Bandipur, an Absolute Gem

Bandipur is a hilltop settlement and a municipality in Tanahun District, of Nepal. It is 143km west of Kathmandu and 80km east of Pokhara. It is a trading route between India and Tibet. It is famous for its Newari people and their culture. Today its population is about 10,000 native Newars. It is one of the best and famous tourist destinations of Nepal. The history of Bandipur begins in the 19th century when the Newars from Bhaktapur arrived. Before that it was mostly inhabited by the Magars. Now, Bandipur is home to many ethnic groups like Brahmins, Chhetries, Newars, Damais, Kamis, Sarkis, Magars, Gurungs and Kasais. After Prithvi Narayan Shah defeated Kathmandu valley, the Newar merchants chose Bandipur as a trade route between northern hills and southern flatland. The merchants built their houses in such a way that the houses reflected their style, architecture and culture. Thus, the houses consist of pagoda styled roofs, lattice windows and ornate doorways.

Bandipur is an aesthetically beautiful and quiet town. Its cultural heritage and architecture hasn’t been changed till now. From Bandipur, we can get excellent views of some Himalayas like Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, etc. The Newari town of Bandipur is one of central Nepal’s hidden gems. It combines traditional village architecture, beautiful Himalayan views, countryside walks, local adventure sports and some excellent accommodations. Bandipur has also retained its old temples, shrines, sacred caves, innumerable festivals and its Newari architecture. Bandipur’s cultural and historical site attracts large number of tourists every year.

Some of the must visit places in Bandipur are:

Siddha Cave The Siddha Cave is the largest cave of Nepal. The cave is 50 meters high and 437 meters deep. The Siddha Cave is famous as a hiking route among the visitors. Inside the cave, there is a Shiva Linga, Lord Ganesh face structure and a swimming pool.

Khadga Devi Temple Khadga Devi Temple is one of the historic places in Bandipur especially for the Shrestha of Newar community. In this temple, a sword of the 16th century king, Mukunda Sen is preserved. It is believed that the sword was gifted to the king by Lord Shiva. The temple demonstrates woman power where Khadga Devi means the goddess of sword. The temple is located at high altitude and also provides a fantastic view of the mountains and the beautiful Bandipur village. This temple opens only on the day of Fulpati of Dashain festival. Padma Library The Padma Library is at the center of Bandipur Bazaar. It reflects the power of Bandipur during the Rana time. The library contains books from the time of Rana administration. It is famous for its architecture and design. Tundikhel There is a large ground on the north of Bandipur Bazaar named as Tundikhel. Once this area was known for trading and parade ground for Gorkha soldiers. But now it is a viewpoint from where we can get the enthralling views of surrounding mountain ranges, we can see Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhare, Ganesh Himal and Langtang ranges. This place is also famous as a spot to view the sunrise and sunset.

Bindabasini Temple It is located in the northern part of Bandipur Bazaar. The main attraction of the temple is its walls adorned with mythic scriptures and beautiful architectural styles. It is built in pagoda style. The people keep the picture of the goddess Bindabasini in a chariot and pull the chariot during the celebration of New Year. Silkworm Farm In silkworm farm there is a silk production factory that demonstrates the detailed process of manufacturing silk from the silkworm. At the farm, there are many orchards of mulberry plants which are used to feed the silkworm. Thani Mai Temple Thani Mai Temple is a famous religious spot of Bandipur on a hilltop. This place is also a best viewpoint for sunrise and sunset views. It offers breathtaking view of the mountains and the village downhill for the visitors. Bandipur dotted with numerous mountain ranges, viewpoints, and greenery valley offer many things to do. From trekking to hiking and many other things can be enjoyed here. Different viewpoints of Bandipur attracts tourists with mesmerizing views of the Himalayan ranges and panoramic views of Bandipur from high altitudes. The best time to explore the beautiful Bandipur is from January to April and from October to December.

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Gorkha Land of The Brave

Known as the land of brave warriors and the birthplace of King Prithvi Narayan Shah who unified Nepal, Gorkha is where the history of Nepal began. A part of the Gandaki Pradesh and one of the 77 districts of the country Gorkha is also world-famous for the Nepalese soldiers recruited by the British and India as Gurkhas. The name Gurkhas or Gorkhali is what represents Nepalese indicating the bravery of the soldiers who fought with great courage and honour. Gorkha has a lot to offer to the people who visit here. The unbelievable Gorkha Durbar of Shah Regime which survived many battles, the Gorkha Bazaar filled with local people and local items, the antique Gorkha museum, the beautiful view of Himalaya ranges, the heavenly Mount Manaslu and many trekking routes. The roots of Gorkha are very much connected to the past. So if you connect with history then this place will definitely take you to a different time interval.

