Nepal Heritage and Adventure tours
Nepal Heritage and Adventure tours
Pashupati: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Pashupati or Pashupatinath, the Lord of all living creatures. The temple of Pashupatinath is 6 Km east of Kathmandu. The site of Pashupatinath (Pashupat Kshetra) is one of the holiest places in Nepal for Hindus all over the world. Many Hindu Pilgrims come to Pashupatinath round the year. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu from all over the World make Pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri (Night of Shiva in February). There are many temples of various Hindu Gods in the holy site. Guheswori temple is the most important among other temples. A walk from this temple to Aryaghat near Pashupatinath temple is very popular among non-Hindu tourists. Pashupatinath Temple area is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal. Entrance fee: Rs. 1,000.00; India: free
Bouddhnath: Bouddhnath Stupa is a holiest Lama Buddhist temple in Nepal at Bouddha, Kathmandu. The white Bouddhanath Stupa is perhaps the largest Stupa in the world. Bouddhnath is also the largest center for Tibetan Buddhism outside Tibet. The Stupa stands on a large mandala. The most striking of the Stupa is the Eyes at all four sides of the Stupa. The stupa is renovated after the 2015 earthquake. To know more about Tibetan Buddhism there are several Tibetan monasteries around Stupa. The most famous one is Kopan monastery, a 10 minute drive from the Stupa. Entrance fee: Rs. 400.00; SAARC: 100.00
Swayambhunath: is an ancient temple complex on a small hill at the west of Kathmandu city. Swayambhunath is the most sacred among the Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu valley. However for the Tibetan Buddhist it is second to Boudhanath. The Swayambhunath complex consists of a stupa, shrines, and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. The temple complex can be accessed by a long stairway with 365 steps or by a car road around the hill. Perhaps Swayambhunath hill is the best site for Kathmandu city view. Swayambhunath is also popularly known as monkey temple. Entrance fee: Rs. 200.00; SAARC: 50.00
Kathmandu Durbar Square: is a UNESCO World heritage site. The durbar square complex is in the heart of old Kathmandu city. The complex site had been a place for royal palaces and temples since the Lichchhavi period (3 century A. D.). The main attractions are Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Basantpur palace, Gaddi Baithak, Kal Bhairav temple, Taleju temple, Living Goddess Kumari's house, big bell and big Nagada, and the pagoda called Kasthamandap from which the Kathmandu is derived. Unfortunately several buildings including Kasthamandap pagoda are destroyed by the April 2015 earthquake. Entrance fee: Rs. 1000.00; SAARC: Rs. 150.00
Patan Durbar Square: is within the old city Patan which is also called Lalitpur. The Patan Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Main monuments in Patan durbar square are Royal Palace (now a museum), Krishna Mandir, Kumari Chowk, Tusha Hiti (Royal bath), Bhimsen temple, King Yogendra Malla's statue, big bell, etc. Nearby destinations are Mahaboudha, Kumbheswar temple, Hiranya Mahabihar, Ashok stupa, etc. Entrance fee: Rs. 1000.00; SAARC: 250.00
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: is in the old part of Bhaktapur city in Kathmandu valley. Bhaktapur city is also known popularly as Bhadgaon. The Bhaktapur durbar square is in front of an old Royal palace with 55 windows and a golden gate. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Kathmandu valley. The Bhaktapur Durbar square complex is a union of 4 squares, Durbar square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square. The National Art gallery in the palace, Dattatreya Temple, Bhairavnath temple, Nyatpole Temple at Taumadhi, etc. are main attractions. Some of the temples were ruined by the 2015 earthquake., etc. Entrance fee: US$ 15.00; SAARC: 500.00
Changu Narayan Temple: is situated at the top of the hill surrounded by a forest of Champ (Golden Michelia) trees. Changunarayan temple is the oldest UNESCO World heritage site in Kathmandu valley. The temple is also believed to be the oldest temple of Nepal, and an ancient stone tap, on the way to Changu Narayan, is believed to have existed since the Lichhavi era. The temple is surrounded by sculptures and arts related to Lord Vishnu including Chakra, Sankha, Kamal, and Khadga all on top of stone pillars with Sanskrit inscription, which is considered to be the oldest inscription of Nepal. These pillars were erected by Lichhavi King Manadeva in 464 AD. Changunarayan hill is 20 kilometer east of Kathmandu city. Entrance fee: Rs. 300.00; SAARC: 100.00
Budhanilkanth: Budhanilkantha Temple is at foot of the Shivapuri mountain at north Kathmandu valley. The main statue of Budhanilkantha is considered the largest stone carving in Nepal. The statue is carved from a single block of black basalt stone. The temple is also known as the Narayanthan (the Temple of Narayan). The temple is the second most visited temple in Kathmandu. The statue is 5 meters long and is placed in the middle of a pool of water, which is 13 meters long depicting the Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of the cosmic serpent called Sheshanag. The statue is seven centuries old. It is interesting to note that there are no basalt stones in that part of the valley.
