Sights in Nepal

Some important sights in Nepal

There are plenty of great sights in Nepal just waiting to be discovered. As you walk the streets of Kathmandu, you will discover artistic and cultural treasures just waiting to be snatched up in a photo or two. To be honest, no photo can adequately justify the extreme beauty of this beautiful country – you simply have to see Nepal's sights for yourself to understand why Nepal is attracting so much attention these days.A plethora of delicate carvings, intricate metal work and brazenly bold art, meshed together by the quiet respectfulness of the people who live here, it's a world away from the hustle and bustle of big city life.When it comes to sightseeing, Kathmandu Valley is at the heart of it all. Not only can you view the beautiful blue peaks of the Himalayas from here, but you can enjoy visiting a few of the seven World Heritage Sites. All seven are man-made wonders which have withstood the ravages of time and provide silent testimony to the skill and intelligence of early man. Some of them are roughly 2500 years old! If you're visiting Nepal, plan to spend a little time at each of these seven wonders. They are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, the Boudha Nath Stupa, the Pashupati Nath Temple and the Changu Narayan Temple. Each attraction is fairly large and features a variety of great temples, shrines or notable monuments that need to be explored so you should ensure that you have time to do so.Besides the UNESCO World Heritages Sights of Nepal, you might also try visiting the many museums, art galleries and markets. There are a great many temples and shrines worth seeing too. Everywhere you go you will find color, beauty and intelligence – a true mark of the people as well as their artwork. Don't miss out on Nepal's colorful sights! Some important sights that are in Nepal and we hope you are interested are given below. Below sights is mostly fill up with the tourist like you. 

Discover the Sheer Beauty of Davis Falls

Patale Chhango or Hell’s Falls, has accumulated many different names over the years. Located near the Pokhara airport, this attraction has become one of the most popular sights in Nepal. Also known as Devi’s Falls, David’s Falls, Devin Falls and Devis Falls, the name might take on different forms, but the sight remains the same. It is an area that is known for its beauty and tranquility, and the legend of the Devi’s Falls adds a touch of mystery and adventure to this sight.Trying to put your finger on the correct version of the legend is like trying to understand which nickname was the original given to Patale Chhango. As with most legends that are connected to sights in Nepal and around the world, the story has been retold so many times, that the correct tale has been lost. One of the versions tells of a trekker or hiker that went by the name of David, Devin, Devi or Davis. The unfortunate hiker was swept away suddenly by the water and carried down into the underground passages and caves that run below the waterfall. The other tells the story of a Mrs Davi, a Swiss tourist in Nepal, who was swimming in the Fewa Lake. The dam unexpectedly started to overflow and Davi’s husband helplessly looked on while the waters swept his wife down the waterfall. This version took place in the year 1961 and the body of Mrs Davi was never recovered.The water that feeds the Devi’s Falls comes from the Fewa (Phewa) Lake, which follows a rocky stream to eventually rush down the waterfall and disappear. This might sound unbelievable, but the passages that run under the ground are connected to the hole below the waterfall. The best times to view this spectacular sight is during the monsoon season when there is a high rainfall and the summer season. During these periods the water runs and plunges over rocks and through gorges, giving visitors a breathtaking show.
The landscape and nature that surrounds the Devi’s Falls is as spectacular as the waterfall and visitors will find many photographic opportunities at this sight. Visitors to the Pokhara region are recommended to take a trip to Patale Chhango to hear the legend of the falls and enjoy a peaceful afternoon near the foaming water.

