Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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Touristic places in Nepal

Kathmandu

Bouddhnath Stupa

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the National Museum
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Monastery

Bouddhnath Stupa is not only the largest Stupa in Nepal but also one of the largest Stupas in entire Asia. Since ages Bouddhnath has been a citadel and center of attraction of Tibetan Lama Buddhism in Nepal. This white pagoda that stands 36 meters on its feet falls in the way of the ancient trade route between Bihar and Tibet and that is why it was the focal point for the caravans that passed either ways. Tibetan merchants and hermits have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. Travelers like Fa'Hein have traversed the same route. The place saw the major influx of refugees in early 50s. It was the time when China redrew it boundaries and declared Tibet as its integral part. The mass exodus followed and many of the refugees settled in the area around the Bouddhnath Stupa. They established many Gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley to observe and study the Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the Stupa. The second and third generations are sadly moving away from the Tibetan culture and are intermingling in the western world. The anti-China rhetoric has given way to Bob Dylan and Eminem. Like all other monuments in Nepal, it is very difficult to zero in on one date of construction. Historians and novices spin new stories in matter of hours and things become topsy-turvy. Nevertheless, majority of people believes that Bouddhnath was constructed in the fifth century. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kashyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. The other popular but utterly bizarre legend has it that a woman requested the then King for the donation of land for building Stupa. She said that she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin. When she had her wishes fulfilled, she cut the buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land. The area around the Bouddhnath Stupa is a feast to the eyes typical to all Tibetan Buddhist sites. Colorful Thangkas and flags mark the whole area. It is also a shopper's paradise in Kathmandu. Tibetan jewelry, hand-woven carpets, masks, and Khukri knives are some of the must buy items in this market. Smaller Stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with rooftop patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath.

Durbar Square Kathmandu

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the banks of Bagmati River
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	The Square and other Monuments.

The Durbar square is same to Nepal as Tianmen Square is to Beijing. The place has been listed in the UNESCO world heritage site. Durbar Square is the focal point of religious and social activities in Kathmandu Old City. This place comprises palaces, temples, shrines, statues and courtyards built between the 12th and 18th centuries by the ancient kings of Nepal. The Durbar square is the subtle amalgamation of old and new. The elaborately carved architectural features and curving roofs are night stays for beggars and tourists. Priests and monks who jostle along the crowd to attract a possible client accompany them. Two ferocious looking stone lions guard the gates of Old Royal Palace that was abandoned by the monarchs in the late 18th century. The campus contains a number of courtyards and several museums. There is a plaque that is set in the palace walls which is said to be 400 years old. The inscriptions written on the plaque is in 15 different languages. On the other side of the square is the Kastha Mandap temple that is said to have bore its name to Kathmandu. The unique feature of this temple is that it has been constructed of wood out of a single tree. The structure is an open pavilion that is topped by a pyramidal tower. It is purportedly the Valley's oldest building. Kathmandu Durbar square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. The palace became a public attraction when the monarchs shifted to the newly build Narayanhity Palace. The Hanuman Dhoka Durbar lies in the heart of the city. It consists of huge Royal Palace with different temples dating from the 15th to the 18th century. This palace is named after Hanuman, a Hindu deity and a stone statue of Hanuman is placed right next to the main entrance. Some other important monuments worth visiting in the vicinity are as follows:

The Taleju temple is the tallest of all structures built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
The Jagannath temple, built in the 16th century, is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved in the wooden struts.
The Kala Bhairav, one of the largest 17th century stone statues in Kathmandu, represents the terrifying aspect of Shiva.
The 17th century Kumari temple that is an example of the highly developed Nepali craftsmanship.

