Kathmandu
Valley
: The
Kathmandu Valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is the
first stop for the majority of visitors to the country. Originally known as the
Nepal Valley and a separate kingdom in itself, it contains three fabled cities,
each an artistic exposition of graceful temples, elegant palaces, brick- paved
courtyards and quaint streets. Swayambhu
Stupa : Watches over the Valley
from the top of a hillock on its western side. The huge stupa is one of the holiest
Buddhists sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of the
Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. Swayambhu is also known as Samhengu.
The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot
of the hill. Budhanilkantha
: Is situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the Valley.
It is about nine KM from the city center. The hub of the temple complex is a pond
in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Bishnu reclining on the coils
of a cosmic serpent. It is also known as Bhuijasi. Bouddhanath
Stupa : Lies about six km to
the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largttyest stupa in the Valley. It looms
36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design.
Bouddhanath is also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders
had to use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought
during its construction. Pashupatinath
Temple : One of the most sacred
Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies five km east of the city center.
The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord
Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple's existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees can
be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river flowing beside the temple.
Changu Narayan Temple
: Is situated on a ridge overlooking the Valley, about 12 km to the
east of the city. It is dedicated to the Hindu god Bishnu. One of the finest and
oldest specimens of pagoda architecture, the temple is embellished with exquisite
wood and stone carvings. Kirtipur
: Is situated on a ridge 10 km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient
Newari (Newar are the local people of Kathmadu Valley) township is a natural fortress
and has a proud and courageous history. The Chilamchu stupa and the temple of
Bagh Bhairab are major sights here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined with
artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their skill in building
and weaving. Kathmandu
Durbar Square : This complex
of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries,
used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece
here is the 17th- century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with
writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban
focal point of the city. There are also three museums inside the palace building.
Patan
Durbar Square : L like its counterpart
in Kathmandu, is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards
and graceful pagoda temples. 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. One remarkable monument here is a
17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
: As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner
harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the spatial layout here. The 15th-century
Palace of 55 Windows, situated to the left as you enter through the city gate,
inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The entrance
to the palace, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of
the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Nagarkot
: Nagarkot(altitude 2,175m)is by far the most popular.Located 30kms
east of Kathmandu.nagarkot is popular for sunrise and sunset tour. At sunrise,the
Himalayan range,stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west all the way past Everest
to kanchenjunga in the east. Dhulikhel
: The hill resort of Dhulikhel lies 32 kms east of Kathmandu on the
arniko Highway that leads to Tibet. In the old days, Dhulikhel flourished as a
trading center handling commerce Kathmandu and Lhasa. Today it delights visitors
with its enchanting cultural and stunning Himalayan views.Dhulikhel means luxuriating
in unspoiled natural splendor and becoming oblivious to the cares of the world. Dakshinkali
and Chobhar : The temple of
Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular
places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from the city center on the southern
rim of the Valley, the shrine is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays
when animal sacrifices are offered to the deity. On the way back, stop at Chobhar
gorge. The narrow gash in the hills was made by Lord Manjushree to drain out the
lake which once covered the Kathmandu Valley. Pokhara
: If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, then Pokhara is its center
of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley (altitude 827 m),
it is the starting point for many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting
destinations. The atmosphere on the shores of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality
as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations
on guest houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and above the clouds. Pokhara
is a place of remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence
of the fish-tailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an
ambiance of peace and magic. Lumbini
: Lumbini, the place where the Buddha was born in 623 BC, is situated
in the Terai plains of southern Nepal. The nativity site is marked by a stone
pillar erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage
to the sacred spot. Shopping
: Nepal is famous for Handi-crafts items. Handi-crafts from Nepal
were coveted across Central Asia in ancient times for their superior quality and
intricate workmanship. Today, the skills inherited from the old masters continue
to be practiced with the same devotion to bring you works of art which you will
forever cherish. Garments, Gems, Jewelry, Khukuri, Metal-ware, Music
cassettes and CDs of Nepalese classical, folk and sacred tunes, Paper products,Paubha,
Pottery, Spices, Tea, Wood carving, Woolen carpets Statues. The casting of bronze,
brass and copper statuary in Nepal dates back to the 13th century. Casters in
Nepal use the ancient and labor intensive "lost-wax method" in which
ornate figures, modeled in bees-wax and used to create the earthenware molds,
are melted away and "lost" prior to the actual casting.
We are specialists in copper statues,both big and small.We have collection of
artistic production of sculptures both of Hindu and Buddhist deities together
with hybrid- ones. In our workshop you will be amazed to see solid wax modelling
or cire perudue method We accept orders and also export.Gold washed to protect
finish.
For more details Please visit our Shop or Contact us: N.L
Enterprises Patan Durbar Square Opposite Famous Krishna
Mandir, Patan
Tel: +977-1-5533455
Fax: + 977-1-4428691
E-mail:
shaktinepal@usa.net
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