Sightseeing Tour in Nepal

Nepal has many different things to offer for sightseeing. The natural beauty and Himalayan views, the culture and traditions, the historical monument, art and architecture, Hindu temples and Buddhist stupa and monasteries, its people and rites, myths and mysteries which are a part of the daily life of the people of Nepal. Nepal's vast diversity of people, rich culture & art as well as distinctive architecture renders it ideal as the most amazing & interesting destination for sightseeing. Nepal has been claimed as one of the best sightseeing destination among the tourists with all its varied language, tradition & unique hospitality of the people inhabited in the countryside. Hinduism & Buddhism are the two principal religions of Nepal along with other several religions followed by the people from different ethnic groups. Nepal, therefore, known as one of the multi-religious country which holds temples, stupas & monasteries in uncountable number with variety of God & Goddess depicting the deep faith of the people. Apart from these, Nepal has more to offer for our clients. The amazing & magnificent sight of the Himalayas, a diversity of beautiful landscape, all are beyond human imagination. Nepal's widespread fame in the world being the birthplace of Buddha - 'Light of Asia' is thing of glory for every Nepalese people.

Kathmandu is the first arrival point for most visitors.Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley including its surrounding areas takes you very close to nature that enchants glimpse of Nepal providing a in-depth knowledge about its past history, art & architecture which turn us to the primitive age. As such, number of tourists from different corners of the world have been enrolling towards Nepal with a view to visit this beautiful country.

Above the Skyline Treks provide a tailor made and inclusive sightseeing package which is managed by our expert local guides inside and outside the Kathmandu valley, we arrange our tour programme with the intention of giving you a great experience and we hope that you will have an unforgettable and exciting time, with memories to treasure for years to come. Our specific Sightseeing programme will give visitors an opportunity to observe many rich Nepalese cultural traditions, a unique culture and heritage, fascinating history

 

Kathmandu History
The Kathmandu Valley civilization is around 3000 years old. It has been claimed that the valley was a large pond in the early gealagical period and it was only when the pond was drained that the valley was ready for human settlement. There is also a legend which reinforese the story that a bodhisatau called manjushree came to Kathmandu valley and cut the gorge on chovar with his flaming smard and draihed the waters out of the valley making it ready for human settlement.
Politically the present days in Nepal was devided in to preety principalities and the earliest ruling days of Nepal were the Gopal’s, Mahispalas and Kiratas dynastries who were followed by licchavi (185-750AD) lichavi period is known as the golden period of Nepalese hilstory because it was during this period that art and architrecture began to take shape. Trade and craft flowrished under than. And they built magnificent temples, palaces and movments.
But it was only under the later Malla period and the early shah period from 14th to the 18th centuries the valley’s fabulous cities with their exquirtic pagoda, shikhara and stupa artictecture, arkate palace and artistic temples came to take shape in the form that use see it today.
Kathmandu valley was devided into three kingdom for many years.

The unification of Nepal in 1768 by Gorkha's King Prithvi Narayan Shah signalled the end of the Kathmandu Valley's fragmentation. Nepali, an Indo-European language spoken by the Khas of western Nepal, replaced Newari as the country's language of administration. In 1816 the Shahs closed the borders of Nepal and kept the country isolated until the mid 20th century. In 1846 a bloody massacre of Kathmandu's 100 most powerful men, held in the very public forum of Durbar Square, ended the Shah dynasty and installed the Ranas.

However the present day neo-classical buildings were built only during the second half of the 19th century (Rana regime) with Nepali’s first contact with the western countries the Rana began dream …..
Sculptures, wood craft and stone marks were the medium and means on which the expert hand had imagination of the artists acted on which imperial ariginality and ingenuity.

The Ranas began dressing like European royalty, and imported all the latest inventions which, strangely enough, never found their way beyond the royal compounds into the homes of ordinary folk. During this period of royal extranvance, the majority of people in Kathmandu became much poorer and the Hindu caste system became much more rigid - on the other hand, human sacrifice, slavery and sati were abolished.

On 15 January 1934 a huge earthquake struck the Kathmandu Valley, killing 4296 people and destroying many of Kathmandu's temples and palaces. Inspired by the independence movement in India, Nepalis began a political upheaval - an alliance was formed between the ousted Shahs, the army's Gurkha regiments and the dissatisfied poorer extended families of the Rana clan. In November 1950 they revolted. King Tribhuvan, a Shah, was anointed ruler in 1951 and struck up a government comprised of Ranas and members of the newly formed Nepali Congress Party. Power, of course, remained with only one party - the king's. After months of uprisings, the Nepali people were finally granted democracy in 1989.