Besides these, other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar that overlooks the city. It is famous for its many intricately carved doors, windows, etc.:

Guhyeshwari Temple

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the banks of Bagmati River
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Deities and other sculptures. Non-Hindus are not allowed to venture in the main premises

Guhyeshwari Temple is one of the holiest shrines of Hindus. It is one of the revered holy temples in Kathmandu, Nepal. Located near the Pashupatinath temple, Guhyeshwari represents the female force. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Parvati. The legend goes by that once Parvati, Hindu goddess and wife of Shiva, was upset with something and decided to end her life. When Shiva was out for somewhere, she burnt herself to death. When lord Shiva returned he was full of remorse. It is believed that Lord Shiva wandered the world carrying the body of Sati Devi. During this process her yoni, the female sexual organ, fell at this place. A small cenotaph was build by some villagers at that place. In the due course the villagers started to worship that figure. King Pratap Malla built the present temple in the early 17th century. The temple is built in Bhutanese Pagoda style and looks fragile. The temple is pretty ordinary in terms of architecture and does not attract. Nevertheless, the main sanctum is beautifully decorated with flower motifs. The name of the temple originates from words "Guhya" (vagina) and "Ishwari" (goddess). The temple symbolizes the harmony between male and female force of creation. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main sanctum of the temple. However you can appreciate the design from a distance.

Machhendranath Stupa

Location:	In Kathmandu off to Ring road
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Monastery

The Pagoda of Machhendranath is one of the most beautiful shrines in Nepal. This pagoda is considered a masterpiece of terra cotta by even the stringiest of critique of Asian architecture. The pagodas of Bhutan and India heavily influence its architecture. Like the Maha-Buddha Stupa, it reveals an artistic tradition that evolved outside of Nepal. It also signifies the fusion architecture that was born on the land of Buddha. It also shows how native craftsmen and masons have been remarkably successful in molding architectures that belong to an unfamiliar art form. The pagoda is relatively new and hence it is comparatively easier to find its commissioner. There is ample proof that states that Abhaya Raj, a priest of Patan, built Machhendranath temple. The priest is said to have royal patrons and was wealthy. This pagoda is often referred to as the "temple of a million Buddha". The only considerable logic behind this sobriquet is the fact that every single brick bears a small image of Buddha. A total of more than nine hundred thousand bricks were used to construct this giant structure and the figure is remarkably close to 1 million figures. The Stupa that you see today is actually the replica of the original structure. The original Macchendranath Stupa was leveled to the ground in the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal and Bihar in the year 1934. The building was re-commissioned and was rebuilt exactly to the original specifications. This is the living example of the fact that the temple craft is still one of the living arts of Nepal.

Narayanhity Royal Palace

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the famous Narayanhity waterspout
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Site seeing. Visitors are not allowed to venture in the main premises

Narayanhity Royal Palace or Narayanhity Durbar is the home of the monarchs of Nepal. Some parts of this palace are more than 200 years old. It is the Royal Palace of the Nepali King. The Shah kings moved to this palace from their old palace in the late 18th century. This was a decade after they came out victorious with the gruesome wars with the Ranas. The old palace that still stands near the famous Durbar Square was abandoned and the new one was constructed to commemorate that victory. There were various additions in the course of time. The new edifice was inaugurated in 1970 on the occasion of the wedding of His Majesty king Birendra Bir Bikram Shahdev. The palace witnessed a bloody massacre in the year 2000. King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah was assassinated along with 7 members of his family including Queen Aishwarya and Crown Princesses. It was alleged that Crown Prince Dipendra, who was upset with his immediate family because they unapproved the girl of his choice, carried out this massacre. He himself died after few days because of the wounds sustained during alleged "exchange of fire". Various conspiracy theories were spun later and there is no clear picture of what happened that night. The palace takes its name from the Narayanhiti, a famous historic waterspout situated at the southern corner of the Palace. The Palace compound is immense, surrounded by high walls and guarded by soldiers. Visitors can look at the exteriors of the palace from a safe distance.

Pashupatinath

Location:	In Kathmandu, near the banks of Bagmati River
How to reach:	Hire a cab or share an Auto-Rickshaw
Attraction:	Deities and other sculptures. Non-Hindus are not allowed to venture in the main premises.

