The historical, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. Once a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities - Kathmandu (population 550,000); Patan (160,000); and Bhaktapur (population 75,000).
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There are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Valley. The history of the Valley begins with the Buddhist saint Manjushree who slashed a passage through the surrounding hills to drain out the primordial waters and make it inhabitable
Over the centuries, a refined urban civilization emerged, built on a unique synthesis of Hinduism and Buddhism. Dynasties came and went. Trade and the arts flourished. Its deeply religious Newar inhabitants built fabulous cities and artistic temples that attracted devout pilgrims as well as rampaging invaders. In the late 18th century, following the founding of modern Nepal within more or less the present boundaries, Kathmandu was made the capital.
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur and drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 04: Fly from Kathmandu to Lumbini which takes about forty minutes.
Day 05: Drive from Lumbini to Kathmandu.
Day 06: Fly out from Kathmandu
Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath and Swayambhunath. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
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 will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being 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. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. 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 ringed 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.
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Patan and Bhaktapur and drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
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
Beside above mentioned places to visit there are other significant sites to be visited:
Golden Temple
Kumbheshwar
Krishna Mandir
Jagat Narayan
Mahaboudha
Ashokan Stupa
Machchhendranath Temple
The Tibetan Camp
Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or 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 Darbar 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 showpieces 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 Mall in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in 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. well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu valley.
Day 04: Fly from Kathmandu to Lumbini which takes about forty minutes.
Stay overnight at hotel in Lumbini. You enjoy sightseeing tour in and around Lumbini. Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. The broken Ashoka Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha's mother Maya Devi, are still preserved here. The Buddha himself proclaimed Lumbini as one of the foremost pilgrimage sites among the famous Chatumahasthana (the four great places of Birth, Enlightenment, Sermon and Mahaparinirvana).
Lumbini hosts variety of religious groups of people. It is home of Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians. The Lumbini area is located in southwest of Rupandehi. The population of Lumbini is segmented in several cultural communities. The major cultures here are Bhojpuri and Tharu.
The major cultural sub groups are Biraha, Tharu, Jhumada and segmented Bhojpuri culture as well. The cultural communities follow their own tradition of costume, make up, entertainment performance and also their own language.
The main attraction is the Sacred Garden spread over 8 square kilometers and possessing all the treasure of the historic area. The Sacred Garden where Buddha was born converges on the Ashoka pillar, which carries an inscription identifying the spot as the birthplace of Buddha. Maya Devi, mother of Buddha, was on her way to her parent's home in Devadaha. While taking rest in Lumbini under a Sal tree and admiring the beauty of the region, she felt labor pains. She gave birth to the child while holding a drooping branch of a Sal tree.
The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims. The temple of Maya Devi contains a stone relief depicting the birth scene of Lord Buddha. The bas-relief shows Maya Devi supporting herself by holding on to a branch of a sal tree, and the newborn infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal. Two celestial figures are engaged in the act of pouring water and lotuses from the heaven, indicated in the sculpture by a delineation of clouds. The Maya Devi shrine has been worshipped by both Hindus and Buddhists since the beginning of the Christian era and is believed to have been built over the foundation of at least one earlier temple or stupa.
Lumbini is so important that the world community, particularly the United Nations and the Government of Nepal, has launched a master plan for the maintenance and preservation of Lumbini.
Day 05: Drive from Lumbini to Kathmandu.
Day 06: Fly out from Kathmandu
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