Nagarkot: Among many resort towns on the rim of Kathmandu valley Nagarkot is the most popular. Nagarkot is on the northeast rim and is the most visited resort town in the rim of Kathmandu valley. One can see a panoramic view of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is also the best point to see Sunrise and Sunset. Nagarkot is accessed by car or by one or two day hiking. Moreover one or two days hiking will give you a glimpse of trekking in Nepal.
Lord Buddha as a prince named Siddhartha Gautam was born in Nepal at Lumbini. The birth site was then developed into a beautiful garden. The beautiful Garden in the Buddha's time still retains its charm and beauty and remains in the present day Lumbini Garden. Lumbini is about a 20 minute drive from Shiddarthnagar, a town in mid western Nepal.
Places of interest: Maya Devi Temple (birth site), Asoka Pillar, Archeological excavation sites, various Buddhist temples and monasteries
from Buddhist countries from all over worlds. Tilaurakot was then capital city. The archeological excavation around Tilaurakot is another destion.
Access: Lumbini is best accessed by car, Local bus, and Air (Kathmandu) and from India via Gorakhpur. Gautam Buddha International Airport
will be in operation soon for international flight connection.
Monument fee: RS. 250.00; SAARC: 150.00
Kathmandu is a capital city of Republic of Nepal is in beautiful valley. The Kathmandu valley (1450 M) is famous for scenic beauty, beautiful countryside, ethnic settlements, and pilgrimages of holiest shrines for Hindus and Buddhists. Kathmandu valley has three regal cities called Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur.
The countryside in the valley are cultural and heritage sites. Sankhu, Sundarijal, Changunarayan, Gokarna forest, Kirtipur, Bungmati village, Chapagaon and Bajra Barahi temple, Thimi, Chobhar, Dakhinakli Temple, Lele, etc. are famous destinations which are easily accessed by car.
Kathmandu: Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath, Kathmandudurbarsquare, Budhanilkantha, Balaju Water garden, Narayanhity Durbar Museum, etc.
Patan: Patandurbarsquare (Krishna Temple, Kumari chowk, etc.), Hiranyavarna Mahabihar, Kumbheswore Temple, Asoka Stupa, Tibetan Refugee Camp, etc.
Bhaktapur: Bhaktapurdurbarsquare, Golden Gate, Nyatpole Temple, Dattatreya Temple, Bhairavnath temple, Taumadi tol, etc. Kailashnath Mahadev Statue is the world's tallest Lord Shiva statue is another attraction which is placed in Sanga border with Kavrepalanchok.
