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Sightseeing tours in Nepal
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Sightseeing tours in Nepal
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 You will find here all your sightseeing tour needs in Kathmandu and Pokhara. Sightseeing tours start from 2 days to 8 days. Kathmandu valley has three major cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. All three are rich in its cultural heritage. Beyond the cities there are several places on the rim of Kathmandu valley for short hike and rest. The countryside and viewpoints are added attractions.
Kathmandu valley has three major cities: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. All three are rich in its cultural heritage. Beyond the cities there are several places on the rim of Kathmandu valley for short hike and rest. The countryside and viewpoints are added attractions.
Kathmandu Important sightseeing places are Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, Pashupatinath, Asan Tol and Boudhanath stupa. Hanuman Dhoka was original Royal seat; Durbar square is around this palace. It has some of the best architecture and erotic carving on the temples. Kasthamandap is part of the extended royal palace (former) structure believed to have been built from the timber of a single tree. Asan tol is the old market place of Kathmandu before it expanded. A short-walk through the narrow street lead to Kathmandu Durbar-square and temple of Living Goddess known as “Kumari.” Pasupatinath temple is the holiest Hindu shrine in the world dedicated to Hindu god ‘Shiva.’ It is located on the bank of Bagmati-river. Every year on the day of Shivaratri, in February, Hindu sadhus and pilgrims from all over the world comes to pay respect to Pasupatinath. Swambhunath and Boudhanath are other Buddhist religious center. Swayambhunath is located on a hill top overlooking Kathmandu valley. It is 2000 years old Buddhist stupa. Boudhanath is located very close to Gokarna forest where first Kiranti kings had built their fort.
Patan City: It is across Bagmati river. It is expanding fast. Durbar Square, Hiranya Varna Mahavira, Mahaboudha are very close to the old palace. It is believed to have been built in 299AD. There are many beautifully carved windows, doors and balconies for which it is famous. Mahaboudha is made of Terracotta bricks and, pagoda style structure of Mahavira dedicated to lord Buddha was built in 13th century. At Tibetan Handicraft Center in Jawalekhel you can see carpet weaving by Tibetans.
Bhaktapur: This city is still on the fringe of medieval age. Known as Bhadgaon, it is famous for making mask. Their mask dance is very impressive. Square around the palace (Durbar Square) has many temples built in pagoda style. Famous are a five storied Nyatapola temple built in 1708 AD and Dattatrya temple built in 1427 AD. The intricately carved peacock window and numerous fountain inside the palace are other attraction. You can extend the tour to Changunarayan (temple) located on a hill top.
Nagarkot: It is a hill station located about 25 km. from Kathmandu about 10 km from Bhaktapur. It is situated on northeastern rim of Kathmandu valley. Nagarkot is best known for sunrise and sunset view over the Himalayan range. On a clear day you may see peak of Mt. Everest. A day excursion including tour of Bhaktapur and Changunarayan is ideal. Overnight stay at one of the hotel, lodge and resort with modern facilities is a good way to escape from the city. You can enjoy the mountain with cool and fresh air. There are several places nearby for short hike.
Dhulikhel:It is located 30km from Kathmandu and about 10 km from Bhaktapur. It is on the high way to Tibet border known as Kodari-Border. The area is located at the edge of the eastern rim of Kathmandu valley. There are pleasant view of the Panchakhal valley and the mountain range. Like Nagarkot there are several hotesl, lodges and resort for overnight stay. A day excursion on foot or car to Namobuddha, situated on top of a hill and a historic village of Panauti are possible extension tour. Namobuddha is the last place in Kathmandu valley Buddha had visited before going to Vanaras (India) at the end of his life. The visit was during the reign of Kiranti king.
Other interesting tours in Kathmandu valley are: Dakshinkali – every Saturday at the Kali temple animal sacrifice is performed. Kirtipur – it is one of the oldest city in the valley that has not changed since the time it was used as spring board to capture Kathmandu by the founder of Nepal. It is located on a hilltop overlooking Tribhuvan University. Tour of Dakshinkali and Kirtipur can be combined in a single visit.
Pokhara(900m): is a beautiful valley with a panoramic view of Annapurna and Machapuchare (shape of fish tail) in the north and Dhaulagiri in the west and, Lamjung himal and Manaslu in the east. Machapuchare is just 28 km from your hotel! It looms large infront of you. Pokhara has several lakes; among them Phewa Tal (lake) is a major attraction. Most of the hotels, lodges and eating places are located on the eastern edge of the lake. It is one of the favourite tourist destination next to Kathmandu. Pokhara is linked by 200 km road with Kathmandu. The road branch out at Mugling to go to Chitwan for safari adventure. Trishuli river that runs parallel to the road provides white water rafting. It is also linked with Bhairawa and Lumbini, birth place of Gautama Buddha, by Siddhartha Rajmargh (highway). There are several flight to and from Pokhara to Kathmandu. You can also fly to Manang and Bhairawa direct from Pokhara. For the trekkers it is also the gateway to the mountain.
It is famous for its view of Machapupchare peak and Phewa-lake. There are several places of tourist interest in and around Pokhara including short hike in Annapurna foothill. (see trekking)
Travel duration by surface from Kathmandu to Pokhara is about 5 hour and flight duration is 35 minutes. Beside jungle safari and rafting, tour to Pokhara provides one of the best extension tour. You may join a packaged conducted tour or take public bus operated for tourist only. There are several hotels with good quality.
For Kathmandu - Chitwan - Pokhara (8 days / 7 nights)Best time to visit : In autumn season from October to middle of December and in spring season from March to April are best. May is quite but very hot in the southern plain. The Safari starts with a few days in Kathmandu exploring its ancient temples, stupas and palaces. Your next stop is Chitwan, one of Asia's finest national parks. It is one of the few remaining habitat of Royal Bengal tiger and great one horned rhinoceros. Next you will be driving to a picturesque valley at the foot of the mighty Annapurna Hiamalaya with stunning views of the mountains.
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