The Mysterious Mahendra Cave

Visiting a cave when on vacation might sound like a strange attraction, but the Mahendra Cave is one of the sights in Nepal that has more to offer than expected. Located near the city of Pokhara, the cave and surrounding sights are worth the trip. The Mahendra Cave, the Davis Falls and Gupteshwar Mahadev are in close proximity to each other and visitors will be able to explore all the attractions of this area.
In the year 1950, young shepherds stumbled across the Mahendra Cave that was named in honor of King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev. Locals refer to the cave as the House of Bats (Chamero Odaar) due to this shy species of wildlife that call the cave home. Generally, the Mahendra and other caves in the region are explored with flashlights, but more recently lights have been installed into the cave. The lights have caused great concern amongst conservationists, as some of the bat species that inhabit the caves are very rare. Since the installation, the sightings of bats have declined as the lights clearly disturb the bats, forcing them to relocate. The lack of supervision when tourists and visitors enter the caves is also very disturbing as the constant noise and movement of humans is very stressful to the bats.Over and above being famed for housing bats, the Mahendra Cave is a natural cave that is made from limestone. The entire cave is decorated in spectacular stalagmites and stalactites that shine and glimmer when light is shone on them. Walking through the cave, armed only with a flashlight, is definitely more rewarding than when the cave is lit with artificial light. The stone that is dripping from the roof and covering the cave floor comes alive under the beams of the flashlights and increases the excitement of this dark adventure.As one of the darker sights in Nepal, the Mahendra Cave gives visitors the opportunity to embark on an adventure. There is still much of the cave that has not been explored and gives the cave an atmosphere of awe, when thinking of the mysterious, unknown territory that no man has yet been privileged to see.

Central Zoo in Jawalakhel

The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel was founded in the year 1932. Its founder, Prime Minister Rana, created it essentially as a private zoo, but in 1956 it was finally opened to the public. It was only in the year 1995 that the Central Zoo was handed over to the National Trust for Nature Conservation, and they immediately set about renovating the zoo.

Before handing over control of the zoo, there were many aspects that were not up to standard. The National Trust for Nature Conservation has therefore implemented objectives and plans to develop the Central Zoo and improve the living conditions of the animals. The first change was the visiting hours at the zoo. On Mondays, the zoo remains closed all day giving animal caretakers the much-needed time to tend to the animals, work on the enlargement of cages and the cage environment. Much as changed since the hand-over, but the work has not been completed and will carry on for many more years. The animals that are currently housed at the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, have also needed time to recover from their previous living conditions, where their cages were left dirty and unattended, they were not receiving the correct or sufficient amounts of food according to their dietary needs and medical care was not the first priority. These days, the animals are carefully monitored and zookeepers are working hard to improve the environment of the enclosures.As conservation around the world has become critical, the staff at the Jawalakhel Central Zoo are working towards transforming the zoo into a complete research and educational facility. This includes a breeding program involving endangered animal species. It is hoped that the zoo will not only become a popular tourist attraction, but be used by scholars and students as an educational medium.There are approximately 900 individual animals housed at the Jawalakhel Central Zoo. Visitors will be able to view various bird species, mammals, fish and reptiles. At present, there are fourteen animals at the zoo that are on the endangered list. Over and above the viewing the animals, visitors will be able enjoy elephant rides, make use of the picnic facilities or use the paddle boats. Children can play safely in the playground, while the adults might prefer a trip to the souvenir shop or restaurant.The Central Zoo in Jawalakhel is an example to zoo’s across the world, that facilities such as these should be monitored closely to prevent the abuse and mistreatment of the animals. Even though dedicated zoo staff are working to improve the zoo and the conditions, it is not close to what is expected of a facility entrusted with precious animals and the bloodlines of the future.

Sandhikharka

Mount Everest is one of the greatest attractions in Nepal, and surrounding this magnificent human challenge, small villages and towns lie scattered across the landscape to provide accommodation and rest to weary travelers and hiking enthusiasts. In the Arghakhanchi District of Nepal, there is a quaint town in the Lumbini Zone, which combines functionality with beauty, to create a wonderful and remote destination, Sandhikharka. Sandhikharka is a significant city in the district, and is located approximately three hundred kilometers outside of Kathmandu.
Sandhikharka does not have a great number of attractions or noteworthy sites to lure visitors, but has an abundance of breathtaking country side to explore that is popular with trekking and hiking enthusiasts. The dense pine forests that embrace the borders of the town are filled with beautiful trails to explore and magnificent wildlife and birds that have made this region their home. Visitors to Sandhikharka will find the town's people to be friendly and helpful and the valley that falls on the Hall line to be as picturesque as a postcard. It is a destination in Nepal that is frequented by travelers due to its astounding beauty.

