7 Days NEPAL

At the foot of the huge peaks of the Himalayas is Pokhara and it is from here that we begin our journey through Nepal. In the past, Pokhara was an important trading link between India and Tibet but the trading of salt and wool came to an end after Tibet closed its doors to the outside world. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal, a country of snow-covered mountains inhabited by the gods. Kumari Chowk is the residence of the living goddess, Kumari, who is duly selected from childhood. She is not allowed to leave until puberty as her task is it affirm the king his power. Traditional ceremonies are celebrated throughout the year such as the Festival Of The Children that is a symbol of fertility and sexual purity. Patan is Nepal's second largest city and has retained much of its original character due toits three hundred monasteries and temples. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu Valley and during the 15th century was the capital of one of three kingdoms. Bhaktapur is the third ancient regal city of the thirty kilometre long Kathmandu Valley that has always been a prosperous trading route between China, Tibet and India. Through the golden gate of Sundhoka is the old royal palace complex. The Torana above the gate is richly gilded and features the ten-armed goddess, Taleju, and her loyal guards. Located on a 1,400 metre high hill, Swayanbunath is a Buddhist monastery complex and one of the most interesting sights in Nepal. The country's oldest stupa dates back to the 5th century and is entered from an easterly direction up a staircase that contains three hundred and sixty-five steps. Endless rows of prayer mills and religious images are the instruments of the people's deep faith. Hidden in a canyon and located on top of a mountain creek, Dakshinkali stands guard over the valley. This wonderful place is dedicated to the bloody goddess, Kali. The customs of the people in the 'Kingdom On The Roof Of The World' may seem somewhat strange. But this land of jungle and eternal snow has developed according to its own rich traditions and beliefs. Like magic!

Global Treasures SWAYAMBHUNATH Nepal

On top of a hill above the town of Patan is one of the most important and fascinating Buddhist settlements in Nepal, Swayambhunath. Numerous legends exist with regard to the construction of this sanctuary, the oldest written record of it discovered so far being one that dates back to the 5th century.

Today it is accepted that most of the present construction of Swayambhunath was ordered by a king in the 17th century. In the course of time the monument was rebuilt several times as the upper part of the Stupa was frequently damaged by storm and earthquake. Today, galleries of prayer wheels surround the sanctuary and while the faithful walk around the Stupa they move the prayer mills in order to augment their prayers.

Under the rule of Pratapa Malla it was not only numerous impressive buildings and religious works of art that were created as history records that the king was an instigator of many strange traditions and cults. In addition to the shrines that are dedicated to the four points of the compass, Pratapa Malla also ordered the construction of a subterranean building, 'The Hidden City'.

The impressive Stupa of Swayambhunath sits high above the throngs below with timeless, peaceful and powerful grace like the eyes of a Buddha who sees all!

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Global Treasures PANAUTI Nepal

The dreamy Nepalese town of Panauti is located around thirty kilometres south east of Kathmandu and unlike other nearby villages and towns its original atmosphere has managed to survive the rigours of time.

This traditional Newar settlement has a particularly rural character and a variety of farm products are offered for sale throughout the town.

Panauti boasts a large number of fascinating temples and in the centre of its temple complex is the fifteenth century Indreshvara Temple.

Panauti's deep religious significance is closely associated with its unique geographical location and two rivers. According to traditional Nepalese Hindu belief the confluence of the two rivers has always been considered to be a sacred place.

Panauti's sanctuaries and temples have had a remarkable influence on this fascinating Nepalese town and for several centuries they have enriched this otherwise modest and humble Newar settlement.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Nature Parks ROYAL CHITWAN PARK Nepal

Nature Parks ROYAL CHITWAN PARK Nepal

On the Indian border in the south of Nepal is the country's oldest animal reserve, the Royal Chitwan Park. Along with the extremely rare Indian rhinoceros around four hundred animals live within the confines of this fascinating nature reserve.

One of the park's fertile valleys is crossed by the rivers Rapti, Reu and Narayani. Due to the monsoons the rivers frequently change course and constantly transform the appearance of the landscape. The rivers are home to a large assortment of fish. Even the rare Ganges Dolphin that is threatened by extinction has found sanctuary in their waters. An area of 932 km² is encircled by the impressive profile of the mighty and majestic Himalayan Mountains and in 1973 the Royal Chitwan was officially designated as a national park. Today it is one of the country's most important tourist destinations.

More than seventy per cent of the park is covered by forests of Sal trees, the remainder being divided between river valley woodland and tall elephant grass. With its 800 metre high hills, the park accommodates more than forty species of mammals, around five hundred and fifty varieties of birds and seventy species of butterflies. The subtropical climate also supports the growth of numerous exotic plants, the magnificent blossoms of which are often obscured by dense undergrowth. The name 'Chitwan' means 'Heart Of The Jungle', a name that could not better describe the large variety of fauna and flora to be found in the park.

A slow drive on bumpy, natural roads travels past the tall trees of the jungle. From the top of the trees there is the screaming of monkeys as well as a confusing cacophony of birdcall. The park is a paradise for birds and among the four hundred and fifty species that live here there are rare hornbills, cranes, peacocks and birds of prey such as falcons, hawks and white-tailed eagles.

The Royal Chitwan was once the hunting ground of kings and noblemen. Today it is the most treasured nature reserve in Asia and a final refuge for numerous animals threatened by extinction.

Kathmandu Valley Nepal

GTR-DVD-1026 - Rising to a height of 1,300 metres, Kathmandu Valley lies at the foot of the Himalayas in the centre of the kingdom of Nepal, a city of temples and gods that was founded in the 10th century by King Gunakamadeva.

For those of the Hindu faith, the temple area of Pashupatinath is the most holy place in Nepal and is an ancient place of worship for the god, Shiva.