Pashupatinath is not only the holiest Hindu pilgrimage in Nepal but also one of the holiest destinations in the entire world. This temple that has been declared UNESCO Heritage site has been erected and razed to the ground numerous times. There are lingam images of Shiva along with statues and temples dedicated to other deities in the complex. There is historical evidence that a temple dedicated to Shiva existed at this site in AD 879. What happened of that temple, nobody knows. However, King Bhupatindra Malla built the present temple in the year 1697. The present temple is the subtle work of architecture with its gold-plated roof, be-jeweled doors, flowered motifs and woodcarvings of the finest quality. The square-shaped pagoda like temple, which is built on a single platform of 24 meters in height, stands in the middle of an open courtyard. The entrance of the temple is from all the four sides and is decorated by gold-gilt doors. Inside the temple there is a narrow walk engulfing the sanctum from where one can have closer view of Shivlinga. On the both sides of each door of the temple there are artistic niche of different sizes containing attractive images of Apsara, Ashtha Bhairava and other gods and goddesses. Nearly all these paintings have been done in gold. The latticed windows are lift from the Bhutanese monasteries. The beams that support the roofs have pictures that depict different sexual and suggestive postures. On the upper part of the beam that supports the lower roof, the images of moon, sun and a Purna-Kalasha have been carved out. In the central sanctum of the temple lies the 3 feet high Shivlinga. The major difference between this and other Shivlingas in India is the fact that the Shivlinga at Pashupatinath is four faced. The face looking east is called Tatpurusha where as the ones in west, north and south are called Sadhyojata, Vamadeva and Aghora. The upper portion of this lingam is known as Ishan. Pashupatinath area is regarded as one of the most important places of pilgrimages for the followers of Hinduism in the entire world. Thousands of devotees come to pay homage to Pashupatinath every day. On special occasions like Ekadasi, Sankranti, Maha Shivaratri, Teej Akshaya, Rakhi, Grahana (eclipse), Poornima (Full moon day) people congregate here in far greater number. Lumbini

Lumbini

Location:	Lumbini is situated in the Southwestern Nepal amid Tarai.
Climate:	Summer 44°C to 28°C, winter 26 °C to 7 °C
Best time to visit:	October to March
Nearest International Airport:	Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
Nearest Domestic Airport:	Lumbini Airport
Must Visits:	Buddha Vihar and Ashoka Pillar
Language spoken:	Nepalese, Awadhi and Maithali
STD Code:	+977-71
Significance:	Birthplace of Gautam Buddha

Lumbini that means 'The Lovely One' in Sanskrit is a famous Buddhist site in the Lumbini District Zone of Nepal. Lumbini is considered the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. Many a times referred as 'The Light of Asia', Buddha was the founder of Buddhism faith. His period is estimated to be approximately between 563 and 483 BC. Lumbini is located 25kms east of the municipality of Kapilvastu. Kapilvastu was the seat of governance of the then kingdom of Nepal. In the year 1896, the Indo-British archaeology team discovered a great stone pillar at the site. Later that pillar was attributed to Ashoka, the Mauryan ruler and propagator of Buddhism. The records maintained by Fa Hein were also taken in to consideration in the process. For Buddhists, this is one of four pilgrimage sites based around the life of Gautam Buddha, the other three being Kushinagar, Bodh Gaya, and Sarnath. Going by its cultural, religious and historical importance, UNESCO declared Lumbini, a world heritage site in the year 1997. The place is famous for Maya Devi temple. It is believed that the present temple has been built at the place where Queen Maya gave birth to lord Buddha. Another important structure is the Ashoka pillar. Apart from that Lumbini has ruins of various Stupas and monasteries. Then there is Pushkarni pond where Queen Maya took bath before giving birth to Buddha. The Lumbini region comes under Lumbini Trust, an NGO. Foreign pilgrims here have constructed new temples and monasteries. The Buddhist associations of China, Myanmar and Gautami Nuns have their separate pagodas. The ones by Japan, Sri Lanka and Vietnam are under construction.

