Literally Pashupatinath means Lord of all the Living things. According to the Hindu religious belief Lord Pashupatinath is the almighty God and savior of all human beings. It is therefore said that all Hindu should pay homage to Lord Pashupatinath at least once in their lifetime for their eternal peace and salvation. It is believed that Lord Shiva with Shakti is the center of the creation, savior and destruction.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa - Holiday Khoj
It is the biggest Stupa in south Asia built in the fifth century. Before the present day Stupa was build, it was an overnight camp of Tibetan businessman. The Tibetan Merchants used to offer prayer at the Stupa, which they had built during their trade trip to Nepal and India. It was a like a camp of Tibetan traders. In 1950 it was a refugee camp of Tibetans. Later it was named "Little Tibet". Today it is best site to observe Tibetan lifestyle, culture and religious practices of monks. It is also popular for Tibetan Jewelry, hand-woven carpets, thanka, masks, khukuri, knives, and more Tibetan products.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath - Holiday Khoj
Located on a small hillock, Swoyambhunath overlooks the Kathmandu city. Swoyambhunath has the legend relating to the present day Kathmandu valley that in the very ancient time the valley was a Lake and Bodhisattva Manjushree who had traveled all the way from China had settled on the hill surrounded by lake. He meditated and got enlighten with Buddha preaching then he cut a gorge in the southern side of the Lake to drain the valley. Later during the course of time men began to settle in the valley. The hilltop was holly place where the Swoyambhu's light (the self- existent Lord) was existed. Later it was covered and by the thirteenth century more layers were added to the original one. Swoyambhunath stupa is the most ancient stupa in the world. It is the center of religious harmony in Nepal. There are many stupas around the main stupa. The biggest image of Sakyamuni Buddha is there. Stupas and temples surround the whole hill in one hand and on the other the wonderful botanical garden is one of the leisure places of Nepal.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square - Holiday Khoj
Patan Durbar square is also one of the best architecture sites of Nepal. The Krishna Temple built by stone is an outstanding example of Shikhar Saili architecture of Nepal. On the wall scenes from the Mahabharata, the greatest mythological war is carved. The Sundari Chowk is another example of best and wonderful woodcarving in Nepal. In side the Patan Durbar square there are many temples and nearby the square famous Buddha stupas are located. The site is worth visiting to enjoy the ancient architecture, which dates back thirteen centuries.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Holiday Khoj
Bhaktapur city was founded in 889 AD. It is 13 km east from Kathmandu. The famous fifty-five windows palace was the royal palace of Malla king. It is now a museum of ancient history, arts and architectures. Nyatapole, a five-tired temple is looks like the hanging tower of Pisa is the wonderful piece of ancient art and architecture. The Golden gate is an example of the metal work of Medieval Nepal. Bhaktapur, in fact is the best site of the valley to visit. In the Kathmandu valley the three separate Durbar squares were the capital of separate kings. There was a keen competition among the three kings to develop their kingdom basically in the field of art and architectures and the three Durbar Squares are the result of it.
Pokhara Valley
Pokhara Valley - Holiday Khoj
Pokhara is the finest natural city of the world. It is Nepal's tourism capital and the second largest tourist destination too. Pokhara is famous for its natural beauty and close view of Himalayas. The world highest peaks like Annapurna 1st. Dhaulagiri and Manaslu can be seen very close. These peaks can also be viewed from a luxury hotel room. About 30% of the total arrivals of tourist visit Pokhara. Pokhara is also said a lake city of Nepal. There are more than seven beautiful lakes all are linked by a trekking trail.
Devi's Falls
Devi's Falls - Holiday Khoj
It is a beautiful waterfall formed from the outlet of Fewa Lake. Why it is named Devi’s fall might be the matter of interest. Trekkers named Devin and David one day had their bath down to the Fewa dam but unknowingly the doors of the dam opened to reduce the water level. Both the trekkers did not notice the signal to run away and sadly they were washed way and one of them mysteriously disappeared down into the underground passage beneath the fall. Since then the fall was named Devi's fall. It is worth visiting site of Pokhara.
Fewa Lake
Fewa Lake - Holiday Khoj
Fewa Lake is the finest lake of Nepal. It is 41/2km long and 200m to 1km width. Boating on the lake is an exciting and most interesting moment. In the middle there is an island where Barahi temple is located. Every day thousands of visitors visit the temple. Surrounded by the green forest and lakeside city, Fewa Lake reflects the beautiful images of Machhapuchre.