Explore the tranquil destination of Tansen

Tansen is known for its idyllic weather conditions, and is therefore the perfect trekkingdestination in Nepal. It has an estimated population of 14 000 inhabitants and is 1 400 meters above sea level. The combination of beautiful treks, spectacular views of the Himalayas and Terai plains and the numerous historical sights, makes Tansen a preferred tourist destination.
The people of Tansen are very warm and inviting and are known for their creative abilities. They create the most astonishing pottery and earthenware such as plates, basins and jugs. Metal workers are artists in their own right, as their plates, Hookahs and various utensils are not just used in the homes of the locals but in many of the temples. Coming into town is a very social event for many, as they take time out from finding the right piece of cloth, oil, salts and other purchases to enjoy a relaxing cup of tea. And as a matter of interest, the cloth that is made by Tansen residents is known to be the best in Nepal. The local population is made up of mostly Magar and Newari, which have a very colorful and proud history.
Trekkers can enjoy short treks from Tansen that lead hikers past the Kali Gandaki River or from Pokhara through Dhorpatan. Longer treks include the Annapurna Sanctuary, Jomson and Ghorepani. The dense forests and endless wildlife makes trekking in this region extremely rewarding.Tansen is also a popular destination in Nepal for its marvelous temples and sights. In the Amar Narayan Temple visitors will be fascinated by the detailed and distinctive woodcarvings, but even more surprised by the bat residents that live outside in the woods surrounding the temple. Tansen Durbar was constructed in the year 1927. Patan Durbar is a beautiful palace that is the pride of the town. Visitors are also recommended to take the time to explore the Bhagawati Temple. It is of great religious significance and was built in 1814 by Ujir Singh Thapa. The temple has undergone renovations as the 1934 earthquake in Tansen damaged some of the structure. Other noteworthy sights include Shreenagar Hill, Shitalpati, the Palpa Bhairava Temple, Baggi Dhoka, Amargunj Ganesh and the Ranighat Palace.Visitors to the interesting town of Tansen, with its natural beauty, historical attractions, fascinating locals and spectacular local crafts, will experience a destination filled with adventure and excitement. Tansen is definitely a destination in Nepal that should not be missed.

Tilaurakot

Located in the Kapilvastu District, Lumbini Zone of the Western Region of Nepal, the village of Tilaurakot is most likely best known for being the site of the Tilaurakot ruins. It is believed the ruins are the remains of a stronghold of the Kapilvastu/Shakya Kingdom, established by Siddhartha Guatama Buddha’s father, Suddhodana. Excavations carried out in the year 2000 revealed that the fortress which had once stood there had been of considerable size, having a number of smaller buildings within its walls. A nearby museum displays some of the items discovered, many of which date back as far as the seventh century BC.
Lumbini, the birthplace of Siddhartha Guatama Buddha, is located around 25 kilometers from Tilaurakot. It is however believed that Guatama Buddha, the key figure in Buddhist teachings, was raised in Tilaurakot, making this a very special place for Buddhist pilgrims to visit. The historical and spiritual significance of Tilaurakot is not only important to adherents of the Buddhist faith, but is also of interest to the increasing numbers of tourists who visit this fascinating village in the Western Region of Nepal each year.

