This is our first step of a long journey ahead. Kathmandu valley, also known as the valley of gods, has seven cultural heritage sites marked as World Heritage site by UNESCO. Among those seven historic and artistic achievements, we will be visiting three of them, namely Pashupatinath mandir (Hindu pilgrimage for devotees of Lord Shiva), Boudhanath Stupa (Largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal) and Bhaktapur (Monument Zone). Alternative choices are also given for other places of interest within Kathmandu valley.
The largest temple complex, Pashupatinath mandir is the most important religious site in our country. Not only the people of Nepal but also the devotees from India and any other devotees of Lord Shiva visit this temple at least once every year, which reflects its importance. Situated at banks of our Holy river Bagmati at both sides, the pagoda style architecture can be found in the temples. Also, the ritual of Cremation of Hindus can be observed on raised platforms along the river with Sadhu baba’s (Holy Men) performing their daily rituals.
Boudhanath Stupa is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu. From above, Boudhanath Stupa looks like a giant mandala (diagram of the Buddhist cosmos) with each different shape represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air, and sphere, which are also the attributes of the five Buddhas.
Bhaktapur (literal meaning: place of devotees) in an ancient city east of Kathmandu valley about eight miles from a capital city. The main attraction in this part is the Nyatapola temple: a 5-story pagoda style temple but other attractions as Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Open Museum) itself is not a plain site but a marvelous mesmerizing view with unique vibe surrounding it. You will take your lunch at a restaurant in the place of devotees and brought back to your hotel. You then must rest and prepare for your journey for new adventures that lie ahead.