In 1956, the first motorable road linked Kathmandu with India. Ten years later another highway opened, and in 1974 international air services began. Foreign aid began pouring in from the 1960s, bringing with it foreign aid workers and new prosperity for the city. Kathmandu's population tripled in 20 years, and the city sprawled, as modern houses sprang up to meet the needs of ex-pats and immigrants poured in from the country. In the 60s, the tourists also started flooding in, looking for cheap living and eastern answers to the questions of life. Freak St became the centre of the action, as the hippies set up a huge market for every type of drug, every hybrid philosophy and any kind of pie you could imagine. Kathmandu was transformed into a tourist Mecca, and the jumping-off point for the new trekking industry.

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Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur means "the city of devotes" in the Sanskrit language. It is also known as Bhadgaon and was founded by in 889 AD by King Anand Dev. Today it covers an area of four square miles and is flanked by Khasa Khusung and Hanumante Rivers. The palace complex in the middle of the city portrays the prosperity of the Malla years and the details at which the craftspeople then worked. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows stands in the square and it was home to many kings of Bhaktapur. They even ruled over Kathmandu and Patan from the twelfth century to the 14th century. The massive gate to the square was made by King Bhupatindra Malla (1696 to 1722) who took pride in his own engineering and building skills. His skills must have been impressive indeed as the gate, though it looks small now, was among the biggest in the valley and daunted many an enemy. It is sturdy even now and stands firmly. Among the other monuments in Bhaktapur are the big bell, the Golden Gate, the five-tiered temple of Nyatapola, the Bhairab Temple, and the Dattatreya Square with its woodcarving and metalwork museums.The square is one of the most charming valley as it highlights the ancient of the kings perched on top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in very place – struts, lintels, tympanums, gateways and windows – all seem to form a well orchestrated symphony. Bhaktapur’s Durbar Square is much larger and more spacious than Kathmandu’s and much less crowded with temples than Patan’s. Victorian illustrations show the square packed with temples and buildings, but the disastrous earthquake of 1934 destroyed many of them and today empty plinths show where some of them once stood and have not been rebuilt.

Surrounded by beautiful farming area, the traveler to Bhaktapur will easily fall in love with the city. Bhaktapur is perhaps the most popular of the three Newar towns of the Kathmandu Valley. Newar art and architecture here rival the best craftsmanship of the Malla period (from the 12th to the 18th century). Though a massive earthquake of 1934 destroyed many temples, bahals (monastery courtyards), and residences, the city is still a living proof of the highest craft standards in this part of the world. As the visitor wanders through narrow brick paved streets, many alleys will show hidden shrines and statues. Clay craftmanship as well as cloth weaving is still practiced here very much as in the past. Fourteen kilometers east of Kathmandu, this peaceful, conservative town stands in sharp contrast to the bustle of its two adjacent cities.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
Patan Durbar SquareThe ancient city is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is about five kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known as the city of artists. Patan is the oldest of the three ancient city-kingdoms of the Kathmandu valley which once ruled by the mallas. Patan is still populated mostly by Newars, two-thirds of them being Buddhist. As in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, a fusion prevails between Hinduism and Buddhism. Also, as in those cities, Patan has a Durbar Square and a labyrinth of winding lanes. The square boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in the Patan Durbar Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. Krishna fought by the side of the Pandavs in the Mahabharat war to assure that truth would prevail. This temple is the best example of stone architecture in Nepal. Scenes from the Mahabharat, Asia's greatest mythological war, are carved on the temple's wall. The Bhimsen Temple which honors Bhim - great wrestler, brother of the Pandavs, and a deity to Nepalese businessmen - contains fine samples of metal craft. The best place, however, to see metal sculpture is the Hiranya Varna Mahabihar, the "Golden Temple". It is a Newar monastery which contains wall painting , fourteenth century statues, and scriptures. Other sites including the Mahabouddha Temple and Uku Bahal are only a few minutes walk away from the square. The streets in this area are home to metal sculptors of the present day. Many more temples dedicated to Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are situated in the Patan Durbar Square.

