Kathmandu a cultural city

Kathmandu is the capital of the Himalayan country Nepal. This city tour is a popular and most renowned destination of Nepal preferred by many tourists. Kathmandu is rich in ancient and cultural relics. However, this capital city used to be referred as valley during the medieval era. Similarly, boundaries of Kathmandu valley are Sangha Bhajyang in the east, Bad-bhanjyang in the west, Panchmane Bhanjyang in the north and Pharping in the south. Moreover, the valley is known to be in the shape of bowl circled by four mountains containing three districts, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and lalitpur.

The famous capital city consists of seven World Heritage Sites. For people from religious background, the cultural city is the center of faith which provides shelter for monasteries, stupas, temples , wooden arts and articrafts. 

Cultural sites to explore in Kathmandu Valley

Kathmandu is popular and most preferred destination for tourists as it is the melting point for individuals of different races, religions and ethnic background. The valley is well reflected in cultural patterns and district civilization. The landmark is also regarded as cultural and political heart of Nepal. Here are some UNESCO listed world heritage sites explained below for detailed information

1. Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple is most revered Hindu temple in Nepal which is situated on the banks of holy river Bagmati. This temple lies 5km to the east of city center. Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi ruler and a devoted follower of Shiva, is thought to have constructed the temple. It is designed in the Pagoda style with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Pashupatinath Temple is regarded as nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures. Other than Hindus, are strictly prohibited to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Pashupatinath Temple is also known as the home of holy sadhus. The temple has a plinth and a tiered roof in the form of a Nepalese pagoda. Two levels and a gold-plated ceiling make up the main shrine. Shiva's bull, or Nandi, and the lingam, his emblem, are both located inside the main shrine. A platform for cremation rites is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. The ideal time to visit the temple is during the festival Shivaratri when worshippers from India and Nepal come to visit the Temple.

A popular and beautiful Hindu ritual is performed infront of the Pashupatinath Temple known as Aarati. As a mark of reverence and tradition, leather items that include shoes, belts and cameras are forbidden within the temple complex and must be left outside. Non-Hindus must satisfy themselves by observing from the terraces just across the Bagmati River to the east. It is considered as most important ritual performed infront of the temple. Lighting lamps and chanting mantras signal the start of the aarati. The aarati is then conducted after the lamps are set up in front of the Pashupatinath temple.The aarati is a stunning and profound rite that is regarded as a crucial component of Hindu religion. The lamps are extinguished after the aarati is finished, and the temple is then shut for the evening. Hindu worship includes the Pashupatinath Aarati, a stunning and revered ceremony. 

Millions of Hindus visit the temple each year to pray and worship Pashupatinath as it is stunning and revered location worth seeing. If you ever travel to Kathmandu, Nepal, make sure you experience this breathtaking ritual. 

2. Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath stupa is one of the most important pilgrimage site of Nepal listed as the largest stupas in the world and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979. Around the 14th century, the Boudhanath Stupa is believed to have been created just after the death of Gautam Buddha. The structure of the building consists of a giant dome, on the top which sits a Buddhist pyramid tower. All of this sits on top of huge steps shaped like mandalas themselves. The stupa rapidly became an focal point to worship and offer. 

The pinnacle (at the top of the stupa) is the symbol of Mt. Sumeru, the King of Mountains. The umbrella (under the pinnacle) is the protector of the 3 jewels: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha. The lotus (under the umbrella) is the symbol of compassion and purity. The thirteen steps (under the lotus and above the big eyes) are the 13 steps to complete enlightenment. The two eyes looking from the 4 sides are the eyes of the Buddha, who sees everywhere. The nose is the symbol of Nirvana.The Harmika is the 8 noble paths. The dome is the symbol of universe. The Mandala is the mansion of Buddha.

Among the Nepalese in Kathmandu, the stupa is simply referred to as “Chorten Chenpo” which translates to “Great Tower” or just “Great Stupa. It is said that the stupa entombs the remains of the third Buddha of the Bhadrakalpa, “Kasyapa Buddha”, and a finger bone from the fourth and present Buddha “Siddharta Gautama Buddha”. You always have to walk in a clockwise direction around the stupa, with the stupa being on your right side. Boudhanath hosts many festivals throughout the year, including the Losar festival (Tibetan New Year), Buddha Jayanti (a festival celebrating the life of Lord Buddha: his birth, enlightenment and death), and the birthday of the Dalai Lama. The best time for visiting Boudhanath are mornings and evenings, as you can follow the pilgrims around the stupa. In the evening, during the sunset, the atmosphere is particularly mystical.