There are many resort towns on the rim of Kathmandu valley. Such resort sites are very panoramic and are best spots to see a large range of Himalayas and also the best point to witness Sunrise and Sunset. Nagarkot on the northeast rim is the most visited resort town in the rim of Kathmandu valley. Dhulikhel, Hatiban, and Daman are other famous resort towns in the rim of valley. A very old trading post, Chandragiri now a resort town, is on the southwest rim which is accessed by cable car from Thankot. Dhulikhel and Hatiban are famous for countryside tour. Daman has widest Mountain View. Such resort towns are best accessed by car. However one day or two days hiking in and around rim of the valley will give you a glimpse of trekking in Nepal.
Pokhara valley (827 M) is 200 Km west of Kathmandu valley. Pokhara is the most popular destinations in Nepal after Kathmandu. Pokhara is a land of natural beauty with lakes and mountains. The valley is famous for lakes, snow capped mountains, beauty, and splendid panoramic scenes. Fewa, Rupa, and Begnash are beautiful lakes in Pokhara. The peaks of MT. Fish Tail and MT. Annapurna and Lake Fewa are the land mark of Pokhara. These splendid mountain peaks are very gorgeous. The reflection of MT. Machhapuchhre and MT. Annapurna on lake Fewa is very panoramic. You will have a very few words to describe the view of MT. Machhapuchhre on a clear full moon night.
Places of Interest: Sheti Gorge, Davi's Fall, Mahendra Cave, Vindyavashini Temple, Barahi Temple, Fewa lake, Peace Stupa, Begnas Lake, Mountain Museum,
Sarangkot, Kaundanda, Naudanda, etc.
Lake Fewa: is the largest lake in Pokhara valley. You can enjoy water sports like swimming, boating, fishing, etc. in the lake. Temple Barahi, another
land mark of Pokhara, is a famous temple in the tiny island of the lake Fewa. Eastern bank of the lake, which is popularly known as Lakeside, is the main tourist
residence area in Pokhara with full of restaurants, souvenir shops, banks, etc.
Adventure in Pokhara: Paragliding, Ultra flight, Zip flyer, white water river rafting, hiking, etc.
Access: Pokhara is well connected by road with Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini and other parts of Nepal. You can also fly from Kathmandu to Pokhara which is also air linked to Jomsom. You can make journey to Pokhara more adventurous by white water river rafting in Trishuli river. Trishuli river is a river of rafting grade 2+ flows along Prithvi Highways to Pokhara. Moreover Pokhara is a gateway to Mustang including pilgrimage to Muktinath, Kagbeni, etc.
Pokhara is start and end point of most of the trekking in Annapurna and Dhoulagiri regions. There are also plenty of sites around Pokhara valley where a short trekking or a day hiking is enjoyed.
The Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km.) 200 Km south west of Kathmandu is the most visited WildLife Safari Park in Nepal. The National Park is the largest habitat
for Gaida (one horned rhinos) and is the second largest habitat for Royal Bengal Tigers in Nepal. Other wild animals are: wild elephants, deer, sloth bear, gaur (bovine),
wild boar, crocodiles (gharial and magars), leopards, langur monkey, and many more. Endangered Birds like giant hornbill, Bengal florican, black stork, white stork, etc.
are among 450 species of birds found in the park. It is a pride to mention here that Nepal becomes the first country to double the wild tiger population in Nepal.
National Park fee: Rs. 2000.00, Nepal: Rs. 150.00; SAARC: Rs. 1000.00
Village Sauraha is an old settlement of ethnic Tharu people. The village is in the buffer zone jungle of Chitwan National Park. The beach of River Rapti is a very popular spot in Sauraha. You can enjoy the best sunset view on a hot evening with a chilled drink.
Safari activities: You climb on an Elephant back, ride into the grassland which is as tall as an elephant and virgin forest of the Park to see Rhinos, tigers, and other wild animals. Plus: Jungle walks, Bird watching, Canoeing in a dug-out canoe, Visit to Elephant breeding center, etc.
Cultural: Tours in and around Tharu village and cultural programs performed by the ethnic Tharu communities. The Cultural variety includes famous stick dance and the dance with guests.