Kathmandu Durbar Square - A Major Tourist Attraction

Kathmandu Durbar Square is without a doubt a top attraction for tourists in the Nepali city. This massive complex is home to palaces, temples and courtyards. Visitors to the Durbar Square of Kathmandu will be amazed by the architectural wonders spanning several centuries. This important historical attraction has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and you will certainly want to include a tour of the area in your itinerary.
The majority of the structures built in Kathmandu Durbar Square date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, with some sections from the 12th century. The central feature of the square is the renowned Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex. The majestic palace was named in honor of the monkey god, Hanuman, and a statue of the unusual deity stands at the main entranceway. The Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex served as the residence of Nepal's royalty right up to the 1800s. It was also the gathering place of important administrators and numerous ceremonies were hosted here. The Nepali palace itself is a stunning structure with intricately carved wooden panels and windows. Visitors to the palace are welcome to stroll through the Mahendra Museum and the Tribhuvan Memorial Museum located here.
Surrounding the mighty Nepali palace complex are a large number of temples. TheseNepali religious sites were constructed over many years and a number of architectural styles can be seen as you walk around Durbar Square. The oldest temples were built in the late 1500s by Mahendra Malla. These include Taleju Temple, Jagannath, Mahendreswara and Kotilingeswara Mahadev. The Hindu and Jain temple of Taleju is known as the tallest in Durbar Square and is said to have been built in the shape of a yantra under the orders of the goddess Taleju. Jagannath Temple is best-known for the erotic figures which were expertly carved into doors, roof struts and windows.
Standing on the southern side of the Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal. This is home to Nepal's living goddess, the Raj Kumari. She is a specially chosen girl who is said to be the human incarnation of the head Hindu goddess. If you are fortunate enough you may see her during one of her public appearances.
Another interesting religious site to see in Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kasthamandapa. According to legend this structure was built using wood from a single tree. Originally a community hall, Kasthamandapa eventually became a temple dedicated to Gorakhnath. The Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple dates back to 1680 and a number of icons featuring the Lord Vishnu are found within. Difficult to miss is the Manju Deval. This triple story temple is dedicated to the god Shiva and was constructed in 1692. Temples aren't the only sights to see in Kathmandu Durbar Square, statues also abound. A statue worth noting is the dancing Krishna located in the shrine of Nasal Chowk. Kala Bhairav is a massive stone statue of Shiva in his frightening aspect. Visitors to Durbar Square in Kathmandu will also appreciate the botanical garden of Bhandarkal. Commissioned by King Pratap Mall in the 1600s, the garden is filled with natural beauty.
Indeed there is much to see and be discovered in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Delve right into the Nepali culture and religious fervor in this unique and inspiring place.

Explore the Intriguing Patan Durbar Square

Tourists in Nepal will find themselves utterly awestruck by the exceptional grouping of palaces, shrines, monuments and temples in Patan Durbar Square. Who would have thought that so many buildings of historical and religious value could be found in such great density, but Patan Durbar Square in Nepal proves it true. A fascinating tourist attraction, visitors will spend an entire day exploring the many features of Patan Durbar Square.Some of Nepal's top sights and architectural feats are located in close proximity to each other at the famed Patan Durbar Square in the Kathmandu Valley. The Durbar Square of Patan is centered around the Royal Palace. Surrounding the intricately designed Royal Palace of Nepal are numerous temples, all exquisite examples of Newari architecture. Patan Durbar Square boasts three courtyards, known locally as chowks. These are the Main Keshab Narayan Chowk, Mul Chowk and Sundari Chowk. Standing out as a classical example of Nepali stone architecture is the grand Krishna Mandir. Containing some 21 shrines, the Krishna Mandir of Patan Durbar Square was constructed during the 1600s under the direction of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. The Krishna Mandir was built with the purpose of praising Lord Vishnu in his incarnation as Krishna. Krishna gained much fame when he fought along with the Pandavs during the mythological Mahabharat war. Scenes from this dramatic battle have been carefully engraved on the walls of Krishna Mandir.
As you make your way around Sundari Chowk of Patan Durbar Square you will see the magnificent Tushahity royal bath. This exquisite structure is a marvelous work of stone art. A massive platform built from stone dominates the chowk. It is here that one of the kings would sleep during cold nights and sit during the monsoon rains, all in with the goal of achieving eternal bliss.Another popular attraction in Patan Durbar Square is the Golden Temple or Hiranya Varna Hahabiliar. Inside this Newar monastery is a marvelous collection of metal sculptures, statues, paintings and scriptures. Another religious site in Patan Durbar Square that features metal works is the Bhimsen Temple. The Bhimsen temple was built in honor of Bhim, a god worshiped by businessmen in Nepal. Other sights to look out for in Patan Durbar Square are Teleju Bhawani Temple(1667), Degu Taleju Temple, Uku Bahal and Mahaboudha Temple.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square has much to offer tourists. Not only can visitors view the marvelous structures and religious art works, but there are also fascinating stores located around the squares where you can find delightful souvenirs and other items. Indeed, a tour of Patan Durbar Square is not to be missed.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square in Nepal

