Places To Visit

Swayambhu

The history of Kathmandu valley begins from the Swayambhu temple. This valley was a lake, but later when Bodhisattva Manjusri cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship a lotus that he admired during his travel to the region, it lead men to settle on the bed of the lake and named this land Kathmandu Valley. The word Swayambhu means "the self-existent" in English. Today this complex of stupas offers an opportunity to study the religious harmony in Nepal. Tibetan monks, Brahimn priests and Newar nuns are the major worshipers here. Most of the monasteries have huge prayer wheels, fine Buddhist paintings and special butter lamps all add an elegant touch to the Swayambhu.

Pashupati

When Lord Shiva came to Pashupati to escape from his boredom, he became famous as the lord of Animals (Pashupati) Today, millions of Hindu pilgrimage pour into this temple. Many Hindus from Indian sub contents, Nepal, Pakistan, Asia come to Pahsupati to pay their respects to the lord Shiva. From other parts of the world, many Hindus come to Pashupati to fulfill their dream of visiting the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in the world. You can see the pagoda house which has gold-plated roof, silver doors and find woodcarvings. The linga (phallic symbol) of Lord Shiva, his images, statues, and Bagmati river that flows beside it add to the holiness of Pashupati which lies just 1.5km from the international airport. The region is also surrounded by thick green jungle where monkeys and birds live and play and are often seen in large groups playing on the pavements of the temples in Pashupati. Sadhus who follow the life style of Shiva are found in Pashupati region. They paint their bodies with ashes, wear loin-cloths, Tika, and Rudraksha Malas.
Changu Narayan
The temple, situated at Chingu village 12 km to the eat of the city, is fully dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu (the god of creation). The temple is believed to be the most ancient temple in the Kathmandu valley. The temple covers over sixteen hundred years of Nepalese art history presenting some of the best samples of stone, wood and metal craft in Nepal. There is also everyone's favorite statue of Vishnu sitting astride his steed. For a view of the ancient arts this is a must see place.

Bouddhanath Stupa

The 36 meter tall, among the largest stupas in South Asia, is a home to Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. It is situated on the ancient trade route to Tibet (6km to the east of the city). For shopping, the area is a bazaar of Tibetan jewelry, hand made carpets, masks, kukuri knives (the knives used by Gorkhas) and Tibetan paintings known as thangkas. There are many stupas in the nearby surroundings all of which deserve a through observations by visitors.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

This is a durbar of history and arts. One can see artistic monuments, find the house of the living goddess, learn about the Kal Bhairam temple, red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic wood carvings. The kastamandap rest house located within the durbar square is said to have been built from a single tree, it is because of this house, Kathmandu valley got its name. There is also a museum located at the Durbar Square which presents a complete history of Nepal's King and Rulers.


Practical Information
You should have a flashlight (torch) with you to get around at night and early in the morning. You can change money at the Himalayan Bank, near the Club Himalaya, but they take a good commission (Sunday to Friday, 10 am to 3 pm).


Half-Day Itineraries for Kathmandu Valley
These are some of the half-day itineraries offered by most travel agents in Nepal. One can hire a car or a take the bus, with or without a guide can have splendid time in any of the following itineraries.
1. Kathmandu Dubar Square, Swayambhu
2. Kathmandu and Patan Durbar Square
3. Kathmandu Durbar Sqaure, Pashupatinath
4. Pashupati, Bouddha, Bhaktapur
5. Thimi, Bhaktapur
6. Pashupati, Bouddha, Changu Narayan
7. Changu Narayan, Sankhu
8. Balaju, Budhanilkantha
9. Kritipur, Chobhar and Dakshinkali
10. Kathmandu Durbar Square, Ason, Pasupatinath, Bouddha

a quick sheet of Kathmandu Valley (Includes Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur Cities
Kathmandu is known As - The Capital of Nepal
- City of Temples
- Woodmandu
- Catmando
Total Popullation of Kathmandu
Approx 1 Million.
Nearly 4% of Nepal's total population (26 Million) is in Kathmandu.

Total Area
218 square miles (351 square Kilometer)


Median Age of Marriage
22 Male, 20 Female
Life Expectancy
Male 58, Female 57

Did you know that Nepal is the only country in the world where Male has higher life expectancy?

Drinking Water Problem
Inspite of Nepal having abundant water resources, Kathmandu has never-ending water shortage problem. Do not drink water straight from the tap as underground water pipes have high deadly metal and arsnic contents. Boil water, filter it using standard water-filter before use.




Pollution
Kathmandu is Nepal's most polluted city caused mainly by emissions from the industries, vehicle fuel combustion, and resuspension of road dust, also due to infficient waste management. The city's air is vonuerable due to its bowl-like topography preventing air particles being dispurshed. Some wear masks, and some don't. But if it feels right for you, wear it while walking in Kathmandu!







Getting to Kathmandu
Tribhuwan International Airport is located about 4 mile (7 kilomter) from Kathmandu. It takes about 20 minutes to get to Kathmandu from the airport by foot or about 10 minutes by cab. Shuttle buses and cabs of many hotels are available from the Airport or you can choose your own transportation for about Rs 200 (Approx US $3).

Emergency Telephone Numbers for Kathmandu
Tourist police: 247041
Police: 100
Teaching Hospital: 412303 and 412404
Nepal International Clinic: 412842