Kathmandu
the capital city of Nepal is located at a altitude of 1,350 meters above
sea level and is consider a conglomeration of two cities: a fabled
capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples; and a
splenetic sprawl smothered in the pollution of diesel fumes, dirt,
monkeys and beggars. The sights are heavily clustered in the old part of
town from Kantipath west towards the Vishumati River. Creativity and
patience are required to navigate the city's narrow, often unmarked
streets, but if you lose your way, simply ask a passerby for directions.
Kathmandu is the arrival point for most of the visitors in Nepal. This
small mountain sheltered valley is the historic center and the Capital
of Nepal. This is the place where kingdoms rose and fell, palaces and
temples are built and rebuilt, art and cultures are refined and
protected. Kathmandu city is the largest in Nepal and is surrounded by
green hills all over. Scattered around the valley are hundreds of
temples and shrines, traditional villages and agriculture scenes of
timeless beauty. You can see all these places by taxi, cycle, bus and by
foot.
Geography
Surrounded by the green hills, Kathmandu Valley is about 25 km from
east to west and 20km from north to south. It lies at the height of
1300m. You can see Kathmandu Valley clearly while you are fly in. This
valley is specially known for growing rice corn, wheat and vegetables.
However, nowadays this valley is increasingly dependent on imported food
and fuels. All the rivers drain towards the center of the valley and
join the Bagmati river. Geologist have confirmed ancient myths that
claim the valley once lay under water.
Climate
The Kathmandu Valley has the pleasant climate most of the year.
Although there are forests, snow is unheard of and the monsoons are
nowhere near. Between October and March it can become quite cold at
night and the days become short, although its sunny and warm between
mid-morning and afternoon. In April things start to heat up and there
are often storm in the afternoon.
People
Still today, Newars form the largest single group in the valley as well
as in smaller towns and villages. Bahuns, Tamangs and Chettris live on
the surrounding hills. People living in Kathmandu Valley are mostly
Hindus and Buddhist and they are very much related to each others
religion. People living here speak Newari and Nepali mostly.
Adventure Sports in Kathmandu
Trekking
Trekking In Langtang Region
Most accessible from Kathmandu is Langtang. Glaciers spawned by slope
of the Dorje Lakpa Langtang Ri and other peaks feed the Lantang river
before emptying in a raging torrent into the Bhotekoshi river. Mainly
the Tibetan speaking people, thought to have originated across the
border from Kerong, an ancient fort, inhabit the valley. Tamang and
Sherpa live in Helambu region, an area easily accessible to those who
have limited time, and spectacular view in spring when the Rhododendron
are in bloom. Gosai Kunda, a sacred pond for the Hindu to visit at least
once in the life, also lies in the region. Cultural diversity is another
attraction of this area
Trekking in Mustang Region
Mustang is one of the few places in the world that has long-lived a
very close-niched life and that region was, until recently, inaccessible
to outsiders. This isolation helped the people of Mustang to maintain
their lifestyle and heritage that remained almost unchanged for
centuries. Hidden behind the majestic Himalayan ranges of Dhaulagiri and
Annapurna, Mustang is filled with beautiful trekking zones. Special Area
Trekking Permits are required by trekeers when they visit this region
and a Liaison Officer still accompanies every trek to Mustang.
Kala Patar Trekking
Lying at the end of the main trail in the Everest Region, Kala Patar is
the chief destinatin for trekkers flying into Lukla. There's more to
this trek than just a visit to the Everest base camp. A breakthrough to
Everest is the Gokyo valley with its turquoise blue alpine lake and high
vantage points that give sensational views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu,
and Cho Oyu - four of the Nepal's as well as world's eight highest
peaks. From the Gokyo Valley, the trek crosses over the Cho La Pass, an
adventurous approach to the upper Khumbu Valley and Everest Base Camp.
Camping Sites
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is blessed with marvelous and impressive trekking &
camping site, that makes it a heaven for camping. The range of scenery,
from sub-tropical jungle to glacier, is as varied as the many ethnic
groups and cultural heritage of Nepal. It is not only the mountains that
cast their spell. The people, the flora and fauna and the immense
landscape combine in a kaleidoscope of sights and sensations that make a
camping trip among the Himalayas a unique experience.
Ethnological Tour in Langtang Area
Three main ethnic peoples living in Langtang and Helambu area. They are
Tamangs, Yolmus and Bhotias, each thought to have originated from Tibet.
The cultures are discernible by language, house style, dress, ornaments,
and customs
Places to visit in Kathmandu
Machchhendrananth Temple
The temple of Sweta Machchhendra Bahal between Indra Chowk and Asan. It
is a Pagoda of considerable artistic beauty is also called as "Janmadyo"
or "Machchhendra" deity.
Akash Bhairav Temple
A three storey temple in the main market avenue, called Indra Chowk,
the image of Akash Bhairav is displayed outside for a week during Indara
Jatra, the festival of Indra - the God of Rain.
Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square)
It is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square, with its old
temples and places, epitomizes the religiuous and cultural life of the
people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations
solemnized.
Interesting things to see here are; Taleju Temple built by king
Mahendra malla in 1549 A.D.; Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction,
Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, The Gaddi Baithak, the statue
of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagannath Temple.
Temple Of Kumari (Kumar Ghar)
The temple or the residence of Living Goddess, "Kumari", is
situated in the vicinity of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. The building has
profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari - the
Living Goddess, acknowledges the greetings from her balcony window.
Photography is prohibited.
Kasthamandap
Located near the Temple of Kumari, it is said to have been built by
King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the 16th century. It is
said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of
Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.
Tundikhel
A huge green field, flanks one entire side of the old city Tundikhel.
Some of the important landmarks of Kathmandu valley are located in the
periphery of this area. At the south-western end of Tundihkel is a
59.29m tower built by prime minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 A.D. known as
Dharahara or Bhimsen Stambha. Sundhara - fountains with golden water
spouts is situated at the foot of this great tower also belonging to the
same period.
Bhadrakali Temple
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the
temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi
temple and is one of the main "Shakta" temples of Kathmandu
city.
National Museum
Two and half kilometers west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has
splendid collection of weapons, artifacts from ancient, medieval and
modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth
seeing. The museum is open everyday except Tuesday and government
holidays.
Natural History Museum
Situated 3-kms west of Kathmandu City behind the famous Swayambhunath
hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies, fish,
reptiles, birds, mammals, plants and a variety of fossils collected
within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5-kms east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord
Shiva-Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is
famous for its superb architecture. Visitors can clearly seen the temple
and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern
bank of the Bagmati River.
Chandra Vinayak
The temple of Chandra Vinayak is situated about 200 m. north of
Chabahil stupa. This double tiered brass roofed temple houses a tiny
image of Lord Ganesh, the Elephant-headed God.
