ILLAM

Illam is the far eastern district of the country, inhabited by people of different colors living in peace and harmony. Neighboring the famous Indian hill town of Darjeeling, it is situated on the foothills of Mount Kanchanjunga, The third highest peak in the world. Ilam is adorned with an almost limitless range of lush-green tea gardens. The rolling hills covered with tea leaves are simply majestic. The thick white fogs alternatively descend to veil the gardens and then suddenly vanish. Greenery prevails all over the hills of Ilam all around the year. Ilam is a small hilly town with pristine landscapes of sloped tea gardens, thick natural forests, holy sites and unique culure. Ilam offers an excellent getaway from city life for romantic sunrise and sunset, a brisk walk in the tea garden, tranquil picnic and sightseeing spots, short treks along gentle slopes or a trudge into the nearby woods. If spiritual instinct calls there are several holy sites one can visit in and around the area. Thus, Ilam is a much sought after tourist destination for travelers of all kinds. It is also famous all over the world for its special brand Ilam Tea. Ilam Tea Garden located near Ilam Bazaar and Kanyam Tea Garden located halfway between Terai plain and Ilam Bazaar are the major gardens of Nepal Access: Ilam Bazaar is in Ilam district Mechi Zone. It is approximately 700 kilometers and 18 hour-drive to east of Kathmandu. Daily bus services ply for Ilam from central Bus Station, Gongabu, in Kathmandu. Buses are also available from the major cities. There are flights from Kathmandu to Biratnagar and Bhadrapur from where Ilam can be driven to via Birtamod. The famous Darjeeling city of India isjust 2-hours drive from Pashupatinagar on the Nepal-India border of Ilam district. Nepali nationals and Indians can commute by the land to India from Pashupatinagar in Ilam. However, this entry/exit poin is for local use and Indian tourists only. Entry and exit from the eastern point for other travelers is allowed from Kakkarbhitta in Jhapa. Food and Accomodations: Good to moderate facilities are available for food and accommodation in Ilam Bazaar. Besides home-stay facilities are also available in selected areas; telephone, medical and other tourist facilities are also available in Ilam Bazaar. When to visit: The subtropical climate of Ilam ensures good weather throughout the year. The best time to visit Ilam is between October-December, or from April-February. People from different parts of Nepal visit Maipokhari in Ilam for an annual festival on Kartik Ekadasi which falls in October or November. Thousands visit Mai Beni during Maghe Sankranti which falls in January.

PLACES TO VISIT 

Antu Danda:
       Antu Danda, situated at an altitude of 1677m in Ilam District, is famous for its unique views of Everest and Kanchanjunga. It is the best vantage point for viewing sunrise and sunset. There is a motorable road from Ilam to Chhipitar from where one can reach Antu Danda on foot. This exhilarating trekking along the lush green hills takes about 3 hours.

 Mai Pokhari:
          It is situated at an altitude of 2438 meters, Mai Pokhari is a famous place of pilgrimage in Ilam district. Lying at about thirteen kilometers north of Ilam Bazaar, this beautiful place consists of the pond whose circumference is more than one kilometer. Altogether there are nine ponds in the area some of which are large enough for boats. This place becomes alive every year during 'Harisayam Ekadashi' when a one-night fair is held. This place is a famous picnic spot for nearby people Mai Pokhari can be reached in four hours from Ilam Bazaar in jeep. On the way are the villages of Chureghanti, Bakhaute, Dharapani and Hasbire Bhanjyang, which offer commanding views of the snowy peaks towards north.

Sandakpur

         Sandakpur at 3,636 meters on the international Napal - India borderline provides majestic view of the Himalayas, Mt. Kanchanjunga , Mt. Kumbhakarna , and Mt. Makalu and even Mt. Everest . Rare wildlife like red panda, musk deer and wild bird Danphe can be seen in the forest of this area. From Illam Bazaar one can go up to Maimajhua Khorsanitar via Mai Pokhari in a vehicle. From here one has to trek for about 15 hours to reach Sandakpur.

 Kanyam and Fikkal 
         Kanyam and Fikkal have large tea estates for which Ilam 140 years. These tea plantation areas are popular among tourists for picnicking, sightseeing and taking photographs. Fikkal is a business centre in the area. It falls on the Mechi Highway on the way to Ilam. Siddhi Thmka Siddhi Thamka offers good views of sunrise and sunset from its elevation of 1,800 meters. One can also see the Terai flatlands, the Mahabharat range and the Churia mountain range from this area. Siddhi Thumka is 3 hours trek away from Ilam Bazaar.

Chhintapu
  Chhintapu at 3,400 merets is the second highest peak in Ilam district. The area has natural rich forests of Rhododendron, herbal plants and various species of birds. About 11 varieties of Rhododendron are found in the area. In addition are rare herb Yarcha Gumba and wild animals like musk deer and the rare red panda. Good views of the mountains can be seen from different points of the trek. The peak cab be reached by trekking for three hours from Ilam Bazaar.

  
Gajur Mukhi
         A stone tunnel with carved images of Hindu deities, it is on the banks of Deumai Khola, west of Ilam Bazaar. Gajur Mukhi is 4 hours drive from Ilam Bazaar. Pathibhara It is in Ilam is believed to be as the younger sister of Pathibhara Devi in Taplejung. The temple is in Hanspokhari, southeast of Kolbung VDC and is on the way to Ilam on Mechi Highway.

