Visit Nepal 2020

29/10/2025

10/04/2025

Nepal #

10/04/2020

Durbar Square, Kathmandu Overview.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a royal region of the ancient Kathmandu kingdom which now lies in Basantpur area of Kathmandu. It is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage site. This place inherits the Newari culture and ancient architecture since centuries. Durbar square is basically a generic name given to the plaza or areas in a certain place of old palaces. In Kathmandu valley, there are three durbar squares, viz. Kathmandu Dur0bar square, Patan Durbar square, and Bhaktapur Square.

History

The early construction of this Durbar square is believed to be around third century. The palaces of this region became the royal palaces for the Malla kings that ruled Kathmandu valley. After the invasion of Prithvi Narayan Shah in Kathmandu, he used this place as his royal palace as well. Kathmandu Durbar square was a royal region before Narayanhiti Durbar. The major development of this region is believed to have been boosted under the reign of the king Pratap Malla. He added more of the Newari flavor to the square. Later Jayaprakash Malla added the house for Kumari which is also known as Kumari Bahal. Kumari is considered a living goddess in Newari culture. After Shah dynasty took over, the major Nautale Durbar was constructed. It is the nine storied Basantapur palace. Also, the Shiva Parbati temple was built after Prithvi Narayan Shah. In 1908, a new palace called Gaddi Durbar was built using European styles. It was done during the Rana regime. Though most of the major structures were destructed in earthquake, this place still gives the feeling of ancient cultural civilization of Nepal.

Temples:

The major temples of the durbar square include:
Trailokya Mohan Narayan temple:
This is a small five roofed temple of the region. This was dedicated to Lord Vishnu and had ancient images of Vishnu.

Kalbhairav:
Kalbhairav is considered to be the destructor form of Lord Shiva. Kalbhairav temple stands at the durbar square in a fearful form.

Taleju temple:
This temple is considered to be the most magnificent work of art in the durbar square. This is not open to the public generally but opens only during Dashain. Taleju Bhawani is considered to be the royal goddess.


Kotilingeshwar Mahadev temple:
This is a stone temple of Lord Shiva which was built by Mahendra Malla. This is topped in gumbhaj style.

Courtyards:

The major courtyards of Kathmandu Durbar square include:
Kernel Chok
Mul Chok
Mohan Chok
Nasal Chok
Sundari Chok

Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex:
One of the main places to see here is the Hanuman Dhoka palace which has been turned into a museum. This place was used as the royal palace till the 19th century. This place offers a great insight into the culture and architecture that ruled the ancient Nepal. This place is called Hanuman Dhoka as there is a statue of Hanuman guarding the palace. This museum comprises the ancient things from the Malla kings. Also, the history of unification of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah has been preserved here as Prithvi Narayan Shah had also used this place as a royal palace.

10/04/2020

Durbar Square, Patan Overview.

Patan, the oldest of all the three cities of Kathmandu valley. It is the best known for its artistic heritage. It is probably one of the oldest Buddhist City in the world. The city is situated on a plateau across Bagmati River. Another name of Patan, is Lalitpur. The city is surrounded by 4Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, one at each corner of its cardinal points. These stupas are said to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka. This is one of the most elegant architectural treasures of which Patan is very proud. About the beauty of Patan, a western lady writer has to say this - "Patan means eternity itself and Patan Durbar Square is the spectacular sight of Asia indeed". Really it is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments with bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings and many visitors come here to see the these monuments. Patan Durbar square is the famous visiting place. The square is full of ancient places, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings.

The former royal palace complex is the center of Patan's religious and social life and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. There are three main courtyards or chowks, so named central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk in the square. The Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal bath called Tushahity.

The Major attraction of Patan Darbar Square

Patan Museum
This museum inside the durbar square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects. It is considered as one of the best museums in Asia.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar
Located inside kwabadehul, this three- story golden pagoda of Lokeshwar (lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by king Bhaskar Verma. It is famous as the golden temple. Inside the upper story of the pagoda, are the golden images of lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel.

Golden Window
This was specially built for King Siddhi Narasingha malla. His devotion to Lord Krishna as well as the Buddhist God of compassion Karunamaya Lokeshwar is a famous episode in Nepalese history of religion.

Mahabouddha Temple
This temple of Buddha built interestingly in the Hindu Shikara style- has five golden pinnacles. They are all in a stupa shape very symbolic of five basic elements.

Golden Temple
This golden temple of Buddha in Patan is the oldest richest and most famous monument indeed. It was built 12th century is known for its beautiful gold works shining very graciously.

Krishna Temple
The Famous Temple Which was built in the 17th century, the temple of Lord Krishna holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan. It is the only temple in Nepal to have 21 shrines and is completely made of stone. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been engraved on its friezes

13/02/2020

Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Overview.