Established in the 12th century, Bhaktapur, the City Of The Devoted, was until the end of the 15th century the capital of Kathmandu Valley.

Located on a hill 3 kilometres to the west of Kathmandu is the valleys main landmark, the Holy Stupa of Swayambhunath.This large temple complex with its famous eyes serves as a reminder that due to the fact that Buddha was born in this country 2, 500 years ago, Nepal is the true centre of Buddhism.

Changu Narayan is the oldest sanctuary in Kathmandu Valley and is dedicated to the god Vishnu.It has been designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.The location of this holy sanctuary is ideal as its temple area is situated on the summit of a mountain ridge that provides an excellent view of the entire valley.

Kathmandu Valley is Nepals treasure house, along with all of its wonderful medieval Himalayan art and culture.

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Vista Point BHAKTAPUR Nepal

BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur, also known as 'the city of the pious' is the third of the ancient royal cities in the thirty kilometre long Kathmandu Valley in the Kingdom of Nepal and also a Unesco World Heritage Sight.

On both sides of Durbar Square are many precious art treasures but the city is also fully-functional and a 'car free' open air museum! The medieval city derived from a fortress complex and was later transformed into a palace area. At the western end of Durbar Square is Dvarikanath Mandir, a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu.

Today a huge pair of lions flank the entrance to the National Art Gallery and there are images of Hanuman and Narasimha.

Vatsala Devi Mandir is a temple with a square, three-tiered base. This sacred building has a corridor set around a central Shikhara tower and its stairway is flanked by elephants and two fantastic horses.

The number of the city's small temples, shrines and dwellings of the gods is many and complex and they can be found at each crossroads and in every courtyard and doorway.

Bhaktapur has also been immortalized in the movie, Little Buddha.

For those interested in culture the Kingdom of Nepal is a dream destination and Bhaktapur is a truly atmospheric journey into a rich and golden past.

Global Treasures CHANGU NARAYAN Nepal

The Changu Narayan Temple is located around five kilometres north of Bhaktapur in Nepal. The sanctuary is situated on a one thousand four hundred and fifty metre high mountain and is one of seven cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley. The journey to the Hindu temple complex travels up several steps and through a small picturesque Nepalese village of Narayán.

The origins of this Hindu temple date back to the fourth century A.D. and a stone inscription on a garuda column indicates the remarkable age of this cult site.

The sanctuary and main temple are dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu, who appears as Narayana, the Creator of a New Age.

In recent years the temple has become increasingly tranquil as the number of pilgrims is declining and they are gradually being replaced by tourists.

Today Changu Narayan is a kind of sleeping beauty that awaits the moment when both the temple and village will awake once more.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Global Treasures BHAKTAPUR Bhadgaon Khwopa Nepal

Around fifteen kilometres east of Kathmandu is Bhaktapur, the smallest yet most beautiful of the three Newar cities.

The famous and historic palace district features several artistically decorated shrines and temples and each day Durbar Square is full of local people as well as visitors from all over the world.

It is believed that the religious heart of the Durbar area was founded in the 15th century. Entry to the sacred temple is restricted to those of the Hindu faith. Over the centuries further buildings were added around the legendary main temple of the royal palace that surrounds Durbar Square. With the construction of the first citadel, in 1453 King Yaksha Malla laid the foundations of a new and important dynasty in Nepal.

But the magic of Bhaktapur does not only lie within its architecture but also in its unique mediaeval atmosphere, an atmosphere frozen by time itself.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Global Treasures Kathmandu Valley Nepal

Rising to a height of 1,300 metres, Kathmandu Valley lies at the foot of the Himalayas in the centre of the kingdom of Nepal, a city of temples and gods that was founded in the 10th century by King Gunakamadeva.

For those of the Hindu faith, the temple area of Pashupatinath is the most holy place in Nepal and is an ancient place of worship for the god, Shiva.

Established in the 12th century, Bhaktapur, the "City Of The Devoted", was until the end of the 15th century the capital of Kathmandu Valley.

Located on a hill 3 kilometres to the west of Kathmandu is the valley's main landmark, the Holy Stupa of Swayambhunath. This large temple complex with its famous eyes serves as a reminder that due to the fact that Buddha was born in this country 2,500 years ago, Nepal is the true centre of Buddhism.

Changu Narayan is the oldest sanctuary in Kathmandu Valley and is dedicated to the god Vishnu. It has been designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The location of this holy sanctuary is ideal as its temple area is situated on the summit of a mountain ridge that provides an excellent view of the entire valley.

Kathmandu Valley is Nepal's treasure house, along with all of its wonderful medieval Himalayan art and culture.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.

Global Treasures PATAN Nepal

The wonderful temple roofs in the centre of the Nepalese town of Patan dominate the surroundings and it is believed to be one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu Valley. More than a hundred and fifty former monasteries highlight the mainly Buddhist character of this intriguing and fascinating town.

There are more than fifty great pagoda temples to be found in the three square kilometre area of the old town and the Kumbeshwara Temple is the most important Shiva sanctuary in Patan.

Many of the sacred monuments in Durbar Square were the result of extensive building work during the powerful religious dynasty of the Malla sovereigns.

The vast concentration of numerous monuments, temples and images that are full of religious symbolism add up to being an overwhelming experience for all who visit here for the first time.

Global Treasures - History's Most Protected Monuments - Heritage is our legacy from the past, what we live today, and what we pass on to future generations. our cultural and natural heritage are both irreplaceable sources of life and inspiration. Places as unique and diverse as the wilds of East Africa's Serengeti, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia and the Baroque cathedrals of Latin America make up our world's heritage. Join us as we explore one of these protected monuments.