PANAUTI

Panauti, a small town located 32 km Southeast of Kathmandu, found in the central regions of Nepal. Panauti is a very historical city found in Nepal, as it was originally a small state given by King Bhupatindra Malla as a dowry to his sister. This small town has a population of under 30,000 people and a few prominent icons, such as the Indreswor temple and Durbar square found in the town center. At the end of the 13th Century, Panauti was finally integrated into the unified kingdom of Nepal, along with Kathmandu, Patan, and Bakthapur, which are all former capital cities of the Kathmandu valley. Panauti consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments, and is considered to be one of the area’s most important medieval sites.
Panauti, situated at the confluence of the two rivers Rosi and Punyamati, has been regarded as an important religious site since very early times. In Nepali society, such river scared places. A visit or just an ablution in such places enables man to be freed from many sins and anxieties. Moreover, it is also believed that at Panauti, in addition to aforesaid two rivers, a third river Lilawati also converges making it again a tri-junction called Triveni. However, the last one is said to be visible only to the sheers and the intellectuals. The presence of this at Panauti has added and remarkably enhanced its religious sanctity and popularity as well. On account of this, every festive occasion, a great number of devotees from all across the country pour here for a holy ablution and to pay haomage to the nearby Indreshwor Mahadev Temple and other holy sites located here. The site is also regarded as Prayagtirtha of Nepal.

Places to visit around Panauti

Triveni Ghat
One of the holiest sites for Hindus, the month long Makar Mela is held here once every 12 years. There are more than two dozen temples at the site.
 



Indreshwor Square
It has many ancient temples. The three Indreshwor Mahadev Temple is an excellent example of Newari craftsmanship. Unmata Bhairav Temple, Krishna Temple and Ahilya Temple are located in the courtyard as well. On the northeastern side, across the Punyamati River, is the 17th century Brahmayani Temple while the Krishna Narayan Temple is near the confluence of the rivers. Other temples are scattered around the square making the whole place akin to an open museum.

Gorkhanath Hill
Gorakhnath Hill (2000ft) is a 15 minute walk uphill to the north east of the town from where one can get a wonderful view of the town, the Himalayan peaks and the mountains of the Mahabharat range.

Namobuddha (3hr walk)
Approximately 10km east of Panauti, there are numerous Buddhist monasteries here. Legend has it that a prince named Mahasatwo, while hunting in Namobuddha jungle, came across a tigress and her newborn cubs that were dying from hunger and could not even move. Cutting himself, he fed the tiger and her cubs with his own flesh.

Other Interesting Spots

Sorahkhutte Pati: The Sorahkhutte Pati in the centre of the town had sixteen wooden pillars and no walls.
Siran Chaur (3 min walk): This large open field is the centre for sporting activities.
Bhimsenthan (10 min walk): A holy site for the worship of the god of strength and power.
Bhagaban Danda (10 min walk): It was declared a conservation area after ancient period coins were discovered here.
Jela Pati (10 min walk): Known as ancient Panauti, even digging a few feet here can reveal the foundations of old houses.
Kapalkot Hill (15 min walk): It is a picturesque picnic spot and a good view point.
Fadkeshori Mahadev (30 min walk): The site of a Shiva lingum that is covered with water droplets at all times.
Chaukot (45 min walk): Located on a hill, it is said too have been inhabited since the 14th century.
Balthali (2 hr walk): A famous place for Hindu pilgrims to see the huge Trishul (Shiva’s main weapon-Trident).
Phulchoki 97hrhike):
Situated at a height of 2762m to the north of Panauti it is an excellent vantage point from where to view both the Himalayan ranges as well as the Kathmandu Valley.
Khopasi Bazaar (10 min drive): An anciend Newari village, it has a beautiful water pond. One also has the opportunity to observe the electricity house and visit the silk worm project on the way back to Panauti.
Tipchok (2hr drive):
One gets to view beautiful sunrises and sunsets from this Tamang village (3018m) 4km south of Panauti. A two-hour bus ride along a river bypassing Khopasi will reach you to the base of the mountain. A four-hour climb to the top will be rewarded by the splendid sight of the snow capped mountain peaks as well as the vast Terai plains.
Home Stay for traditional Nepalese culture experience
Although hotels and guest houses are available in Panauti, visitors are encouraged to take advantage of home stay programs and live in local people’s homes. Meals are also provided. A home stay program is offered by the Panauti Tourism Development Committee to enrich your cultural experience. Many local households have been given suitable training to improve the quality standards required to host guests.
Major Festivals celebrated
Jya Punhi: The Panauti Jatra (Jya Punhi in Newari) is held at the end of the monsoon season. Images of the gods from the temples are taken around the city on chariots. The last day of the festival falls on the full moon day during which, the chariots of the gods are made to strike each other.
Makar Mela: Besides the Roshi and Punyamati Rivers, it is believed that there is also a third river, the Lilawati, visible only to the wise and said to flow into the others from the Gorakhnath Shrine. A month-long fair known as Makar Mela is held once every 12 years at their confluence.
Yomari Punhi: Annapurna, the goddess of grains, is worshipped on this full moon day after the rice harvest. According to legend, a couple first experimented with a fresh yield of rice from their field to make a new delicacy. It was named Yomari, literally meaning ‘tasty bread’ in Newari.
Namobuddha Festival: It is celebrated at Namobuddha (where are Buddha offered his body to a hungry mother tigress) three days before mother’s day.
Achhyaya Tritiya: This festival is celebrated by Newar girls between 7 to 13 years old at the Tribeni Ghat area. It is also known as ‘Bel Bibaha’.
Sithinakha: Newar families gather once a year in their birth place to worship the family deity.
Ghantakarna: It is also called ‘Gathe-mangal’. People put on irons rings on fingers and hammer irons nails into door lintels to drive away evil spirits.
Ganesh Chauthi: A festival dedicated to lord Ganesh to request His blessings for prosperity in business and for good luck.
Gai Jatra: An eight-day long celebration to commemorate dead relatives. People who have had a death in the family within the past year bring a cow (either real or someone in costume) to participate in the festival.
Devi Nach : The masking dance, which originated from Panauti, is performed on this day. This day is also known as Indra Jatra.
Madhab Narayan Festival: This festival is celebrated to worship Madhab Narayan (preserver of the world). Many people observe a fast and eat only once a day for a whole month.
Interesting Facts About Panauti
A traditional Newari confection called ‘Yo mari’ made from a mixture of treacle and sesame seed wrapped in the shape of a Stupa with rice dough originated here. It is the birth place of Mahasatwo, a prince who sacrificed his body to feed a starving tigress and her cubs when he went to Namobuddha jungle. The town is believed to be located on a single rock which has been taken as the reason for the town not being too severely affected by earthquakes in the past. It is the birth place of King Ansubarma, a great king of the Lichavi period.
All of old Panauti has been proposed to be listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TANSEN