Bhaktaput city is set far from the screeching vehicles and noisy environment. The highlight of the city -Bhaktapur Durbar Square marks peacefulness and lies only 20 km east of Kathmandu city. Bhaktapur city is also regarded as the cultural city and allures lots of domestic and international visitors.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, renowned for its antique heritages from the 15th century displays the masterwork of metal, wood, and stone arts. It in fact exhibits the vividness of very old era. Exploring around the calm Durbar Square and observing the amazing art and architecture of prehistoric times will captivate anyone.

Attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square

55 Window Palace

55 Window Palace is the major appeal of the Bhaktapur Durbar square constructed by King Bhupatindra Malla. The 55 Window Palace used to be the dwelling set for royal family. By its name, it has beautifully carved 55 windows and peacock windows which are in fact are the architectural treasure. Now, it has been turned into a national gallery depicting fine craftsmanship.

National gallery

National gallery within 55 window palace is an appealing place to visit. The gallery contains set of paintings, historical manuscripts, Thangkas and more.

Golden Gate

Golden gate is the access point to enter the main square of the fifty-five windows palace. This gate is well-known for its superb gold plated metalwork.

Lions Gate:

Lion’s gate is another attraction of the Durbar Square with the enormous gate protected by two lion statues on both sides of the gate. Alongside the gate, there are statues of Lord Shiva and goddess Ugrachandi.

Nyatapola Temple:

The word ‘Nyatapola’ means five storied ‘in Newari language. Built in pagoda style, Nyatapola Temple is dedicated to goddess Laxmi. This temple is constructed to perfection of artistic beauty.

Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla:

King Bhupatindra Malla was one the best known kings of Bhaktapur in the past days. The king played a vital role in producing stirring art and architecture in Bhaktapur. The bronze statue is built with folded hands on the top of the pillar and is one of the highlights of Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Dattatreya Temple:

Dattatreya square also holds a lot of historic monuments and artistic shrines. It is believed that this three-storied shrine is constructed from a timber of a single tree. The terrific fact about this temple is it has resisted several natural calamities since ages.

Temples:

There are many other temples spread in Durbar Square devoted to a variety of deities. Besides the religious significance these temples, it also has great architectural worth.

Vatsala Temple, Mini Pashupatinath Temple, Bhairav Nath Temple, Badrinath temple, Rameshwor temple and a lot of other temples around the Durbar square allures anyone with its intricate artwork.

Strolling around these antique heritages brings a kind of calmness. There are local restaurants presenting local Newari and a range of cuisines. ‘Juju Dhau’ which means king of curds is something you should not miss to savor her.

13/02/2020

Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu Overview

Perched on top of the Semgu Hill located in the outskirts to the west of the Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhu Temple temple is one of the most important eligious shrines in the city of Kathmandu. With a wite dome stupa and an array of shrines, this place draws people to it daily. Circumnavigating the temple in a clockwise direction is a common practice among the pilgrims since it is believed to wash away all the sins. The sanctum is one of the holiest sites among the Buddhists and Tibetans and is second only to the Lord Boudha for them.
Also referred to as the Swayambhunath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and the Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, this holy place of worship has been in existence for several centuries and has overlooked the greater portion of the Kathmandu Valley ever since. Owing to the several monkeys which have made the area around the complex their permanent abode, this temple has also earned the quirky nickname of the "Monkey Temple". Once you are inside the temple, make sure to climb the 365 steps to reach the top and take in the picturesque, panoramic view of the capital city of Kathmandu.

11/02/2020

The blue border symbolizes peace and harmony. The crimson red is Nepal's national colour, and reflects the brave spirit of theNepalese people. The two triangles symbolize the Himalayan Mountains. The depiction of celestial bodies represents permanence and the hope that Nepal will last as long as the sun and the moon.

11/02/2020

Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Overview

Situated at a distance of about 11 kilometres from the city centre of Kathmandu, Boudhanath Stupa dominates the Kathmandu skyline with its gargantuan spherical shape. Thousands of pilgrims from different religions gather here daily. They perform a ritualistic circumnavigation, known as the 'kora', of the colossal dome. It is believed that anyone who circumambulates the stupa with no ill thoughts in their hearts receives good karma. Moreover, the gates of hell are permanently closed for them!
The massive mandala of this magisterial stupa makes it the largest in Nepal and the continent. In1979, Boudhanath Stupa was honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Boudhanath Stupa has acquired several names throughout the years, including the Buddha Stupa, Chorten Chempo, Chaitya, Jarung Khashor, and the Khasti. The entire complex of the stupa houses 50 Tibetan convents, known as gompas, which have been acting as shelters for the Tibetan refugees since 1959. This stupa is said to be the spot where the remains of Kassapa Buddha lay in rest.

10/02/2020

Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Overview
One of the holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple is stretched across both the banks of the beautiful and sacred Bagmati River on the eastern fringes of the capital city of Kathmandu. The magnificent sanctum devoted to Lord Shiva draws in thousands of devotees who come to offer their prayers and seek blessings from him. Sprawled over a large area with temples and ashrams, it is believed that the Jyotirlinga housed in the Pashupatinath temple is the head of the body which is made up of the twelve Jyotirlinga in India. In 1979, the magnificent temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.