PLACES TO VISIT OUTSIDE THE VALLEY:

There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley. The places are full of history and historical remains and are remarkable for their beauties. Most of the places can be easily reached from Kathmandu by road or by air.

Kakani is located 29 km north-west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1982 m above sea level and is famous for the magnificent view over Kathmandu Valley and the north-western Himalayas ranges against the vastness of the sky. The fabulous area of Kakani features attractions ranging from beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan Panorama particularly the Ganesh Himal massif. A close view of the other peak of Himalayas which can be seen from here are Gaurishanker (7134 in), Choba Bhamte (6016 in), Dorje

Lakpa, Manaslu (8163 in), Himalchuli (7893 in), Annapurna (8091 m) and the other several peaks. A majestic view of the sunset can also be seen from this place. A trip to Kakani along the beautiful highway of Trishuli Road, is scenically rewarding with green forest and mountains grandeur in one direction and fertile river flats and terraces cultivation on the other. This road begins from Balaju and terminates at Kaule from where the road bifurcates.

Dhulikhel is an ancient town located at 30 km east of Kathmandu along the Kathmandu - Kodari or Arniko Highway (way to Tibet) is famous for its scenic beauty and tradition - a lovely place. From this place, one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges of Annapurna range, Langtang, Choba Bhamre, Gaurishanker, Number Karyolung etc. From here one has a good view of the sunrise.

Panauti is wedged between the Punyamata and Roshi streams. Panauti forms the shape of a triangle with a serpent (naga) idol standing at each of its three corners to protect from floods. Pride of this place goes to the massive, three-tired Indreshwor Mahadev. Some authorities believe this to be the original structure that was raised here in 1294 AD, which would make it the oldest surviving Nepal. The shrine area at the sacred confluence called the Khware’, is one of those tranguil spots that can waylay a dreamer for hours. The large ‘battal’, a favorite hangout for the local pensioners, the collective range of fresco depicting scenes from Hindu and some Buddhist mythology. Vishnu in cosmic deep, Rama killing the ten-headed demon-king Ravana and even Krishna being chased up a tree by a pack of naked gopis (milkmaids). On the opposite back stands the recently restored 17th century Brahmayani Mandir.

Charikot, the headquarter of Dolkha District, is 133 km away from Kathmandu taking three and half hours driving. This Place provides a spectacular mountain view, the prominent being Gaurishanker. The town of Dolkha can be reached within one hour on foot from Charikot. Predominantly a Newar town, Dolkha was an entre pot between Tibet and Kathmandu Valley. In the eastern upper part of Dolkha township, there is a famous roofless temple of Dolkha Bhimsen. The temple is also known as the temple of Bhimeswor Mahadev.

Janakpur is the great religious place, famous as the birth place of Sita - the consort of Lord Rama and the heroine of great Hindu epic, the RAMAYAN. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (known as Janaki) which is popularly known as Naulakha Mandir (Means temple built at the cost of Nrs 900,000). Religious festivals, pilgrimages trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami~and Ram Navami. One can visit Janakpur by surface as well as by air, but, except, for small lodges standard accommodations are not available here. It is at least an overnight trip.

Barahachetra is a few kilometers away from the main city of Dharan, on the bank of the River Koshi. Barahachhetra the holy place of Hindu Pilgrimage lies at the confluence of two rivers the Sapta Koshi and Kokaha. It is the temp]e of Lord Baraha, the boar incarnation of the Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the 12th century. This place is accessible by surface and by air via Biratnagar. It will be two overnight trip. Standard hotels are available in Biratnagar, but not deluxe.

Gosain Kunda is one of the famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal, consisting a holy dip on the sacred lake situated at an altitude of 4360 m to the north-west of Helambu beyond a pass at 4602 m. The best entrance to Gosain Kunda is via Dhunche about 132 km north-east of Kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south, by higher landscape on the east and the west, this Kunda (Lake) is very picturesque. On the east and west of this Gosain Kunda there are other nine famous Kundas like Saraswati Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Soorya Kunda, Ganesh Kunda etc. A visit to this place can be done by a short trek of 2 nights/3 days from Dhunche and the best period to visit this place is in the month of July and August.

Gorkha is 132 km away from Kathmandu city and is situated on a bill overlooking the snowy peaks of the Himalaya. The Gorkha township is the headquarter of Gorkha district. This is the birth place of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal. As such, Gorkha is the ancestral home of the Shah Kings of Nepal. There is a beautiful palace known as Gorkha Durbar (Durbar means Palace). The Palace is said to be built by King Ram Shah. King Prithvi Narayan Shah began his campaign to unify the kingdom from this palace. There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the Palace. Gorkha Durbar is certainly one of the most outstanding examples on Nepalese architecture. Only Hindus are allowed inside the Temple of Gorakhnath from where the town derives its name. The world famous Gorkha soldiers come from this place. Gorkha can be reached in about four hours drive from Kathmandu and is about two hours from Pokhara. A side overnight hiking to Manakamana (The Goddess) from Gorkha or Abu Khairani will be very enjoyable and interesting. Accommodation at Manakamana will be only in tents. A trip to Gorkha is possible only by surface.

Muktinath is one of the most important places of pilgrimage for Hindus and is situated about 18 km north-west of Jomsom at an altitude of 3749 m. This famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang on a high mountain range. It is accessible only during the fair weather. During the Janai Purnima and Ram Navami festivals devotees gather there to pay homage to Lord Muktinath. There are two ways to approach this place: the first approach is by air from Kathmandu to Jomsom with overnight stay at Pokhara and from there around 4 to 5 hours walk to reach this place. The second alternative is to trek, all the way from Pokhara to Muktinath which takes about 15 to 16 days up and down both ways.

Tansen is a Himalayan town situated on the slopes of a bill called Shreenagar Danda at an altitude of 1371 m above sea level. It is the most popular summer resort of Western Nepal on account of its position and climate. It has perhaps Nepal’s most far stretching view of the Himalayas from Dahulagiri in the west to Gaurishanker in the north-east. From Shreenagar Danda one can have the view of sweeping Tinau river valley including Terai’s flatland to the south. The distance between Tansen and Pokhara is 123 km and is approximately 5 hours drive. If one is interested to trek to place like Ridi, Tamghas, Sandhikharka, Pyuthan, Dhorpatan, Swargadwari, Baglung and Beni it can be highly rewarding experience.

Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and compassion. It is 21 km west of Bhairahawa and 285 km south-west of Kathmandu. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist as well as place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith throughout the world. In Lumbini the central attraction is the sacred garden with Maya Devi temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha, Ashokan Pillar pinpointing the birth place of Buddha and Shakya Tank where Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, is supposed to have taken a dip before bringing forth the baby - Lord Buddha. Around this holy site, there are remnants of Monasteries and Chaityas built over the centuries following Buddha’s birth in 632 BC.

Daman is situated 180 km south-west of.Kathmandu city on the Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and the border town Birgunj at an altitude of about 2400 m. This place is better than other places for the view of breath-taking grandeur of the world’s highest peaks extending from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the far east of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest). Other peaks that are visible from Daman are Annapurna III (7555 in), Phurbi Chyachu (6637 in), Choba Bharme (6016 m) and Gaurishanker (7134 in). Many lovely panoramic view, sweeping nature are the exquisite masterpieces of Daman. There is a view tower equipped with long range telescopes. Visitors can bring their own binocular to view the majestic views of mountains from here. A drive of 4 hours is required to visit this place from Kathmandu. An overnight stay is recommendable at this place.