Tansen, an ancient hill town, with its architecture strongly influenced by Newari migrants from the Kathmandu valley is waiting to be discovered by the tourists. Situated at the southern slope of the Mahabharat range; about half way from the Indian border to
Pokhara and the Himalayas, this town offers an opportunity to experience genuine Nepalese culture, away from westernized places like Thamel in Kathmandu or Lakeside in Pokhara. Old artistic Newari houses and cobbled streets shape the townscape. The town's hill, Shreenagar, allows breathtaking views of the Himalayan range from Dhaulagiri in the west to Ganesh Himal in the east.
Tansen is the district administrations headquarter of Palpa district, one out of 75 districts in Nepal, and since 1957 a Municipality. It is itself often referred to as Palpa, and its people (population approx. 13,000 in the core area) as Palpalis.
At an elevation of about 1350-m (4430 ft) above sea level the town experiences a pleasant climate throughout the year. The maximum temperature, even in pre-monsoon times, hardly exceeds 31°C (88 F) and only in December/ January the minimum temperature can fall below 10°C (50 F). The annual precipitation is about 1500 mm of which 90% falls in the monsoon season.

Shreenagar Hill
One of the most picturesque spots in the whole Palpa region, Shreenagar hill abounds in scenic grander and magnificent natural surroundings. A mere 30 minutes climb on foot or 10 minutes drive from the town of Tansen, One would reach the top of the hill which commands a unique spectrum of natural extravaganza-from the snowcapped Himalayan peaks in the north to the lush green wide expanse of plains of Terai in the south, and of course, the panoramic view of the Tansen town. The impressive meadow on the hill top is an ideal spot to view the breathtaking scenes of majestic Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and the famed twin peaks of Machhapuchare-the fishtail mountain. also, many beautiful short walks and excursions may be enjoyed from this point. To the comfort of the visitors, there are newly built facilities like cottages and camping sites on the top of the hill. An added attraction is a recently built ‘Twa-dewa’, a huge Newari style bronze lamp stand.



Amar Narayan Temple
Built in 1807 AD by Amar Singh Thapa, the temple of Amar Narayan is considered an important landmark of Tansen. It is built in typical Nepali Pagoda style for its historical and architectural significance. The intricate works of wood carvings in the temple are simply marvelous. The temple is surrounded by one meter wide stone wall-locally known as the ‘Great wall of Palpa’. Inside the temple-complex there are the temple of Lord mahadev, ponds, parks, rest houses and a natural water spring. Every morning and evening devotees gather in the compound and chant ‘Bhajans’ ( holy recitals)
 
 Tansen Durbar
Built in 1927 AD by Pratap Shamsher Jung Bahadur Rana, the durbar is a grand imposing palace in the heart of the town. Once the seat of the Rana governors, the Durbar is now the district secretariat of Palpa district.

Sital Pati (shady restplace)
Sital Pati near Ason Tole, is the most popular square in Tansen. The square is named after the white octagonal shaped building, that lies in the middle of the square. The Sital Pati was built under the order of Khadga Shamsher, governor of Palpa from 1891- 1902. Khadga Shamsher, an ambitious politician, was exiled from Kathmandu after plotting against the Prime Minister.
The south corner of the square leads to Baggi Dhoka, the main gate to the Tansen Durbar, the former palace and today's district administration's headquarter. Baggi Dhoka is the gate where the chariots of religious festivals have to pass through. The fine woodcarvings on the buildings on both sides of the gate represent the fine Newari craftmanship. This Baggi dhoka leads to the palace grounds. The right route leads to the Bhagwati Temple, that was built in 1815 by Col. Ujir Singh Thapa to commemorate the victory over the British-Indian troops in the the battle of Butwal.
If you return to the Durbar grounds and continue your way to the palace itself, you will find an older, smaller palace, built in 1927. Today the Durbar houses the district's administration. There still exists a room called "the throne hall" in the Durbar's second floor.
The gate opposite to the palace leads to Makhan Tole, the main bazaar of Tansen that focuses the town's commericial activity, notably the sale of Dhaka cloth. Of woven cotton or muslin, this cloth is characterised by jagged, linear designs orginally made famous in Bangladesh. With principal colours of red, black and white, the cloth is used to make saris as well as "topis" (Palpali topi), the hat that is an intergral part of the national dress for men.


Bhagawati Temple
Built by Wajir Singh Thapa in 1814 AD to mark the victory over colonial British-India forces, the temple is a small structure but holds immense religions importance. Located near the Tansen Durbar, it is a pilgrimage of Palpalies. It is said that the original structure was remarkably bigger and beautiful. and it has undergone many physical adjustments, most recently after the great earthquake of 1934. In the month of august every year, a chariot procession of deities is taken out throughout the town with military honor to observe the historic battle.