Additional: Jungle drive by Jeep (seasonal), visit to Crocodile breeding center, visit to the exotic Bis Hazari Taal (Twenty Thousand Lakes), and Devghat tour.
By air: Daily flights from Kathmandu to Bharatpur Airport duration about 25 minute; US$114.00 per person and hotel transfer from the Bharatpur airport costs
US$ 20.00 per person.
By Private vehicle: 4 Hours drive and you can enjoy en-route Cable Car ride to Mankamana Temple; from US$50.00 per person for a group of three; from Kathmandu
or Pokhara.
By Tourist bus: 5-6 hours cost US$8.00 to 15.00 per person; from Kathmandu or Pokhara
By white water river rafting: You can make journey to Chitwan National Park more adventurous by white water river rafting. You can enjoy river rafting in
Trishuli river (grade 2-3). The rafting trip in river Trishuli can be a trip of 1 to 2 days from Kathmandu. Or you can enjoy 2 days river rafting in
Sheti river (grade 2-3) if you are going from Pokhara.Costs: from US$ 35.00 per person per day.
Lord Buddha as a prince named Siddhartha Gautam was born in Nepal at Lumbini. The birth site was then developed into a beautiful garden. The beautiful Garden in the Buddha's time still retains its charm and beauty and remains in the present day Lumbini Garden. Lumbini is about a 20 minute drive from Shiddarthnagar, a town in mid western Nepal.
Places of interest: Maya Devi Temple (birth site), Asoka Pillar, Archeological excavation sites, various Buddhist temples and monasteries
from Buddhist countries from all over worlds. Tilaurakot was then capital city. The archeological excavation around Tilaurakot is another destion.
Access: Lumbini is best accessed by car, Local bus, and Air (Kathmandu) and from India via Gorakhpur. Gautam Buddha International Airport
will be in operation soon for international flight connection.
Monument fee: RS. 250.00; SAARC: 150.00
Gorkha is a mid-hill town lying in between Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Gurkhas legend begins from here. It was then from this very palace that the King Prithvi Narayan Shah began his campaign in the eighteenth century to unify the present day Nepal. The Gorkha town is on a hill. The beautiful Gorkha Durbar is on the top of a hill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya including the eighth highest peak Mt. Manaslu. The Gorkha Durbar is a fort with a palace and a temple complex.
Manakamana: is on the top of a hill in Gorkha district. It is a scenic and pilgrim site. The Manakamana Temple is a famous temple where you can wish to fulfill your wishes.
Manakamana temple site is near to the Kuringhat which is on the highway half way between Kathmandu and Pokhara as well as between Kathmandu and Chitwan. From Kuringhat you do cable car
ride to Manakamana temple and back.
Access: The best access to Kuringhat is a car drive. Alternatively you can drive to Fisling, a put in point for the 3 hours white water river rafting in river Trishuli
with the put out point at Kuringhat.
Muktinath: Muktinath temple is one of the holiest pilgrim destinations for devout Hindus. It is one of the 106th sacred Mukti Kshetra (assured of salvation) of 108 sacred places of Vaishnavs. This region is called Mukti Kshetra where Lord Vishnu got himself free from the curse of Sati. The Muktichhetra is also a Shaligram region. The Shaligrams are found along the Kaligandaki river. You can visit the largest Shaligram in this region. There is also a Jwaladevi, a divine flame, which is continuously burning for thousands of years in Muktinath Temple complex. The Muktinath temple is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple site is at an altitude of 3800 m. The Muktinath Temple complex has 108 holy water spouts set on a wall for bath.
Access: Muktinath Temple is best accessed by air up to Jomsom and then Jeep drive to Muktinath Temple. The road between Beni and Muktinath is under construction. You can consider a bumpy ride to Muktinath from Pokhara in a bus or a jeep can be considered in a fair weather.
