed entry later on.
********************
Bouddhanath Stupa
The Bouddhanath stupa is the biggest stupa in Nepal and one of the biggest in the world. It has a diameter of 100 meters and a height of 40 meters. The most impressive part of the stupa is the eyes of the Buddha (also called the Eyes of Compassion) which are painted with red, white and blue colors. Bouddhanath is also called by many as Khasti Chitya and it is one of the oldest stupas in the country. It was listed in 1979 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
********************
Swayambhunath Temple
The Buddhist temple of Swayambhunath is situated on top of a hill is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The temple is also known as the ‘monkey temple‘ because of the large tribe of monkeys who live the complex. It has 365 steps leading to the Temple that is believed to be ‘Self-Created‘ or ‘Self-Existence.’ Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination as early as 5th century A.D. even before the coming of Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
********************
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th and 18th centuries. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City, Kathmandu. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels. It houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
********************
Garden of Dreams
The Garden of Dreams is a piece of luxury in Kathmandu. It is as if you are not in Nepal once you enter this small enclosed garden where one can relax outside the hassle and bustle of the city.
********************
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a land of Hindu devotees enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. Bhaktapur, is an ancient city which has a complex of pagodas and temples around a fifty-five-window palace of brick and wood which is now converted into a restaurant. The square is part of a charming valley as it highlights the Gods of ancient kings enthroned on top of stone monoliths, the guardian Gods looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very Palace – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony of temples. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best of Nepal I have seen so far.
********************
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square in an ancient royal complex situated in the center of Patan city which is also known as Lalitpur. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Patan Durbar square houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. The square has three main courtyards in the palace namely Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the center of Patan square.
********************
Phewa Lake
Lake Phewa is one of the Nepal’s most beautiful natural spots. Phewa Lake is surrounded by a combination of monkey-filled forests and the high white peaks (on a clear day). The reflections in the mirror-like water in the early mornings are something you must see. The lake can be enjoyed at anytime of the day (and night)!
********************
World Peace Pagoda
The World Peace Pagoda is located on top of a hill overlooking Phewa Lake. The Stupa complex offers a great place to see the mountains and the sunset over Pokhara. It can be reached by hiring a taxi or a boat in Phewa Lake. Whichever you take, walking for not less than 15 minutes is part of the game.
********************
Gupteswar Mahadev Cave
Would you believe this is the entrance to Gupteswar Mahadev Cave? Gupteswar Mahadev Cave is located in southern Pokhara is known for its religious importance among Hindus. Gupteswar Mahadev Cave has a stalagmite formation of Hindu God Shiva.
********************
Devi’s Falls or Davi’s Falls
Devi’s Falls or Davi’s Falls is a famous waterfalls in Pokhara. It can be seen both as a surface waterfalls and an underground water falls.
********************
Tandem Paragliding
Tandem Paragliding is a rewarding experience flying over Sarangkot, Phewa Lake and Pokhara valley! It was my first time to paraglide and definitely I will do it again!
********************
That’s for now. I will make a detailed story about my great Nepal adventure later on.
Categories: Nepal
I leave for my first visit to Nepal on Sunday and this post has been really helpful in confirming some of the things on the top of my to-do list. Thanks for the wonderful tips!!
thanks. i am sure u’l enjoy nepal. try to get as far as pokhara (8 hours from kathmandu by bus) and nagarkot (2 hours away from kathmandu). or if you have time, do the thing si havent done like visiting mt everest base camp. enjoy!
If you’re looking to buy these arieclts make it way easier.
Hey GregWow that was a long flight. It sondus like everything is going smoothly. What type of work are you doing in Nepal? Are you working directly with farmers? It has been very wet in Guelph and Elora this past week. Apparently the weather is too become sunny and cooler by this Sunday.Mike