Lumbini Tourist Attractions

Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini, in southwestern Nepal, nearly twenty-five hundred years ago. Since then, the city has always remained the focal point of Buddhism. Today's Lumbini is a small sleepy town in the southwestern Tarai plains of Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be seen. The followers of both Hinyana and Mahayana sects of Buddhism revere Lumbini. The restored gardens and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient Stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar that is said to be erected by the Mauryan emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. The most important attraction of Lumbini is the holy temple of Maya Devi. The temple has a stone sculpture of Maya Devi in labor pain. The image shows her holding the branch of a tree while Buddha is getting birth. The temple is very popular among the women having some or other fertility problem. One cannot miss the heart-melting cries of such women as they pray for an off spring at this place. To the south of the temple is a pond where Queen Maya Devi is said to have bathe and given her son his first purification bath that is compulsory in Hinduism. The main complex have large stretches of Bo Tree plantations. This the same tree that is shown in the sculpture in the Maya Devi temple. Another variety of the same plant is known as Banyan; the same plant under which Buddha got enlightened. The Bo plantation and a newly planted forest nearby lend an air of tranquility to the surrounding. Lumbini is now being developed under the Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the restoration of Lumbini and its development as a pilgrimage site. Kapilvastu, near Lumbini, is a prime archeological site. Though very little remains of what was once a flourishing town, the place is a must visit. The place has the ruins of the palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative years. The archeological works that had been done in this area had to pass through various roadblocks including financial constraint. The archeologists had dug out as many as 14 different layers of human habitation in this area. The oldest among these dates back to 8th century before Christ. The place is a must for archeological and historical buffs! Apart from its religious and historical significance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of southwestern Nepal. The must catch event in this part of Nepal is the weekly communal Bazaar. This bazaar is organized every Monday therefore try to coincide your visit with that. The weekly bazaar looks like the scene taken straight out of the Arabian fables. Villagers come from miles around to buy grains, spices, pottery, jewelry, saris and various other items. With colorful merchandise spread out under the Mango trees and the air perfumed with incense, the place looks like the ocean of humanity. You can buy souvenirs for your dear ones and side-by-side witness the local life in Lumbini. After centuries of neglect from travelers, backpackers and archeologists, Lumbini is finally scaling the chart. Serious preservation work has only just been started and efforts are being done on the war footing to save this historical marvel.

Pokhara

Location:	Pokhra is situated in the Central Nepal at the foothills of Himalayas.
Climate:	Summer 40°C to 22°C, Winter 26 °C to 0 °C
Best time to visit:	October to March
Nearest International Airport:	Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu
Nearest Domestic Airport:	Pokhra Airport
Must Visits:	Fewa Lake and Annapurna Range
Language spoken:	Nepalese, Newari and Maithali
STD Code:	+977-61

Pokhara is situated at about 827 meter from sea level. The magnificent city is located about 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu and can be reached both by aircraft as well as bus. The journey duration is 35 minutes and 5 hours respectively. As far as adventure trips are concerned, Pokhara is the next destination after Kathmandu. Pokhara is often called the enchanting Himalayan valley with a heart of major actions and adventures. Surrounded by beautiful snow-caped mountains with a magnificent lake of crystal-clear pure Himalayan water; the Pokhra is a dream come true. An all-year round pleasing weather and friendly inhabitants will greet you with smile and leave you with the most unforgettable moments in your life. So pack up your bag, load your camera, and get ready for Pokhara experience! Among the attractions, nothing is as majestic as the Fewa (or Phewa) Lake. The lake is 1.5-kilometer long and second largest in Nepal. Fewa Lake offers an excellent view of the mountains and their reflections in the water. This picturesque place is a hot favorite among the honeymoon couple. There are as many as 8 different lakes in Pokhra and apart from Fewa Lake, Begnas and Rupa Lakes are the most serene. Both these lakes are located about 15 km from Pokhara and are ideal places for relaxation, boating and fishing. Another spectacular sight in Pokhara is the sight of Annapurna range. This magnificent range stretching from west to east and looks beautiful in the glittering sunlight. Apart from that Seti Gandaki and Seti Gorge are other two important places to visit in Pokhara. The Seti Gandaki flows right through the city at places it runs completely underground. The best view of the river can be seen from the top of the Seti Gorge. Then you have Mahendra cave that is located about 10km north from downtown Pokhara. It is a natural site located across the Seti River. Pokhara is also known for its Newari and Tibetan artifacts. No trip to Pokhara can be complete without buying Newari handicrafts items. Don't forget to buy Tibetan carpet as well. The Newars have heavily contributed to the culture of Pokhra and that can be witnessed in its magnificent cuisines. Newari food is a must eat in Pokhra.