3. Swayambhunath Stupa

The Swayambhu Purana claims that the valley was completely covered by a huge lake from which a lotus sprouted. The name Swayambhu, which means "Self-Created," began to be used for the valley. The name derives from a perpetual, self-existent flame (svyabhu), over which a later-erected spa was constructed.  This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. With the inclusion of Hindu temples and deities on this Buddhist site, the stupa has served as a symbol of faith and unity for millennia. The temple is located just 5 km away from Kathmandu.

On top of the lotus, a sizable illusion of Sakyamuni Buddha could be observed. Manjushri, who had arrived in search of the location, noticed this illusion. Manjushri, a Bodhisattva of knowledge and wisdom, was responsible for removing the hill from the river. He should maintain short, tidy hair in accordance with bodhisattva decorum. He let his hair to fall out, which led to a lice infestation. According to legend, these lice leaped out and turned into monkeys. The hill is hence covered in monkeys. Hence, Swayanbhunath is also called Monkey Temple.

This stupa's base has a cube-like shape. There is a pentagon shaped Toran on each of its four corners. There is an eye on each side of the stupa. This suggests that God is omnipresent. The eye of knowledge is located above each set of eyes. On either side of the stupa, there are five Buddhas, or Panch Buddha. You will see two lion statues protecting the entrance after passing the temple's staircase. The preferred method for visitors to enter the stupa on foot is through this staircase.

sizable gate with a 12-foot-tall Tibetan prayer wheel is located at the bottom of the staircase on the eastern side. To move the wheel, two powerful individuals are required. Every time the wheel turns, a bell sounds. There are other tiny wheels nearby for visitors to spin and say prayers. There are three Buddha statues from the 17th century right in front of the stairs. The women who venerate these statues are female. Numerous Tibetan stones with inscriptions can be seen along the stairs. Small stores where vendors sell visitors such stone reproductions are also visible. You will descend stairs through a woodland area that is home to many monkeys.

A white domed building serves as the main stupa. There are a lot of statues and treasures inside the stupa. You can see a 13-level golden spire from the tower. The spire's canopy is topped with a basin containing priceless stones. Around this main structure, there are several other shrines. Kings and other prominent politicians gave donations to each one.

Tourist attraction in swayambhunath stupa

1. Harati Devi Temple- The Harati temple, a Hindu shrine to Harati, the Goddess of smallpox and guardian of all children, is situated on the Stupa's northwest side.

2. Shantipur- Known for concealing a sealed underground room, Shantipur is a fascinating temple. Inside the temple, only Buddhacharya priests are permitted.

According to mythology, in the fifth century, the Tantric guru "Shantikar Acharya" imprisoned himself in a cell underneath the temple and eventually obtained immortality. There, according to devotees, Shantikar is still residing and practicing meditation. To end the drought in Kathmandu in 1658, King Pratap Malla entered the subterranean chamber. The King eventually came across Shantikar, who offered him a mandala, after navigating a number of terrifying underground passages. The rain began to fall as soon as the King exited the temple with the Mandala.

3. Pratapur and Anantapur- King Pratap Malla erected the two tall white shikar-style temples known as Pratapur and Anantapur in 1646. These two Shikara temples are devoted to Pratap Malla, the King, and Ananta Priya, his wife.

4. Shree Karma Raj Mahavihar- The Karma Raja Maha Vihar Monastery, which is situated on the northern side of the Swayambhu stupa, was severely damaged by the earthquake in April 2015 and was still being rebuilt as of the time this article was being written.

One of the most significant schools of Tibetan Buddhism and one of the oldest schools of the Kagyu lineage is the Karma Kagyu Lineage Monastery, which is a part of the Karma Raja Maha Vihar Monastery.

5. Vajra- The Great Thunderbolt, often referred to as Dorje, is a massive golden Vajra that can be found at the top of the stairs on the Stupa's eastern side. The Vajra, which is adorned with the Tibetan zodiac's animal signs, is claimed to be indestructible and to symbolise the force of enlightenment.

