Cost for Bungy jumping: 59 Euro Per person with sharing basis.(Other)

Cost for Bungy jumping: NPR 2900 Per person with sharing basis.(For Nepali)

Ranging from the subtropical forests of the Terai to the great peaks of the Himalayas in the north, Nepal abounds with some of the most spectacular sceneries in the whole of Asia, with a variety of fauna and flora also unparalleled elsewhere in the region. Between Nepal’s Geographical extremes, one may find every vegetation type, form the treeless steppes of the Trans-Himalayan region in the  extreme north and the birch, silver fir, larch and hemlock of the higher valleys to the oak, Pine and Rhododendron of the intermediate altitudes and the great sal and sissau forests of the south.
The rolling densely forested hills and broad Dun valleys of the Terai along with other parts of the country were formerly, renowned for their abundance and variety o wildlife. Though somewhat depleted as a result of agricultural settlements, deforestation, poaching and other causes, Nepal can still boast richer and more varied flora and fauna than any other area in Asia. For practical purposes, Nepal’s Flora and Fauna can be divided into Four Regions:

1. Tropical Deciduous Monsoon Forest:
   This includes the Terai plains and the broad flat valleys or Duns found between successive hill ranges. The dominant tree species of this area are Sal (Shorea Robusta), sometimes associated with Semal (Bombax malabricum), Asna (Terminalia termentosa), Dalbergia spp and other species, and Pinus rosburghi occurring on the higher ridges of the Churia hills, which in places reach an altitude of 1800m. Tall coarse two-meter high elephant grass originally covered much of the Dun valleys but has now been largely replaced by agricultural settlements. The Pipal (ficus religiosa) and the Banyan (ficus bengalensis) are to be noticed with their specific natural characteristics. This tropical zone is Nepal’s richest area for wildlife, with gaurs, buffaloes, four species of deer, tigers, Leopards and other animals found in the forest areas rhinoceros, swamp deer and hot deer found in the valley grasslands and two species of crocodile and the Gangetic dolphin inhabiting the rivers. The principal birds are the peacock, jungle fowl and black partridge, while migratory duck and geese swarm on the ponds and lakes and big rivers of Terai. Terai forests are full of jasmin, minosa, accecia reeds and bamboo.
    
2. Subtropical Mixed Evergreen Forest:
   This includes the Mahabharat Lekh, which rises to a height of about 2400m and comprises the outer wall of the Himalayan range. Great rivers such as the Karnali, Narayani, and Sapta Koshi flow through this area into the broad plains of the Terai. This zone also includes the so-called middle hills’ which extend northwards in a somewhat confused maze of ridges and valleys to the foot of the great Himalayas. Among the species Characteristic of this region are Castenopsis indica in association with Schima Wallichi, and other species such as Alnus nepalensis, Acer oblongum and various species of oak and Rhododendron which cover the higher slopes where deforestation has not yet taken place. Orchids clothe the stems of trees and gigantic climbers smother their heads. The variety and abundance of the flora and fauna increase progressively with decreasing altitude and increasing luxurance of the vegetation. This zone is generally poor in wildlife. The only mammals, which are at all widely distributed, are wild boar, barking deer, Serow, Ghoral and bears. Different varieties of birds are also found in this zone.
   
3. Temperate Evergreen Forest:  
   
   
   
   Northward, on the lower slopes and spurs of the great Himalayas, oaks and Pines are the dominant species up to an altitude of about 2400m above which are found dense conifer forests including Picea, Tusga, Larix and Abies spp. The latter is usually confined to higher elevations with Betula typically marking the upper limit of the tree line. At about 3600 to 3900m, Rhododendron, bamboo and maples are commonly associated with the coniferous zone. Composition of he forest varies considerably with coniferous predominating in the west and eracaceous in the east. The wildlife of this region includes the Himalayan bear, Serow, Ghoral, barking deer and wildboar, with Himalayan tahr sometimes being seen on steep rocky faces above 2400m. The red panda is among the more interesting of the mammals found in this zone; it appears to be fairly distributed in suitable areas of the forest above 1800m. The rich and varied avifauna of this region includes several spectacular and beautiful pheasants, including the Danfe pheasant, NepalÕs national bird.
    
4. Subalpine and Alpine Zone: 
    
   
   
   Above the tree line, Rhododendron, Juniper Scrub and other procumbent woody vegetation may extend to about 4200m where it is then succeeded by tundra-like association of short grasses, sedge mosses and alpine plants wherever there is sufficient soil. This continues up to the lower limit of perpetual snow and ice at about 5100m. The mammalian faun is sparse and unlikely to include any species other than Himalayan Marmots, Mouse Hare, tahr, Musk Deer, Snow Leopard and occasionally blue sheep. In former times, the Wild Yak and great Tibetan sheep could also be sighted in this region and it is possible that a few may still be surviving in areas such as Dolpa and Humla. The bird life at such as lammergeyer, snowcock, snowpatridge, choughs and bunting, with redstarts and dippers often seen along the streams and rivulets. Yaks are the only livestock, which thrive at high altitude. They serve both back and draught animals. The cheeses prepared out of the milk are edible for months. The female Yak provides milk to the Sherpas.
   Of the wonderful flora and fauna must suffice to indicate what a paradise Nepal is to the lovers of wild animal and bird life, to the naturalists and to the foresters.

1. Kathmandu Durbar Square
2. Patan Durbar Square
3. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
4. Pashupatinath
5. Swoyambhunath
6. Baudanath
7. Changu Narayan
8. Lumbini:- Birth place of Lord Buddha
9. Chitwan National Park(932 sq.km.)
10. Sagarmatha National Park(1,148 sq.km.)

 
Pashupatinath Temple and the river from above.

Situated 5 km east of Kathmandu city center, Pashupati literally means “Lord of Animals” and is considered to be the patron deity of Nepal. Pashupatinath is regarded as one of the holiest sites for Hindus all over the world.
Pashupatinath temple is a pagoda style two-tiered golden roof with exquisitely carved four silver doors containing in its sanctum a phallic idol with four faces facing each direction and the fifth one is looking up towards the zenith. A temple dedicated to Shiva was constructed at the present site by Lichhavi King Supushpa Verma according to an ancient chronicle. However the present temple is claimed to have been built by king Bhupatindra Malla in 1697 AD. Legend has it that a cow would frequently escape from its herds and offer milk on a Jyotirlinga(phallic symbol of Shiva) which denotes the point where the temple stands today. It is said that a certain cowherd much to his surprise found the self-generated Jyotirlinga (phallic symnol of Shiva) when he dug the spot where the cow would give milk. The spot immediately became the center of worship that has been continued till today.

Legend also mentions that the Pandavas after the great Mahabharata battle were told that only by sighting Shiva would they be absolved of their sins and it was at this very spot they saw the lord. Hence, this most sacred abode of Shiva, who is the God of the gods-Mahadeva-merits a visit by all Hindus, at least once in a lifetime, to be truly blessed and cleansed. It is believed that pilgrimage to the four dhams like Dwarika, kedar Rameshwar and Jaganath of India becomes meaningful only after a final darshan of Pashupatinath and by a taking a holy dip in the Bagmati River and conducting a proper puja and circling the 525 Shiva Lingas in the temple premises will free a person from the cycle of births and rebirths. In the premise of the Pashupati temple are other temples like Bhairavnath, Vasuki nag, Parbati temple, Ram mandir, Vishwo rup, Gorakhnath, Kirateshwor temple and dozens of temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses.
A considerable part of the temple vicinity is converted to rest and prayer areas. Behind the temple on the banks of Bagmati is a crematorium for Hindus. It is the wish of every Hindu to be cremated on the bank of the Bagmati river in the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva’s consort Parbati also known as Satidevi. There is also a deer park at the back of the temple across the Bagmati river. It is also interesting to watch the minkeys roam in and around the temple freely. One may also observe Sadhus smeared with ashes and dressed in loin-cloths and the Hindu Brahmins offering Tika and blessing to the visitors. Pshupatinath attracts thousands of Pilgrims on spring festival Maha Shivaratri(Feb—March), the day dedicated to Shiva, Hari Talika/Teej(Aug-Sep), Janai Purnima(July-Aug), and all Mondays of the month of Shrawan(July_August).
In October 1979 Pashupati area was declared as the world Heritage Site by UNESCO and the temple is being managed by Pashupati area Development Trust. The temple activities can be observed from the back of the temple.

