Excursions

Nepal is an exotic country and a place for the brave hearted. Trekking, river rafting, and mountaineering options are amazing and incomparable. The Himalayas has blessed the country with some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Besides the scenic destinations, Nepal also houses many historical and religious sites. While Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Janakpur is considered the birthplace of Sita, wife of Lord Rama. Most of the places are in the vicinity of Kathmandu, which is connected by road and air to India.

                                                                                                        

Phewa Lake: The centre of attraction in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake - the second largest lake in the Kingdom. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in the middle. The favourite home base for travellers is the eastern shore (popularly known as lakeside or Baidam) where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located.

Barahi Temple: It is the most important monument in Pokhara, built almost in the centre of Phewa Lake. This two-storied pagoda is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protectress deity representing the female force Shakti.

Seti Gandaki: Another of Pokhara's natural wonders that unfailingly interests visitors is the Seti Gandaki river. Flowing right through the city, the lively river runs completely underground at places. At certain points, amazingly, the river appears hardly two meters wide. But its dept is quite beyond imagination - over 20 metres ! Mahendra Pul, a small bridge near the old Mission Hospital, provides a perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and deep gorge made by its powerful flow.

Devi's Fall: Devi's Fall (also known as Devin's and David's) is a lovely waterfall lying about 2-Km south-west of the Pokhara airport on the Siddhartha Highway. Legend has it that a trekker (Devin, David) was washed away by the Pardi Khola and mysteriously disappeared down into an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave: This large limestone cave, locally known as the House of Bats, is another nature's wonder in Pokhara.

The Old Bazaar: Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colourful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. In its temples and monuments can be seen ties to the Newar architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. Located about four kms from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and well. This area strewn with shops selling commodities from edible and cloth to cosmetics is a pleasant and shady spot to stroll around.

The old bazaar is also home to one of Pokhara's most important shrines. Locally called the Bindhyabasini Madir, this white dome like structure dominates a spacious stone-paved courtyard built atop a shady hillock. It is dedicated to Goddess Bhagwati, yet another manifestation of Shakti.

Museums: The Pokhara Museum, located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as the Gurung, Thakali and the Tharu are attractively displayed through models, photographs and artefacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly discovered remains of an 8000-year old settlement in Mustang.
The Annapurna Regional Museum, also known as the Natural History Museum is another interesting visit in Pokhara. It has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds, and models of wildlife found in the area.

Surrounding Areas: Pokhara is the staring and / or finishing point for some of the most popular treks including the Annapurna Circuit and the Jomsom Trek. It also offers a number of short treks for those who cannot opt for long, challenging ones.

                                                                                                       

The beautiful Royal Chitwan National Park, located 166km southwest of Kathmandu and nearly 204km southeast of Pokhara, is the main attraction of Chitwan. The park sprawls across lushly wooded hills and is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Chitwan offers great tiger and rhino spotting opportunities.

This is one of Nepal's largest forest regions, with wide range of wildlife. The rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 815 species of birds, and the elusive Royal Bengal Tigers roam here. Visitors to Chitwan may view game on elephant back, excursions, nature walks, and canoe trips, from windows and on jungle treks.

Elephant grass, five to six feet tall, provides excellent camouflage for animals. This grass serves as food for the gaur (a local bison), rhino and other herbivores. Once a year, local people are allowed into the park area to cut grass. The grass is dried, and used to thatch roofs or stored for food for the domestic animals during the dry season.

                                                                                                        

Sightseeing

Patan Durbar Square: The old palace of the medieval rulers of Patan, believed to have been founded by King Veer Deva in 299 A.D. The square contains innumerable buildings embellished with elaborately carved windows and balconies in the Newar tradition.

Patan Museum: This museum inside the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It is considered as one of the best museums in Asia.

Krishna Mandir: A seventeenth century temple, which is entirely built by stones, is most sacred and is based on "shikhar shaili" literally meaning "in the shape of a mountain".

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: A three storied golden pagoda of Lokeshwar (Lord Buddha) built in the 12th century. Mahaboudha - A temple of one thousand Buddhas made of terracotta bricks.