4.Kathmandu Durbar Square

One of three squares in Kathmandu Valley is KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Buddhist and Hindu rites, sacred ceremonies, royal celebrations, and kingly coronations all take place in Durbar Square, which is also known as a palace or a court owned by a prince.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is surrounded by fountains, historic statues, tiny ponds, and a number of courtyards like Mohan Chok and Sundari Chok, is a contemplative, sacred location for those seeking spiritual guidance. The Old Royal Palaces are located within the inner complex of Durbar Square (referred to as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex). The Shah and Malla Dynasties' kings, who ruled the city until the 19th century, used to reside in the Royal Palaces. Since then, the palaces have been transformed into museums.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a meditative, sacred place for those seeking spiritual guidance. It is flanked by fountains, historical monuments, miniature ponds, and a variety of courtyards like Mohan Chok and Sundari Chok. Within the Durbar Square inner complex are the Old Royal Palaces (referred to as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex). The Royal Palaces were the home of the rulers of the Shah and Malla Dynasties, who dominated the city until the 19th century. The palaces have now been converted into museums.

Later, King Pratap Malla expanded the square with new shrines and temples while also renovating several of the previous ones. New construction ceased after his death in 1674 but resumed under the Shah Dynasty. The Nautale, also known as Basantapur Durbar, is a nine-story building that was constructed during the Shah Dynasty and is one of the most remarkable sites ever constructed. The building, which has four roofs and is situated on the east side of the palace, was thought to be a "pleasure house." Other well-known temples in the area include the Kal Bhairav, the Krishna Temple, the octagonal Krishna Temple, the Shiva Parvati Temple, the Maru Ganesh Temple, the Bhagwati Temple, and the Saraswati Temple (which represents the destructor form of Lord Shiva).

The three-story temple known as Kumari Bahal is one of Kathmandu Durbar Square's strangest (and most revered) landmarks. The Kumari Devi is a little girl who was picked after a rigorous selection procedure and is thought to be the living representation of the Hindu mother goddess. She is housed in this Newari temple, which was constructed by the previous Malla monarch Jayaprakash Malla. The Kumari Devi is revered by the people and carried around the square during festivals such as Indra Jatra and others in a specially crafted golden chariot. The people closely observe her for certain indicators that could indicate their luck and fate. 

1. Taleju Temple- The highest building is the Taleju Temple, which was erected in 1549 AD by King Mahendra Malla. During the Dashain festival, this temple is accessible to the public for one day each year.

2. Kumari Temple- An illustration of very advanced Nepali craftsmanship is the 17th-century Kumari Temple, also known as the Temple of the Living Goddess. Living Goddess Kumari of Kathmandu's official house is located here. During designated times, guests can view the goddess in person and ask for favors.

3. Jagannath Temple-  The Jagannath Temple, constructed in the 16th century, is renowned for the interesting erotic motifs carved on the wooden supports.

4. Nasal Chowk- Your first encounter with the medieval royal home will be this magnificent courtyard inside the main entrance. Although many of the nearby buildings date to the Rana era, Nasal Chowk was constructed during the Malla dynasty. During the Rana administration, Nasal Chowk was used for coronations, and this tradition continued until 2001.

5. Narsingha statue- Narsingha is believed to represent Lord Vishnu killing a demon in his man-lion incarnation. According to the inscription on the monument, Pratap Malla built the stone statue in 1673 because he was afraid of disturbing Vishnu by dancing in a Narsingha outfit.

6. Swet Bhairav- A statue of Shiva's incarnation Bhairav is called Swet Bhairav. The only time the public can visit this Bhairav temple is during the Indra Jatra festival in August–September.

7. Sisha Bhaitak- The Malla throne and images of the Shah rulers are displayed in the open patio known as Shisha Baithak.

8. Tribhuwan Museum- King Tribhuvan's successful uprising against their rule is honored in the Tribhuwan Museum together with monuments to Kings Mahendra and Birendra. The king's desk and bedroom are on display in the museum along with his actual personal effects, giving visitors a bizarre glimpse into his world. Some enigmatic moments are provided by the king's boxing gloves, walking stick with a spring-loaded sword hidden inside, and his dusty, empty aquarium. Various magnificent thrones, numerous images of hunters, and the traditional currency collection are on show.

9. Kal Bhairav- One of Kathmandu's greatest stone statues from the 17th century, the Kal Bhairav represents Lord Shiva's menacing side.