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Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath is Nepal's holiest Hindu Pilgrimage site (followed by the remote Muktinath in the Himalaya). Like Varanasi in India - although on a much smaller scale - it is a time-warp of temples, cremation ghats, ritual bathers and bearded, half-naked sadhus (religious mendicants). Dedicated to Lord Shiva (one of the Hindu trinity), the shrines and temples of Pashupatinath straddle the now-polluted Bagmati river which, like the Ganges, is considered sacred by the faithful. To die and to be cremated here is to be released from samsara (the cycle of rebirth in this world). This wooded ravine near the golf course and airport is considered to be one of the abodes of Lord Shiva who is the patron deity (in one of his more benign forms) of Nepal. Pashupati is another name for Shiva and means 'Lord of the Animals'

It is believed that the shiva linga of pashupatinath is self existing.It is accdentally found in the very spot where kamadhenu the celestical cow used to offer her milk right at the very spot.It is said that by curiosity as what was the reason by daily offering milk here by kamadehenu,some people started digging the ground and by suprise a blaze of light gushed out and the foolhardy ones burnt to ashes. It is believed that those foolhardy who dig out this place died due to cosmic rediation emited by the linga.Pashupatinath is known as the Parasnath and according to popular beliefs,it has the power of alcbemy which turns all kinds of metals into gold.A unique features of pashupatinath is that the linga has a pancha mukhi "wigaraha".The top of linga is pashupatinath four faces of pashupatinath are Tatpurush also parabrahma,Aghore,vamadeva anp sadyojat.The face towards east is called "Tatpurush" or Para-brahma i.e the supre e being.He is indra,king of all deities.The Face of pashupatinath towards south is called aghore ie calm form.This is the symbolic representation of yamraj ,the lord of death.Then deadful forms is both calm and terrifying.The north face off shiva linga of pashupatinath is vamdeva.Vamdeva is worshipped as god of giving.The face of shivalinga of pashupatinath towards the west is called sadyojat.It depicts the face of child.The upper face is shapeless and is called ishan.It is the symbolic representation of shiva's organ.The upper form is the main pashupatinath ,the symbol of extreme happiness .It is the greatest form of shakti and energy.This face is worshipped for the knowledge and fulfillment of desires.

Where is Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu ?
Pashupatinath temple is in the banks of Bagmati river on the eastern side of Kathmandu. The place where Pashupatinath is located is called Gaurighat, Kathmandu. People often say the location as Gaushala, Jaya bageswori etc. So, when you reach near the intersection of Gaushala or Jaya Bageswori or Mitrapark then you will see the board where it is written "The Way to Pashupati". The another easier way to figure out is "Bagmati river is flowing beside Pashupatinath". You may hear the sounds of bell from the temple as well.

 

What to See
» Gold-painted images of guardian deities
» Chaturmukha (four-faced statue)
» Chadeshvar, an inscribed Licchavi linga from the 7th century
» Brahma Temple
» Dharmashila, a stone where sacred oaths are taken
» Arya Ghat
» Gauri Ghat (holy bath)
» Pandra Shivalaya (15 shrines)
» Gorakhnath and Vishwarup Temples
» Guhyeshwari (Guhjeshwari) Temple
» Kirateshwar Mahadeva Mandir and Surya Ghat

 

Architecture
» The western door has a statue of a large Bull, Nandi, is ornamented in gold. This black stone idol, about 6 ft in height and circumference, adds to the beauty and charisma of the temple.
» The present architectural nature of Pashupatinath temple came into existence as a result of renovation by Queen Gangadevi during the reign of Shivasimha Malla (1578-1620 AD).

Auspicious Days to Visit
In August, during the Teej festival, thousands of women visit the temple to bathe in the holy waters of the Bagmati River. Because this ritual is meant to bring a long and happy marriage, many women dress in red saris, which are traditionally worn for wedding ceremonies. Full moon and New moon days are also considered auspicious to visit the temple.» The two level roofs of the temple are embellished with gold and the four main doors are adorned with silver.
» The temple is famous for its awe-inspiring and astounding pagoda architecture.

 

How to Reach
» There are regular bus services from Kathmandu (from Ratna Park or City Bus Station) to Patan,. It takes approximately 45 minutes to reach Goshala, the stop for Pashupatinath.
» Battery-operated Safaa tempos depart from near the Ratna Park office in Kathmandu and drops the pilgrims at Ring Road, west of Pashupatinath. Thereafter, a tempo going to Chabahil or Bodhnath can be hired.

