 |
Welcome to Lost Paddle Adventure (P)Ltd.
|
 |
|
| NEPAL
>> Place of Interest |
|
| |
|
Kathmandu
Valley
The valley comprises the three royal cities of
Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur which share amongst
themselves seven World Heritage Sites. The valley
is like one vast open-air museum of Newar culture
with its colossal ensemble of sculptures, temples,
monuments and magnificent art. |
The
major places of interest in Kathmandu are the
Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site), an assembly
of palaces, courtyards and temples built between
the 12th and 18th centuries by the Malla kings;
Swayambhu Stupa (a World Heritage Site), one of
the holiest Buddhist sites, that keeps watch over
the valley from atop a hillock; Bouddhanath Stupa
(a World Heritage Site), the largest stupa in
the valley that rises 36 m; Pashupatinath Temple
(a World Heritage Site), one of the holiest Hindu
shrines in the world; and Changu Narayan Temple
(a World Heritage Site), dedicated to Lord Vishnu
and one of the finest and oldest specimens of
pagoda architecture. |
| In Patan, the places
to visit include the Durbar Square (a World Heritage
Site) with its enchanting palace buildings, artistic
courtyards and pagoda temples; Mahabouddha, a 14th-century
Buddhist monument, which is a fine example of terra
cotta artwork; Kwa Bahal, or the Golden Temple,
a 12th-century Buddhist monastery exceptionally
rich in fine wood-carvings and repousse work; and
Kumbheswar, one of the only three temples in the
valley with five roofs |
 |
Bhaktapur’s
attractions are just as spectacular. They are the
Durbar Square (a World Heritage Site) with its 15th-century
Palace of 55 Windows and entrance known as the Golden
Gate – a masterpiece in repousse art; Taumadhi
Square over which presides the towering five-roofed
Nyatapol temple; Tachapal Square famed for its many
ornate Hindu monasteries called maths; Potters’
Square (Bolachhen), |
where
potters mold clay into earthenware; and Surya
Binayak, a shrine dedicated to the Hindu god Ganesh.
|
| Outside Kathmandu Valley |
Pokhara,
The natural beauty of Pokhara in mid-western Nepal
is simply bewitching. Forming the backdrop are
the spectacular Annapurna mountains with the magnificent
fish-tailed Machhapuchhre dominating the scene.
Adding to Pokhara’s enchantment are the
three serene lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas.
Other places of interest include the World Peace
Stupa atop a hill that provides a stunning view
of the surroundings; the deep Seti Gorge below
which spreads the Green Canyon; and Devi’s
Fall, an awe-inspiring waterfall that disappears
into an underground passage.
Annapurna, the most popular trekking route in
Nepal, begins from Pokhara and leads you through
rhododendron forests over the foothills of the
Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountains. The Kali Gandaki
Gorge, the |
|
deepest in the world, and Lake Tilicho, the highest
lake at 4,919 m, are located here. The highest
elevation reached on the trek is 5,416 m. |
|
Royal
Chitwan National Park, a World Heritage
Site in south-central Nepal, is 932 sq km of subtropical
lowlands of sal forests, tall grassland, ox-bow
lakes and flood plains. The park is home to 50
species of mammals, 55 species of amphibians and
reptiles and 525 species of birds. Wildlife found
here include the one-horned rhinoceros, Royal
Bengal tiger, gaur, wild elephant, gharial and
the Gangetic dolphin. Tharus are the indigenous
inhabitants of Chitwan. Activities such as jungle
safari on elephant back, |
jungle walk,
canoe ride, village tour and jeep drive can be
enjoyed in Chitwan. |
Lumbini
in the south-west is the birthplace of Lord Buddha
and a World Heritage Site. An inscription on the
Ashoka pillar identifies the Sacred Garden as
the place where the Buddha was born. Lumbini has
a number of artistic temples and monasteries built
through international support. |
Changu
Narayan : Situated at the end of a long
ridge that runs well into the Valley, it is said
to have been built by king Hari Dutta in 323 AD
and said to be the oldest temple in the valley
dedicated to Vishnu, the lord of protection. |
Pharping
/ Dskshinkali Temple : This is popular
village amidst a lovely setting by the hillside.
