Day 2 : Full Day Kathmandu Valley City Tour:
The city of temples, Kathmandu have several places where we can experience spirituality and culture. Some of the main places where we must visit are:
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath known as Mahadeva located amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, as entrance into the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March.
Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, situated 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu city, is one of the biggest stupas in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. It is built on multi-gonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is encircled by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2500 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the most popular tourist destinations as enlisted in World Heritage Sites. Clustered around the central Durbar Square is the old Royal Palace (Hanuman Dhoka), numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (House of Wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name. Kumari tradition is one of the most famous and traditional cultures in Nepal which gives the space for the young girls to be revered as living goddess. Chosen in her very young age, she needs to meet some physical as well as psychological criteria designed by the priests. She is kept in Kumari house as the goddess till her puberty and then she gets retired.
Apart from Kumari, An exquisite exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and architecture of Nepal. We can see ancient royal palace courtyards embellished with beautiful wooden carvings and the temples with erotic scenes.