Pokhara Tourist Attractions

If Kathmandu is the political hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of culture and adventure in Nepal. Pokhara is a picturesque location at the foothills of the Himalayas. A bustling city amidst tranquil valley; Pokhara is the gateway for most of Nepal's popular trekking and rafting destinations. The city remains full of trekkers and backpackers round the year. The stretches of hotels and restaurants near the Fewa Lake looks like the melting pot for different races. The sound of various languages spoken at the same time has a melody in itself. Pokhara is a place of magnificent and incomparable natural beauty. The most serene locale in the city is Fewa Lake. The image of the snow-clad mountain peaks that fall in the tranquil water creates an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, Pokhara has a much more tropical feel to it; a fact much appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Pokhara has lot more to offer, here we list a few: - Mountain Views The most stunning and magnificent site of Pokhra is the spectacular panorama of the Annapurna range that forms its backdrop. The Annapurna stretches from west to east and includes Annapurna I to Annapurna IV in its massif. Apart from that it also includes the Annapurna South peak. Although the highest among them is Annapurna I that stands 8,091 meters above the sea, it is Machhapuchhre Peak, which dominates all others in its vicinity. Boastfully levitating in the skyline, the fishtailed pinnacle is the archetypal snow-capped, needlepointed mountain. Nevertheless, none can get you same experience as a clear weather Mountain flight. The one by the Everest Air is the best among the available option. Fewa Lake Fewa Lake, also written as Phewa Lake, is the second largest lake in the Kingdom of Nepal. Nevertheless this lake is second to no one in terms of beauty. In fact, the Fewa Lake is the Manhattan of Pokhara. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. The real charm of this place is to hire a sailboat or a rowboat and enjoy the tranquility. Another interesting site is the island temple in its middle. The eastern shore, popularly known as Lakeside is the most preferred hangout for the foreign backpackers. This is the place where most of the hotels, restaurants and handicraft shops are located. Barahi Temple Among the monuments, the Barahi temple is the most important in Pokhara region. This temple is built on an island right in the Center of Phewa Lake. This double-storied pagoda like temple is dedicated to the boar manifestation of Ajima, the protesters deity representing the female force Shakti. Saturday is the day dedicated to this goddess and you can notice people carrying animals for the sacrifice. The design of this temple is heavily influenced from Bhutanese architecture school and the monument hardly looks like a Hindu Temple. Seti Gandaki Pokhara is the city of Natural wonders. Another feather in its cap is Seti Gandaki River that never fails to interest the visitors. The boisterous river runs right through the city and at places, it remains completely underground. Amazingly, at certain points the river appears hardly two meters wide. Nevertheless its depth reaches to over 20 meters at places. Mahendra Pul, a British style span bridge, provides the perfect view of the river's dreadful rush and the deep gorge made by its powerful flow. The gorge is the only one of its kind in the valley. Mahendra Cave In the long queue of natural wonders in Pokhara, Mahendra Gupha or Mahendra Cave is another addition. This large limestone cave is locally known as the House of Bats. This name has been given because of the nests of bats that hang form the series of Stalagmites that run through the cave. The place is a 2-hours walk from the downtown Pokhra. Don't forget to bring a torch in order to see stalactites, stalagmites as well as the dreadful looking bats. The Old Bazaar Pokhara's traditional bazaar is colorful and so are its ethnically diverse traders. The place remains bustling with traders from not only Nepal but also from places as far as Kashmir, Tibet, Ladakh and China. The market is full of monuments that give a sneak peak into the Newar architecture and culture. Located about four km from Lakeside, the market's original charm is alive and flourishing. Though the market has nothing to offer to tourists; to walk down the lanes has a charm in itself. The Pokhara Museum Located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, Pokhara museum reflects the ethnic mosaic of western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of ethnic groups such as Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus are attractively displayed through models, photographs and artifacts. One major attraction is a display highlighting the newly discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang. The museum is opened weeklong except Tuesdays and is must for both researchers as well as tourists.

