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Of the many historical
sites in Nepal ten are listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Among
the eight Cultural Heritage Sites, seven are in Kathmandu Valley,
whereas the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini, is the only Cultural
Heritage Site outside the Valley. Sagarmatha National Park and Chitwan
National Park have been listed as Natural Heritage Sites.
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CHITWAN
The Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal's first ever national park
lies at the foot of the Himalaya in the Inner Terai lowlands of
Chitwan. Covering an area of 932 sq. kilometers the park extends over
decidous forest foothills and river floodplains. The park is rich in
its variety of vegetation and wildlife. The park provides one of the
last habitats for endangered species like the Asiatic one-horned
rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal tiger. Royal Chitwan National Park was
officially established in 1973 and included as Natural Heritage Site
in 1984.
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SAGARMATHA
The Sagarmatha National Park with its rugged mountains, glaciers,
valleys and crowned by the highest peak on earth Mt. Everest at 8,848
meters lies in Northeast Nepal. The 1,148 sq. kilometers of Sagarmatha
National Park extends across the region's river areas and the famous
Sherpas' homefront Khumbu. Forests of rhododendron, birch, blue pine,
juniper and silver fir are found up to an altitude of 4,000 meters.
Rare species of animals like the snow leopard, pandas, lynx are seen
in the region. Rare bird varieties like snow cock, snow pegion and
different species of pheasant are also to be seen here. The park was
declared a Natural Heritage Site in 1979.
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KATHMANDU VALLEY
Nestled in the lap of snow mountains, the verdant Kathmandu Valley
abounds in archaic temples, shrines and palaces that reflect its glory
of the bygone era. Colorful Kathmandu with its old Asian legacy houses
seven Cultural Heritage Sites four of which are its art-excelling
temples while three are residential palaces of ancient Royals. The
Valley is situated at 1,336 meters above sea level and comprises three
cities within its parameters. Kathmandu is connected by air and by
road to most parts of Nepal. It is also connected by air to major
cities in India and some parts of the world. With its many facades,
Kathmandu is a true little city of wonder for its visitors.
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Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of old city Kathmandu in
Basantapur. The Royal complex was residence to Nepal's Royal family
before the construction of the Narayanhiti Royal Palace. The founding
of the Royal Palace dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable
renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was
accomplished progressively over many centuries. There are around 50
temples in the vicinity including the temple of Royal titular deity,
Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer
comprising Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and
the inner consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. It also
houses two museums. Important ceremonies, including the coronation of
the Nepali monarch, are held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most
parts of the palace premise are open for tourists throughout the week
during office hours.
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Bhaktapur Durbar
Sqauare
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur. The
Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the
Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. The
main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate,
the Golden Gate and the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The
Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the
main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace. The Palace of
Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in
A.D. 1427 and was remodelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the
seventeeth century. The art gallery of Bhaktapur Durbar Square
contains ancient paintings belonging to the Hindu and Buddhist
traditions of various periods. This gallery is open everyday except
Tuesday.
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Patan Durbar
Square
Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the
center of Patan city, houses the residence of the former Royal family
of Patan. The Square and its surroundings provide very good example of
ancient Newari architecture. The palace has three main courtyards the
central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex are a
dozen free standing temples of various sizes and styles. Krishna
Temple, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavira
and Sundari Chowk mark the architectural excellence of its era. The
Sundari Chowk with the sunken Royal bath of Tusha Hiti, contains
exquisite woodcarvings, stone, and metal sculpture. Patan Durbar
Square also houses a temple of Taleju Bhawani.
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Swayambhu
Swayambhu
literally means 'Self-Existent One.' Swayambhunath is believed to have
been established more than 2,500 years ago. An inscription dated 460
A.D. states that the construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By
the thirteenth century Swayambhunath had developed into an important
Buddhist learning site. The history of Kathmandu Valley is said to
have started with the beginning of Swayambhu. The largest image of the
Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Behind
the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the
goddess of learning. Statues and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities
dot the stupa complex. Large numbers of Buddhists and Hindus alike
visit Swayambhunath. Swayambhu is perhaps the best place to observe
the religious harmony in Nepal. The stupa is atop a hill, and requires
considerable walk. There is also a road that leads almost to the base
of the statue.
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Changu Narayan
Changu Narayan is the temple of Vishnu the Preserver, in the
village of Changu in Bhaktapur. The origins of Changu Narayan goes
back to the fourth century. A fifth century stone inscription in the
temple proclaims it as one of the oldest shrines of the Kathmandu
Valley. The temple is believed to be sixteen hundred years old. It is
embellished by the best examples of stone, wood, and metal craft. On
the struts of the two-tiered Changu Narayan Temple, are the ten
incarnations of Narayan. A sixth-century stone statue shows the cosmic
form of Vishnu. Garuda, half man and half bird, is the steed of
Vishnu, and his life-sized statue kneels before the temple.
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Pashupati
Pashupati is one of the four most important religious sites in
Asia for Shiva devotees. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the
Destroyer, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal.
Although the Pashupati Temple was only built in the fifth century and
later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed
from the beginning of the millennium. A gold-plated roof, four silver
doors, and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda
temple of Pashupati. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and
Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupati. Nearby is the
temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Behind
the temple is the River Bagmati. On the banks of Bagmati are raised
platforms used as cremation sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed
inside the Pashupatinath courtyard.
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Bouddha
Bouddhanath is the center of Tibetan culture in Nepal. The
36-meter-high stupa of Bouddhanath is one of the largest stupas in
South Asia. Bouddhanath Stupa was renovated by Licchavi rulers in the
eighth century. The mandala design in Bouddhanath is a copy of the one
in Gyangtse in Tibet. The stupa is located in the area of ancient
trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered
prayers for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in
the 1950s, many decided to live around Bouddhanath. Hence, a complete
township has developed around Bouddhanath. The stupa is said to entomb
the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus.
Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio
shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath.
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LUMBUNI
Lumbini
associated with the birth of Lord Buddha is of extreme archeological
importance and also a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. It is said that
Prince Siddhartha Gautam, who later became Buddha the Englightened
One, was born in the gardens of Nepal's Lumbini in 623 B.C. The main
shrines of Lumbini are the newly restored Mayadevi Temple, the Ashokan
Pillar behind the temple and the Lake Shakya Puskarini where Mayadevi
is said to have bathed before delivering the little Buddha into the
world.
Several other places near Lumbini are linked with stories connected to
Buddha and Buddhism. Lumbini is about 300 kilometers southwest of
Kathmandu. Bus and flights to Bhairawa which is about 22 kilometers
from Lumbini, are available from major cities. From Bhairawa transport
services to Lumbini are easily available. Food and accommodation
facilities are available in Lumbini and Bhairawa.
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