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 Bhaktapur CIty Tour
Bhaktapur is also known as "the city of Devotees". It is located 14 km east of the capital. The ancient city covers an area of four square miles, which still retains its medieval charms and treats its visitors with many wonders of historical, cultural and artistic achievements. The historic city was the capital of Kathmandu Valley between the 14th and 16th centuries. Much of the town's great architecture dates from the end of the 17th century during the rule of King Bhupatindra Malla before the valley was divided into three smaller kingdoms (Bhaktapur, Patan and Kathmandu). The major tourist attractions of Bhaktapur are: Bhaktapur Durbar Square (a world heritage site), Taumadhi Square, Nyatapola Temple, Dattatraya Square and Pottery Square. You can still notice the past glory of the Malla rulers at the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Dattatraya Temple is said to have been built from the trunk of a single tree in 1427AD, during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla.
The valley is full of historic, artistic and cultural interest with the peaks of majestic Himalaya visible from several parts. There are numerous ancient golden pagoda temples and shrines throughout the valley with many inspiring Hindu and Buddhist dieties. Here you can find four out of the total ten world heritage sites in Nepal, which are Pashupatinath temple (one of the most sacred hindu temples in the world), Kathmandu Durbar Square and two of the most sacred Buddhist monastries in the world: Swyambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa (one of the biggest in Asia). The city is the most advanced one in Nepal, and is full of comforts and delights. With better medical services and cheaper transportations, you can also find luxury hotels, bars, restaurants, casinos and shopping sites in the capital. Shopping here is an enjoyable experience for those who like unusual antique souvenirs, including bronze casting and metal work, thanka paintings, hand made rugs, wooden crafts, Nepali paper (Lokta, Khosta and rice) prints, crafts and readymade garments.
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a) Changunarayan Temple (A world heritage site)
 Changu Narayan is a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as Narayan. It is one of the oldest temples in Nepal, but because it is a bit off the beaten track, it is seldom visited by tourists. Originally built in the early 4th century during the Licchavi dynasty, Changu Narayan was rebuilt around 1700 after the temple was destroyed by a fire.All of the stone carvings in the temple courtyard were done between the 5th and 13th century, which makes this one of the single-greatest concentrations of ancient art in Nepal. Though the temple is quite beautiful, especially the repoussé doors and front facade, Changu Narayan is not known for its temple but for the stone statues, bas-relief carvings, and inscriptions that are scattered around the temple courtyard.
At the bottom of the stone, Vishnu is shown reclining on a bed of snakes, the same pose that is depicted in the large statue of Budhanilkantha. Above this, a 10-headed standing Vishnu is depicted. The detail in this 5th- or 6th-century stone carving is amazing.
Near the famous double Vishnu is a stone depicting another incarnation of Vishnu, the half-man, half-lion Narsimha. In the northeast corner of the courtyard is an important bas-relief that you might recognize. It depicts Vishnu riding on the back of Garuda and is the model for the image on the back of the Nepali 10-rupee note.
Nagarkot
 Nagarkot, located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, is one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalaya when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has acquired famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round. Many visitors prefer to visit Nagarkot in the spring when surrounding valleys break out in a rich kaleidoscope of different colored flowers. The flowers are beautiful against the serene backdrop of the snow covered mountains. Ever popular among the tourists are the short treks and picnics which Nagarkot offers. Treks from Nagarkot are unique and delightful. For anyone who wants to have an adventure without exerting much effort, a hike to Nagarkot surrounding areas would be a good option. One can traverse short distances on trekking trails and come close to nature's wonders such as verdant forests, flower covered meadows and unusual rock formations. |
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