Sadly, the devastating earthquake of 2015 brought lots of damage to this area as it was the epicenter. Lots of houses were wiped out and many were in critical stage. In spite of all these hurdles today many houses have been rebuilt with the help of funds and the tourist areas have been renovating. Gorkha has again leapt forward with its beauty to win over the tourists.

The major attractions of this place are:

Gorkha Durbar Gorkha durbar is the historical palace where the Shah dynasty began its regime. Being on top of a fortified hill, the palace is one hour walk from the bus station. As you start your walk you will come across many villages and the local people. After reaching the top, breathtaking views of Mount Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh range awaits for you. One can also see the Trishuli River glistening in the sunlight. The crafting of the palace is done by the best craftsmen of that time. The palace is a fort as well as a temple so leather shoes and belt are to be removed before entering. The western part of the palace is where the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali found. Gorakhnath Cave Below the southern part of the palace approximately 10 meters is the sacred cave of sage Gorakhnath. It is believed that King Prithvi Narayan Shah valued and bowed to Gorakhnath baba. The cave is carved out by hand from a big rock and is said to have religious importance. Gorkha Museum At the central part of the Gorkha Bazar in a grand Tallo Durbar, you will find the Gorkha Museum which has a collection of artifacts and achievements of Gurkhas during the war. Tickets are to be taken in order to enter the museum and photography permissions for those who want to click pictures. The museum also has a collection of weapons used during the war. The cannons highlight the museum. Bhimsen Temple Dedicated to the Newari God of commerce Bhimsen, the temple is a miniature pagoda. It is said that if you throw a coin inside then you will have a good fortune. Visitors visit the temple with great belief.

Mount Manaslu Eighth highest Himalaya in the world Mount Manaslu is one of the major attractions of this place. It offers a variety of trekking options to the tourists who visit this place. One can hire a guide and enjoy the trek to the mountain for a new adventure. Ganesh Himal Named after the Hindu deity Ganesha, the Ganesh Himal slightly resembles an Elephant from the southern belt. Many tourists come here to get a lifetime experience of climbing a mountain. By hiring guides or mountaineers you can be a part of the thrilling trek. Dudh Pokhari On the border of Lamjung is the challenging trek to Dudh Pokhari. History says that the mother of the kings of Gorkha and Lamjung had dropped her breast milk in this lake to stop the fight between two brothers. The lake is said to be the spirit pond where people come to take bath and cleanse their sins. Also, the view of the Himalaya range from this spot is worth admiring. Gorkha is a package full of diversity. There is history, amusing bazaars, snow-white mountains, adventurous trekking routes, temples and many places to discover. Also, Gorkha is not just a place; it is the identity of Nepalese people as well. Many have witnessed or learned about the bravery of the Gurkhas in the battlefield. People are definitely eager to visit this place as the place has many songs about the battle and triumph to sing.

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Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chandragiri Hills

Chandragiri is a municipality in Kathmandu District. The city’s main attractions include Chandragiri Hill, Nepal with its Cable Car. Chandragiri Hill is 16 kilometers from Central Kathmandu, lies on the South-West of Kathmandu Valley and is 2551 meters from sea level. It is one of the four hills that surround Kathmandu valley including Shivapuri (2732m), Phulchowki (2695m) and Nagarjun (2095m). Chandragiri can be reached via cable car, driving or hiking. The second cable car in Nepal after Manakamana was commenced through this route. The cable car route is around 2.5 km and it takes about 9 to 14 minutes depending on the wind speed on the cable car. It is a thrilling and fun-filled experience to see Kathmandu valley, the landscape and the mountains from the cable car. The hill provides panoramic views of Kathmandu valley and the Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Everest. It is an easy one-day trip from Central Kathmandu Valley. Chandragiri Cable Car runs from Thankot to Chandragiri hills. The cable car system consists of 38 gondolas that can carry 1000 people per hour. Chandragiri Hills is one of the Nepal’s most loved day-trip destinations. It is also a famous hiking destination in Nepal. Walking around the hills provides a breath of fresh air, and you get to see the natural beauty of the country side and breath taking scenes. The main destination of Chandragiri Hill is the mountain top from where the spectacular views of the great Himalayan mountain ranges can be seen. The green valley of Kathmandu lies at the bottom where you can see the growing urbanization. Chandragiri hilltop is a major tourist attraction, with an excellent combination of natural beauty and cultural significance. The best time to explore and visit Chandragiri is during spring and fall season. In winter season one can sometimes experience snowfall as well. To fulfil the cultural diversity of the place, the Bhaleshwar Mahadev Temple stands at the Chandragiri Hill and is an extremely pristine shrine. The temple features two levels in the typical pagoda-influenced Nepalese architecture, wooden grid windows and wall carvings of different gods and goddesses. Outside the temple, there is a statue of King Prithvi Narayan Shah standing against the white mountain peaks in the distance. It maintains its historical importance as it was said that King Prithvi Narayan Shah prayed here before the unification of Nepal and conquered Kathmandu Valley. It is also believed that he meditated on the hilltop and got blessings from Bhaleshwar Mahadev for his devotion. After Prithvi Narayan Shah unified the country, he used Chandragiri Hill to be one of the four trade passes. Chandragiri Hills Private Limited operates the cable car with recreation centers, restaurants and shops on the hilltop. There is a plan to build an amusement park, organize paragliding and zip flying adventures. You can find many shops that promote local and branded products here. There are other cafes and food stalls in and around the place. This place has been designed to be friendly for differently-abled people as well. The paths and pavements are made easier for the elderly to walk around without too much of stress and effort. This place has gained popularity among the locals as well as the tourists in a short span of time. It is a must visit place at least once for all the nature, history and culture lovers.