Amargunj Ganesh
Before building the Amar Narayan temple in 1807 A.D. Amar Singh Thapa had built this temple. Architecturally, the temple bears the same style and character of Amar Narayan Temple. The temple has a big artistic ‘Rest House’ where a school has been run presently.





TANSEN TOWN
The town of Tansen is a prosperous looking- collection of red brick houses set on the steep hillside and is among the largest far-flung Newar trading posts scattered across the hills. Though the Newar community forms one of the major communities in this place now, the place originally belonged to the Magar community, one of the most delightful ethnic groups of Nepal.

Tundikhel, the large plateau in the southeast part of the town, near the bus park, is the best starting point to discover the fascinating destinations of the town. The former kings of Palpa made this artificial plateau when they needed a drilling and parade ground. Today Tundikhel is a popular gathering place for people to chat, walk and play in the afternoon. A statue of King Birendra marks the southwest corner of the Tundikhel; the building at the north side is the town hall.

Sights around the vicinity of Tansen
Ghorbanda - Kumal Gau (Potter's Village)

The village of Ghorbanda is on the way to Pokhara from Tansen. It is the best place to see the unique style of pottery making in Nepal. The articles produced here are traditional water pitchers, pots and "Handa" (a vessel with holes in the bottom; used for brewing rokshi, which is Nepali brandy).


Ranighat
Ranighat is the palace built on the banks of the Kali Gandaki river by Khadka Shamsher in remembrance of his beloved wife Tej Kumari. It takes about two hours to reach this place from Tansen. On the way, one has to pass through a small settlement called "Hatti Dhunga" (elephant stone).

Ramdi
A half days walk through fertile landscape shaped by terraced rice fields lead to Ramdi at the banks of the Kali Gandaki. Ramdi is a "Ghat" (cremation place) where people bring their deceased relatives for their final rites. Besides this, Ramdi is famous for its cave temples, where thefarmers from surrounding villages offer milk to protect their cattle from leopards and jackals.


Ridi
Ridi, sacredly located at the confluence of the Ridi Khola (stream) and the Kali Gandaki, is visited by pilgrims from Nepal and India who take holy bathes and worship at the temples. Additionally, like in Pashupatinath, in Kathmandu, old people
arrive and stay here to take their last breath and get cremated at the banks of the holy Kali Gandaki. Furthermore, Ridi is the locality for the biggest yearly fair of the area. The walk down to Ridi will take around five hours, rewarded by beautifullandscape. To return to Tansen, we suggest you takae a bus or jeep.




Bhairabsthan
A pleasant walk along the mountain ridge to the west of Tansen will bring you the alleged largest golden trident of Nepal. After walking roughly 9 kms, you will reach Bhairabsthan, a temple sitting atop a hillock. The temple's statue of Bhairab iis kept hidden, because it's sight is unbearably frightening and it is said that people who catch a glimpse of it are in danger of losing their liver. So even the priests worship the statue from behing a curtain.
The main days of worshipping for the common people are Tuesday and Saturday. In the yard of the temple you can see the largest golden trident of Nepal, the centre of the ceremonies. From the temple's terraces you again have a beautiful view of the Himalayan range.





 

 Satyawati Lake

To leave the beaten track and visit the site of an important fair, Satyawati lake, a bit more effort is needed. You have to take a morning bus to Butwal and get off at "Chaubis Mile"(Twenty four miles). From there you first descend to the valley of the river Tinau and then steeply ascend through dense jungle (it deserves the name here) to the pecuilar lake on the top of the mountain ridge. The lake is said to be the home of a goddess. To avoid backtracking and
to have impressive views of the Himalayan range, you should follow the ridge to the south and then descend through picturesque villages back to the road and take a bus to Tansen.

Getting There

From Kathmandu
Daily bus services (duration 8 - 10 hours)
7.00 a.m.: "Sitara bus" leaving from the new buspark in the north of Kathmandu.
6.30 a.m.: "Sajha bus" leaving from Sajha bus station in Patan Pulchowk.
5.00 p.m.: "Nightbus" leaving from the new buspark in the north of Kathmandu.
You can also fly from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa and take a bus up to Tansen. Unfortunately, there is no direct bus service and you have to change buses in Butwal.
From Pokhara
Daily bus service (duration 6-8 hours) 7.00 a.m. Tourist coach to Sunauli. You have to get off at Bartung junction and take a bus or jeep for the 4-km link road to Tansen.
From Chitwan
There are two possibilities to reach Tansen. Having made your way from the National Park to Narayanghat, you can either catch the "Sitara bus" or "Sajha bus" coming from Kathmandu on its way to Tansen (duration 4 -5 hours), both buses arrive around noon in Narayanghat Pulchowk; or take one of the several buses to Butwal (duration 2 - 3 hours) and change there for a bus to Tansen.
From Lumbini
Unfortunately, there is no direct bus service from Lumbini to Tansen. You have to change buses in Bhairawa as well as in Butwal.
From Butwal
It can be easily seen that Butwal is the most important traffic junction for Palpalis to nearly all destinations. Buses leave every 40 min. for Tansen, as do buses from Tansen to Butwal. The duration of the journey is approx. 2 hours.
From Sunauli
There is a daily tourist coach service from Sunauli to Pokhara. You have to get off at Bartung junction and take a bus or jeep for the 4km link road to Tansen. Several local buses leave Sunauli for Butwal, where you have to change a bus to Tansen.
From Bardia
There is a direct bus service twice a week from Guleria via Kohalpur to Tansen, and daily buses leave from Kohalpur to Butwal, where you can easily get a bus to Tansen. For departure times, connections and length of journey, please ask your hotel or lodge in Bardia National Park.
Accommodation
There are large number of low budget accomodation around the buspark. The approximate cost to stay a night or two around nice hotels range in price between US$5-US$15. "Srinagar", "The Bajra", "The White Lake" and "Gauri Shankar" are some of the decent hotels of this place.
Dining
There are large number of small restauants in the town, selling Nepali dishes and snacks. "Nanglo West" restuarant at Sital Pathi square is one of the excellent restuarants that serves western style, Palpali, Nepali, Indian and Chinese cuisine. Hotel Srinagar provides some western meals too.

RARA LAKE(TAAL)

Rara Lake is situated about 370 km from north-west of Kathmandu. Rara taal is the biggest lake of Nepal which lies in Mugu District,Karnali Zone in Western Nepal. It falls under the Rara National Park and the lake is also known as Mahendra Daha which is named after the late king Mahendra of Nepal.
Rara lake lies at an altitude above 2,990 metres or 9,810 ft above sea level covering an area of 10.8 km² or 4.2 sq mi. Rara Taal having a length of 5 kilometres and a width of 3 kilometres which has a maximum depth of 167 metres. The lake flows into the Mugu Karnali river via the Nijar river. Rara Taal is smallest and scenic national park of Nepal which covers 106 square km. The park was established in 1976 which protects some of the beautiful alpine and sub-slpine ecosystems of the himalaya.

Summer is quiet pleasant but winter is cold in Rara Taal. September to October and April to May is the best  time to visit Rara Lake. The temperatures of Rara Lake goes low below the freezing point with heavy snowfall occur up to one meter and blocking the way to the lake from December to March. 

Rara lake is surrounded by Rara National Park which has unique floral and faunal importance and consists rare and vulnerable species. Rara Lake is also surrounded by forested hills named Chuchemara Danda at 4,087 meters. Chuchemara Danda is the best vantage point to get nice and stunning views of the lake. Chuchemara Danda is thickly forested hillsides with the snow-capped peaks around it. 

Rara Lake or Taal area is covered with coniferous forest with Rhododendron, Black Juniper, West Himalayan Spruce, Oak and Himalayan cypress. Rara Lake area jungle is best for safari ducring the safari people can see the endangered animals and also can see the scene of migrant birds including Water Fowl, Gallinaceous Birds, Coots, Great-Crested Grebe, Black-Necked Grebe, Red-Crested Pochard and many more.

 

Hetauda

Hetauda is a small town in the central part of Nepal, located in the district of Makawanpur, in the zone of Narayani. It is 132 km away from the capital Kathmandu via the old Tribhuwan Highway. There are now two alternate roads that are less than 80 km. They are, however, not black topped yet. Hetauda is one of the cleanest and greenest cities in Nepal. Due to its geographical features and its climate, it has been a popular choice for people migrating from the northern hilly regions to the south. Hetauda is a doon, which means that it has a valley like geography. It is surrounded by hills: the Mahabharata range in the north and the Siwalik range in the south. The rivers Rapti, Samari, and Karra run through this area and flow southwest to meet Narayani, one of the bigger and popular rivers in the nation.
It is an hour's drive from the Nepalese border city of Birgunj, which is adjacent to its Indian counterpart, Raxaul. Both the existing highways to the capital city Kathmandu - Tribhuwan Highway and the East-West Highway , aka Mahendra Highway that trails the length of the nation - traverse through this city. with so many entry and exit points leading in and out of this town.
The city is enclosed by three rivers, the Rapti to the west, the Samari to the north and the Karra to the south. It is one the important industrial regions of Nepal. The settlement could have started due to its location at the meeting point of two major highways Eastwest highway and Tribhuwan Rajpath.
Hetauda's commercial prominence started with the construction of Tribhuwan Highway, the first highway built in the country. Its future depends on a second highway link that has been discussed for over a decade. The proposed link to Kathmandu through a series of tunnels will reduce the present length of 133km via Tribhuwan Highway and 224 km via Mugling to a length of less than 60 km. Considering the need for a shorter route from Kathmandu to India and a transit point to sustain trade between the two fastest growing economies of India and China, the importance of Hetauda as a trade route is set to receive a big leap, if this proposed tunnel comes into existence.

Places to visit

Martyr Memorial Park
It was constructed to honor the martyrs of Nepal, including the ones who lost their lives since the time of British colonial wars to the ones who overthrew the autocratic Panchayat system in 1989. The Park has become a tourist spot since its completion in 1994. The main attraction of the park are the sculptures of these martyrs that are sculpted on one big boulder. The sculpting of the faces was accomplished by the student volunteers of Nepal Lalit Campus.


Makawanpur Gadhi:
Makawanpur Gadhi is another site east of the city, a fort of historic importance dating back to the unification process of Nepal. Prithvi Narayan Shah, the king that led the unification of the country into a greater Nepal, was married to the princess of Makawanpur whose father was a king of the Sen dynasty that ruled Makawanpur. Historians observe that this marriage, in fact, was a political strategy of an alliance with Makawanpur to encircle Kathmandu valley.
Markhu Lake (Indrasarowar): It is a reservoir (cistern) for Kulekhani Hydro Electricity project that produces 92 Megawatt electricity. The reservoir is 7 km long and 100 meters deep. The biggest artificial lake surrounded by high hill by three side and a big man made dam in one side is very suitable for entertainment by boating.