It is situated at the southwest corner of the
valley. Inhabited mostly by the Newars and Tamangs
both of whom are Buddhist by faith, the village
is dotted with numerous Mahayana (Lamaism) monasteries. |
NAGARKOT : This is a lovely
hill-station lying at an altitude of 7133 feet
(approx. 2100m) above the sea level and is not
more than 32 kilometers direct east of Kathmandu
City. It is a year round holiday resort rich in
chlorophyll forestations. As an evergreen area,
the pines appear spectacularly beautiful. The
panorama of the major peaks belonging to the eastern
Himalayas including Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) can
be viewed fromhere. The resort stands best at
sun-rise and sun-set. |
|
Dhulikhel
: This is an ancient hill town. It is
situated 30 Kms east of Kathmandu City on the
side of Arniko Highway leading to the Tibetan
border. From here one can own a complete panoramic
view of the snowy flanks ranging from east to
west. |
The Khumbu
Valley in the Everest region is another
popular destination for trekkers. Ringed by towering
mountains, it is home to three of the world’s
tallest peaks: the Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516
m) and Cho Oyu (8,201 m). A spectacular flight
lands you at Lukla (2,850 m) from where the trail
leads to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar,
Tengboche monastery set against the backdrop of
the picturesque Ama Dablam (6,812 m) and finally,
the Everest base camp. |
Palanchowk
Village : The road to small ridge-top
village of Palanchok via Dhulikhel hill station
is 56 Kms from Kathmandu and it is two hours drive
to the east of Kathmandu. Here you'll find yourself
in the midst of a traditional Nepalese village,
which shelters a renowned & marvelous image
of Bhagawati. |
|
Namo Buddha: Namo Bauddha lies
in the hillside hamlet of eastern part of Kathmandu
valley. It can be reached through two routes, thus
forming an interesting hilly circuit for trekkers
and adventurers. Most popular route is through Dhulikhel
hill station. From Dhulikhel it is about 12 Kms
to reach there.
Panauti :
It is a thriving Newari village with beautiful temples
and interesting old houses. The drive passes through
|
the beautiful countryside.
The small beautiful town of Panauti is relatively
untouched but where festivals preserving the precious
tradition of the indigenous Newars are held. It
possesses a number of interesting temples, one
of which perhaps to be the oldest in Nepal. Besides,
it is famous for magnificent woodcarvings.
|
|
|
Gorkha :
The first King of Shah dynasty established his
kingdom in Gorkha and from there the unification
of present Nepal was initiated. The Gorkha palace
perched at the top of the fortified hill, Manakamana
Temple and a cave of Gorakha Nath are places to
meditate upon.
Bandipur : Located on a 1000-meter
ridge, about 140 kms from Kathmandu, Bandipur's
hallmark is its beautiful scenery. |
At the eastern
part of the town is the pagoda roofed temple,
which houses goddess Durga - town's guardian deity.
The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work
that adorned the temple are replicas of those
found in the many old pagoda structures of the
Kathmandu valley. The other important temples
and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi
temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadga
Devi temple, which comes alive once a year during
the Dashain festival. An impressive view of Annapurna
range can be obtained from here. |
| Sirubari: Sirubari is a small
village nestled on the southern slopes of a ridge
at 1700 meter above sea level. The height and aspect
ensure a comfortable climate regardless of any season
of the year. The travel time for the average group
to reach the village from Pokhara is about 5 hours.
The village that is inhabited entirely by the Gurung
people is small and compact with neat and clean
trails connecting the mainly stone and slate built
houses. |
|
Sirubari offers
attractive valley views stretching away towards
the Terai. A short walk above the village gives
visitors a spectacular viewpoint in the region. |
| Janakpur: A great
religious place for Hindus, Janakpur is famous as
the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lo rd Ram.
There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki),
popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Janakpur is
also linked with Kathmandu by air and road. |
|
|
