Main attractions around Kathmandu

The heart of Kathmandu this ancient square crowded with palaces and temples, including the current incarnation of the Kasthamandap or “Wooden house” that gives the city its name. The square has been in active use since the construction of a palace around 1000 AD. This site is the most popular UNESCO World Heritage Site in Nepal. Magical in the very early morning and evening, Durbar Square can be an exhausting experience due to the overwhelming number of young men offering to be “guides.” Be firm with saying “no” if you are not interested, but realize that looking at a map, or even standing still for a moment will be an invitation to a dozen other would-be “helpers”. Ask New Journey Travels & Tours if you do want a tour guide for sightseeing tour with safety & comfort. A place not to be missed is a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square Museum. Main attractions around Kathmandu Durbar Square The Taleju Temple is the tallest of all structures, built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD. This temple is open to the public for one day each year during the Dashain festival. The Jagannath Temple, built in the 16th century is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved on the wooden struts. The Kal Bhairav, one of the largest 17th century stone statues in Kathmandu, representing the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva. Sweta-Bhairav – the temple is open to the public once in year during Indra Jatra Festival. The 17th century Kumari Temple (the temple of Living Goddess) is an example of highly developed Nepali craftmanship.home of “the Kumari”, or living goddess, a young girl. South side of Durbar square, Kaandasthamp, from which Kathmandu derives its name, is said to have been built from the timber of a single tree. Nautalle Durbar (the nine storyed palace) Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square complex is perhaps the most photographed of the three durbar squares. Located in the heart of Patan city, this was once the palace of the kings of Patan. The square is a display of Newari architecture that had reached its pinnacle during the reign of Malla kings who were great builders and patrons of the arts. The palace has three main courtyards: the central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex are a dozen free standing temples of various sizes and built in different styles. A masterpiece in stone, the Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira and Sundari Chowk mark the artistic brilliance of the Newar craftsment of that era. The Sundari Chowk with the sunken bath of Tusha Hiti, showcases exquisite woodcarvings, stone and metal sculpture. Like the other palaces, Patan Durbar Square also houses a temple dedicated to Taleju Bhawani. Some important monuments to see in this area are: The Golden Gate and golden windows of the old palace The famous Krishna Temple with 21 golden pinnacles. The bath with many carvings in stone at Sundari Chowk. The Taleju Temple. The temple of Bhimsen with a magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square. Char-Narayan temple, which is among the finest examples of woodcarvings. Chyasi Dega Manga Hiti Mul-Chowk Bouddhanath The awesome structure of Bouddhanath is indeed inspiring. The 36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. With countless monasteries surrounding it, Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Built in the shape of a mandala designed to replicate the Gyangtse of Tibet, the stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the 8th Century. The location of the stupa is interesting as it once lay on the ancient trade route to Tibet and it was here that Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for centuries. Boudha even today has a strong Tibetan presence as countless Tibetan refugees found a home around the stupa. On top is the harmika and on each side are painted the all seeing eyes of the Buddha symbolizing awareness. The canopy has thirteen stages. At ground level there is a brick wall with 147 inches and 108 images of the meditational buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels.