Day Tour in Kathmandu
Visit Pashupatinath Temples
Pashupatinath Temple is the biggest temple of the Hindu supreme Lord Shiva at the bank of the holy river Bagmati, 5km far from the city. This is a pagoda style Hindu temple made by bronze that has four doors in four directions. On the top of the temple, there is golden pinnacle with gold-glided ruff. The temple is decorated with valuable ornaments.
There is no record when the temple was first built. According to Hindu text, the existence of this temple was also in second century which was renovated many times. The present temple was built in 17th century. Pashupatinath temple has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Behind the temple there are many cremation grounds called “Aryaghat”at the bank of Bagmati River. Most of the Hindu people want to be cremated in this place after their death.
Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. It offers peace and devotion. The temple, spread across 246 hectors wide, is abundant with temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. The temple premises is an open museum. This national pride is listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site since 1979.
This temple is an important destination for art historians. It displays a variety of styles of temples some of which are Dome style, Pagoda style, Shikhara style and so on. Additionally, variety in statues and sculptures can also be seen. There are statues made out of stone, metal, and wood. The door and pillars around the temple area are carved in beautiful shapes of God and griffins.
Pashupatinath stretches from the main temple of Pashupatinath to Guheshwori. There are many famous temples inside this area including the Bhuwaneshwori, the Dakshinamurti, Tamreshwor, Panchdewal, Bishwarupa, and others.
The temple of Kali, which is located on the banks of River Bagmati has an interesting appearance and myth. The myth is that the statue grows out of its original spot and that the world will come to an end when the half-in half-out statue is fully out.
Each temple has its own set of rituals to be performed, and every temple has specific value and customs. On the other side of the river is a small forest Shleshmantak, home to animals like deer and monkeys. A traditional crematorium stands on the banks of the River Bagmati.
Pashupatinath is rich in cultural, forest, and water resources. In order to maintain these resources, Pashupati Area Development Trust (PADT) was founded with the initiative of Late King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev in 1996. Since then, the activities at Pashupati are governed through this administrative body.
Visit the holy Pashupatinath Temple this Maha Shivaratri for an out-of-this-world experience.
Visit Great Bouddhanath Stupa
The Great Stupa of Boudhanath
Boudhanath Stupa holds a spot on the World Heritage List and serves as an icon of the city. Pay a visit to this holy site and you’ll find it an epicenter of Tibetan Buddhism in the region, as the complex features a number of monasteries around it. Marvel at the stupa’s massive base, topped with a sizable dome and a towering manadala, the golden triangular spire at the top. You can also admire the colorful statues around the dome and the tower’s mysterious painted-on eyes. Rumor has it that circling the stupa can help to free you from your sins. The devastating earthquake in April of 2015 severely damaged the structure, causing the removal of the entire top portion and calling for a massive reconstruction project. Use our Kathmandu tour planning tool to add Boudhanath Stupa and other attractions to your Kathmandu vacation plans.
Built in the shape of a mandala designed to replicate the Gyangtse of Tibet, the stupa was renovated by Licchhavi rulers in the 8th century. The location of the stupa is interesting as it once lay on the ancient trade route to Tibet and it was here that Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for centuries.
Visit Swayambhunath
In a place of a peace with freedom and joy
A journey up to the Buddhist temple and World Heritage Site of Swayambhunath is one of the definitive experiences of Kathmandu. This is a awesome place to catch panoramic views of the city. The site itself has stood as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries. The glory of Kathmandu Valley is said to have started from this point. Swayambhu, meaning Self-Manifested or Self-Sprung. When Buddha, visited this place he affirmed that it was a wish-fulfilling stupa, and whoever is touched by the wind that passes over the stupa receives the seed of liberation from the cycle of existence.
Representing Buddha’s mind, to visit a stupa is said to be the same as meeting Buddha in person. A place offering peace, freedom and joy to the whole world and ultimately helping us to obtain perfect enlightenment.
Swayambhunath stupa is also called the ‘ Monkey Temple’ because of the many hundreds of monkeys who scamper about the temple at night after the pilgrims and priests have departed.
Some important monuments to see in this area
- The Sleeping Buddha
- Buddha statue on the west side of Swayambhu
- The huge gold plated Vajra ‘thunderbolt’ set in the east side of the stupa
Visit Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, also known as Lalitpur, houses the residence of the former Patan royal family. Patan Square and its surroundings is good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one, is at the centre of Patan square.
Several multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. Main among these is Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.
Major Attractions
Mul Chowk
This is the most famous and one of the largest courtyards among three main chowks. Bidya Temple is located at the center of the courtyard and the Taleju temples stand around the courtyard.
Sundari Chowk
Sundari Chowk is to the south of the Mul Chowk with its sunken tank known as Tusha Hiti Mul Chowk & Taleju Temple.
Keshav Narayan Chowk
Keshav Narayan Chowk is towards the northern part. Dominating Degutale temple is next to it. It is the site of the earliest Malla palace in Patan. The Chowk sits on the older foundations of a Buddhist monastery.
Places To Visit
Krishna Temple
This temple of red stone, dedicated to Hindu Lord Krishna was erected in the 17th century. The temple is considered to be the first one to be constructed in Shikara architecture. Thanks to this attribute, it holds a commanding position in the durbar square. The elegant shikhara-style temple is ranked as one of the gems of Durbar Square. The temple is compared with sacred Mount Meru, which is abode of the god Shiva according to Hindu scriptures.
Mahaboudha
Buddhist temple Mahaboudha, which is made of clay bricks, lies to the east of the Durbar Square. Hundereds of Buddha images are engraved in the bricks. The temple is known for its fine terra cota work.
Kumbheshwor
The five-storied pagoda-style Lord Siva temple was constructed by King Jayasthiti Malla. Inside the temple is a natural spring whose source, is said to be the famous glacial lake of Gosainkunda. The golden work was added later in 1422 A.D. One the festival of Janai Purnima, ritual bathing takes place and a fair is also held.
Jagat narayan Temple
Jagatnarayan temple is a tall shikhara style temple devoted to Lord Vishnu. Red bricks are used for the construction of the temple. The temple also holds a fine metal statue of Garuda, Ganesh and Hanuman, all related to Hindu religion and mythology.
Rudra Varna Mahavihar
This Buddhist monastery holds amazing collection of images and idols in metal, stone and wood. Legend holds that the Kings in the ancient times were crowned in this monastery. Many of the treasures offered by the people can be seen here even today.
The Ashokan Stupas
Indian Emperor Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 B.C and constructed four ancient stupas at the four corners of Patan. The four stupas are located in Pulchowk, Lagankhel, Ebahi and in Teta (way to Sano Gaon) respectively.
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