Bindabasini Temple
Bindabasini Temple - Holiday Khoj
Located right in the city center, Bindabasini is the popular pilgrimage site of Hindus. On a small hill the temple is beautifully locates and maintained. It is the best site of Pokhara to experience the Nepalese religious belief.
Seti George
Seti George - Holiday Khoj
Seti River is originated from the beautiful mountain the Machhapuchhre Himal. The water is milky white and cool. The river before entering into the Pokhara city has been disappeared into a narrow natural tunnel and has appeared in some places. It is another natural wonder of Pokhara. Its width is hardly 2 meters and the depth is more than 20 meters but you cannot see the bottom of the river. Mahendra Pool (bridge) is the right place to view the dreadful rush of the river through a narrow gorge.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot - Holiday Khoj
Nagarkot is popular tourist destination for the panoramic view of the great Himalayas and surrounding rolling green hills and valleys. There are world-class hotels and restaurants. The Everest view tour is a common attraction to all to view the Mount Everest to the Far East. Located on an altitude of 2099m Nagarkot is the best place for the beautiful sunrise.
Chitwan National Park
Chitwan National Park - Holiday Khoj
At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai' region, which formerly extended over the foothills of India and Nepal. It has a particularly rich flora and fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros lives in the park, which is also one of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger. Surrounding Chitwan National Park in southern Nepal is one of the best-planned and most intelligently developed tourist areas in Nepal. Not only does it offer a wide variety of resorts and lodges, it is also easy to reach - by road or by air. Nepal Airlines and other airlines to Meghauli, Simara and Bharatpur schedule regular flights. Many resorts provide coach service. Local buses offer a choice between a night ride and a day ride. Chitwan National Park is perhaps the best park in Nepal for seeing animals in the wild.
Chitwan Safari - Holiday Khoj
In the earlier part of the century, when rapid deforestation was devastating Nepal's southern Terai belt, Government of Nepal intervened and proclaimed the Chitwan area a national park. The Government of Nepal declared the Chitwan region a national park, outlawed settlement and deforestation within its boundaries, and a campaign to save the animals began. Projects carried out with the help of friendly nations have revived the animals that remained. Though the Terai is certainly not what it once was, the preserved portion within the Chitwan National Park is still a treat for animal lovers. Bengal tigers roam the region; one-horned rhinos can be seen charging through the underbrush, feeding and even courting. The Rapti River has been dammed to form a man-made lake called Lamital where water birds and marsh mugger peckers and many other birds are found in plenty in these forests. 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. Access: Chitwan is easily accessible from Kathmandu, being well connected by a national highway to Bharatpur and Sauraha. There are daily flights to Meghauli airstrip just outside the park boundary. Accommodation: Resorts and lodges are available to suit one's travel budget; most include elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoeing and a variety of cultural activities in their programs. Reservations for accommodations can be made at the Kathmandu offices of Chitwan resorts and lodges, with selections ranging from the most luxurious to those with simple food and shelter. On a village tour, you can observe the culture of the Tharu people. Tharu dance and song performances are included in most resort and lodge entertainment. A visit to Chitwan is a visit filled to the brim with activities, whether you stay two days or a week.
Lumbini: The Birth Place of Lord Buddha
Lumbini - Holiday Khoj
Lumbini associated with the birth of Lord Buddha is of immense archeological and religious importance and also a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. It is said that Prince Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha the ‘Enlightened One’, was born in the gardens of Nepal's Lumbini in 623 B.C. The main shrines of Lumbini are the newly restored Mayadevi Temple, the Ashoka Pillar behind the temple and the Lake Shakya Puskarini where Mayadevi is said to have bathed before delivering the little Buddha into the world. Several other places near Lumbini are linked with stories connected to Buddha and Buddhism. Lumbini is about 300 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu. Buses and flights to Bhairawa which is about 22 kilometers from Lumbini are available from major cities. From Bhairawa transport services to Lumbini are easily available. There are sufficient hotels and restaurants in Lumbini and Bhairawa.
The Lumbini Garden: This is the site marked by a stone pillar (Ashoka Pillar) erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka at about 245B.C.The most important discovery in this place is a stone marked to suggest the exact birthplace of Buddha.
Mayadevi Temple
Mayadevi Temple - Holiday Khoj
This temple dedicated to the mother of Lord Buddha, Maya Devi, was excavated a few years ago. Many sculptures and carving in which the figures and designs are only slightly projecting from their background are seen here.
Lumbini has many new monasteries and stupas built by Buddhist communities from around the world. Besides the Nepal Buddha Temple and the Dharmaswami Buddhist monastery, many other countries like Japan, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, France, Germany and Burma etc have built their own temples and monasteries. Lumbini also has a museum and a research center for Buddhism. At present the Lumbini Development Trust is implementing a master plan to develop Lumbini according to by Prof. K. Tange’s design.