Permit and fee: TEAM: $10.00 per person; ACAP: Rs.2,000.00 person (Indian nationals: TEAM: Rs.300.00 per person; ACAP: Rs.300.00 person)
Bandipur is a medieval town situated halfway between Kathmandu, the capital city and Pokhara. Bandipur is a modern day town with its old antique cultural atmosphere still intact. Bandipur is situated at 1030 m above sea level, and overlooks the Marsyangdi River Valley. The town was once a prosperous trading center. Bandipur was settled by Newars from Bhaktapurin the early nineteenth century. Later it is developed into an important stop along the India-Tibet trade route. The Bhaktapur Newar settlers had brought their rich cultural heritage and architecture to Bandipur.
Places of interest: Bazaar, Tudikhel, Shiddha Cave (largest in the Himalayas), etc.
Access: Half an hour drive from the Prithvi highway between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
Dolakha is a small medieval town in the east of Kathmandu with the Mt. Gaurishankar in the background Himalaya. Dolakha used to be an important town in the trade route to Lhasa, Tibet. The Bhimeshwar temple is located in Dolakha Bazar. The main statue featured in the temple is the second Pandav Bhimsen. The statue is known to sweat. The sweating of the idol is considered to be a bad omen for the head of the Nepal Government and to the people if it sweats on the left side. Dolakha is also a starting point of various off beaten trekking destinations including Rolwaling.
Places of interest: Bhimsen temple, Dolakha bazaar, holy Mt. Gaurishankar darshan, temples in the vicinity are Kalinchwok Temple, Kali Temple, Tripurasundari, etc.
Access: 4-5 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Janakpur: Nepal has a plain terrain along the India/Nepal border. The land is best known in Nepal as Madhes. Janakpur is in mid-Terai and is famous Hindu pilgrimage site. Janakpur is best known as the birthplace of Janaki Sita. Janaki Sita was married to Lord Ram in the era of the epic Ramayana. Janakpur and around is also known as Mithila. The folk art from that region is famously known as Mithila art.
Places of interest: Janaki Temple, Bibaha Mandap, and numerous beautiful ponds, Mithila Art center.
Access: Jankapur is connected with Kathmandu by air and by road via Dhulikhel or via Mahendra highway. One day pilgrimage tour from Kathmandu by air is done easily.
Bardiya National Park is the largest (968 square kilometers) and the least disturbed wild area in the west Terai. The national park is densely covered by Sal forests, reverie forests and grassland. The national park is the largest habitat of Royal Bengal tiger in Nepal. Within its confines there are animals such the rhinoceros, wild elephant, swamp deer, black buck, Gharial, wild boar, wild bison or Nilgai, and Gangetic dolphin. Endangered birds include the Bengal Florican, Lesser Florican, Silver- eared Mesia, and Sarus Crane. Over 30 different animals, 200 species of resident and migratory birds, including many reptiles and fish are found thriving in this wilderness.
Jungle walk: To see Sal forest, open grassland, mammals and birds, and to track Tiger through their foot prints with the help of trackers.
Wait in machan: To see Bird, wild animals, and Royal Bengal Tiger (if lucky)
Elephant safari
White water river rafting: through rapids, to see hillside forests and deep jungle, birdwatching, sighting of Dolphins and crocodiles, etc.
Cultural program: The variety show by Tharu ethnics in their traditional colorful costumes.
By surface: Drive 10 to 12 Hours by Private car or by local bus from Kathmandu; or 4-5 hours drive from Lumbini
By air: Fly 90 minutes to Nepalganj and then drive 3 - 4 hours to Thakurdwara
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, with an area of 175 square kilometers, is situated in the embankments of the Sapta Koshi river system. The vegetation consists mainly of grassland, scrub and deciduous forests. This reserve is unique for its 100 or so surviving wild water buffaloes. Other animals are the hog deer, wild boar, spotted, and the Gaur. The species of birds total 280 here and includes 20 of ducks, two of ibises, many storks, egrets, herons and the endangered swamp partridges and Bengal floricans. The region is a resting place for migrating birds not seen anywhere in Nepal. Endangered Gharial crocodiles and Gangetic dolphins are also sighted in the Koshi River.
