Boudhanath - On the outskirt of Kathmandu lies one of the largest spherical
stupas in Nepal. This ancient Stupa of Boudhanath, on top of a massive
mandala, probably is one of the largest in the world. There are over 50
monasteries around it and it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage Site
in 1979. It is built on the ages old trade route from Tibet to enter the
Kathmandu Valley. Under the wise eyes of Buddha gazing out from the gilded
central tower seems to be watching over thousands of pilgrims gather daily to
make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome. In the evening the whole
place lights up with butter lamps and the wafting smell of sage gives a calming
effect. The Stupa is surrounded by building and monasteries. The plaza
surrounding the Stupa is open for people of all religion. Tibetan monks, elderly,
along with other devotees can be seen spinning prayer wheels, chanting
mantras, or just strolling in silence around the monument. The Stupa was
damaged during the earthquake but has already been reconstructed and opens
for tourists from November 2015.
Experience - Interact with Monks
Lama will offer blessing and Khada – Himalayan Silk Scarf as a blessing to
the guests.
Pashupatinath (2 km/Approx.10 min drive) - Located on the banks of
Bagmati River is the sacred Pashupati Temple. Pashupati is a manifestation of
Shiva and means ‘The Lord of Animal’. This temple has been a UNESCO World
Heritage Site since 1979. The temple premise consists of temples, ashrams,
idols, and inscription added over centuries. The temple is the ultimate
destination for devotees during the Maha Shivaratri Festival, where a crowd of
thousands gathers to pay homage to Lord Shiva. The main temple within the
complex is of pagoda shape with golden roof and silver doors on all the four
sides of the temple. Inside the temple is a Shiva linga with four faces of Shiva,
with four different names and significance. Pashupati area is regarded as one of
the most important places of pilgrimages for Hindus. Thousands of devotees
from all around the world come to Pashupatinath every day. The temple is
barred to non-Hindus, but one can get a good view of the temple from the
opposite bank of the river. The view of Arya Ghat (cremation ground only for
Hindu) is also possible from the spot.
Swayambhunath Stupa (10 km/Approx. 35 min drive: Perched on top of a
conical hill is a white dome with glittering golden spire is visible from all sides
of the valley for many miles. This most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy
shrines in Kathmandu Valley, Swayambhunath Stupa, is also known as the
Monkey Temple. According to the historical records, the Stupa is over 2,500
years old. The name of Swayambhunath has been derived from Sanskrit word,
Swayam (self), making Swayambhunath the ‘Self-Created One’. The
surrounding of the Stupa consists a variety of shrines and temples, some dating
back to the Licchavi period. The Stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted
on each side and nose is made out as the number one in Devanagari script. The
main Stupa can be reached from two access points; a long steep stairway with
365 steps (leading directly to the main platform), and a car road leading to a
longer way from the southwest entrance. This Stupa too has been on the
UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Sites list. This place offers an excellent view
of the Valley. Though the temples around the Stupa had some minor
destruction and one of the temples beside the Stupa collapsed during the 2015
earthquake, the process of reconstruction is ongoing.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (7 km/Approx. 25 min): Durbar, which means
palace, is where the kings were once crowned and where they ruled from.
Kathmandu has its Durbar Square at its heart; here charm of old town blends
well with traditional architecture in a rich cultural backdrop. The entire square
was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The massive complex
consists of three main squares, which is home to palaces, temples, and
courtyard. South of Basantapur square is a former Royal elephant stable, which
today has souvenir stalls and leads to Freak Street (the lane still lives in the
former glory of being the ultimate Hippie destination during the Flower Power
era). The temple of Living Goddess, Kumari, is also on the southern end.
Kumari is a young Shakya girl from Newar community, chosen through an
ancient and mystical selection to become the human incarnation of Hindu
Goddess, Taleju. If you are lucky, you might get to get a glimpse of Kumari
peeking out of an elaborately carved wooden window. The main Durbar Square
is the most affected area by the 2015 earthquake. Three main temples of the
area, Kasthamandap, Narayan temple, Trilokya Mohan, and Krishna Temple
has been completely destroyed, while other have been partially damaged. On
the Northeast side, the square consists of Hanuman Dhoka, the main entrance
to the old royal palace. The Taleju Bhawani’s temple, the oldest of all the
temples is situated in this area. Even though the old royal palace has been
partially damaged, restoration process is going on. The Square is slowly making
progress to yet again revive its old mystic and glory of being a living museum
with finest traditional architectures in the world.
Experience – Rickshaw Ride Tour
Rickshaw ride from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Thamel via the small alley
of Ason & Indrachwok. Ason is a local bazaar and well-known place for
buying daily requirements. A lush of crowded locals enchant you with the
daily life style.
Optional: visit MONA – Museum of Nepali Art. Entry Ticket Cost USD 10 Per
Person (Payable Directly - Subject to change).
The Museum of Nepali Art (MONA) occupies a unique position in the art
world because of its focus on Nepali artistic practices and traditions. Nepali
art is a reflection of the country’s culture and soul, with an artistic history
spanning over two millennia. The museum houses a collection of Nepali art
that covers both its religious traditions and more recent secular
manifestations. Through regular exhibition, it explores the historic and
cultural influences on Nepali art practices to encourage a better
understanding, appreciation and promotion of Nepali art and artists.