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Patan | City of Artisans

In the heart of Lalitpur district lays one of the masterpiece of the ancient period, the Patan Durbar Square. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage site,s it is one of the main tourist attraction spots, as well as an important part of Nepalese history. Before the unification of Nepal, the palace was built by the Malla kings who were then the rulers of Lalitpur. The architectures found in the palace are from the 17th century. It has 136 courtyards and 55 major temples. The scholars say that Patan was a prosperous city from the ancient period itself. Newari residential houses are found around the Durbar which tells us that they have witnessed the history and have been preserving the identity of the palace. As you enter the Durbar you can see the square floors are tiled with red bricks. The 2015 earthquake damaged some of the parts of the palace which are now under construction. Major attractions of the durbar square are the Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Vishwnath Temple and Taleju Bhawani Temple. The most important temple in the Durbar is the Krishna Mandir. It is said that one night King Siddhi Narsingh Malla saw Lord Krishna and his beloved Radha standing in front of the royal palace which made him build the temple at the same spot. The temple holds 21 golden pinnacles and is three storied. The first floor has the symbols of Lord Krishna with Radha and Rukmini on each of his sides. During Krishnastami, thousands of hindu devotees are seen here. Bhimsen Temple is the known to symbolize Bhimsen who fought bravely during the Mahabharata. Dedicated to Lord Shiva the Vishwanath Temple symbolizes all the elements of Lord Shiva. Taleju Bhawani also known as the personal deity of the Mallas is a five storied temple and has great significance. You will also find a pond at the center of the palace where people enjoy sitting around. There are three main courtyards in the palace Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Even after the devastating earthquake of 2015 the palace stands still keeping its identity alive. People love to visit the palace as it is a quiet yet vibrant place, where locals enjoy gathering. Inside the palace you can also visit the Patan museum restored by Austrian renovation architect Mueller. There is a tradition of choosing the Kumari i.e. living goddess among the Bajracharya and Shakya clan from the Newar community. They say that goddess Taleju is worshipped in the form of Kumari. Near the Durbar Square, you can walk to Mangal Bazar where you can see vendors lined up to sell local items that are used in various puja ceremonies. The bazar is an exciting place to walk around that will stimulate all your senses with sound, colour and a sense of hustle bustle. You will hear the vendors calling you to buy their products, the smell of some tasty street food and some unique shops. One must definitely try the Newari food that is found in this place. Bara, Chatamari, Yomari and many more Newari dishes are famous in this place. Some of the famous restaurants around this place Honacha, The Inn Café, Raithaane, Patan Museum Café, Café De Temple and many more. The best thing that is heard in recent days is that the people of Patan have collected funds to reconstruct the Durbar and save its identity as they have been saving from years. Today if we visit the palace we can see the temples being covered because of the work going on. Still people find the place quite amusing and you can even see tourist hanging out in this place. Patan Durbar Square and the neighboring community is not being gentrified- Patan is beautiful in the evenings, it lights up fully with warm lights. One call also request to experience an alternative walking tour of Patan, by going to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust, or reaching out to the Raithane team for you to understand the evolution and urbanization of a city that is now rapidly gentrifying and becoming a hub for airbnbs and homestays.

