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Sightseeing
at Kathamandu:
 Hanumandhoka
Hanumans statue marks the entrance
or dhoka to Kathmandu's old Royal Palace and has given the
palace its name. The place was originally founded during
Licchavi period , but as it stands today of it was constructed
by King Pratap Malla and his Queen.
Nasal Chowk:
Nasal Chowk means dancing one and the courtyard takes its
name from a small figure of dancing Shiva. Inside the nasal
chowk, there is a large statue of Narshigha, The Kabindrapur
Temple, Pancha Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Basantapur Tower, Mul
Chowk, Degutaleju Temple, Mohan Chowk and Rana museum.
Swoyambhu Stupa:
Swoyambhu, the Buddhist temple
is situated on the top of a hill west of the city, is one
of the popular and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal.
The temple is also known as the monkey temple after the
large tribe of monkeys which guards the hill. Although you
can get to the temple by vehicle, and save yourself is by
far the best way of approaching Swoyambhu. This huge stupa
is surrounded by other famous temples and gompas. The great
thunderbolt which is known as vajra is on the edge of the
stupa was built during the Malla kings period. On the top
of the stupa is a gold-colored square block from which the
watchful eyes of the Buddha gaze out across the valley in
each direction. The question mark-like nose is actually
the Nepali number ek or one is a symbol of unity.
Pashupati
Nath:
Pashupati Temple is is one of the most important and world
renowned Hindu temple stand on the banks of Bagmati River
, between the airport and Boudha. This Shiva temple on the
subcontinent draws numerous devotees, sadhus and holy men
from all around the world. Lord Shiva is known as the destroyer
and creator of the Hindu religion and appears on many forms.
Although Shiva is often bloodthirsty god, no animal sacrifices
are made here. Outside the temple you will see numerous
people selling flowers, incense and other offering materials.
In-front of the temple there is a bull known as Nandi facing
towards the temple. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the
temple and you are not allowed to take photographs of the
Lord shiva inside the temple. Bagmati River Bank on the
side of Pashupati, is also a popular place for cremation.
Normally you see visitors taking videos and photographs
around this place. Just beside this temple lies Guheyeshwari
temple where you will seen Hindus removing their shoes before
entering.
Boudha:
Just north of the airport and an interesting walk from Pashupati,
is the huge stupa of Bouda and is one of the largest stupa
in the world. This place is mostly surrounded by Tibetan
Buddhists. Prayer services are held in the surrounding gompas
and as the sun goes down the community turns out to walk
around the stupa. You should always circle around the stupa
in a clockwise direction. While entering the surrounding
gompas, do not forget to remove your shoes and get permission
before taking photos. Make sure that you do not step over
the monks cushions. Enter quietly and stand by the main
entrance during the ceremonies. These gompas are decorated
with impressive mural paintings and thankas. The wheel of
life is represented in the porch of every gompa. Listed
here are the name of the gompas surrounding Boudha.
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