 

Some Useful Hints For Devotees To Pashupatinath

1- Taking photographs of the main temple of pashupatinath is Strictly Prohibited.However ,it s permitted to take photograph from other side of river bagmati.
2-Leather good are prohibited inside the courtyard of pashupatinath.Please put off shoes and leather belts at main gate of pashupatinath before you enter the temple courtyard of pashupatinath,and devotee can also find locker for shoes run by pashupatinath area development trust in pashupatinath.
3-Only hindus are allow to enter the temple courtyard of pashupatinath .Buddhist on nepalese origin and Buddhist ,sikhs and jains of Indian origin are treated as Hindus and are all owed to enter the temple courtyard of pashupatinath.
4-Beware of monkey if you are ignorant the monkey may snatch away things that carry(purse bags ) including holy (prasad ) of pashupatinath.
5-Circumambulate the temple of pashupatinath from the left side .It is considered auspicious to take a round of temple in Nepal from the right side.And right side is spirtual bless.
6-Beware of pick pocketers inside main Sanctum of pashupatinath especially during festival occasion when there is a big crowd of devotee.
7-It is not allow to touch the holy treasures of pashupatinath.

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Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Commonly known as the monkey temple, due to the large numbers of monkeys that roam the temple complex, Swayambhunath is one of Kathmandu's oldest and most sacred religious sites.The history of the Valley, according to the legends, begins with Swayambhu, or "the self-existent". In times uncharted by history, Bodhisattva Manjusri came across a beautiful lake during his travel. He saw a lotus that emitted brilliant light at the lake's center, so he cut a gorge in a southern hill and drained the waters to worship the lotus. Men settled on the bed of the lake and called it the Kathmandu Valley. From then on, the hilltop of the Self-existent Lord has been a holy place. Swayambhu's light was covered in time because few could bear its intensity. By the thirteenth century, after many layers were added to the original structure that enveloped the Lord's power, a dome-like shape had been acquried.

The Swayambhunath stupa is a golden pinnacle which crowns a wooded hill in conical shape. Of all the idols of Kathmandu valley this stupa is most ancient and attractive. The area around the stupa has temples, images of idols which are nicely painted, chaityas and many other objects with religious importance. The stupas central mast was damaged and replaced at that time. Peripheral sources of power were discovered on the hilltop as well and stupas, temples, and resthouses were built to honor them. Image of important deities, both Buddhist and Hindu, were also installed. Today, age-old statues and shrines dot the stupa complex. Behind the hilltop is a temple dedicated to Manjusri of Saraswati - the goddess of learning. Swayambhu is the best place to observe the religious harmoney in Nepal. The stupa is among the most ancient in this part of the world, and its worshippers are diverse from Newar nuns, Tibetan monks, and Brahmin priests to lay Buddhists and Hindus. The largest image of the Sakyamuni Buddha in Nepal is in a monastery next to the stupa. Other monasteries here have huge prayer wheels, fine Buddhist paintings. Swayambhu is a major landmark of the Valley and looks like a beacon below the Nagarjun hill. It provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley.

Several Buddist altars and statues make for a perfect picture break and a way to meet some locals as this is not just a popular touristic attraction.If you're lucky you will be able to photograph some of the baby monkey's sitting on top on the statues posing for some attention.At the end of the stairs you'll realize the climb has been worth the effort because the view from up here is spectacular. Especially around sunset when the last rays of light make the golden shrines lit up even more this place is simply magical!

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Boudhanath
Bouddhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. 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 Tibetan lifestyle. It is the biggest stupa in the Valley.The eyes on the Stupa are a symbol commonly associated with Nepal and can be seen throughout the region. The squiggle between the eyes is the Sanskrit numeral one, symbolizing the unity of all things.The canopy has thirteen stages and the white mound towers thirty-six meters overhead. The shape of the steps the spherical dome is built on represents a Tibetan mandala, a type of spiritual painting that is found in Buddhist and Hindu traditions.Prayer wheels at the base of the temple are Inscribed with the Tibetan mantra Om Mani Padme Hum. At ground level there is a brick wall with 108 images of meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels.Sometimes referred to as "Little Tibet" Boudhanath is still the best place in the Kathmandu Valley to observe traditional Tibetan lifestyle. The stupa, well known as Khasti, is also known as the World Heritage Site. It looms 36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design.

