NEPAL

MAJOR PLACES OF INTEREST / Outside Kathmandu Valley

Pokhara:

Pokhara is known as a center of adventure. Lying around 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu, the city is the main gateway to major trekking and rafting destinations. As a remarkable tourist destination, many visitors visit Pokhara every year. One can view the reflection of fishtailed summit of Mt. Machhapuchhre in the Phewa Lake in Pokhara. One can also see the spectacular panoramic view of the Annapurna Range. Unique traditional Gurung culture is one of the attractions for visitors in Pokhara.


Chitwan:

Chitwan is another interesting place to visit due to the Royal Chitwan National Park (RCNP) where one can see a wide variety of wild animals, including Royal Bengal tigers, one-horned rhinos, among others. The area is also famous for bird watching. It is easier to reach the site by air and by road.

Resorts and lodges are available to suit one's budget both in and outside the national park. One can experience jungle safaris, elephant ride, canoeing and cultural programmes during the stay in Chitwan.


Gorkha:

Lying to the west of Kathmandu, Gorkha is a hill bazaar. It is the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty, which rules Nepal today. The Gorkha Durbar, which was constructed by the then King Prithvi Narayan Shah, attracts the visitors. The visitors can get fantastic views of lush green valleys and the Himalaya beyond from the Durbar as it is visible all around the area.


Lumbini:

Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. It is the sacred ground for the Buddhists. Shakyamuni Buddha was born in this place more than 2500 years ago. Visitors from different parts of the world visit this place every year. The temple of Mayadevi is an important part of Lumbini. It has a stone image of Mayadevi giving birth to Lord Buddha. There lies a pool where Queen Mayadevi is said to have bathed and given her son his first purification bath. One can still see the Ashoka Pillar, which was erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 B. C. to mark the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

Apart from religious and historical importance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the rural life of southern part of the country.


Tansen:

Lying on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini, the highest point of Tansen area is Srinagar hill, which is about 4,300 meters above sea level. Inhabited by Newars and Magars, Tansen is famous for the ancient culture and friendly people. It is also one of the best places to see the mountain peaks. The charm of Tansen is yet to be spoiled by modernity.

There is the temple of Amar Narayan in Tansen. The artistic temple was built during the time of Amar Singh Thapa, one of the champions of the Anglo-Nepal war. The temples' woodcarvings are remarkable. There is also a huge door in the heart of the city. The door is known as Baggi Dhoka. The hand-woven Dhaka is popular among the Nepalese.

Different kinds of traditional dance and song of the local communities attract the people. The number of visitors has been increasing in this hill destination for the last several years.


Kakani:

Situated at a height of 1982 meters above sea level, Kakani lies to 29 kilometers northwest of Kathmandu. This is a beautiful hill destination. Beautiful alpine scenery and the magnificent Himalayan range can be viewed from Kakani. A panoramic view of Mt. Ganesh Himal can be seen from this holiday site.


Nagarkot:

Nagarkot, lying 32 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu, is another hill destination. Famous for its natural beauty and fresh environment, Nagarkot is situated at an altitude of 2,175 meters above sea level. One can have a panoramic view of Mt. Everest and many other Himalayan peaks from Nagarkot, which is also considered to be the best place for viewing the sunrise and sunset.


Dhulikhel:

Lying about 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the side of Arniko Highway, Dhulikhel is an attractive tourist destination. The ancient town with scenic beauty offers one the snow-capped mountain ranges from east to west.


Panauti:

Situated on the confluence of two small rivers, Panauti is an ancient town. The 14th-century wooden struts of temples are attractions for visitors.


Namo Buddha:

Lying on a hill near Panauti, it is considered to be a holy pilgrimage site for Buddhists. It is also a suitable place for short treks.

Daman:

Located about 80 kilometers south of Kathmandu, Daman is another beautiful site. One can have a breathtaking grandeur of the world's highest peak—Mt. Everest and many other peaks like Dhualagiri, Gauri Shankar. A view tower has been installed there for visitors to see mountains and the natural setting around it.

Gosainkunda:

It is one of the most famous religious sites of Nepal. Lying in Rasuwa, north of Kathmandu, the religious site has nine different kundas (ponds) such as Sarswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Soorya Kunda, Ganesh Kunda.
 

Details about Nepal | Top