Narayanhity Museum

Established with in the shadows of royalty, the Narayanhity Palace or museum has long served as the residence for the kings of Shah Dynasty. The palace or museum was built 40 years back with a rigorous construction of six years. On June 1, 2001, the then King Birendra and his whole family were massacred in the palace compound, along with 6 others royal family members. The Constituent Assembly on May 28, 2009 had decided to convert the Narayanhity palace into a public museum. The palace spreads in 753 ropanies (more than 4 million square feet). The museum occupies only 318 ropnies with 54 rooms where only 19 have been made accessible to the public. Similarly, the abode also shares the space with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry and Security bodies. The main attraction of the museum is the golden and silver Ceremonial throne, Banquette hall and other vivid items used by the royal family. The museum would open five days a week except on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and public Holidays from 11 AM to 3 PM. Likewise, the entrance fee for the Narayanhity Museum has been allocated as followed: Nepali Student Nrs 20, Other Nepalese Nrs 100, Chinese and SAARC Tourist Nrs 250, other tourist Nrs 500 and fee has been leaved for children below 3 years of age.
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Bouddha Nath Stupa

With the reputation of the biggest Stupa in Nepal, the Bouddhanath Stupa, is the most holy site for Buddhist faith. Located within 7KM east of the capital, the Stupa, is also know as the Khasti Chitya. The Stupa is 100M in diameter and 40M height where it holds its place among the largest Stupas in the world. It has a round path at the bottom while another path is made of three-tier plinth. The Stupa resembles Swoyambhunath Stupa to some extent. The most impressive part of the Stupa is the eyes of the Buddha which are painted with red, white and blue colors.
Prayer flag are draped from the top of the monument and fly in the breeze to spread the message of peace that flows with in the rooftops of the congested urban neighborhood.
Tourists are charged a modest fee to enter the front gate and to join the clockwise procession at the base of the Stupa.
The Stupa holds a special position in the culture and tradition of the valley while during the seasonal festivals it is lined with lamps and there are special parades and ceremonies performed by the devotees.
The Bouddhanath is architecturally built with greater efficacy which was not touched by the destructive earthquake of 1934 where now it holds a special position in the UNESCO world heritage sites.
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Swayambhu

Located on the top of the hill with watching eyes of Buddha, Swayambhu is believed to have self originated or created centauries ago. According to the legends of Manjushree, it’s said that the whole valley was covered under waters of a vast lake in a territory that was once home to nagas. Manjushree arrived here and with his sword drain the lake that once filled the Valley, and miraculous a lotus flower originated. The people then cam in and resided in the valley, which was later, called Kathmandu Valley.
The lotus, was known as the impart enlightenment to the worshipers, many saints, pilgrims, divinities who traveled from far places. The lotus was converted into a hill and the Swayambhu temple lies on top of the hill. The light, which the flower radiated, became the Swayambhu Stupa.
The Swayambhu welcomes you with its 365 stairs leading up to the temple. With big colorful Buddha statues and large wheels of prayers highlights the richness of its tradition. Welcoming all, a statue of Lord Buddha, a vajra and two lion statues placed at the very front of the towering Stupa.
The Stupa has four sides and on each of the sides, a pair of eyes has been carved which symbolizes the eyes of Lord Buddha watching and evaluating the karmas of the people. In place of the nose, number 1 in Nepali language has been marked. Another popular name of the Swayambhu Stupa is Monkey Temple.

By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Pashupatinath Temple

Known as the Epic Center for Hindus around the world, Pashupatinath Temple stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture and tradition. With a history dating back to 400 AD, Pashupatinath temple is considered as one of the oldest temples in the Asia. The temple is built in pagoda style with two levels of copper and gold roof. It has four main doors, all covered with silver sheets. The western door has a statue of large bull or Nandi, again covered in gold. The main deity is made up of black stones standing tall about 6 feet in height and the same in circumference.
Apart from the cultural heritage, the Pashupatinath temple also orchestrates the cremation process of the death bodies of deceased Hindus in a rich cultural and traditional way. The scene itself attracts foreigners and tourists who early wait and watch the process of the abstract Hindu culture.
More or less the temple is flocked by people during the Shivaratri when Hindus all over the world gather here to celebrate the birth day of lord Shiva.
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Nagarkot

Nagarkot has established itself as an international tourist destination with spectacular views of the world famous Langtang range, sunrise on the mountains and sunset views. We can see the panoramic views of the captivating landscapes and hills that surround the Kathmandu valley. In Nagarkot, You can feel the breeze in the bliss of nature where the mountains smiles in different colors of gold and silver.
It is renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalayan range including Mount Everest especially where people flock here during the celebration of New Year.
With hotel, lodges and resorts mushrooming-in, Naragkot has simply adapted itself to the preference of its arrivals.
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi

Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square

Adorning the prestige of royalty and cultural heritage, the Hanuman Dhoka Palace is the symbol of past glory of the Malla kings, passed on for centauries. The pristine palace has seen the rise and fall of many kings from Mallas to the recent Shahs.
With several complexes connected together spreading in about five acres explicates the rich art and craft of that time. It has ten courtyards flourishing with the statues and artifacts of the time. King Pratap Malla enlarged the original building in the 17th century, adding many of the temples. The oldest part of the palace is Sundari Chowk and Mohan Chowk in the north part of the palace, which are both closed. In 1768, after Prithvi Narayan Shah took over the valley he built four lookout towers in the southeast part of the palace.
The palace was residence of the Shah dynasty until 1886, when the royal residence was moved to the Narayanhiti Palace. The old palace still has its ritual and ceremonial importance where the King of Nepal were crowned and their ceremonies would take place here.
The entrance is on the west side of the palace. Open daily except Tuesday, 10.30 am to 3 pm, 4 pm in the summer; Friday 10.30 am to 2 pm. Admission Rs 250.
The Durbar square holds places like Nasal Chowk, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Basantapur Tower, Mul Chowk, Taleju Temple etc which are very famous among tourist and arrivals
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi