On the first day of our Kathmandu adventure, we decided to book a private taxi, finding it to be both economical and convenient for exploring the city. Our first stop was Narayanhiti Durbar (Narayanhiti Palace), the former residence of Nepal's monarchs, which was converted into a museum in 2008. With an entry fee of 500 Nepali Rupees for locals and 1000 for foreign nationals, the palace offers a window into Nepal’s royal past. The Crown Palace is steeped in the tragic history of the Nepalese Royal Massacre of 2001, in which Crown Prince Dipendra fatally shot nine members of the royal family, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, before taking his own life. The somber atmosphere inside the palace is palpable, though photography is strictly prohibited. It is believed that the then Crown Prince Dipendra wanted to marry Devyani Rana whom the King and Queen opposed due to Devyani not being of royal blood. On June 1st, 2001, Crown Prince Dipendra opened fire at a party being held at his residence. He shot and killed his father, King Birendra, his mother, Queen Aishwarya, and seven other members of the royal family including his younger brother and sister before shooting himself in the head. The tour of the entire palace and the property takes about 1-2 hours approximately.
Next, we visited the Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the only Shiva Temple in the world that has the shivling with five heads of Lord Shiva. The temple, located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, not only holds religious significance but also serves as a reminder of life's impermanence with cremation ceremonies held on the adjacent ghats. Every full moon (Purnima), the temple witnesses the Panch Bali animal sacrifice to honor the deity, which involves chicken, duck, goat, sheep, and buffalo. Tourists and locals are allowed to witness the sacrifice. .
From there, we headed to the Budhanilkantha Temple, famous for its massive reclining statue of Lord Vishnu floating on water. This site is significant to both Hindus and Buddhists and symbolizes the deep connection between the two religions in Nepal. Budhanilkantha has a Sanskrit origin that means ‘Old Blue Throat’, a title of Lord Shiva that was given by Gods after the Lord drank poison to save the world. This statue is highly significant to Buddhist devotees because it features a Buddha on its forehead. The water surrounding Lord Vishnu is believed to have healing powers for those suffering with wounds.
We then visited the Swayambhunath Stupa, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, commonly known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient Buddhist stupa sits on a hilltop, offering sweeping views of Kathmandu. The blend of Buddhism and Hinduism is evident in its architecture, and the temple is adorned with the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha.
Our exploration continued to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a site showcasing the architectural grandeur of the Malla Kings. Known for its intricate woodwork and statues, this square was once the coronation site for Nepalese monarchs and is now a lively hub of cultural ceremonies. It is also home to the living Goddess Kumari, a young girl revered as a deity representing the deity Taleju.
As evening approached, we explored Thamel, the bustling heart of Kathmandu’s nightlife, filled with a maze of restaurants, bars, and cafes. A visit to L.O.D. (Lord of the Drinks) is highly recommended for a vibrant evening out.
The next morning, we started our day at Doleshwor Mahadeva Temple in Suryabinayak, also known as the Kedarnath of Nepal. It is believed that Lord Mahadeva’s head is worshipped here, while his feet are venerated in Kedarnath, Uttarakhand, India, making it an essential stop for those completing the pilgrimage. It is a common belief that your pilgrimage is only considered complete if you visit this temple along with visiting the Pashupatinath Temple.
From there, we marveled at the towering Kailashnath Mahadev Statue in Sanga, standing 143 feet high, making it the second tallest Shiva statue in the world. In front of the statue are 12 Shiva lingams representing Lord Shiva's role as a creator and God of fertility. The temple complex offers stunning valley views and hiking trails, combining spirituality with nature.
Our next stop was the Nagarkot Viewpoint, renowned for its 360-degree views of the Himalayas. The best time to experience the majestic skyline is in November, but the scenery was still breathtaking, with serene views of the surrounding mountains.
From Nagarkot we headed to the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its medieval palaces, courtyards, and temples. This site is a popular filming location for Bollywood movies and a stunning reflection of the Malla dynasty’s architectural genius. While in Bhaktapur, a visit to Dattatreya Temple and the Pottery Street is a must.
Our next stop was Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist monuments in the world. Its towering white dome and the painted eyes of Buddha are a symbol of Nepal's rich Buddhist heritage. The surrounding area is filled with monasteries, cafes, and shops, making it a vibrant cultural hub.
We wrapped up our two-day tour with a visit to Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square, with its grand palaces and intricately carved wooden windows, reflects Nepal's extraordinary craftsmanship and spiritual depth.
Throughout our journey, we enjoyed local Thakali cuisine, a must-try for anyone visiting Nepal. While we were amazed by the sheer number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites concentrated in Kathmandu, we couldn't help but notice the poor cleanliness and deteriorating infrastructure at many of these sites. With better upkeep, Nepal could attract even more tourists to its stunning historical and cultural landmarks.
In just two days, we immersed ourselves in the spiritual, historical, and natural wonders of Kathmandu and its neighboring towns. Nepal’s blend of culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes makes it a destination that will leave a lasting impression.
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