Close to Kathmandu, lies the town of Bhaktapur. King Anand Dev established the town in the year 889 AD, and it is therefore steeped in tradition, culture and a rich history. The Mallas ruled Bhaktapur for many years. Most of the statues, temples and sanctuaries seen today were constructed during their rule.Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to some of the most beautiful and breathtaking of these creations, complete with wooden carvings, gateways and idols.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is unique as it is one of the few sights in Nepal that hosts a great variety of attractions at the same location. One of these attractions is the Lion Gate. This spectacular gate was constructed in the 17th century, in approximately the year 1696, by King Bhupatendra Malla. The reason visitors are attracted to this gate, is the two massive and beautifully crafted statues of lions that guard the gate. Next to the lions are the images of goddess Ugrachandi and Lord Shiva carved from stone. As visitors start moving toward the center attraction of the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur, the Fifty-Five Window Palace, they will be greeted by the Golden Gate or Sun Dhoka. As the main entrance to the palace courtyard, King Ranjit Malla spared no expense with the gate's construction in the 7th century. It is known as the most exquisite of its kind in the world and is beautifully decorated. The doors of the Golden Gate are adorned with Garuda (mythical half-man half bird) and goddess Kali, both being cared for by heavenly creatures. The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows was constructed in the year 1427 by King Yakshay Malla and renovated in the 17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is considered an architectural masterpiece, constructed from wood and brick. Its most significant feature is the balcony that is home to the famous Fifty-Five windows. This is a woodcarving feat that leaves visitors awestruck.
Ranking amongst the noteworthy sights in Nepal, the Durbar Square in Bhaktapur has much more to offer than just a palace and two gates. Visitors will also be able to visit the 17th century Vatsala Temple and the Pashupati Temple. The pagoda temple, the temple of Nyatapola, was constructed in the year 1702. Standing five-storeys in height, it is the tallest pagoda in Nepal. The figurines on each floor are spectacular and each storey is individually connected to the elements of sky, wind, water, fire and earth. The art gallerydisplays various religious art pieces and the looming statue of King Bhupatindra Malla pays tribute to a king that was not only a ruler, but a creative mind and artist. Visitors can also look forward to viewing the Stone Temple of Batsala Devi, the Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatraya Temple and the Changu Narayan Temple. Visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a unique and rare opportunity to relive history and touch the past.

