Cultural & Heritage Sites: Outside Kathmandu Valley

Kakani:
This hilltop village is a viewpoint to the northwest of Kathmandu, on the rim of the valley along the Trisuli road. This place is less crowded and provides excellent mountain views of Ganesh Himal, Himalchuli and the Gosainkunda ridge. It is the best hill resort for nature-lovers and can see blossoming of beautiful oaks and rhododendrons on the south slope leading down to Balaju. For anyone wishing to truly get away from the distractions of urban life, it is a perfect retreat.

Dhulikhel:
Situated at about 30 miles covered in 45 minute drive to the east of Kathmandu on the Arniko highway, lies a small town of Dhulikhel. Nestled in the laps of Himalayas, the place offers a breathtaking view of the northeastern part of the mountains. Dhulikhel at a height of 1550m is host to some beautiful buildings. The local people living there are called Newars. Built in Victorian style, the four to five storied brick mansions in the town are an architectural delight and accommodate close traditional Newar settlement.

Bandipur:
Located on a 1,000 m ridge approximately 140 km from Kathmandu, Bandipur’s hallmark is its beautiful scenery. At the eastern part of the town there exists the pagoda-roofed Bindabasini temple which houses goddess Durga, Bandipur’s guardian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorn the temple are replicas of those found in the many old pagoda structures of the Kathmandu Valley. The other important temples and shrines in the vicinity include the Mahalaxmi temple with its exquisite woodwork and the Khadga Devi temple which comes alive once a year during the Dashain festival.

Pokhara:
It is naturally beautiful town nestled in a tranquil valley known for a transit- point for many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and rafting destinations of the Annapurna region. Its natural ambience which allows visitors to enjoy lakeside scenery and breathtaking views of towering Machhapurchre (Fish Tail) Peak (6993m), has transformed Pokhara into a living paradise of the planet. The town is 200 km away from Kathmandu.

Sarangkot:
Sarangkot is located to the north of the Pokhara Valley. The area carries historical significance, and its name is derived from the Magar language. Most people prefer to walk up the gentle slopes, enjoying the mountain views and, as one reaches higher, the views of the lake and township are especially spectacular from here. The hilltop is also accessible by road, a barely 25-minute drive. Sarangkot is a popular take-off point for paragliders.

Chitwan:
Chitwan, popularly inter-related with one of the most attractive national parks located at southern terai region of Nepal is a home to wide varieties of wildlife offering visitors from across the world an opportunity to observe beautiful flora and fauna. Here one can see very rare endangered animals like one-horned rhinos, sloth bear, wild boar, leopard, crocodile and more than 500 different types of birds. Elephant rides, Jeep tours, canoe trips and just plain walks each give a different slant on the luxuriant, teeming forests.

Muktinath:
It is situated in north- central Nepal on the northern arc of the Annapurna circuit trekking trail. It takes 6 hrs walk from Jomsom (2,713m) to reach the main shrine of Muktinath. The temple is built in Pagoda-shaped and dedicated to Lord Bishnu. Set into the wall around the temple are 108 water spouts from which pour out holy water. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas spewing out of the ground.

Lumbini:
Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha lies in the South-Western Terai region of Nepal. Lumbini and its surrounding areas are endowed with a rich natural setting of fauna and favorable agricultural environs. Historically, the place is an exquisite treasure-trove of ancient ruins and antiquities, dating back to pre-Christian era. The site, described as a beautiful garden in the Buddha's time still retains its legendary charm and beauty.