 

Everest View Tower:
The Everest view tower lies in Daman which is on the way to Hetauda from Kathmandu. The view from this tower is incredibly comprehensive: all the five Annapurna peaks, the impressive form of Himalchuli, Ganesh Himal, the rarely seen Shishapangma (Gosainthan) in Tibet, Langtang, the Jugal Himal, and the many peaks of Khumbu Himal, including an excellent view of Everest.
Besides this, there are piligrimage sites in Hetauda like Punya Kshetra, Bhutan Devi Temple, Churia Mai Temple, Krishna Temple, etc. You can visit Bhemfedi, a historical place which is 22 KM from Hetauda, Fish farm of Hetauda, 4 KM from central Hetauda and observe the natural forests of Makawanpur district.


How to get there?
It is an hour’s drive from the Nepalese border city of Birgunj. It is about 5 hours drive from Kathmandu. The first highway of Nepal, Tribhuvan Highway runs through this city. With so many entry and exit points leading in and out of this town, a visit to Terai region is incomplete without visiting Hetauda.

Where to Stay and Eat
Neelam Lodge (20900), in the main chowk in the center of town, has clean roads with bath for Rs 200/250. It is a good value. It is near a pipal tree.
Hotel Rapti (20882), south of Mahendra Chowk, has rooms with TV and erratic hot water for Rs 300/400.
Hotel Seema (20191), about 250m from the main chowk, is a decent place with rooms with common bath for Rs 140/200, Rs 275/375 with bath and a deluxe rooms with A/C is Rs 1250.
Motel Avocado (20429; fax 20611), at the edge of town on the road to Daman on Tribhuvan Highway, has a quiet, nice garden with a small grove of avocado trees (ripe in late autumn). It has large, comfortable huts with bath and fans for Rs 400/550. There is also a building with deluxe rooms with A/C for Rs 1400/1600. It has a good restaurant. They have an interesting book in which travelers write their comments about bicycle and motorcycle riding in the area. You can often get a discount.

JANAKPUR

Janakpur is named after the legendary King Janak, Janakpur was the capital of the ancient Indian Kingdom Mithila, the native country of goddess Sita, the wife of the Hindu god Rama and the heroine of the great Hindu epic Ramayana. Today Janakpur stands as the most cleanest and interesting place among all the towns of Terai.

Janakpur has become a great piligrimage site for Hindus today. The most sacred sites are the Janaki Mandir, dedicated to goddess Sita, the Ram Sita bibaha(marriage) mandir, built over the spot where Ram and Sita were said to be married, Ram Mandir, dedicated to god Ram and the holy pond Dhanush Sagar. Hundreds of Indian devotees come here every year to pay their respect to the goddess at this temple.
Besides the religious importance, Janakpur is also the center for the revival of the ancient Mithila art and craft. As a tradition, Mithila women have always been decorating the walls of their houses with paintings depicting figures from Hindu mythology in abstract forms, sometimes resembling a mandala.

Places to visit in Janakpur
Janaki Temple
Janakpur has the Janaki Temple (Mandir in Nepali) which is dedicated to Goddess Sita, and also has a Ram and Sita Marriage Mandhir (or also known as Ram and Sita Bibaha Mandhir in Nepali) which is said to have been built in the spot where they got married. Marriage anniversary of Ram and Sita is observed every year here through a festival which is also observed throughout Nepal.
In the Janakpur region, one of such festival is the enactment of the wedding ceremony, decorating temples and monuments, burning of oil-lamps surrounding the temple and other historical sites in the region. Throughout the festival there are dramas in theaters and in open streets re-making the marriage ceremony of Ram and Sita. According to Hindu, Ram and Sita took birth to free the earth from the cruelty and sins of the demon King Ravana (Ravan). To learn more about the Hindu Goddess, see web link at the end of this page.

 Rama Mandir
Visit the Rama Mandhir, a pagoda-style temple built in 1882, which is located south-east of the Janaki Mandhir. On the Rama Nawami or also written as Ram Navami festival (the celebration of Lord Ram's Birthday), this temple gets thousands of visitors. Ram Nawami is also called as Chaitay Dashain, and it falls on Chaitra 13 2063 (Nepali Calendar) or April 27 2007 (English Calendar)




 Ram Sita (Janaki) Bibah Mandapa
This is a new Nepali pagoda-style temple that honors the wedding of Sita and Rama. Lord Rama and Sita wear full make-up and wedding attire. It is supposed to be built at the place where Sita and Rama were married. There are deities of Sita, Rama and his brothers. It is next door to the Janaki Mandir. You have to deposit your camera near the entry.




Dhanusha Mandir:
Dhanusha Mandir in Dhanushadham is a historical temple constructed in 1939 A.D. Dhanushadham falls on the resting place of Parikrama route that has special significance to Hindus. It is situated 18 kilometers north east of Janakpurdham and only 10 kilometers from Dharapani on East-West Highway.












 Sankat Mochan Templ
This temple is dedicated to Hanuman and is also called the Big Monkey Temple. Hanuman is worshipped in the form of a very large rhesus monkey. The monkey is kept in a cage and constantly fed by the pilgrims. Sankat Mochan means one who erases all troubles. This temple is 100m south of Ramanand Chowk. It looks at an ordinary house, so is easy to miss.


  


Janakpur Railway
Two narrow-gauge lines end at Janakpur, one going east to Jaynagar, just over the Indian border, and the other northwest to Bijalpura. Both train lines are about 30km long. Taking a train is a nice way to see the countryside. The trains going to Bijalpura are pulled by steam engines and the one to Jaynagar by diesel engines. The trains dont go anywhere worth going, but the ride on them is interesting.
The train to Bijalpura departs only once a day in the afternoon and then return the next morning.
The train to Baidehi departs at 3 pm and to get the return train back, you have to get off at Loharpati.
It takes four hours to reach Jayanagar (28km) and there are three trains there daily, so it is possible to take a train there and back for a day trip.
Foreigners can not cross here, so they have to get down at one of the villages (the last one is Khajuri) before the border. Trains depart from both Janakpur and Jaynagar at 6 and 11 am and 3 pm. Ticket prices are Rs 15 in 2nd class and Rs 40 in first-class. You should come early to get a seat. You may have to ride on the roof on the return trip.


