Sightseeing Tour in Nepal

Sightseeing Tour in Nepal is the best way to explore the historically and culturally rich Kathmandu city as well as other cities of Nepal. The capital city Kathmandu which is well known as city of temples is rich in religious aspect. Buddhist and Hindus religious places are the major attraction inside Kathmandu valley. The green hills which surround the valley is another highlights which offers sightseeing views and hiking options.

Hills near Kathmandu such as Nagarkot, Dhulikhel, Phulchowki and Kakani are the major hill stations for sightseeing around Kathmandu and sunrise and mountain views. Pokhara city is another place for sightseeing.

The most famous sightseeing places inside Kathmandu valley are as follows

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations as enlisted in World Heritage Sites. Clustered around the central Durbar Square are the old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name. An exquisitive exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and architecture of Nepal.

 Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March.

 Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, situated 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, is one of the biggest stupa in the world . It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhis Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is encircled by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.

 Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.

Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone

 The main attractions in Patan:
Besides above mentioned places to visit, there are other significant sites to be explored:
a)      Golden Temple
b)     Kumbheshwar
c)      Krishna Mandir
d)     Jagat Narayan
e)      Mahaboudha
f)       Ashokan Stupa
g)     Machchhendranath Temple
h)     Tibetan Refugee Camp

Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur which means the city of devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rules continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and waving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the traditional topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. The places of interest include Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the National Art Gallery, Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya Square.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural wonders such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc.
A magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Palace of 55 Windows Being built by King Yaksha Malla in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th century, the balcony and the windows are intricately carved is a masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. is well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu.