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City Breaks |
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Guide > Activity
Guide > Recreation
> City Breaks |
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| Kathmandu |
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HIGHLIGHTS
Durbar Square
Seat of the ancient Malla Kings, this is a complex of palaces,
courtyards and temples built between the 12th and 18th centuries.
The Durbar Square is protected as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Swayambhu Stupa
Another world heritage site, this magnificent stupa is one of
the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.
Balaju Balaju
Also known as Lhuti, Balaju is known for its bank of 22 stone
water spouts carved in the shape of sea-dragons. Balaju is a
sprawling garden of stone waterspouts, religious shrines, fish
ponds and a replica of the statue of Buddhanilkantha.
Budhanilkantha
The main feature of this temple complex is the gigantic stone
figure of Lord Vishnu reclining on the coils of a cosmic serpent
in a pond. The Buddhanilkantha is about 9 km from the city centre.
Boudhanath Stupa
Looming 36 metres high, this is one of the most fascinating
specimens of stupa design. There are more than 45 Buddhist monasteries
in this area. This is also a world heritage site.
Pashupatinath
Temple
One of the most sacred Hindu temples in the world, Pashupatinath
lies just 5 km east of the city centre. This famous temple of
Lord Shiva is said to have existed since before 400 AD. This
is yet another world heritage site.
Changu Narayan Temple
Dedicated to the Hindu God, Vishnu, this temple is one
of the finest and oldest specimen of pagoda architecture. This
sacred complex is also a world heritage site.
Kirtipur
The main sights at this ancient township are the Chilamchu stupa
and the temple of Bagh Bhairav. Kirtipur paints a pretty picture
of the quaint streets lined with artistic houses and temple
squares.
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| Patan |
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HIGHLIGHTS
Durbar Square
Similar to its counterpart in Kathmandu, this world heritage
site is the former royal palace complex. A remarkable monument
here is the 17th century Krishna temple built entirely of stone.
Iba Bahi
One of Nepal's oldest Buddhist monastery.
Kwa Bahal
This Buddhist monastery courtyard dating back to the 12th
century is also known as the Golden Temple.
Mahabouddha
This 14th century Buddhist monument is an excellent example
of terra cotta art form.
Oku Bahal
One of the best known Buddhist places of worship in Patan.
The Central Zoo
A pleasant diversion, the zoo is home to about 106 bird species
and over 65 different animals.
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| Bhaktapur |
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HIGHLIGHTS
Durbar
Square
Splendid art and architecture overwhelm you as soon as you enter
this square. Note especially the 15th century palace of 55 windows
and the Golden Gate - a masterpiece in repousse work.
Taumadi
Square
A towering five-roofed Nyatapola temple presides over the square.
The staircase leading up to the temple is flanked by stone figures
of deities and beasts.
Dattatreya
Square
Set in a maze of streets lined with richly ornamented houses,
the square gets its name from the Dattatreya temple dedicated
to Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Potter's Square
This is where the potters of Bhaktapur are concentrated, which
is why you will always find a display of fresh pottery left
out to dry in the open square.
Siddha
Pukhu
A serene pond which is said to date back to the Lichhavi Period.
Surya Binayak
One of Kathmandu's most popular pilgrimage spots, the temple
is dedicated to Lord Ganesh.
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| Suggested
Half Day Itineraries |
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The following
combinations make for a pleasant half-day of sight seeing. However
you can always come up with your own combinations depending
upon the time in hand.
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Kathmandu
Durbar Square and Swayambhunath |
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Kathmandu
and Patan Durbar Squares |
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Kathmandu
Durbar Square and Pashupatinath |
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Pashupatinath,
Boudhanath and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. |
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Pashupatinath,
Boudhanath, Changu Narayan |
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Balaju
and Budhanilkantha |
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