Safari in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
Bird walk: in the marshland outside the reserve to see the storks, ibises, snipes, waterfowl etc.
Boat and 4WD for birdwatching in wetland and to see arnas (wild water buffalo), marsh crocodiles, and gangetic dolphins, etc.
Mt. Everest National Park: Sagarmatha National Park is highest surface on Earth and has Highest peak popularly known as Mt. Everest (8,848 m).
Namchebazar is the Sherpa settlement at the base of Mt. Everest. It is a focal point of the trekking in Mt. Everest region.
Namchebazar is best accessed by air up to Lukla and then by 2 days trekking. The most popular trekking in Everest region are around Gokyo, Kalapattar, and Everest Base Camp.
For the trekking detail you can visit trekking in Nepal including trekking in Mt. Everest region.
Access: Fly to Lukla and then two days trek to Namchebazar. Please note that the airport in Lukla is one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Alternatively you can drive to Salleri and then trek to Namchebazar. Please also note that the road to Salleri is a fair weather road.
Permit and fee: TEAM: $10.00 per person; Sagarmatha national park fee: Rs.3,390.00 per person; Indian national: TEAM: Rs.300.00 per person and Sagarmatha national park fee: Rs.1,500.00
Annapurna National Park is in most scenic and panoramic range of Nepalese Himalayas. The National Park boundary starts from Rim of Pokhara valley to border with Tibet
in the north. The tourism in and around Annapurna National Park is most successful Eco-Tourism in the world. For the trekking detail you can visit Trekking in the
Annapurna region.
Mustang: The trail of Kaligandaki river take us to deepest Gorge in the world and then to a valley known as Mustang. You can take a bus or 4WD trip in a fair weather road along
Kaligandaki river. You can also fly to Jomsom in Mustang. Please note that any tour from Pokhara to Mustang is a journey of a Trans-Himalayan tour. Muktinath temple is the most visted
Hindu pilgrimage destination in Mustang
Lo Manthang: The upper reach of the Kaligandaki valley is known as Upper Mustang which is made a "Forbidden land". Lo Manthang is a walled capital of the Kingdom of Lo
since its founding by Ame Pal in 1380 AD. Ame Pal constructed the 6 meter high mud wall in the city. Many of the structures are still-standing. It is an important destination in
the upper Mustang. A journey from Jomsom to Lo Manthang is a walk along the ancient trading caravan route between Tibet and India.
Damodar Kund is another important destination in the upper Mustang for Hindu pilgrimage. The pilgrimage to Damodar Kund is a life time pilgrimage to Lord Vishnu.
Access: Drive or Fly to Jomosm and then Jeep drive to Lomanathang from Jomsom via Kagbeni
Permit and Fee: TEAM: $10.00 per person; ACAP: Rs.2,000.00 person (Indian nationals: TEAM: Rs.300.00 per person; ACAP: Rs.300.00 person)
Upper Mustang permit (additional): $500.00 per person for the first ten days and for more than 10 days $50.00 per person per day is applicable.
Langtang National Park is just 32 Km north of Kathmandu valley bordering Tibet in the north. The Langtang himalaya includes the famous peak Lakpa Dourje which can be seen from Kathmandu valley. The river Bhote Koshi is in the east and the river Trishuli is in the west Langtang. The national park is panoramic and is also best known for its flora and fauna including Red Pandas. Langtang National park has the closest and beautiful trekking destinations from Kathmandu. These include Langtang valley, holy Gosaikunda, Chisapani, Helambu valley, etc. The famous pilgrimage destination the Lake Gosaikunda is in the park at an elevation of 4,380 m (14,370 ft).