Biratnagar

Location:	In the Tarai, near the Southeastern boarder with India
How to reach:	Fly from Kathmandu to Biratnagar for 40 minutes, or take a bus for about 8 hours.
Attraction:	Baraha Cheetra, Kosi Tappu

Biratnagar is Nepal's second biggest city that is located at the southeastern border to India. For years, this city in the Tarai region has been linked with cheap Chinese and Japanese electronics products. Lately, the city has turned itself as one of the largest commercial and industrial hub in Nepal. In a way, it is a transit point for all kinds of legal and illegal trades with India. The very few manufacturing industry that Nepal has, is located in an around Biratnagar. It also acts as a way for tourists to get entry in to Indian hill stations such as Gangtok and Darjeeling. From there, the mountaineers and hikers proceed for Kanchanjunga, the second highest Himalayan Peak. It is also a gateway to the Tea estates of Nepal that are confined in the districts of Illam and Dhankuta. Biratnagar has also evolved itself to become the melting pot for the various religions and cultures in the Tarai. The place is known for its vibrant culture activities. Among the places worth visiting, Kosi Tuppa is your best bet. The place is just 2-hours drive from the heart of the city. This wetland is heaven for the birdwatchers and runs almost parallel to the Sapta Kosi River and attracts a lot of migratory birds. In fact, it is one of the best wetlands in Asia in terms of number of species of birds they attract. Close to this place is the Kosi barrage. This is the largest barrage in Nepal and a bone of contention with its neighbor, India. The spectacle of thundering Kosi, river finding its way to India, is breathtaking. Baraha Chhetra is another must visit site in Biratnagar. This Hindu pilgrimage site is situated at the confluence of Koka and Sapta Kosh rivers. It will take a 20 minutes walk to reach to the temple site. The front pedestal of the temple gives a magnificent view of the riverside. The place is very popular among the locals for taking the holy dip. It is popularly believed that the devil Hirayankashyapu was slayed on this very spot. Apart from that, don't forget to visit the weekly haat (Communal Market) that is organized on Wednesday at the downtown Biratnagar.

Birgunj

Location:	Located in the southeastern Nepal near Indian boarder town of Raxaul
How to reach:	Regular bus services are available from Kathmandu and other cities. It has an all weather airport with regular flights from Kathmandu.
Attraction:	Shanker Acharya Gate and Buddha Chaitya

Birgunj is situated in the southeastern part of Nepal near the Indian border town of Raxaul. Situated just 3 kilometers from the Raxaul, Birgunj is the major entry point to Nepal from India for routes such as Calcutta and Patna. It is undoubtly the biggest transit point in Nepal in terms of volume. Almost 60% of the total imports in Nepal comes from Haldia port at Calcutta and shipped through Raxaul in Birgunj. After that, the shipments are moved to other cities such as Kathmandu, Biratnagar and Bhaktapur. Birgunj has come as a respite to the landlocked Nepal. Birgunj is an important land entry point for goods to Nepal. Apart from being a transit point, Birgunj is known for its dynamism and multi-cultural outlook. The city is becoming a hub for the multi lingual and multi ethnic groups. The most commonly spoken languages in this city are Nepali, Maithali, Newari, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Urdu and Hindi. The city itself has nothing much to offer to tourists apart from the intimidating Shanker Acharya Gate and a Buddhist Stupa called Buddha Chaitya. The later has a unique architecture that is a subtle amalgamation of Nepali, Newari, Tibetan and Bihari architectural styles. Apart from the sporadic tourists, the city is simply taken as a stop over place for travelers, businessmen and pilgrims going to other destinations in Nepal.

Dharan

Location:	Located near the Southeastern boarder with India
How to reach:	Dharan is linked by road with the East-West highway of Nepal. Dharan can be reached by a two hours drive from Biratnagar
Attraction:	Temples and Pakhiri Bash

Dharan lies east of Kathmandu at the very foothills of the Himalayas. This picturesque town, that was once a British settlement, stands 1200 feet above the sea level. Its broad roads, decorated homes and natural beauty mark the city. Once a sleepy hamlet, Dharan grew after British setup the `Gorkha Recruitment Center' in 1953. It came as a great employment opportunity for the locals. Two ethnic groups namely Rais and Limbus basically inhabit the place around Dharan. These two groups constitute the majority of Gorkha Regiment. These groups came from the eastern region of Nepal, and Dharan was their center for training. Sapta Kosi, the second longest river of Nepal, runs near Dharan. Dharan is called "Eton of Nepal" because of the numerous educational institutions that are scattered all around. Apart from that the place has over 25 Temples and holy sites, making it an important pilgrimage destination for the Hindus.