The prime attraction in Sagarmatha National Park established in 1976, is Mt. Everest—the highest peak of the world. The park was added to the list of World heritage Site in 1979. The park, a part of the Himalayan ecological zone, has several other prominent peaks most of which are above 6,000 meters. With most of the park above, 3,000 meters. Sagarmatha is  full of rugged terrain with deep gorges, glaciers and huge rocks. With its Himalayan terrain and its culture, the parks offers a blend of natural and cultural tourist products here. The vegetation at the lower elevation is dominated by pine and hemlock forest, while above 3,500 meters the forest is dominated with silver fir, birch, rhododendron, and juniper trees. During spring and monsoon the varieties of rhododendron flowers are seen.  The common wildlife in the park are Himalayan Tahr, ghoral, musk deer, pikka (mouse hare) weasel, jackal. Other rarely seen animals are the impeyan pheasant(Danphe), blood pheasant, red billed cough, yellow-billed chough, snow-cock, snow pigeon, Himalayan griffon, and lammergeyer. The area also provides warm sherpa hospitality and has many monasteries and cultural landmarks. Tourism activities and farming are the main activities of the area. Growing barleys and potatoes and raising Yaks are some of the  notable occupation. The majority of the youths are engaged as mountaineering and trekking guides in the season.
The best point to explore the area could be Gokyo Valley, Lobuche, Kalapatthar, Everest Base camp, Chuking valley and the Thame valley.

Activities:

Trekking, Mountaineering, cultural observation and Meditation

Accommodation:

Resort hotels, lodges, camping.

Access:

Namche Bazar—a gateway to Everest region—is a two walk from Lukla which is 30 minutes by air to Kathmandu.

Beast Season:

Oct-Nov and Mar- May, Dec-Feb( snow, daytime temperature 5 degree Celsius), Jun-Sep(rainy)

Buddha was born at Lumbini in southern Nepal on a full moon day in 623 B.C. The importance of Lumbini is testified by the Mauryan Emperor Ashoka who visited Lumbini in order to pay homage to the great Master and erected a pillar in 249 B.C. to indicate the birth place of Buddha. Near the Ashokan pillar is the newly renovated Mayadevi Temple also houses. The marker stone discovered in 1996 AD which depicts the exact spot where the Buddha was born. It snow kept in bulletproof glass in the Mayadevi Temple.
The Mayadevi temple was renovated in 2003 on the 2547th auspicious birth anniversary of the Buddha and houses ruins of the early period dating back from 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. Near the temple is situated is situated the Puskarni pond where Queen Mayadevi-the Buddha’s mother- had given the first purificatory bath to the infant Buddha.
In 1896, excavations by General Khadga Shumsher Rana of Nepal and renowned archeologist Dr. A Fuhrer shed light on various aspects of the life of Buddha. In 1898, the British government deputed P.C. Mukherjee who confirmed the exact location of Aurorakot as the birth place of Kannakmuni Buddha and Gotihawa as the native place of Kakruchhanda Buddha who existed before the Shakyamuni Buddha and Lumbini as birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha. He also claimed Devdaha to be the maternal home of Buddha and Tilaurakot ot be the exact site of Kapilvastu-the ancient capital of the Shakya Kingdom.
Shortly after the Buddha attained enlightenment at the age of 36, he delivered his first sermon, in which he laid out the essential framework upon which all his later teachings were based. This framework consists of the four Truths and the Eight fold path, which identifies the source of sufferings and the path towards the cessation of sufferings and the attainment of Salvation.
In order to develop Lumbini as a pilgrimage center and a fountain of World peace, Prof. Kenzo Tange of Japan was assigned to create the Lumbini Masterplan by UN which was jointly approved by the Government of Nepal and UN in 1978. The Master Plan includes canals, gardens, library, museum, monastic zones and areas for amenities. Lumbini Development Trust is responsible for the overall  development of Lumbini. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1997, Lumbini is being developed with international support. There are different Vihars and Monastries constructed by different countries like Korea, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, Germany, France, Austria, India, Srilanka, China and Nepal.
General Information
Access: From Kathmandu, fly to Gautam Buddha Airport in Bhairahawa (Siddharatha Nagar Municipality, 30 Minutes) and then drive (22 km) to Lumbini. Overland from Kathmandu to Bhairahawa is 300 km (9 hours).
Getting around: The places to see in Lumbini are scattered over an area of roughly 3 sq miles. There are manual three-wheelers to get around the Lumbini complex.
Climate : Temperature 40 degrees Celsius maximum, 7 degrees minimum. The rainy season lasts June-September.
Additional info: Lumbini Development Trust, Lumbini; Tel: +977-71-580189, 580200, Fax: 580181. Kathmandu office: Bhrikutimandap, Tel: +977-01-4268285,4268494, URL:www.lumbinitrust.org, email: dntt@wlink.com.np . Accommodation : Lumbini offers good hotels that are equipped with modern amenities. Visitors can also stay in Lumbini or the nearby town of Bhairahawa.
Attractions : Lumbini tour, Buddist circuit tour, Village tour, Monastery tour, Meditation, Archaeological tour, Crane Sancturay and Wet land tour. Great celebration takes place in Buddha Purnima (April- May).

