Information about Beyond Kathmandu Valley Pokhara, Daman, Gorkha, Lumbini, Palpa, Royal Chitwan national Park, Royal Bardiya National Park, Namche

Pokhara

PokharaThe city of lakes lies 200 kms. West of Kathmandu is another popular tourist destination after Kathmandu, Because of its natural beauty of green-hills, Snowcapped Mountain and three natural Lakes Phewa, Rupa and Begnas. Mt. Annapurna (8091m), Mt. Machhapuchhre - Fishtail Mountain (6997m) and Mt. Dhauala Giri (8167m) dominate the skyline of Pokhara. Other attractions of Pokhara valley are Mahendra Cave, River Gorge, Tibetan Village, Temples & Monasteries, Old Market area, Sarangkot, etc.

Daman

For those seeking the ultimate pan-Himalayan view, Daman is the place to go. Located 80 Kms. southwest of the Kathmandu valley, Daman (2400m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range. Daman can be reached in four hours from Kathmandu.

Gorkha

The first King of Shah dynasty established his kingdom in Gorkha and from there the unification of present Nepal was initiated. The Gorkha palace perched at the top of the fortified hill, Manakamana Temple and a cave of Gorakha Nath are places to meditate upon.

Lumbini

The birthplace of Lord Buddha - the founder of Buddhism is situated 340 Kms. Southwest of Kathmandu, which is one of the most holy sites for Buddhists from all over the world. The broken Ashokan pillar, holy remnants of an old Buddhist monasteries, divine images of the Buddha's mother great Maya devi, etc. are still well preserved here. The main attraction at Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden spread over 8 Sq Km and possesses all the treasures of the historic area. Historical sites around Lumbini are Kapilbastu, Arorakot, Chtradei, Gotihawa, Kudan, Niglihawa and Sagarhawa. Important religious spots & images around Lumbini Garden are The Buddhist Temple, The Ashokan Pillar, Santum-Sanctorium of the Birthplace, Image of Maha Maya Devi and Puskarni - the Sacred Pool

Palpa

The township of Palpa bears a rich legacy of traditional art and architecture. Perched on the lap of the spectacular Srinagar hill. Palpa commands a panoramic view of the Himalayas & the plain lowland of the Terai.

Royal Chitwan National Park
Firstly, the Chitwan Valley was famous for the big games due to lowlands and being exclusively managed as hunting reserve till 1950. In 1963, it was demarcated as a rhinoceros sanctuary. In 1970, His Late Majesty King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev had graciously approved in principle the creation of Royal Chitwan National Park. Please visit Safari page of our site for more detail and wildlife activity in this park.

Royal Bardia National Park

The Royal Bardia National Park is situated on the eastern banks of the Karnali River, about 400 kms. west of Kathmandu. The park is 968 sq kms. in area and extends from the Churia hills southward to the gentle slopes of the "Bhabhar". The higher grounds of the Churia have dry deciduous forest of mostly hardwood Sal. The porous slopes of the Bhabhar support large open grasslands known locally as 'Phantas'. These are some of the last remaining grasslands that once covered much of the Gangetic plains. Please visit Safari page of our site for more detail and wildlife activity in this park.

Namche Bazaar

The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha or Mt. Everest, the highest point on earth. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Namche Bazaar is about 241 kms. from Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. If you take 40 minute's flight to Lukla then you can reach to Namche within two days by trek.

Muktinath

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 Km northeast of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3800 meter. The temple is situated on a high mountain. There are two way to get to Muktinath. Either take a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara then hike couple of hours to temple or trek all the way from Pokhara.

Gosainkunda Lake

One of the most famous pilgrimage destinations of Nepal is Gosaikunda Lake, which is situated at an altitude of 4360 meter. The best approach to Gosaikunda is through Dhunche - Gateway to Langtang trek, which is about 130 kms northeast of Kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and south, the lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswoti Kunda, Bhairab Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, Surya Kunda and Nag Daha, etc.

Sirubari

Sirubari is a small village nestled on the southern slopes of a ridge at 1700 meter above sea level. The height and aspect ensure a comfortable climate regardless of any season of the year. The travel time for the average group to reach the village from Pokhara is about 5 hours. The village that is inhabited entirely by the Gurung people is small and compact with neat and clean trails connecting the mainly stone and slate built houses. Sirubari offers attractive valley views stretching away towards the Terai. A short walk above the village gives visitors a spectacular viewpoint in the region.

Bandipur

Located on a 1000 meter ridge, about 140 kms from Kathmandu, Bandipur's hallmark is its beautiful scenery. At the eastern part of the town is the pagoda roofed temple, which houses goddess Durga - town's guardian deity. The rich wooden carvings and detailed brass-work that adorned 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. An impressive view of Annapurna range can be obtained from here.

Palanchok Village

The road to small ridge-top village of Palanchok via Dhulikhel hill station is 56 Kms from Kathmandu and it is two hours drive to the east of Kathmandu. Here you'll find yourself in the midst of a traditional Nepalese village, which shelters a renowned & marvelous image of Bhagawati. The image of Palanchok Bhagawati is indeed a most beautiful image that is carved in shinning black stone and decked with silver jewelry. The temple attracts thousands of devotees from long way off. Bhagawati is a "Blood Thirsty" Hindu goddess with "Shakti' - the divine power to exterminate demons. So this is highly celebrated village in the Hindu cult. On the way to village, you'll pass by Nepal Army's United Peace Keeping Force Training camp.
JanakpurA great religious place for Hindus, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Ram. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Janakpur is also linked with Kathmandu by air and road.