Manakamana Temple (The Wish Fulfilling Goddess)
Manakamana Temple - Holiday Khoj
Legend has it that Queen of Gorkha King Ram Shah (A. D. 1614 - 1636) possessed divine powers known only to her devotee Lakhan Thapa. One day, the King found his Queen as Goddess. Following the revelation, he mentioned it to his Queen and suddenly died. He was cremated and his Queen committed sati on his funeral pyre, as per the custom. She consoled her lamenting devotee Lakhan saying she would reappear near his home. Six months later, a farmer ploughing his field hit a stone, cleaved it and blood and milk flowed which ceased when Lakhan worshipped it with his tantric knowledge. The site became foundation of the present shrine. The present pujari is the 17th generation descendent of Lakhan Thapa.
The Shrine of Manakamana renovated many times over the centuries has four story pagoda style roofs with entrance from the South-west. The pujari performs daily prayers and ritual in the temple behind closed doors by offering oranges, rice, red powder and strips of cloth to the deities. On completion of the pooja of the shrine by the priest, the turn of the public begins. Manakamana temple lies 12 Km south of historic town Gorkha and located on a prominent ridge (1302 mt. above sea level) overlooking the river valleys of Trishuli (south) and Marshyangdi (west).The unique location of the place is dramatized during winter when the ridge appears as an island above the sea of morning mist.
Cable Car - Holiday Khoj
People believe Manakamana Devi fulfills the wishes of her devotees, thus called the wish fulfilling deity. The reward on reaching the shrine is both spiritual and physical exhilaration. Spectacular views include deep valleys, terraced fields and the Manaslu-Himalchuli and Annapurna ranges. In the past, the only access to the region was by arduous climb of over five hours but one can now visit the shrine in comfort by Manakamana cable car.
Muktinath (God of Mokchhya)
Muktinath Temple - Holiday Khoj
It is believed that all miseries and sorrows are relieved once you visit this temple (Mukti = Nirvana, Nath = God). The famous temple of Lord Muktinath is a sacred place for both Hindus and Buddhists lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 mt. (12184 ft.) The main shrine is a pagoda shaped temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Set into the wall around it, are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water. The Jwala Mai (goddess of flame) temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas underground. About 16 miles from Muktinath is the Damodara Kundam, the source of Kali Gandaki River. One can find Saligrama stones on the bank of this river. There are accommodation facilities available in Jomsom and Muktinath from where one can enjoy remarkable natural beauty.
There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu. Either take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a 7-8 hours or trek all the way from Pokhara, which takes 7-8 days. Jomsom is a major center in the Annapurna region.
Lukla
Lukla Airport - Holiday Khoj
Lukla is a town in the Solukhumbu District of Sagarmatha Zone north-eastern Nepal. It is located within the Khumbu area at 2,860 meters (9,383 ft) Latitude : 27 41' 10'' Longitude : 86 43' 50''where most people visiting the Himalayas near Mount Everest start their journey. Lukla means place with many goats and sheep, one is not likely to see many roaming around these days. It is mainly inhabited by the Sherpas and has a population of around 1200. It houses the oldest Sherpa monastery built around the start of 19th century by Lama Kyamgon-Deltsen- Donden. Born in 1777 AD, his ancestral home was in Lathetar in West Sikkim. By our initiative this historical Gompa is now being renovated to its former glory.
Tenzing-Hillary Airport, also known as Lukla Airport, is a small airport, In January 2008, the airport was renamed in honor of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, the first persons to reach the summit of Mount Everest. There are daily flights between Lukla and Kathmandu during daylight hours and in good weather. Although the flying distance is short (30 to 40 Minutes), weather differs raining in Lukla while the sun is shining in Kathmandu. The paved tarmac is only accessible to helicopters and small fixed wing short takeoff and landing (STOL) aircraft such as Twin Otters or Dornier Do 228. There is about a 700-metre (2,000 ft) angled drop at the end of the runway to the valley below. The airport is contained within a chain link fence and patrolled by the Nepal armed police or civil police around the clock.
Kurintar
Kurintar - Holiday Khoj
A small village located on the sandy banks of the Trisuli river, Kurintar has become a popular resting place for travellers due to the Manakamana Temple cable car station that is located there. A number of hotels provide decent accommodation options. If you have a day or two to spend in Kurintar, be sure to take a trip on the cable car up to the beautiful Manakamana Temple or embark on a river rafting excursion along the river.