Boudhanath is a refuge for most Tibetans who circle it in prayer on a daily basis, spinning the prayer wheels at the base of the stupa. Tibetans believe that an old woman asked the king for land to build a shrine for Buddha. The king agreed but told her that she could only have as much land as she could cover with the skin of a water buffalo. The old woman cut the skin into thin pieces and by placing them end to end, she covered a large area. Her cleaver tactics convinced the king to donate the land, which has become the circumference of the stupa. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries in the area. It lies about 6 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu.Therethere are many monasteries or Gompa attractions. They are all impressively adorned and colorfully painted. Anyone can visit the monasteries and take visuals. It is advisable to give small donation if you take photographs. The Bouddha area Preservation & Development Committee runs an information center.

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Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha situated below Shivapuri hill at the northern end of the valley, Buddhanilkantha temple is 9 km from Kathmandu city. The temple consists of a pond in which lies a great stone figure of the Hindu god Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent. The huge statue of sleeping Vishnu is carved from the single block of black stone of a type not found in the valley. It is believed that ages before the two hardworking farmers (husband and wife) discovered the statue when they were ploughing their field.

Besides Budhanilkantha temple, there are other two sets of exactly similar, but smaller statues of 'sleeping Vishnu' in the Valley. One set is in the Balaju garden and the other is hidden in the old garden of Hanuman Dhoka Palace of Kathmandu city. A prophetic dream of King Pratap Malla generated the belief that the King of Nepal should never visit Buddhanilkantha temple on threat of death. He then built the similar statue in two places.

The most striking feature of the monument is its crown, which is always covered with either plain cloth, usually hidden under an accumulation of flowers. The priests in charge never allow a view of, nor uncover, the crown saying that it is against tradition. No photographs, pictures or first hand account of the features above the forehead is available. However, many cultural experts believe that there is a small image of Lord Buddha on the Vishnu’s crown.There are stone images of Narayan, Ganesh, Surya, Ganga, Jamuna, Barah, Druga, Laxmi Narrayan and others in the pond area and idols of Hanuman, Laxminarayan, Ganesh, Bhimsen, Saraswati and Shivalinga as well as some bells encircles the holy pond.The main festival of the year is when Lord Vishnu, who sleeps on the cosmic ocean during Caturmasya period wakes up on the Haribondhini Ekadashi day in late October or early November. Many thousands of people come on this day.

The deity of Budhanilkantha was last for a while and was later rediscovered by a farmer. It is believe that the farmer struck the buried deity with his plough and that blood come out from ground.The morning puja between Nine and ten am is interesting and enjoyable .The last deity of Budhanilkantha was recovered and place in its rightful position .It is common practice for the Hindus to walk down to Vishnu’s feet to touch them but it is forbidden for foreign visitors to do the same. It is one of the wonderful deity of Hindus but there is some improve of environment of place rest things are beautiful place once youvisit never forget lifetime.

Practicalities
Budhanilkantha is about 8km northeast of Kathmandu and 15km from Thamel, at the base of Sivapuri hill. Buses to Budhanilkantha depart every half-hour from Rani Pokhari or the City bus stand (1 hr, bus #5, Rs 7) in Kathmandu. From where the bus stops the temple is around 100m away. Tempos depart from Jamal on the north side of Rani Pokhari to here.
A taxi is around Rs 175. It is a hard uphill bike ride to here from down town. The ride back is pleasant.

The Mount Shivapuri Lodge, a half hour walk from the temple, has clean room with common bath and hot water for $8.


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Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar Square)
The Square is the complex of palaces, courtyards and temples that are built between the 12th and the 18th centuries by the ancient Malla Kings of Nepal. It is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Taleju Temple, Kal Bhairab (God of Destruction), Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the Big Bell, Big Drum and the Jagnnath Temple are some of the interesting things to see in this Square.It is the main entrance of the Palace. Dhoka means "gate" and it is the main entrance of the palace. You will definitely learn some history here.

An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription that is set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. It is believed that if anybody deciphers this entire inscription, the milk would flow from the spout, which lies just below the unscripted stonewall. Some people say that the inscription contains coded directions to a treasure King Pratap Malla has buried beneath Mohan chowk of Durbar Square.There are several museums inside the palace building. There is an entrance fee of Rs. 250 for all the foreign visitors to visit all the museums of the palace buildingHanuman Dhoka is the focal point of Kathmandu from the social, religious and urban perspectives.