Gosaikunda: Gosaikunda is a glacier lake in Langtang. It is a one day drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche and then it is 2 to 3 days trekking. According to Puran lake Gosaikunda was created by Lord Shiva by his Trishul(Trident). He had to drink water after intake of Halahal or Kalkut poison. He has to digest the Kalkut poison which was the product obtained from Samudra Manthan by Gods and Ashurs. The most auspicious day for the Pilgrimage is Full moon day (Shrawan Purnima) in July. Many pilgrims from Nepal and India take a bath in the Lake. However, trekking to Gosaikunda is one of the most popular trekking in the Langtang region. Gosaikunda is also the source of River Trishuli.
Access: Rasuwagadhi is now a transit point to Tibet. Hence road connections are made better from Kathmandu valley to and then to Rasuwagadhi. Further upgrading is continuing.
The Hindu pilgrimages: There are mainly three kinds of Hindu Pilgrimages in Nepal and they are 1. Lord Shiva, 2. Lord Vishnu, and 3. Ma Shakti. According to Shiva Purana the Himalayas are the home of Lord Shiva and Parbati. Hence there are many Pilgrimage sites related to Lord Shiva in Nepal. Pashupatinath Temple is the Holiest pilgrim of Lord Shiva. Mt. Kailas is the mountain of Lord Shiva and it is considered the holiest of all holy mountains. Mt. Kailas is in Tibet near Nepal Tibet border. A mountain with a Temple on its top is also considered Holy Mountain. There are several Shakti-peeths related to Durga Ma throughout Nepal. Dakhinakli and Guheswori are the most famous Shakti-peeths of Kathmandu valley. Other important Shakti-peeths in Nepal are Pathibhara, Shaileswori, Vindhyavashini, Mankamana, Jogeshwori, etc. Such Shakti-peeths are usually situated on the top of a hill or a mountain.
The confluence of rivers, particularly when they are major tributaries of the Ganges, is always regarded as religiously significant by Hindus, as it is believed a third spiritual river also joins. Such a confluence is called Tribeni.
Pashupati: Lord Shiva is worshipped as Pashupati or Pashupatinath, the Lord of all living creatures. The temple of Pashupatinath is 6 Km east of Kathmandu. The site of Pashupatinath (Pashupat Kshetra) is one of the holiest places in Nepal for Hindus all over the world. Many Hindu Pilgrims come to Pashupatinath round the year. Hundreds of thousands of Hindu from all over the World make Pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri (Night of Shiva in February). There are many temples of various Hindu Gods in the holy site. Guheswori temple is the most important among other temples. A walk from this temple to Aryaghat near Pashupatinath temple is very popular among non-Hindu tourists. Pashupatinath Temple area is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Nepal. Entrance fee: Rs. 1,000.00; India: free
Janakpur: Nepal has a plain terrain along the India/Nepal border. The land is best known in Nepal as Madhes. Janakpur is in mid-Terai and is famous Hindu pilgrimage site. Janakpur is best known as the birthplace of Janaki Sita. Janaki Sita was married to Lord Ram in the era of the epic Ramayana. Janakpur and around is also known as Mithila. The folk art from that region is famously known as Mithila art.
Places of interest: Janaki Temple, Bibaha Mandap, and numerous beautiful ponds, Mithila Art center.
Access: Jankapur is connected with Kathmandu by air and by road via Dhulikhel or via Mahendra highway. One day pilgrimage tour from Kathmandu by air is done easily.
Gosaikunda: Gosaikunda is a glacier lake in Langtang. It is a one day drive from Kathmandu to Dhunche and then it is 2 to 3 days trekking. According to Puran lake Gosaikunda was created by Lord Shiva by his Trishul(Trident). He had to drink water after intake of Halahal or Kalkut poison. He has to digest the Kalkut poison which was the product obtained from Samudra Manthan by Gods and Ashurs. The most auspicious day for the Pilgrimage is Full moon day (Shrawan Purnima) in July. Many pilgrims from Nepal and India take a bath in the Lake. However, trekking to Gosaikunda is one of the most popular trekking in the Langtang region. Gosaikunda is also the source of River Trishuli.