Dhanusha forest:
Dhanusha forest is in a close approximate to Dhanusa Dham temple. The forest covers an area of about 36 square kilometer. Big trees, bushes and a big pond with an area of about (7 – 8 Bighas) hectares exist inside the forest. Though the pond is in dilapidated condition, however, after some minor reparation and cleaning, sports and other pleasure activities for tourists could be initiated smoothly. To make the forest more attractive, a beautiful garden and a park for the tourists can be developed inside the forest. Similarly, natural habitats could be reinstated to make the forest livelier. This could also be the ideal place for picnic lovers.


 Parashuram Kunda:
It is previously known as Janak Sarobar holds historical as well as cultural significance. It is believed to be the pond where Rishi Parashuram bathed to quell his anger after his confrontation with Ram over breaking of the sacred bow. The lake is also picturesque, with lotus flowers growing on it and lush trees on its southern banks. The lake in Mithileshwor Nikas VDC is 4 kilometers west from Dhanushadham. It falls on the way to Dhanushadham from Janakpurdham.

Prigrimage Sites: There are several other pilgrimage sites in and around Dhaunsha area. Among the many temples are Ram mandir, Ganesh Mandir, Shiva mandir, Hanuman Mandir, Ram Krishna Mandir, Panchamukhi Hanuman Mandir, Baba Makhandada Kuti, Subba Kuti, and others. Jaleshwor Mahadev in Jaleswor is another popular temple in the nearby area. The temple of Jaleswor Mahadev was built by the King Girban Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1867 B.S.

Some other popular pilgrimage sites are: Maithani, where there are 12 temples and 8 ponds dedicated to different deities; Madai, where the temple of Muneswor Mahadev is situated; Kanchan Ban, where popular temples in the area are situated; Parbata, where a temple of Hanuman is situated; Karuna, where the famous temple of Ram Janaki is a major attraction.

Mithila Culture of Janakpur
Mithila culture is found in the Terai region of Nepal such as the Janakpur region and also found all the way upto the Northern Bihar state of India. Legend has it that Janakpur was the capital of Mithila, and the palace of King Janak, Goddess Sita's father. Often Sita is known by many names such as Janaki or Mythili. Mithila culture is rich with its own language known as Maithili, and with its own traditions, customs, arts and music. Many Mithila arts and paintings have historical and religious meanings, such arts are produced by many villagers specifically women's draw paintings having colorful and thought provoking objects such as animals, Gods and Goddess which are painted on the walls of homes using simple colors such as clays and mud

Getting There
By "express" bus, Janakpur is 12 hours from Kathmandu and seven hours from Kakarbhitta. An easier way is to fly directly from Kathmandu which just takes around thirty to forty minutes. Flights from Kathmandu are three times weekly; the airport is two kilometer south of town.

Accomodation and food
There isn't much in the way of tourist hotels. Hotel Welcome is the best, with rooms from Rs.45 to Rs.500 for an airconditioned suite. Food is deliciously Indian influenced, with lot of sweets and vegetarian specialities for devout Hindus, though the lack of menus may reduce you to sign language or a point and eat system. Look around the bazaar or across from the Janaki Mandir for tea stalls, sweet shops and restaurants.

Manang

 Manang (3540m) is one of the largest villages in Manang district and one of the last trekking stops for trekkers walking the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. From Manang the route continuous to Thorung La (pass) at 5.415 meters above the sea level which connects Manang district to Mustang District by providing a route between the town of Manang and the village Muktinath. This trail to Muktinath has been used by the locals for hundreds of years to transport huge herds of sheep and yak in and out of Manang.
The northern part of town is more preserved in it's old style, in the southern part you will find many hotels, shops and even a cybercafe, with satellite internet connection.
Manangies are well-known traders and many of them are relatively rich having property in both Manang and Kathmandu and their children study in good schools or even abroad.
Many trekkers spend one acclimatisation day in Manang or surroundings although the surroundings are interesting enough to stay for several days. Interestings places to visit are the glacial lake at the foot of the ice-fall at the slopes of the Gangapurna mountain, the village of Braga, Bhojo gompa, a Milarepa Cave and a two or three day side trip to Tilicho lake. You have to try the famous Seabuckthorn juice when staying in Manang, which is said to contain a lot of vitamins and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine since ages.

