Essence of Nepal Tour(06 Days)

Publisher Splendid Holidays

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of old city Kathmandu in Basantapur. This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries. The founding of the Royal Palace dates back to Licchavi times with considerable renovations by Malla rulers. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. The Durbar Square, protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. The Royal complex was residence to Nepal's Royal family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Royal Palace. There are around 50 temples in the vicinity including the temple of Royal titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. The Durbar is divided into two courtyards, the outer comprising Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temple, and the inner consisting of Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace. It also houses two museums. Important ceremonies, including the coronation of the Nepali monarch are held in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. Most parts of the palace premise are open for tourists throughout the week during office. KASTHAMANDAP The source of the word Kathmandu is from this Temple. Supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree. It is placed in Hanumandhoka Palace area with its array of temples overlooked by the, the ancient palace of the Nepalese Royality. King Laxmi Narsingha Malla built this temple in the sixteenth century. PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. Although the Pashupatinath Temple was only built in the fifth century and later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium. A gold-plated roof, four silver doors, and woodcarvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda temple of Pashupatinath. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath. Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Behind the temple is the River Bagmati. On the banks of Bagmati are raised platforms used as cremation sites for Hindus. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Pashupatinath courtyard. It covers the area of 281 hectors. PATAN DURBAR SQUARE Patan Durbar Square complex, situated in the center of Patan city, houses the residence of the former Royal family of Patan. The Square and its surroundings provide very good example of ancient Newari architecture. The palace has three main courtyards the central and the oldest is Mul Chowk. To the west of the complex are a dozen free standing temples of various sizes and styles. Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple, the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna Mahavihar and Sundari Chowk mark the architectural excellence of its era. The Sundari Chowk with the sunken Royal bath of Tusha Hiti contains exquisite woodcarvings, stone, and metal sculpture. Patan Durbar Square also houses a temple of Taleju Bhawani.