Muktinath: Muktinath temple is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for devout Hindus. It is one of the 106th sacred Mukti Kshetra (assured of salvation) of 108 sacred places of Vaishnavs. This region is called Mukti Kshetra where Lord Vishnu got himself free from the curse of Sati. The Muktichhetra is also a Shaligram region. The Shaligrams are found along the Kaligandaki river. You can visit the largest Shaligram in this region. There is also a Jwaladevi, a divine flame, which has been continuously burning for thousands of years in the Muktinath Temple complex. The Muktinath temple is a pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple site is at an altitude of 3800 m. The Muktinath Temple complex has 108 holy water spouts set on a wall for baths.
Access: By air: Fly to Jomsom and the drive to Muktinath.
By Bus or car: Drive to Jomsom via Beni and then to Muktinath. Please note that the road from Beni to Jomsom is a fair weather road and hence you must expect a bumpy ride
Permit and fee: TEAM: $10.00 per person; ACAP: Rs 2000.00 person (Indian nationals: TEAM: Rs 300.00 per person; ACAP: Rs. 300.00 person)
Damodar Kund: is a glacier lake at the slope of Damodar Himal in Mustang. Damodar Kund is one of the most important pilgrimages to Lord Vishnu. The pilgrimage is parallel to Kailas pilgrimage for Lord Shiva. The Damodar lake is located three days walk north east of the main Mustang trekking route and very close to the border with Tibet. Damodar Kund is the source of River Kaligandaki. The site is in the region of Shaligram and hence it is also called Shalgrams. Other names of River Gandaki are Kaligandaki, Saptagandaki, and Narayani.
Access: Jeep drive to Lomanathang from Jomsom and then three days trek to Damodar Kund
Permit and fee: TEAM: $10.00 per person; ACAP: Rs 2000.00 person (Indian nationals: TEAM: Rs 300.00 per person; ACAP: Rs. 300.00 person)
Upper Mustang permit (additional): $500.00 per person for the first ten days and for more than 10 days $50.00 per person per day is
applicable.
The Buddhist pilgrimages: Buddha was born in Nepal at Lumbini as Shiddarth Gautam. Shiddarth Gautam led the world on the path to enlightenment and became Lord Buddha two thousand five hundred years ago. He was born as a prince named Siddhartha Gautam. The birth site was then developed into a beautiful garden. The beautiful Garden in the Buddha's time still retains its legendary charm and beauty and remains in the present day Lumbini Garden. Lumbini is about 20 minute drive from Siddharthnagar, a town in mid western Nepal.
Places of interest: Maya Devi Temple (birth site), Asoka Pillar, Archeological excavation sites, various Buddhist temples and monasteries from Buddhist countries from all over worlds. Tilaurakot was the capital city in the Lord Buddha era. The archeological excavation around Tilaurakot is another attraction.
Namobuddha: Buddhist holy books narrate tales of several Buddhas before the arrival of Siddhartha Gautam Buddha, the Enlightened One. Namobuddha is the place where Lord Buddha, in an earlier life, offered his body to a starving tigress so she could feed her cubs. There is a small stupa built in reverence to the ultimate sacrifice of the Buddha. It is said that his hair, bones and so forth were made into a Stupa, the Stupa now known as Namobuddha. It is in the east of Kathmandu valley near Panauti, Kavrepalanchok district.
Some Buddhist pilgrimage sites: Important Buddhist Stupa in Kathmandu valley are four Stupa built by Asoka Emperor in Patan and one Chabhil, etc. There are several Tibetan monasteries around Kathmandu valley. Some of the monasteries were recently built. Monasteries at Kapan and Pharping are noticeably popular among tourists. Tengboche Monastery is the highest altitude monastery in the Everest region of Nepal.