It is located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley, the Changu Narayan—the temple of Lord Vishnu—is 6 and wood. In fact it is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the reign of the Lichchavi King Mandeva dating back to 464 AD shows that Changu had already been established as a sacred location in the 3rd century AD. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, though older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art.

Some of the important sculptures here as:

1. Viswo Roop-

Lord Vishnu in his all pervasive universal form Vishnu Roop represented in a serpent bed- the- symbolic of the endless water. This sculpture dates back to 8th century AD.

2. Vishnu Vikranta-

Lord Vishnu in his most powerful form measuring the space by his feet. This stone bas-relief image is dated as 8th century AD.

3. Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda- the mythical man bird.

4. Nr-singha Vishnu in his half human and half lion’s form.

The myth behind the conception of the Changu Narayan Temple signifies the religious significance and importance of the place. According to a legend, Lord Vishnu beheaded a Brahmin thinking it to be a demon and only discovered it later that he had committed a heinous crime. He then wandered on earth on his mount, the ‘Garuda’ eventually descending on the hill at Changu. There he lived in anonymity, surviving on milk stolen form a cow belonging to a hermit sage called Sudharshan. When Sudharshan found out about the stolen milk, he attacked and beheaded Lord Vishnu which freed Lord Vishnu from his sins. Ever since that day, the site has been held sacred and the temple has been revered.

The Stupa of Boudanath is located 5 km east of Kathmandu city center. The Stupa stands over three-tiered platform raised over the crossed rectangles in order to bring out the yantra form and is termed as the biggest Stupa in Nepal.
The claims made in various religious and literary texts regarding the erection of the stupa is varied and conflicting. However, the Stupa is believed to have been built in the 5th century AD during the reign of the Lichchavi Kings.
As in other stupa architecture, this stupa also has Vairchana at the center followed by Achhyobhya, Ratna Sambhava, Amitabh and Amoghsiddhi in east, south, west and north directions respectively. Similarly, there are one hundred and eight small niches around the stupa accommodating the icons of Buddhas, Bodhisatavas and other female deities along with conjoint figures in erotic poses. Likewise, at the bottom level, it is surrounded with the praying wheels embossed with the famous mantra Om Mani Padme Hum fixed in more  than hundred and forty niches.
According to a very popular legend, in ancient time there was a poor girl in a Magat village of Nepal. She was called Jyajima and was very pious and charitable by nature. She had a deep desire to spread the faith of the Master and approached the King for a piece of land where she could build a stupa. Hence she built the stupa with the help of her four sons as it stands today.
According to another very popular legend, in the ancient days Kathmandu valley was under severe drought and this causes the King Dharma Dev much concern and anxiety. Finally, the King was advised by an astrologer that only the sacrifice of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the dry royal water spout could bring the rainfall in the country. There were hardly anybody with such a great virtue except the King himself. So the following night he commanded his son to go to the dry water spout near the royal palace (Mandev-the Lichchavi King) obeyed his father and to his great horror found that it was none other than his own father that he beheaded.
In order to atone for the heinous sin, he prayed to goddesses Vajrayogini who ordered him to erect a stupa and practice rigorous penance. He practiced great penance in Gumvihar where Vajrayogini rests and it was due to his great devotion there sprang out the present stupa of Boudanath.
Old field an Orientalist has written that a Lama form Tibet had died on his pilgrimage to Nepal and the stupa was erected with his relics and named it as Khasa Chaitya after his name.
During Buddha Jayanti (birthday of Lord Buddha, April-May) on the full moon day a religious procession takes place with the icons of Buddha on a chariot. During Lhosar festival (Jan-Feb) the pilgrims worship the Buddhist deities, light the increase and butter lamp day and night. On the full moon day of Nanai Purnima (sacred thread festival, Aug-Sept0 the stupa is decorated with prayer flags and lights. Every twelve year a special ceremony is also observed denoting the fact that it took 12 years to built the stupa. Some Buddhist texts also mentions that it took 2555 days (7 years) to complete the construction of the stupa. Dance, musical instruments, chant and hymns are performed to mark the event with great festivity. The stupa along with the monasteries are centers of learning, cultural activities, prayers and meditation.

