Kathmandu Durbar Square

In the 15th century, the Kathmandu Valley is divided into three distinct kingdoms: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Each kingdom compete with others by building beautiful palaces, courts and temples. Today, these places are called Durbar Square.
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is registered as a World Site Heritage by UNESCO since 1979.

Hanuman Dhoka
Hanuman Dhoka is a complex which form the former Royal Palace, until 1896. A statue of Hanuman, the God with a monkey face guards the main entry. On a wall of the Palace, one can see a writing of 15 different languages which remains a mystery for the historians.

Kasthamandap
Kasthamandap is the oldest temple if the Durbar Square and one of the oldest wooden monument in the world. It is said that it has given its name to the city of Kathmandu. The legend says that it has been built with the wood of only one tree.

Taleju Temple
Taleju Temple is dedicated to the Goddess Taleju, the protective deity of the King. This temple is opened once a year for Dashain Festival. Kumari, the Living Goddess, gives the tikka to the King to renew his power.

Kumari Ghar
Kumari Ghar is the house of the Living Goddess Kumari. This young girl is the reincarnation of Taleju, in its form of purity and virginity. As soon as the Goddess met with her first menstruation, it is said that Taleju has left her body. After that, a “casting” is organised to name the young girl who represents the new incarnation of Taleju.

Kalbhairab
Kalbhairab is a statue of 4 meters high, impressive and stunning, representing Bhairab, the God of Death. It is forbidden to say lies in front of it.

The Big Bell
The Big Bell is a bell who rang and gathered people in order to announce events.

Mahendreswor Temple
Mahendreswor Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. At the top of the main gate, one can see a statue of Shiva, armed with his trident and accompanied with a bull, his way of transportation.

Entry Fee: Rs. 750

 

 

Swayambunath

Swayambunath, also called Monkey Temple, is situated at a top of a hill. It is the oldest Buddhist sanctuary of Nepal. It is 2000 years old. Swayambunath is linked to the history of the creation of Kathmandu Valley. In the origin, the valley was a huge lake in the middle of which floated a Lotus flower called Swayambu. Manjushree, a Buddhist Saint wanted to see the flower closer. For that, he cracked a gorge in the south of the lake allowing the waters to drain out. And instead of the Lotus flower the hill of Swayambunath grew up and the Kathmandu Valley was made habitable.

Entry Fee: Rs. 250

 

 

Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath is the biggest Hindu Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in the world, and also the holiest. The site spreads over 281 hectares and is cut in the middle by the Bagmati River. The main temple is made of two golden pagodas. The entry is forbidden to non-Hindus. The main attraction in Pashupatinath is the human cremation. In the Hindu religion, there is no cemetery. The funerals end at Pashupatinath where the dead bodies are burnt according to strict rituals.
Once a year, the Shivaratri Festival is hold in Pashupatinath and gather hundreds thousands of pilgrims.

Entry Fee: Rs. 500