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Enjoy the Spiritual Energy of Boudha Stupa

Boudhanath also called Boudha is a stupa in Kathmandu, Nepal. Boudha stupa is semicircle shaped and contains the relics and remains of Buddha. The stupa’s massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. Boudha Stupa was listed in world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979 and it is one of the most popular tourist sites in Kathmandu. The stupa dates from 600AD and was built by a Tibetan king. The stupa is a historical pilgrimage site for all the Buddhists around the world. The stupa was built using many kilograms of gold for decoration. The giant Boudhanath stupa is a gateway to heaven serving as a horizon between the earth and sky. The base of the stupa structure consists of three large platforms decreasing in size. These platforms symbolizes the sky, whereas the circular vase supporting the semi-sphere signifies water. The eyes of Buddha painted on the stupa are diversely described as inscrutable, impassive, empathetic and shrewd. The five most promising elements representing Buddha i.e. earth, air, water, fire and space are comprised in the Stupa architecture. Boudha is an awe-inspiring and spiritual space and also one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu, Nepal. During the full moon day, monks are indulged in prayers, singing songs and all Buddhists come to the place as a part of their holy visit. As a daily ritual, many people walk three or more times around the stupa while repeating the mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ in a “kora”. Prayer flags that are tied to the stupa flutter in the wind, carrying mantras and prayers towards the heaven. Although it is a holy place for Buddhists, we can see many people from different cultures also praying in the stupa. Sitting at 36 meters high, the site is absolutely magical, with symbols and interesting energies to be found at every turn. Surrounding Boudhanath Stupa are streets and narrow alleys lined with colorful homes, Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and street vendors. There are number of restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, guest houses, Tibetan art and craft shops, Buddha statue shops, etc around the stupa. Tibetan foods such as laphing, thukpa, alu roti, khapse etc are found inside the premises of Boudha stupa and is very famous among the locals. There are lot of eateries where not just Nepalese but different cuisines are also found. Among them Roadhouse Cafe, La Casita, Pho99, are very famous among the tourists as well the Nepalese. We can also find traditional Nepali food i.e Daal Bhat and for that ThasangThakali Kitchen is most loved among all. Boudhanath is also a shopping hub for many people. We can find different kinds of shops that promote local as well as branded products. For Cashmere products Tara Oriental is famous, Drichu store is well known for its handmade clothes and you can find traditional Thangka paintings which is famous all over the world. You can also explore a Thangka learning center inside the premises of the stupa. Around Boudhanath there are many luxurious hotels like Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, Hotel Tibet International, Ghangri Boutique Hotel and Shambaling Boutique Hotel. During the festival of Losar (Tibetan New Year) in February or March, Boudhanath hosts the largest celebration in Nepal. Boudhanath stupa opens daily for 24hours and every day it welcomes thousands of visitors. Although it is over-crowed but yet it is a very peaceful area. People of all age group come here to hang out, stroll around, click pictures, eat delicious food and most importantly to get peace of mind. It is very easy to get there as it is in Central Kathmandu, airport is also just few kilometers away. We can also get the view of Boudhanath from tall houses, apartments, hotels that are far away. It is one of the must visit places in Kathmandu. However, due to April 2015 Nepal earthquake Boudhanath Stupa was demolished badly. The whole structure above the dome, and the religious relics it contained had to be removed. The reconstruction work began in June 2015 and was completed by November 2016. The renovation and reconstruction was organized and completed by the Boudhanath Area Development Committee. The repairs were funded entirely by private donations from Buddhist groups and volunteers. Now the stupa is open for all after its renovation. Boudhanath is a world heritage site, it signifies Buddhist culture, tradition and way of life so it should be preserved. Therefore, it is a must visit site for both the national as well as international tourists.

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Jewel of the Mid-West | Pokhara

Pokhara finds a place in the itinerary of most tourists coming to Nepal unless time constraints limit their visit to Kathmandu. ‘Lakeside Pokhara’, quite distinctly separate from Pokhara city, caters entirely to tourists and lies beside the popular Phewa Lake. With ample space and little traffic, visitors enjoy a relaxed life here at Lakeside. The picturesque Pokhara valley with its tranquil lakes and backdrop of shimmering Himalayan peaks entices hordes of tourists, many of whom make multiple trips to the valley. Today it is gaining fame as the adventure capital of Nepal with all manner of exciting sports: trekking, rafting, paragliding, zip lines and ultra-light flights. Trekkers arrive here to begin or end a trek as well as to relax after a strenuous hike in the Annapurna region. Friendships are made in crowded bars and restaurants, sharing experiences and exchanging ideas for an ideal holiday. Warmer than Kathmandu because of its lower altitude, Pokhara is pleasant in the winter and has a rich flora and fauna making it ideal for bird watching as well. Pokhara once lay on the important trade route between India and Tibet. Even today mule trains from Mustang and other Himalayan regions arrive in Pokhara and many traders spend the winter here with their yaks to avoid the extreme cold in their homeland. Besides the Magars and Gurungs who made up a large part of the British Gurkha forces, other well-known ethnic group found here are the Thakalis who are known for their entrepreneurship. They run many tea houses along the trek routes in the Annapurna region.