Discover the birthplace of Buddha at Lumbini

Whether you are a Buddhist or not, a trip to the ancient village ofLumbini is essential. No trip to Nepal would be complete without time spent at the place of Buddha’s birth. Once reported to be an incredibly beautiful network of gardens and trees which beautified the homes and lives of those who lived here, Lumbini today seems to place a stronger emphasis on the ancient ruins that have survived the centuries.Lumbini in Nepal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the four main holy sites of the Buddhist religion.
Situated at the foot of the beautiful Himalayas in the Lumbini Zone of Nepal, this ancient village was once well reputed across the country for its natural beauty. The entire village was a beautiful garden filled with green Sal trees and small bodies of water – all of which was tended by the Shakyas and Kolias clans. It is said that Maya Devi, the mother of Gautama Buddha, decided to travel to her parents in Devadaha while she was pregnant with Gautama Buddha. She stopped at the village of Lumbini along the way to rest and, perhaps overcome by the natural grandeur of the village, Maya Devi ended up giving birth to Buddha under a Sal tree. Over the coming centuries a number of monuments and reliefs were established in memory of this historical event.
The first may have been four stupas and a stone pillar complete with equestrian statue on it which was erected in 249 BC by Emperor Ashoka. The stone pillar has an inscription dictating the events of the royal visit and informing visitors of the fact that Buddha was born here. Another monument is that of a bas relief depicting Maya Devi holding onto the branch of a Sal tree with her newborn child standing on a lotus flower nearby. It is believed that this relief was installed by the Malla Kings somewhere between the 11th and 15th century. Over time the village became forgotten and neglected until it eventually disappeared. Then, in 1895, an archaeologist discovered the great pillar erected by Emperor Ashoka. This led to several archaeological digs and the rediscovery of Lumbini and the birthplace of Buddha.Today you may be disappointed to find that Lumbini is not nearly as splendid as it must have been in its heyday. However there are plenty of excellent historical attractions to make up for this fact. The village is filled with the ruins of ancient temples and monasteries. It is also home to a sacred Bodhi tree, an ancient bathing pond and, of course, the Asokan pillar. The Mayadevi temple is said to pinpoint the precise location of Buddha’s birth and this temple is filled with pilgrims from across the world who chant and meditate here all day long. So visit this amazing World Heritage Site in Nepal for yourself - you wont regret it!

The Striking Gorkha Royal Palace

It was said, that if anyone was seeking justice, no ruler was as fair and just as the King of Gorkha. The Gorkha kingdom was established in the year 1560, by the legendary King Drabya Shah. From the year 1604 to 1641, theShah dynasty would become famous and rule over Gorkha. Today, the reminders of this era stand proudly in the form of theGorkha Royal Palace, the Gorkha Bazaar and Gorkha Durbar.The Gorkha Royal Palace was the birthplace of Prithvi Naraya, who was born in the central palace named Dhuni Pari. Prithvi Narayan Shah is known for gathering his Gorkha soldiers and battling to unify all of Nepal by taking control of the Kathmandu. After his amazing victory, in the 18th century, Kathmandu became the capital of Nepal.To tell someone that the Gorkha Palace is located in the east side of the Gorkha Durbar would be deceiving. Most visitors are more than awestruck when they look up at the palace on the hill and the approximately one thousand seven hundred steps that lies between them and palace. The climb to the Gorkha Palace might be challenging, but the view is rewarding and the way down is a lot easier. Most of the palace remains the same as in the days of Ram Shah, but kings and rulers that followed did make a few minor changes during their reigns. Restoration work to this beautiful sight in Nepal has kept the palace in excellent condition, and although it is not always open to visitors, especially not the second floor, much can be seen through the latticed windows. The architectural style of the palace is known as Newari-style, and when peering through the windows visitors will be able to see the throne of Prithvi Narayan. Also visible is the “eternal flame” that has been burning for many years, as it was lit straight after the uniting of Nepal, at the hands of Prithvi Narayan. The detailed woodwork and spectacular carvings make the Gorkha Palace a treasured piece of history and a popular sight in Nepal.On clear days or early mornings, the view from the palace is just short of a visual miracle of nature. The panoramic views of the rolling green landscapes, snow capped Himalayas and the town below is spectacular. From this vantage point visitors will be able to see the Goddess Gorakhkali Temple, the Himalchuli Mountain, Manaslu Mountain, Annapurna and Ganesh. It is a view and a moment in time that visitors are unlikely to forget.