Tibetan Handicraft Center: Just outside of Patan City where one can see Tibetan refugee's craftsmanship in carpet and sweater weaving and other handicraft products of artistic interest.

Excursions

Bajra Barahi: Situated in a small wooded park, it is about 10 Kms south of Patan near the village of Chapagaon. A visit to Tika Bhairav and Lele from here is worthwhile.

Godavari: Situated at the foothills of Phulchowki, the Royal Botanical Garden of Godavari has splendid natural beauty. The road from Patan City runs to Godavari to the southeast, passing through the small old towns of Harisiddhi, Thaiba and Badegaun.

Phulchowki: Located about 10 Kms southeast of Patan, this 2,758m hill, is a good spot for hiking. A Buddhist shrine is situated on the top of the hill, which can be reached through a jeepable road.

                                                                                                        

Once an important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past that can be witnessed in the lovely building and intricate woodcarving found among the shop-lined streets and in the temples. The city offers numerous interesting day hikes. These provide the tourists an opportunity to see the Nepali countryside away from the roads and also giving a taste of trekking. The easiest is the hike to Namobuddha and back.

The major places of worship here are the Narayan and Harisiddhi temples, which are adorned with profuse wood carvings. The Gokhureswar Mahadev temple, a 30-minute walk to the eastern part of town, is a peaceful and scenic spot. The Bhagwati temple is situated at a height in the western part of Dhulikhel and dominates the skyline. From here, you can get a beautiful vista of the town and surrounding areas.

There are many vantage points in Dhulikhel, which offer a panorama of the Himalaya that will leave spellbound. More than 20 Himalayan peaks can be seen in all their glory. Sunset views are equally spectacular. More than 20 Himalayan peaks, including Annapurna (8,091 m), Ganesh (7,429 m), Langtang (7,234 m), Phurbi-Chyachu (6,637 m), Gauri Shanker (7,134 m) and Lhotse (8,516 m) can be seen in all their glory. You should get up early in the morning to watch the first rays of the sun hit the summits and their colours change.

                                                                                                        

Sightseeing

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The main palace square of the city containing many temples and other architectural showpieces, including the "golden gate", is described as the finest piece of art in the kingdom.

Nyatapola Temple: The five storied pagoda style temple is built in 1708 A.D. This is the largest masterpiece and the finest example of Nepalese pagoda architecture.

Dattatraya Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is built in 1427 A.D. Near by is a monastery with exquisitely carved peacock windows.

The National Art Gallery: Contains ancient and medieval paintings belonging to Hindu and Buddhist schools depicting Tantrism of various periods and descriptions.

Excursions
Surya Vinayak: Situated in a beautiful surrounding of Bhadgaon, the temple of Ganesh is placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. It is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes.

Thimi: Thimi is farming town situated 8 Kms east of Kathmandu on the way to Bhaktapur. Thimi is famous for earthen pots, home spun cotton cloth and artistic masks.

Changu Narayan: Situated at the end of a long ridge, which runs well into the valley, it is said to have been built by King Hari Dutta in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley.

Khokana: Is a Newar farming village lying 7 Kms south of the Ring Road that encircles the two cities of Kathmandu and Patan. The village begins with a wide cobbled street and in the middle of the main street lies the temple of Shekali Mai, Khokana's local mother Goddess. Khokana is famous for mustard oil.

Namo Buddha: It is situated on a hill above Panauti. It requires an easy drive or good walk to get there. There is an amazing legend related to the Buddha which is commemorated by an ancient stone slab and a stupa with all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.

                                                                                                        

Sightseeing

Shreenagar Hill: One of the most picturesque spots in the whole Palpa region, Shreenagar hill abounds in scenic grander and magnificent natural surroundings. A mere 30 minutes climb on foot or 10 minutes drive from the town of Tansen, One would reach the top of the hill which commands a unique spectrum of natural extravaganza-from the snow-capped Himalayan peaks in the north to the lush green wide expanse of plains of Terai in the south, and of course, the panoramic view of the Tansen town. The impressive meadow on the hilltop is an ideal spot to view the breathtaking scenes of majestic Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and the famed twin peaks of Machhapuchare-the fishtail mountain. Also, many beautiful short walks and excursions may be enjoyed from this point. To the comfort of the visitors, there are newly built facilities like cottages and camping sites on the top of the hill. An added attraction is a recently built 'Twa-dewa', a huge Newari style bronze lamp stand.