Gorkha

Location:	Gorkha is located midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara.
How to reach:	Gorkha can be reached from either city by taxi or public bus.
Attraction:	Gorkha Durbar and Manakamana

Gorkha is a picturesque hill- town that has a rich history of its own. The place is situated on a small mountain at the height of 3500 feet and offers a magnificent view of the Himalayan Peaks. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the Kingdom of Nepal during eighteenth century and got an upper hand over the Ranas, was born here. Actually king Drabya Shah founded this kingdom in the year 1560 and since then, the place has acted as the den for the Shah dynasty. In the war of throne with Ranas, the Gorkhas had the last laugh as the Gorkha soldiers succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of the Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors. Among the sites to visit, Gorkha Durbar tops the list. This historical palace is a one-hour walk from the downtown Gork

Janakpur

Location:	Southern Nepal near Indian Boarder
How to reach:	Regular bus services are available from Kathmandu and other cities. It has an all weather airport with regular flights from Kathmandu.
Attraction:	Janaki Temple

Janakpur is the birthplace of Sita, the Hindu goddess and wife of Lord Rama. It is also the capital of ancient Mithila kingdom and is the home of the unique Mithila artifacts in Nepal. Janakpur, also called Janakpur Dham, is about 135 kilometers from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. The main attraction of the city is its Janaki Temple. The Temple is dedicated to Goddess Sita who was married to Rama and was the central character of the Hindu epic, Ramayana. This temple was built in 1911 and is in many aspects reminiscent of Islamic architecture. Another landmark of Janakpur are the numerous sacred ponds for ritual baths that are scattered all over the city. The 2 most important ones are close to the Janaki temple and are known as Dhanush Sagar and Ganga Sagar. Nearby is another temple that is called 'Sita-Ram vivah mandir'. The temple

Tansen

Location:	Southwestern Nepal near Lumbini
How to reach:	Regular bus services are available from Kathmandu and other cities. Nearest Airport is Pokhra that has regular flights from Kathmandu.
Attraction:	Tansen Durbar and Bhairabsthan

Situated at the height of 14,000 feet above the sea level, Tansen is a small ancient hill town that falls on the way from Pokhra to Lumbini. The place is famous for its cultural heritage and traditions. This all-weather destination in Nepal offers some excellent mountain views. On a clear sunny day, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gauri Shankar and other peaks can be seen. Tansen is also famous for its Caps and other handloom items. Dhaka, situated in the outskirts of Tansen, is the hub for handicraft industry. The Newars are the people who painstakingly enriched the architecture and culture of Tansen, and this very fact can be witnessed even today. Tansen Bazaar is the must visit place in Tansen. Rana dynasty buildings and Newari houses that have carved windows mark the Bazaar. The temples that are built in Pagoda style are the distinct feature of Tansen Bazaar. The market is usually bustling with people in the evening. Another important building is Palpa Ranighat that is set on a massive rock bed at the bank of the Kali Gandak River. The Palace Garden, Stone Walls and a small shrine are something that can be appreciated in this palace. This palace was built in 1892 by Governor Khadka Shamser in memory of his wife Tej Kumari and is popularly known as" The poor cousin of Taj Mahal". Nevertheless, the most important architecture in Tansen is Tansen Durbar or Tansen Palace. This 64-room palace that lay in the middle of the downtown Tansen is a subtle representation of arts and crafts of the ancient city. In fact, the palace at Tansen comes second to the Royal palace in Kathmandu in terms of grandeur and splendors. The Maoist rebels, during the exchange of fire with the security personnel, destroyed some part of the palace that housed many government offices. Now, that the king has been subdued and agreements have been stuck with the Maoists, many buildings that were destroyed are in the process of restoration. Apart from that, you have the temple of Bhairabsthan to visit. The temple is just a 5 kilometers trek from the downtown Tansen. The temple is dedicated to Bhairabnath, the Nepalese god of destruction. The place witnesses an annual fair that is very gruesome. Scores of animals are sacrificed in front of the deity in order to please him. From here you can view various Himalayan Peaks including the famous trio of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Machhapuchhare

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