Kathmandu : Attractions
Narayanhity Durbar
It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic waterspout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the palace. Foreigners are allowed to visit the palace on Thursdays, from 1 pm to 3 pm.
Budhanilkantha
About 8 kilometres north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill, is a colossal statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculpture of ancient period. This 5 th century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in the water. Buses for Budanilkantha are available at Ranipokhari.
Balaju Water Garden
Situated about 5 kilometres north of Kathmandu at the foothills of Nagarjuna Hill, this garden features fountains with 22 crocodile-headed waterspouts dating from the 18th century. There is also a large swimming pool and jungle along with a beautiful garden.
Swayambhunath Temple
This is one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaityas and is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is 3 kilometres west of Kathmandu city and issituated on a hillock about 77 metres above the Kathmandu valley and hence commands an excellent view of the valley. This stupa, linked to the myth of the creation of the valley, is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Monument in 1979.
The National Museum
Located about 2 kilometres west of Kathmandu, the National Museum has a splendid collection of weapons and artefacts from ancient, medieval and modern Nepal. Its archaeological and historical displays are worth a visit.
Patan Durbar Square
Situated in the heart of the Patan city, it constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyards: the central Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chowk. Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The Golden Gate is the main entrance to the main courtyard of the palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters with marvellous intricacy. This place was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometres east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath with two-tier golden roof is considered to be the holiest shrine for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can see the temple and the ceremonies performed in the premises from the eastern bank of Bagmati River.
Durbar Square
Very much the centre of old Kathmandu, Durbar Square is a huddle of temples and shrines, with intricately carved roofs, doors and windows. Many buildings are ancient, having survived the great earthquake of 1933; others have been completely rebuilt, not always in their original form. A good place to begin exploring is the Kasthamandap, purportedly the oldest building in the valley. Other noteworthy sights include: the Great Bell which, when rung, is believed to ward off evil spirits; the Jaganath Temple, famed for its blush-inducing array of erotic carvings; the fearsome stone image of the six-armed Kala Bhairab; and the Taleju Temple, easily the most magnificent of the square's many temples - unfortunately, it's not open to the public.
Hanuman Dhoka (Old Royal Palace)
The palace was built during the Licchavi period, although most of it was constructed by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century. Marking the entrance is Hanuman's statue which commemorates his assistance to Rama during the epic battle with the king of Lanka.
Freak Street
Kathmandus most famous street from die hippy overland days of the 1960s and 70s runs south from Basantapur Square. Its real name is Jochne, but since the early '70s, it has been known as Freak Street. In its prime, die street's squalor and beauty was irresistible: the smell of sweet incense, children fluttering prayer wheels, cheap hotels, ad hoc restaurants, and shops selling enlightenment, epiphany -anything. Not surprisingly, it made an instant rapport with the dusty-haired freaks who gave the street its name.
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