OVERVIEW:

Location	Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Significance	Former Royal Palace of the Malla Kings
Major Attractions	Nasal Chowk and Basantpur Temple
Distinctive Feature	The place is home to dozens of monkeys
Famous For	Coronation of Nepalese Kings

Good to know:
There is a 17th century stone inscription in the Hanuman Dhoka that is set on the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. It is believed that if anybody deciphers this entire inscription, the milk would flow from the spout, which lies just below the inscripted stone wall. Some people say that the inscription contains coded directions to a treasure King Pratap Malla has buried beneath Mohan Chowk of Durbar Square.

Interesting things to see in the Square include:

* Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.
* Gigantic figure of Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction
* Basantpur Durbar or Nautalle Durbar, built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah
* Coronation Platform (Nasal Chok)
* Hall of Public Audience (Gaddi Baithak)
* Statue of King Pratap Malla
* Big Bell
* Big Drums, and
* Jaganath Temple.

Major Tourist Attractions
Let us visit Hanuman Dhoka to find out what lies in store for us.

What to see

Going around Durbar Square in Kathmandu – Nepal, you will instantly be beholden by the majestic sight of the temple surrounding the square and the statues that seem to be guarding their temples.The Taleju Temple is said to have been the first temple to be built on the square. Story goes that the Taleju Goddess gave advice on how to build the temple and even showed herself to the king in the guise of a bee prior to the dedication rituals.

Mahendreshvara Temple was built in honor of the Hindu god Shiva. Construction was undertaken by King Mehandra Mella. However, an earthquake in 1934 destroyed the temple but soon after, it was once again restored memorial to the king.There is also the Shiv Parvati Temple which was dedicated to Shiva and Parvati.There are so many other temples of note that you can see within the square. Now, if you happen to be visiting during the Indra Jatra Festival, you can view the statue of Goddess Sumari which is paraded in her chariot.The festival take place in september each year.

Some important monuments seen in this area are:
* The Kala Bhairav, one of the largest 17th century stone statue in Kathmandu, represents the terrifying aspect of Shiva.
* The 17th century Kumari temple (the temple of the living goddess is an example of the highly developed Nepali craftsmanship.
* Kastamandap, from which Kathmandu derives its name, is said to have been built from the timber of a single tree.

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Kasthamandap
King Laxmi Narsingha Malla built this temple in the sixteenth century. It is located in the southwest corner of the square near the temple of Kumari. It is also known as the Maru Satal and was built in 1596 by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla.It is believed that it was constructed using the wood from a single sal tree. It is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world. Indeed the city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.Another interesting note about the Kasthamandap is that the name Kathmandu was derived from the temple's name, although there is no proof to the latter claim.The Kasthamandap is a Hindu temple and it houses an image of Gorakh-Nath who is a Hindu god. It also served as a community center in the past.There is a small but a very important temple of Ashok Vinayak, also known as Kathmandu Ganesh or Maru Ganesh.

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Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan is the temple of Vishnu, the Preserver, in the village of Changu in Bhaktapur. The origins of Changu Narayan go 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.It lies on a ridge over looking the Valley, about twelve-kilometer to the east of the city.There are other temples like the Kileswar Shiva and Chinnamasta Devi in the courtyard. The Manohara River can be seen from the temple. This river flows in the form of a serpent across the green pastures. Its architectural beauty is definitely worth seeing. It is dedicated to the Hindu God Vishnu. The scared complex is a World Heritage Site. It has one of the finest and oldest specimens of pagoda architecture that is embellished with exquisite wood and stone carvings.

The temple's true gems are the wonderful, much older sculptures dotted around the courtyard. In the southwest corner are several notable images, including one of Vishnu as Narsingha, his man-lion incarnation, disembowelling a demon. Another, to the left, shows him as Vikrantha/Vamana, the six-armed dwarf who transformed into a giant capable of crossing the universe in three steps during his defeat of King Bali. He is in a characteristic 'action pose', with his leg raised high. To the side of these images is a small black slab showing a 10-headed and 10-armed Vishnu, with Ananta reclining on a serpent below. The scenes are divided into three sections - the underworld, the world of man and the heavens. The beautifully carved image is around 1500 years old.

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