Located on  a lovely little hillock Swayambhu Nath Stupa lies about 4 km west of Kathmandu city center. There are 360 steps leading all the way to the top commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu valley and the breath-taking panorama of the snow-clad Himalayan range. The tradition in the Stupa follows the Vajrayana form of Buddhism which is a tantric variation of the Mahayana Buddhism (the great vehicle). The stupa seem to have been founded during the Lichchavi period. Religious and literary sources give numerous accounts of the establishment and the patronage of the Swayambhunath premises. Some literary work credit the Lichchavi King Mandev to be the founder of Swayambhu Stupa. It is also interesting to note that the stupa went a series of renovation during the Malla period in the medieval times with donations made by merchants, monks, pilgrims and Buddhist followers.
As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu valley was a lake long time ago. Right in the center of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light atop. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came all the way from China to the valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor ready for habitation. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in and around this stupa speak a lot about the significance and antiquity of this famed stupa. The stupa of Swayambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base. The hemispherical part of the chaitya is made of brick and stone and on top of the hemispherical part lies the hermika which carries the eyes of Vairochana watching in all the directions and believed to have been painted in the Malla Period. The stupa is also laden with the 13 gold plated spires which symbolize the 13 stages to salvation. The spire is crowned by a golden umbrella supported by a pole from within the center. Devotees pour lime down the chaitya to cure illness of family members.
Harati Temple: It is a two-tiered pagoda temple dedicated to the primal mother-Ajima who is also known as the protective deity of children. Special prayers are offered on Saturday and Tuesday.
Anantapura and Pratapaura : These two temples dedicated to Vajrayana deities were built by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. Anantapura temple was named after his consort and both these temples represent the Shikhara style of architecture.
Bajra Dhatu Mandala: The Mandala depicts 12 animals representing the twelve months of the Tibetan year. The gilt Bajra installed by King Pratap Malla in the middle of the 17th century represents the sword Chandahasa, Vajradhatvesvari, Mamaki Tara, Ratnasambhava, Pandara, Amitabha, Tara, Amogha Siddhi and Saptalochini.
The Vairochana is represented by the eyes painted on the hermika. Amitabha is the main deity of the chaitya.
Five Elements of Life: Temples and sacred sites representing the five fundamental elements of nature are said to have been founded by Shantikar Acharya. The five elements of life represented in the premise of the Stupa are Vasupura (earth), Nagapura (serpents, the lord of water), Shantipura or Akashpura (space or sky), Vayupura (air) and Agnipura (fire).
Important Days to Visit this holy sites:
1. Buddha Purnima, the birthday of Lord Buddha which falls on the full moon day of Baishakh (april_May).
2. Gunla the holy Buddhist month according to Newari Calendar (Aug-Sept, early morning).
3. Kojagrath Purnima (sept-oct) Samyak day of the Magh(Jan-Feb) (once in every twelve years).
4. Lhosar

Patan also known as Lalitpur means the city of arts. It is located across the river Bagmati river only 5 km south of Kathmandu city center. This city founded in 3rd home of the finest crafts and is considered oldest of all three cities of Kathmandu valley. Most of the monuments in this square date back to the medieval Malla period from 16th to 18th century and the monuments in the area are mostly credited to king Siddhi Nar Singh Malla, Shri Niwas Malla and Yog Narendra Malla.

Main Chowks(Courtyards):-

Patan Durbar Square consists of three main courtyards-Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Mani Keshab Narayan Chowk which houses the Patan Museum.  The Sundari Chowk built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1647 AD contains the master piece of stone sculpture known as the Royal bath and was used of performing ritual bathing.

Bhimsen Temple:-

The three-storied temple of Bhimsen located on the extreme north of the square with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside is very popular amongst the local merchant and traders communities. There are curio shops around the temple.

Vishwa Nath Temple:-

This two-storied temple dedicated to Shiva located near the Bhimsen temple is built in Pagoda style and houses a large phallic of Shiva and the temple is guarded by two elephants.