Places To See

Mountain Views Pokhara is blessed with stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna range which forms its backdrop. Stretching from east to west, the Annapurna massif includes Annapurna 1 to IV and Annapurna South. Further away are seen the giants, Dhaulagiri (8,167m) and Manaslu (8,163m).Machhapuchhare, although not the highest in the range, dominates the skyline because of its proximity to the valley. Phewa Lake Pokhara wouldn’t be the same without its lakes. Phewa is the largest and most beautiful of the three lakes attracting a large number of visitors who enjoy boating on its placid waters. Boats can be hired and many visit the island temple that lies out in the middle of the lake. Sailing is another attraction. Lakeside is a thriving resort town with its hotels, restaurants, bars and souvenir shops stretching beside the lake and catering to all the needs of visitors. Barahi Temple Located in the middle of Phewa Lake, the Barahi temple is the most important monument in Pokhara. The two storied pagoda is dedicated to Ajima, the boar manifestation of' the female force Shakti. Large crowds of devotees arrive here on Saturdays, the official holiday in Nepal.

David's Fall Locally known as the Patale Chhango (Nether Falls), David's Fall (known variously as Devin's and Devi’s Fall as well) is a charming little waterfall about 2 km south-west of Pokhara Airport. Many years ago a trekker named David or Devin is said to have been washed away by the river Pardi Khola and disappeared in an underground passage beneath the fall.

Mahendra Cave One of the interesting places to visit is the Mahendra Gupha, a limestone cave reached after a two-hour walk or a short drive north of Pokhara. Known as the ‘House of Bats’ owing to a number of bats found inside, the cave is an interesting labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites. Visitors are advised to bring their own torches if they want to closely inspect the formations. World Peace Pagoda High on a hill visible from Lakeside is the World Peace Pagoda on the southern shore of Phewa Lake. Once there, you are greeted by the four images of Buddha facing in four directions. The dome shaped pagoda is an impressive sight and commands a great view of the entire valley. Museums The Pokhara Museum is worth a visit. Located between the bus stop and Mahendra Pul, it showcases the ethnic mosaic of the diverse cultures that thrive in western Nepal. The lifestyles and history of the Gurungs, Thakalis and Tharus are attractively represented by models, photographs and artifacts. Of much interest and also a major attraction is the recently discovered remains of an 8000-year-old settlement in Mustang. The museum is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Tuesdays and public holidays. Annapurna Regional Museum This is the other interesting museum in Pokhara which is also known as the Natural History Museum. Run by the Annapurna Conservation Area Project (ACAP), the museum has an exceptional collection of butterflies, insects, birds and models of wildlife found in the area. Located at Prithvi Narayan Campus, east of the old bazaar, it is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm except on Saturdays and public holidays. International Mountain Museum The International Mountain Museum (IMM) is housed in a well-designed modern building. It was built with the objective of recording, documenting, exhibiting and chronicling the entire mountaineering past up to the present day, the development of mountain and mountaineering activities in the world. With widespread support from mountaineering clubs and associations as well as individual donors from around the world, the museum has much on display. Established by Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) with the theme ‘Man, Mountain and Mountain activities around the world’, the entire display area of the museum has been divided along this theme. Hall of Mountain People: This hall exhibits the customs, traditions, heritage, culture and lifestyle of the mountain people. Hall of World Mountains: This hall showcases all fourteen peaks over 8000 m. and displays geological facts related to the origin of world mountain systems. Also exhibited and explained is the flora and fauna of the Himalaya. The museum also honors great personalities like Kumar Khadga Bikrum Shah (Founder President of NMA), Dr. Toni Hagen (Renowned geologist and lover of Nepal, who published the first pictorial "Nepal"), Reverend Ekai Kawaguchi (The first Japanese to visit Nepal in 1899), and Dr. Harka Gurung (Renowned scholar, geographer, development planner and first Tourism Minister of Nepal). Hall of Mountain Activities: This hall is dedicated to mountain activities such as mountaineering and trekking, highlighting historical ascents and explorations in and around the mountainous regions. It also showcases the development of climbing gears and other essential mountaineering equipment over the decades.

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