Places To Visit In Manang

Muktinath Kshetra
Because I, Lord Vishnu, exist in the form of Shaligram (sacred stone), this place is ever peaceful, secret, pleasant and salvatory. Muktinath Kshetra is the place where all gods including Lord Brahma performed a special religious rite, Yagyan for the salvation of all living species on earth. So, this place called Mukti Kshetra, the place of salvation/spiritual salvatorium.
It is widely believed that sacredness of this place has been enhanced because of the presence of Trinity Gods: Vishnu as water, Shiva as fire and Brahma himself as a performer while performing the divine Yagyan.
All four species: Jarayuj (root breed), Swoidesh (self breed), Andaj (egg breed), and Udima (birth breed) who visit the place and worship gods get salvation after their death.
Besides Lord Vishnu, Brahma and me with other gods and sages shall be with you, says Lord Shiva while pronouncing the sacred value of the place. To have a holy dip at Krishnagandaki is equal to hundred holy dips at other pilgrimage sites in terms of the salvation. Mukti Kshetra includes many other holy areas. The different parts of this composite whole are compared to the organs of human body as followings:-
Charanaravinda ( Feet) - Shree Gajendramoksha Divyadham Trivenidham,
Nawalparashi Ghunda ( Knee) - Devaghatdham, Chitwan
Katti ( Waist) - Ruru kshetra, Palpa
Bakshasthal (Chest) - Shaligram Chakrasheela Galeshwordham, Myagdi
Kantha (Neck) - Pitreetirtha Kagavenidham, Mustang
Mukharvinda (Mouth) - Shree Muktinathdham, Mustang
Shree/Sheekha (Head) - Shree Damodharkunda, Mustang
The Holy stones are available all the way from Damodar Kunda to Gajendramoksha Divyadham. Among all Hindu Shrines of Nepal, Muktinath is situated at the highest altitude of 13,000 feet from sea level, in mid-hilly region of Mustang district, Dhaualagiri zone of western Nepal.
Damodarkunda
Damodari Ganga springs along Shaligram Parvat which contains Shaligram (sanctifying sacred stones)
It is the holy part of Damodar Himal elevated to 22,000 feet high from sea level situated in Mustang district.
There are numerous sanctifying glacial lakes, both small and large, where Damodari Ganga takes her form, Damodarkunda being the largest one. As a confluence of lakes and ponds such as Brahmakunda, Rudrakunda and Anantakunda; Damodarkunda contains the largest volume of water. Damodarkunda, the estuary of Krishnagandaki river, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus .Several colophons of religious scriptures describe the heavenly bliss of this Kunda ( sacred pond).So, it bears both religious and historical importance. A unique place to feel ecstasy of self and be transported to holy bliss, Damodarkunda is one of the holiest of terrestrial shrines, so reverently described in Puranas, the holy books of Hinduism.
Shaligram
Gloriously described in Puranas as Krishnagandaki (Black Gandaki) as well as Chakranadi, and worshipped as one of the holiest rivers, Krishnagandaki consists of seven Gandaki rivers supposed to have sprung from cheek (Gandasthal) of Lord Vishnu. It has a distinct honor of being the only river in the world to contain sacred stones (Shaligrams).Shaligram forms the stone incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the Almighty Preserver of the Universe. Shaligram only resembles basalt which contains ammonite symbols of Lord Vishnu: the chakra (wheel type ring-rang diverging from a minute epic-centre gravitated inside out found free in the untouched relapses of Mother Nature).Hindu devout worship these stones at their homes. His Holiness Shankaracharya praises the river thus:
Which means: Lord Vishnu who accommodates the universe is in your folds. Such an omnipresent god is present in the form of stone i.e., Shaligram. Shaligram’s jala (the water where Shaligram is dipped and rinsed) sprinkled over one’s head gets him/her rid of past wrongs and beckons him/her thereby to keep pace along the path to salvation. Even Muslims have a great reverence to Shaligram as they pay highest and holiest bows to Kalapathar (the black stone –collossium of Shaligram).
Krishnagandaki, inexhaustible reservoir of Shaligram starts from Damodar Himal and flows southward through Mukti Kshetra (the place of salvation).According to the Baraha Purana, the place is named after a sage (Rishi), Gandaki, who sat in a penance.The river is believed to have sprung as perspiration from the cheek of the Lord Vishnu.


Kagaveni
One who performs Pitree Shradda (a rite performed to commemorate the death of the elders’ esp. parents) near Kagaveni can easily facilitate the dead towards redemption. The value of Shradda at this place is many times more prominent than that at Gaya.
According to the Puranas, this place been named after a saga called Kagabhusundi who sat in penance at this place. Kagaveni lies at the bank of Kali Gandaki River on the way to Muktinath few miles away from Jomsom. This is renowned as a confluence of two rivers: Krishna Gandaki and Kaga Khola since meeting places of sacred rivers have great religious value in Hindu culture like Prayaga Ganga- the confluence of Ganga and Jamuna, and Deva Prayag-the confluence of Ganga, Jamuna and Alaknanda.

Braga:
Wonder and fear fill the hearts of those who visit Braga. Built into a wall of towering cliffs, the settlement has been tightly structured for protection against all possible dangers of the Himalayan frontier. Inhabited by 600 people, its aged monasteries tell the tale of a warm and pious people who have survived the odds.


 

Milarepa Cave:
The Saint Milarepa is known to many Himalayan Buddhist and Bonpo communities. As he wandered across the mountains, Milarepa came across a cave where he meditated for many days. A hunter of the Nyeshang people, Gompo Dorje brought food and comfort to the saint, who, in turn, gave Dorje and his people much wisdom. Milarepa’s cave is honoured with an annual festival. Locals often meditate and make offerings to the saint.
Chongkar Viewpoint, Gangapurna Glacier, Papachong Meadow:
Gangapurna Lake is the collected glacial melt of Mount Gangapurna. The lake is a well-known landmark and easily approachable from Manang village, the largest of six villages that make up the upper Manang district. Its milky waters are in close proximity to the yak grazing grounds.


Chongkar Viewpoint:
An hour away from the Manang settlement is a place to lie down and relax, view the villages below, stare at the skies and mountains above, and build peace within the soul. Chongkar View Point was discovered by the Nyeshang people many ages ago as they started to build their settlement and watch what was going on in the valley below.
Papachong Meadow’s gentle breeze, wildflowers of many hues, were abandoned by the Nyeshang people for greater shelter from the hazards of the Himalayan frontier. Locals still remember abandoned farmland, cattle sheds and warm homes once occupied. They point to the ruins in the meadow and speak of the people that lived there with longing in their voices.