Krishna Mandir:-

The temple of Lord Krishna built in the 17th century by king Siddhi Narsingh Malla is the first specimen of Shikhara style temple entirely made of stone. It is the only temple in Nepal with 21 golden pinnacles and contains engraved scenes from the epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Stone Column:-

The stone column of King Yog Narendra Malla in a praying poster to goddess Taleju is protected by a snake above his head and a bird is seen seated on the snake. Legend says that the King would be remembered and remain immortal as long as the bird does not fly from there. It is because of this believe that a window of the palace. A stone pillar located nearby with the Garuda atop facing the Krishna Temple is another typical example of Nepali stone workmanship.

Jagatnarayan Temple:-

 This temple also known as the Char Narayan temple and one of the oldest temple is located south of the Krishna temple. The temple is guarded by two lions and half human form sculpted in stone.

Harishankar  Temple: -

This three-tire temple built in 1704 AD is dedicated to Shiva and Vishnu. This temple was built by the wives of King Yoga Narendra Malla after his death in his memory because of which this temple is also know as Sati temple.

Taleju Temple:-

 There are prominent temples like the three-storied octagonal temple of Taleju Bhawani and Digu Teleju- the five storied temple of the protective deities built by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 17the century. These temples are unique examples of craftsmanship in wood.

Golden Temple:-

 The three-storied golden pagoda was built by King Bhaskar Verma In the 12th century and contains images of Amoghpash Lokeswor, large prayer wheel  and paintings of Buddha. The temple is located at a walking distance north from the main square.

Kumbheshwor:-

 This five-storied Temple dedicated to Shiva was built during the reign of King Jayastithi Malla in the late 14th century. It is a few minutes walk north from the main square. A religious fair is held during Janai Poornima(August). There is also a famous Banglamukhi Temple nearby.

Mahaoudhha:-

 Thousand images of Buddha are found in the temple made of fine quality Bricks. The temple was constructed in the 15th century by  an architect named Avay Raj and is located eastwards with a few minutes walking distance from the main square.
There are many other shrines, sculptures, stupas scattered in and around the square and provide a unique experience of visitors and art lovers.

 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of the Kathmandu city. The locals know this area by its old name Hanuman Dhoka- an old seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The Royal Palace during medieval times were not merely for Royal activities but also used as the center of administration, cultural activities and festivals.
The historical buildings and temples in the area were erected from the times of king Ratna Malla(1484-1520) to Prithivi Bir Bikram Shah(1875-1911AD) covering the period of Malla, Shah and Rana Period of Nepalese history. The entire palace complex here is name after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red next to the main entrance (the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the Durbar Square.

Prominent Monuments:

Taleju Temple:

The temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1562 AD was dedicated to the royal deity of the Malla kings. Resting on a 12 stage plinth, the temple is 36.6 meter high. The temple is opened to the public just once in a year during Dashian(sept-oct).

Krishna Temple:

This octagonal temple dedicated to Lord Krishna was built in 1649 AD by Pratap Malla in memory of his two dead queens. There is a mention in the epigraph that the temple contains the status of the king and his queens representing as Lord Krishna and his consorts.

Jagannath Temple:

The image of Jagannath was installed in 1563 AD during the reign Mahendra Malla and the temple is famous for erotic carvings.

Stone Column:

 The stone column represents the statue of king Pratap Malla in praying to goddess Taleju-The Royal Family Deity.

Degutalle Temple:

A tantric goddess representing the family deity of the Malla Kings is enshrined in the temple and access is restricted to visitors. The temple lies opposite the stone column and was built in 1671 AD by King Shiva Singh and later renovated by king Pratap Mallla.

Hanuman Statue:

Kneeling Hanuman, the monkey god, seated on a stone pedestal and flanked by a pair of lions symbolizes strength and protection against all possible threats. The Hanuman pedestal was erected by king Pratap Malla in 1672AD.

Shiva-Parvati Temple:

The divine couple Shiva and his consort Parvati look out from the central window of the first floor as the temple was built during the rein of king Rana  Bahadur Shah.

Big Bell:

The bell erected in 1797 AD by King Rana Bahadur Shah is rung only when worship is being offered in Degutalla temple situated nearby.

Kal Bhairav:

Shiva in his ferocious from is known as Bhairav. This is one of the largest image of Bhairav and was erected by king Pratap Malla.

Maju Dewal:

This temple dedicated to Shiva was  built in the late 17th century by Queen Mother Riddhi Laxmi and rests on a nine plinth base dominating the square and commanding a good view of the area.