Amar Narayan Temple: Built in 1807 AD by Amar Singh Thapa, the temple of Amar Narayan is considered an important landmark of Tansen. It is built in typical Nepali Pagoda style for its historical and architectural significance. The intricate works of woodcarvings in the temple are simply marvellous. The temple is surrounded by one-meter wide stone wall-locally known as the 'Great wall of Palpa'. Inside the temple-complex there are the temple of Lord Mahadev, ponds, parks, rest houses and a natural water spring. Every morning and evening devotees gather in the compound and chant 'Bhajans' (holy recitals) in chorus.

Tansen Durbar: Built in 1927 AD by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, the durbar is a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Once the seat of the Rana governors, the Durbar is now the district secretariat of Palpa district.

Shitalpati (The Round House): Built by Khadga Shamsher, the original Shitalpati is of octagonal shape. A round house around the Shitapati has been recently built. The historically important Shitalpati is a popular hang out for the locals now. The 'Baggi Dhoka', the biggest gate of its kind in Nepal is located in this square. The locals often rend to compare it with the architecture of Mugal Empire in India.

Bhagawati Temple: Built by Ujir Singh Thapa in 1814 AD to mark the victory over colonial British-India forces, the temple is a small structure but holds immense religions importance. Located near the Tansen Durbar, it is a pilgrimage of Palpalies. It is said that the original structure was remarkably bigger and beautiful and it has undergone many physical adjustments, most recently after the great earthquake of 1934. In the month of august every year, a chariot procession of deities is taken out throughout the town with military honour to observe the historic battle.

Amargunj Ganesh: Before building the Amar Narayan temple in 1807 A.D. Amar Singh Thapa had built this temple. Architecturally, the temple bears the same style and character of Amar Narayan Temple. The temple has a big artistic 'Rest House' where a school is being run presently.

                                                                                                        

Then the small kingdom of Gorkha, founded by king Drabya Shah in 1560 A. D. became famous during the dynasty of Ram Shah (1604-1641 A.D.), who earned the reputation of being just to his people. There was a famous proverb in those days, which said that one should go to Gorkha if he were looking for justice.

In the middle of eighteenth century there were hundreds of small kingdoms and principalities in what is today's Nepal. The great Prithvi Narayan Shah took the mammoth task of unifying Nepal in the eighteenth century. The Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of greater Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.

Sightseeing

Gorkha Durbar: This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular.

Gorkha Bazaar: It is primarily a cobbled street market place where by people from neighbouring hill dwellings come to trade. There are a few temples near about, but not much. Yet, it is worth a visit as it provides a very good vista of the quiet charm that soaks a typical hill village of Nepal.

Gorakhnath Cave: Ten meters below the palace's southern side, is the sacred cave temple of Gorkhanath. The cave is carved out of the solid rock and is among the most important religious sites for mainstream Brahmins and Chhetris of Nepal.
Gorkha is also an alternate starting point for a few trekking routes in the region. Gorkha-Trisuli is an easy three-day walk along unspoiled Nepali country side. One can also walk a long day's walk to Besishahar, which is the usual starting point for Annapurna and Manang area treks. One can also walk through Besishahar area to Pokhara in four days.

Upallokot: It is situated at a 20 minutes walking distance from Gorkha palace. There is a viewing platform at an altitude of 1520 meters in Upallokot from where the spectacular view of Gorkha palace and the sliver shining snow-fed peaks can be enjoyed.

Manakamana: On a beautiful ridge southeast of the township of Gorkha lies the holy temple of Manakamana, the holy goddess of aspirations. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus. Manakamana is 4 hour's walk uphill from Anbu Khaireni on Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway.