5.Chandragiri

Chandragiri Hill is significant because it was there that King Prithivi Narayan Shah made the decision to unite all of Nepal. It is a very important movement that has contributed to Nepal's development over the years. Prior to Nepal's unification, it served as a commerce hub for the country's many regions. It would take hours for people to trek up the hill. People would trade everything once they reached the top, from clothing to spices. Since Nepal is a landlocked nation, it was quite challenging to find goods to trade. Finding spices and selling them proved to be quite a challenge without assistance from any other nations.

Even though all of the attractions in this area were only built, they still serve as a reminder of the land's previous appearance and purpose. The Prithivi Narayan Shah statue's proximity to the temple makes the land's holiness obvious. This statue is also clearly visible from where the cable car stops, and it is the first attraction that visitors see as they ascend the hill. Since they began working on all of these other projects in addition to the hotel, the temple's popularity has only increased.

Despite all of these advantages, the breathtaking view of the Kathmandu valley remains its key selling feature. The valley lies on one side, while a lush wooded region is on the other. Nature can be found everywhere, and the air is always clean, which is unusual for Nepal in general. Visitors find it to be a very dynamic site.

• Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple

Lord Shiva is worshipped in the Bhaleshwar Mahadev (temple) since a very long period. Lord Shiva is one of the three primary deities of Hinduism. The top of the hill is home to a mandir that is devoted to Lord Shiva, and it is said that:

"After Daksha insulted Shiva in front of other gods, Sati Devi, Shiva's original consort, offered her own life as a sacrifice during Daksha Prajapati's yagna. Shiva traveled around the world in a fit of wrath while carrying Sridevi's body on his back. Shiva was so consumed with fury that he was unaware of the disintegration of Satidevi's rotting body. Different portions of Sridevi's body were scattered over the globe. Later, pilgrimages were formed at these locations. Where Satidevi's forehead (or "Bhala") had fallen is thought to be one of these locations, where the Bhaleshwor Mahadev temple was built.

6. Patan Durbar Square

The oldest of the three cities in the Kathmandu Valley is Patan. It is most renowned for having a rich artistic history. It is perhaps one of the world's oldest Buddhist cities. Across the Bagmati River on a plateau is where the city is located. Patan is also known as Lalitpur. At each of its four cardinal points, one of the four Stupas that make up Patan's four corners enclose the city. It is supposed that the well-known Emperor Ashoka was the one who erected these stupas. One of the most beautiful architectural gems, Patan is quite proud of this one. A western woman writer had this to say about Patan's beauty: "Patan symbolizes eternity itself, and Patan Durbar Square is the breathtaking sight of Asia in fact."

With bronze gateways, guardian deities, and exquisite carvings, it really is full of Buddhist and Hindu monuments, and many tourists come here to see them. The popular tourist destination is Patan Durbar Square. Ancient sites, temples, and shrines known for their magnificent carvings are everywhere throughout the plaza.

The former royal palace complex, which also houses a museum with a variety of bronze statues and sacred items, is the hub of Patan's religious and social life. The central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk are the three main courtyards or chowks in the square. The Royal bath known as Tushahity, a masterpiece of stone building, is located in the middle of Sundari Chowk.

Major attraction of Patan Durbar Square

1. Patan Museum- This museum is located inside the durbar square and is dedicated to religious artifacts and bronze statues. It is regarded as one of Asia's top museums.

2. Hiranya Varna Mahavihar- King Bhaskar Verma constructed this three-story golden pagoda of Lokeshwar (lord Buddha) inside of kwabadehul in the twelfth century. The "Golden Temple" is its claim to fame. The golden statues of Lord Buddha and a sizable prayer wheel are located inside the pagoda's upper story.

3. Golden Temple- In particular, this was constructed for King Siddhi Narasingha Malla. His devotion to both the Buddhist God of compassion Karunamaya Lokeshwar and Lord Krishna is a well-known incident in Nepalese religious history.

4. Mahabouddha Temple- In particular, this was constructed for King Siddhi Narasingha Malla. His devotion to both the Buddhist God of compassion Karunamaya Lokeshwar and Lord Krishna is a well-known incident in Nepalese religious history.

5. Golden Temple- The oldest, wealthiest, and most well-known landmark in the world is undoubtedly Patan's golden Buddha temple. Built in the 12th century, it is renowned for its exquisite gold decorations that shine very graciously.

6. Krishna Temple- The renowned temple The temple of Lord Krishna, which was constructed in the 17th century, is located in a prominent area of Patan's palace complex. It is the only temple in Nepal that is entirely made of stone and has 21 shrines. On its friezes, the majority of the significant scenes from the two ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been inscribed.