Visits to Nepal

A bit about tourist sites in and around Kathmandu - top 5 attractions.

a. Durbar Square Areas in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan.

Durbar in Nepali means the castle, so you will start exploring very early medieval times of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan (which were different kingdoms back then). If you like wooden craft work, sculpture works and architecture overall, you will find this interesting. In addition, the squares are the focal points for a unique 'community' kind of experience for the tourists.

b. Thamel District

Unique experience will continue when you get to the Thamel district in Katmandhu where the narrow streets crowded with pedestrians, motorcycles, cars and bicycles. Tourists and locals usually gather in a variety of shops, restaurants and bars that exist on both sides of the road, while the music of the era of the 80s playing.

c. Bouddhanath

For centuries, Boudhanath has been an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists & local Nepalis. It is located on what was a major trade route between Nepal & Tibet. Many traveling merchants used it as a resting place. It is also a popular tourist site. In 1979, Boudha became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Great Stupa of Boudhanath is the focal point of the district. There are at least 29 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries & Nunneries) around Boudhanath. The culture is very much Himalayan with a strong presence of Tibetans & Sherpas, as can be evidenced by the number of restaurants selling momos, thukpa & other Tibetan favorites. Many maroon clad Tibetan Buddhist monks & nuns can be seen walking around Boudha, especially at the Stupa. As a daily ritual, many people walk three or more times around the stupa while repeating the mantra 'Om Mani Padme Hum' either quietly or aloud. During the days of & surrounding the full moons, the air is often thick with incense & mantras sung by monks, & the number of people visiting the Stupa increases significantly, along with the intensity of their mantras & prayers. Boudha is a fascinating & very spiritual area. Most of the restaurants & shops are closed by 8 pm.

d. Garden of Dreams

Another interesting site within Kathmandu for some relaxing time from the confusing hustle and bustle of crowd-- is a city park that is part of Kaiser Mahal palace, built in 1895, Garden of Dreams. It is very close to the thamel area. In the hands of descendants of the Kaiser (the then aristocrat elite of Nepal before democracy), the park has now transformed into a work of art. In the part, there is a beautiful ensemble pavilion with a fountain in the middle. Uniquely, this park also has a touch of Europe, such as porches, theaters, galleries, libraries, and birdhouses.

e. The Narayanhiti Royal Palace Museum

The Palace was the residence of Nepal's royal family who ruled Nepal for 240 years. This palace was built much later in the time of 8th king of Nepal. The palace comprises 52 rooms (of which 19 are open to the public) and occupies 74 acres, was designed by American architect Benjamin Polk. Completed in 1969, the Palace was designed in the style of a contemporary pagoda. The Palace Museum showcases the belongings of former kings and other royals who lived in it (such as pictures of Queen Elizabeth II, taken when the Windsors were on friendly terms with the Shah dynasty). Many visitors are intrigued by the Palace's chintzy decor, which includes extensive gold-plating, numerous chandeliers and a large tiger-skin rug. The Museum also has extensive grounds, which are open to visitors; look out for fruit bats and the 20 foot-tall bamboo. One morbid feature is of note: the Museum's buildings and grounds identify the places in which members of the royal family perished during the 2001 massacre (including the place on a small footbridge where Dipendra shot himself).

4. Tourist info on places outside the valley for those who want to stay after they teach etc.
Top Recommendations: Pokhara, Chitwan National Park, Lumbini





A photograph of a market in Kathmandu





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