                                                                                                        

For centuries, Buddhists - all over the world, knew that Lumbini where the Lord was born is somewhere around. The descriptions of famous Chinese pilgrims (of ancient times) Huian Tsang and Faeihan indicated to this area-saying 'Lumbini-where the lord was born is a piece of heaven on earth and one could see the snowy mountains amidst a splendid garden-embedded with stupas and monasteries!

However, the exact location remained uncertain and obscure till December the 1st 1886 when a wandering German archaeologist Dr. Alois A. Fuhrer came across a stone pillar and ascertained beyond doubt it is indeed the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Sightseeing

The Ashokan Pillar: Discovered by the now famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer, the pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible landmark of the garden. The historic importance of the pillar is evident by the inscription engraved in the pillar (in Brahmi script). The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, there is a sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha.

Puskarni - The sacred pool: South of the Ashokan Pillar, there is the famous sacred pool- 'Puskarni' believed to be the same sacred pool in which Maya Devi took a holy dip just before giving birth to the Lord and also where infant Buddha was given his first purification bath. Architecturally the pool has the projecting terraces in descending order and is reverted with fine brick masonry.

Sanctum Sanctorum of the Birthplace: The single most important place of the Lumbini (and to the entire Buddhist world for that matter is the stone slab located deep in the Sanctum sanctorum.
Revealed after hard and meticulous excavations under the three layers of ruins over the site of a famous Maya Devi temple, the stone slab foundation pinpoints the location of the original place-marking the exact spot of the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Image of Maya Devi: In addition to Ashokan Pillar, the other Shrine of importance is the bas-relief image of Maya Devi, enshrined in a small pagoda-like structure, the image shows Maya Devi, mother of the Lord supporting herself by holding on with her right hand to a branch of Sal tree, with newly born infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal on an oval halo. Two other celestial figures are depicted in an act of pouring water and lotuses bestowed from heaven.
Earlier the image was placed in the famous white temple of MayaDevi beside the pillar-now totally dismantled to make way for the excavations, which revealed the Sanctum Sanctorum the exact spot where the Lord was born.

The Buddhist Temple: The monastery-of the Buddhist temple is built inside the surrounding complex of Lumbini in the manner of modern Buddhist shrines in Nepal. The prayer hall contains a large image of Buddha, medieval style murals decorate the walls.

                                                                                                        

Ram and Sita (Janaki) are the two central characters of the great Hindu epic Ramayana. In the story, Ram strings a bow that originally belonged to Lord Shiva the Destroyer and in the process, the bow breaks into three pieces. One piece flies up to heaven. Another falls down into the depths of the underworld. Today, there is a huge pond called Dhanush Sagar above the very spot. The third piece flies to present day Dhanushadham, about 40 Kms from Janakpur. There, visitors will see huge rocks shaped liked a bow. Thus, after Ram's successful attempt to string the bow, Janaki's father, King Janak gives his daughter's hand in marriage to the brave prince of Ayodhya.

Besides the religious importance, Janakpur is also the center for the revival of the ancient Mithila art and craft. As a tradition, Mithila women have always been decorating the walls of their houses with paintings depicting figures from Hindu mythology in abstract forms, sometimes resembling a mandala.

                                                                                                        

West of the main roundabout on the Siddhartha Highway, supports a sizeable minority of Muslim traders and, like so many border towns, exists primarily to peddle mundane Western goods to acquisitive Indians. For orientation purposes, think of Bhairawa's three main streets forming a triangle: the eastern side is the highway to the border, the other two comprise the bazaar. Buses stop on the border highway, which stands at the southeastern apex of the triangle; rickshaws and jeeps bound for Sunauli wait here, and the bazaar lies to the west.

                                                                                                        

A few kilometres from the main city of Biratnagar, Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the twelfth century.

The Jogbani border crossing, 5km south of town, is closed to foreigners. You still see ox carts hauling raw jute to the mills near the border, but modern Biratnagar is probably best exemplified by the prosaic zipper factory north of town.