Sightseeing IN NEPAL

Sightseeing IN NEPAL
(www.travelntourisum.blogspot.com)

For over forty years, Nepal has been an extremely fascinating destination for travelers, scholars, and researchers. For those interested in culture, the Kathmandu valley, is endowed with seven World Heritage sites. This valley was divided into three kingdoms less than a century ago. It now contains countless architectural monuments, and vestiges of varied cultural and religious traditions.
In other chapters we explain about the adventure Nepal provides, here we detail some of the more popular gentle sides of a holiday in our Kingdom including the Kathmandu Valley itself and other major settlements of interest in Nepal.



The Kathmandu Valley:

This verdant valley was once a huge lake, legend dictates that in the middle of the lake was a brilliant flame emanating from a Lotus flower. People would come from miles around to wonder and worship the flame. A Chinese disciple Bodhisattva Manjushree, wishing to worship the flame more closely sliced a portion of the hills with his sword draining its waters and thus the fertile Kathmandu valley was created.

Chovar gorge where the valley waters drain today remains the focus of the legend. In the years since, the Kathmandu valley has seen many dynasties and empires come and go, each leaving their own mark on the valley's mystique.

The valley today incorporates three major settlements, all have their own distinctive character with outstanding temples, works of art and architecture and a varied calendar of feasts and festivals, their roots in being capital cities of the valleys three principality's in times gone by. Between them they boast the highest density of World Heritage Sites to be found anywhere in the World, seven in total. There are many other fascinating settlements in the valley offering their own reasons for being there.


Kathmandu

The Capital and home to Nepal's only International Airport is a buzzing vibrant place, although like so many capital cities in the developing world it begins to show signs of congestion over the past few years, this hardly detracts from its mystery and celebration of life. So much history interwoven and sitting strangely in harmony with the modern Kathmandu. Ancient temples in a medieval atmosphere sit side by side with Internet cafes. Old blends with new ways. Welcome to Kathmandu.


Patan

Patan (The city of beauty) is situated on the southern bank of the holy river Bagamti (a tributary of the Ganges) some five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Nowadays, it has virtually become part of sub metropolitan Kathmandu. The city is famed for its wealth of Buddhist and Hindu temples with an abundance of fine bronze gateways and wonderful carvings. Patan is known for its expert craftsmen and metal workers.




Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur is situated 14 km east of Kathmandu and is the least developed of the three cities in the valley. Translated Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. The most laid back of the three valley towns its narrow brick paved streets harbor hidden shrines and statues around every corner. It is quite easy to spend a whole day here relaxing and taking in an almost surreal atmosphere. Bhaktapur is famed for its woodcarvings, pottery and cloth weaving. Many of Bhaktapur's practices have changed little over the centuries.

Attractions in Valley include :-

• River sandals like Teas or Alps are the preferred footwear on the river. It is essential that all rafters have footwear that they can wear in the raft, which will not come off in the event of a swim, as this is considered standard safety equipment. Old running shoes will also do.
• Shorts or swimming costume.
• A sarong for women (a long piece of cloth wrapped around your waist) is another good option, and can be purchased cheaply in Nepal. This is invaluable for visiting villages and respecting local custom for dress.
• A baseball style cap and good sunglass is absolutely essential. Sunglasses should be equipped with a retaining device to keep them on your face where they belong.
• Sunscreen (spf 15 or greater and waterproof) is essential DON'T FORGET LIP BALM, SPF 15 MINIMUM!

FOR TREKKING ( Karnali, Marsyangdi and Tamur Expeditions )

• A day pack for the trek to the river.
• Long sleeved thermals top and bottom (long underwear).
• Light and medium weight weaves are the handiest.
• Walking shoes or lightweight hiking boots are a must. People who are used to walking long distances over uneven terrain will do fine with light hiking shoes or even running shoes. Some of the guides will do the trip in Teas, but if you saw their feet, you'd opt for better footwear. Heavy mountaineering boots are more of a burden than a blessing.
• Toilet paper and a lighter- nice to have a spare.
• Optional Items
• Small binocularsfor wildlife viewing in the national parks.
• Camera and film. Also bring a good cleaning kit, as field conditions are harsher than in towns. Spare batteries are also handy.
• Fishing equipment.
• Walk/Discman and tunes.
• Reading and writing material.
• Personal first aid kit.
Perhaps the most important thing you can bring is a good mental attitude.