Sun Koshi

Pokhara

Mahendra Cave

Pokhara

Pokhara   Nestled in the southern lap of fishtailed (Machhapuchhre), it isn\'t surprising that Pokhara has come to known as a small piece of paradise with beautiful lakes and dark caves. Pokhara is district head quarter of Kaski district at a distance of 200 kilometers from Kathmandu. The natural beauty of  Pokhara in mid western Nepal is simply bewitching. Forming the backdrop are the spectacular Annapurna mountains with the magnificent fish tailed (Machhapuchhre) dominating the scene. Adding to Pokhara an enchantment are the three serene lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. Other places of interest include the World Peace Stupa atop a hill that provides stunning views of the surrounding, the deep Seti Gorge below which spreads the Green Canyon and David\'s Fall, a ewe-inspiring waterfall that disappears into an underground passage. Situated at an altitude of 827 meters from the sea level, the city is known as the center of adventure. This enchanting city offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, five peaks Annapurna Himalayas and others. So today, the city hasn\'t only become the starting point for most popular trekking and rafting destination but also as a place to relax enjoy the beauty of nature.   

CHANGU NARAYAN

Changu Narayan Temple

Located on a magnificent hill top commanding a fantastic view of Kathmandu valley, changu Narayan --the temple of Lord Vishnu- lies 6 km north of Bhaktapur . The temple is full of magnificent art works in metel and wood. In  fact, it is  one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture.The first calligraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple premises during the region of the Licchvi king Mandeva dating back to 464 A.D. shows that Changu had already been established as a scared site in the third century A.D.. The present structure was probably constructed in the 17th century, though older elements have been incorporated during the restorations. The pagoda style temple has several masterpieces of 5th and 12th century Nepalese art.
some of the important sculptures here are :
1. Vishwo Roop-Lord Vishnu in his all pervasive universal form Vishwo Roop represented in a serpent bed-the-symbol of the endless water. This sculpture dates back to 8th century A.D.
2.Vishnu Vikaranta-Lord Vishnu in his most powerful form measuring the space by his feet. The stone has-relief image is dated back to8th century A.D.
3.Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda-the mythical man bird.
4Nr-singa Vishnu in his half human and half lion's form.
      The myth behind the conception of the Changu Narayana Temple portrays the religious significance and importance of th place. According to a legend,Lord Vishnu beheaded a Brahmin thinking it to be a demon and only discovered it later that he had committed a heinous crime. He then wondered on the hill at Changu. There he lived in anonymity, surviving on milk stolen form a cow belonging to a hermit sage called Sudharshan. When Sudharshan noticed about the stolen milk, he attacked and beheaded Lord Vishnu which freed Lord Vishnu from his sins Ever since that day, the site has been held sacred and temple has been revered.

THE MOST DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES ON EARTH

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Nepal is a blend of anceint history,  vibrant cultures and scenic grandeur. Locke ted between China and India. Nepal’s    main Geographical features, include  snow-capped peaks, lower mountains, mid hills and fertile Terai plains of tropical jungles Nearly one third of the total length of the Himalayas and 8 of the world’s 14 highest peaks are in Nepal. The landlocked country covers an area 147,181 sq. kilometers ranging from 7 0 meters to the highest point at 8,848 meters above  sea level. Nepal’s popularity as a tourist destination has increased vastly over the years. While trtekking  and  mounteering have long been popular, an entire range of other activities are carried out. With the variety of advantures options, the country is a favorite among adventure lovers.

                                                                                                                                

BOATING

    From glacier-fed lakes up north to where rivers ease into the Terai plains, there are numerous lakes in Nepal where tourists can experience the pleasures of boating. With famous lakes like Phewa, Begnas and Rupa, Pokhara is known as the lake city and a popular place to go boating.
In the Terai, one can go canoeing on Narayani or Rapti rivers near Chitwan National Park. Boat and canoes can be rented from local dealo\ers on hourly basis from nearby areas. Pokhara and Chitwan are accessible both by air and road from Kathmandu. A wide veraity of accomodation and other facilities are easily available in both the places. 

TREKKING

Trekking is the highlight of a visit to Nepal. The range of geographical features, verity of vegetation and rich Himalayan culture award trekkers with unique trekking experience. Thousands of visitors trek to different part of Nepal every year to experience the charm of nature and culture. most treks go through altitude between 1,000 to 4,000 meters, while some popular parts reach over 5,000 meters.

 Protected regions along the Himalayas like shey-phoksundo, Lantang, Sagarmatha, Makalu-Barun, Rara, Kanchunga and Sivapuri national parks, and Annapurna and Manaslu conservation areas provde excellent trekking options. For group trekkers arrangement for food and accommodation are managed by the trekking crew,while independent trekkers can  find night rest and food halt at small lodges and tea houses that dot the main trails.

WORLD HERITAGE SITES OF NEPAL

There are four UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Nepal. Of these four WHS, two are in the cultural category and two WHS fall in the natural category.
In the cultural category, the seven monuments of the Kathmandu valley and Lumbini-- the birthplace of Lord Budda -are include whereas the other two WHS in the natural grouping are the Chitwan National Park and Sagarmatha national park. The Kathmandu Valley WHS comprises of three historical places of Kathmandu Durbar square,Patan Durbar Square, two Buddhists stupas-- Swayambhu and Baudanath, and two Hindu temples Pasupati and Changunarayan. The denset concentration of these heritages sites can be found here owing to the cultural and political importance of Kathmandu valley. All these has been a series of contributions and renovations in the form of construction of temples, stupas and palaces over the centuries by different rulers and kings. The WHS of Nepal are an expression of the finest sensibility of the history and lifestyle of Nepal and are a legacy of the Nepalese people to human civilization.

Shopping and Souvenirs

            The handicrafts of Nepal are popular throughout the world for their superior quality, splendid workmanship and artistic excellence.

            The receptivity and creativity of any given culture manifests itself through an assortment of expressions in the form of art, craft, painting ,belief , rituals, dance and household items. Handicrafts not only carry finest sensibility  and artistic expression but also cultural conscience about the historical and religious significance of the place.

            It may be out of sheer love for the culture and lifestyle of an alien social milieu , or out of pride to mark the occasion of having visited a particular place,or simply to keep the reminiscence burning, souvenirs retained as memento play a crucial role in the travel habit of people round the world.