Trilokya Mohan Narayan:

This Vishnu temple of late 17th century near the Kumari Ghar, was built on a five stage plinth by king Parthibendra in memory of his deceased brother. There is a kneeling images of Garuda-the vehicle of Vishnu, near the temple. During Indrajatra(chariot festival) large crowd gather here to see the ten incarnations of Vishnu enacted on the pedestal.

Kumari Ghar:

 Kumari Ghar built in 1757 AD by king Jaya Prakash Malla is the house of the living  goddess ‘Kumari’ who is believed to be the incarnation of goddess Taleju the protective deity. Kumari often provide her blessing from the window to the visitors.

Basantapur Durbar :

 The Basantapur Durbar also known as Nau-talle durbar was built by king Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1770 AD. Alongside there are other high standing pagodas known as Kirtipur Tower, Bhaktapur Tower and Lalitpur Tower.

Kasthamandap:

This 12th century wooden building is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree hence Kathmandu obtains its name from this historic building, Kasthamandap. The building was used for public gathering during those days. The central image in the building consists of Gorakhnath and there are miniature temples of four Ganeshas.

Ashok Vinayak:

This temple dedicated to the elephant god Ganesha is revered both by the Hindus and Buddhists alike and is one of he most important shrine in the valley.

Dhansa:

This temple was built in 1673AD by Pratap Malla to start a new masked dance of Narasimha, an incarnation of Vishnu.

• Grade 1-2 (Easy)
  Flat water, little current and mild waves,
  Rivers – Trishuli and Seti
• Grade 3 (Moderate)
  Waves, swift current and narrow channels. Paddling is modestly physical.
  Rivers – Marsyangdi and Kaligandaki
• Grade 4-5 (Difficult)
  Powerful water, constricted channels, steep drops and the possibility of overturning a raft. Paddling is challenging and at times strenuous.
  Rivers – Karnali, Sunkoshi, Arun and Bhotekoshi.
• Grade 5 (Big jump from Grade 4)
  Being the absolute limit of what you would consider running commercially.
  Rivers – Bheri, Tamor, Tamakoshi

• Normally the first day of a river trip begins early morning around 7 a.m. You are driven to the put-in point of the river. Depending upon the distance between Kathmandu and the put-in point, the drive can take from a couple of hours to over 4 hours. This is the situation if you choose between the Trishuli and the Sunkoshi. A river trip on any other river requires a longer drive or a flight plus drive and even a trek in some cases.
• If you start at 7 a.m. and the driver drops you at the put-in point exactly after three hours, rafting is likely to begin around 11 a.m. After you reach the put-in point, a safety talk takes place along with the inflating of the rubber rafts and organizing other river equipment by river crew.
• The talk includes delivering know-how about measures to be taken in case of an emergency need. The participant should listen to the river guide very carefully. Questions can be raised to make things clearer.
• The life-vest must be worn all the time while on the river, irrespective of whether you are hitting a major rapid or running a flat-water section. A protective helmet is suggested if you are running a high class rapid.
• Frequently the river outfitter provides the option between an oar and a paddleboat. Kayaking is another option. Normally the kayakers bring their own kayaks. There are outfitters who provide with a kayak, however. If your option is the paddleboat, then you are instructed to properly use the paddle either during the safety talk or before sailing off. If you were of participative nature, then your choice would be paddling. Paddling is more challenging and thrilling. The paddleboat requires well-coordinated team effort between the paddlers and river guide who stays at the back and plays his paddle in the role of the steering wheel of a car. The responsibility of the participants is to follow his instruction in a proper manner. The thrilling moment for paddlers is while hitting a rapid.
• It is usual that you get wet whether you hit a rapid or not within half an hour after sailing starts. In an oar boat, the  river guide alone rows lightly and slowly on the flat water and penetrated and boldly while hitting a rapid. The oar boat gives you an opportunity to observe the surroundings.
• As for meals, the river outfitter normally provides all meals during the trip days except for the breakfast of the first day.

• Orientation meeting before your trip (rafting procedure, safety, diet, medical conditions etc.)
• Experienced river guide
• Rescue expert kayaker
• Transportation to take you to and from the river.
• Plentiful, healthy and hygienically prepared food and drinks.
• High quality, clean and well maintained: self-bailing rafts, helmets, plastic paddles, wetsuits, lifejackets, dry bags, waterproof camera barrels, safety equipments, medicine and medical instruments and Tents.
• Cooking and kitchen utensils.
• Sleeping bags and mats are provided upon request.