Kathmandu is the capital of the kingdom of Nepal

Kathmandu is the capital of the kingdom of Nepal, situated in a valley which is an open air museum of famous sites, ancient temples and shrines, golden pagodas and are inspiring deities, is a city of inexhaustible historic artistic and cultural interest. Several beautiful and interesting villages and towns surrounding the valley offer ideal destinations for mini treks. The dazzling Himalayan peaks are visible from several points on the mountains around the valley. Kathmandu is famous and unique in the world in the field of arts, crafts and architecture. The splendid temples, monasteries and historical monuments of Kathmandu are highly appreciated by visitors to Kathmandu. Kathmandu is regarded as "a Living Cultural Museum" of Nepal.
RELIGIOUS SITES IN KATHMANDU

(1) Kathmandu Durbar Square (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Religious site)
The best place to begin your sightseeing of Kathmandu valley is the Kathmandu Durbar. An entrance fee of Rs. 200 for foreign nationals and Rs. 25 for the SAARC countries is to be paid to get into Durbar Square. A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu as the land of gods surrounded by beautiful mountains around. Some two hundred years ago a western Visitor wrote that there were as many temples as there were houses and many idols as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built. Duly recognized as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO- this particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of this city. The Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of this majestic valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak Newari language and their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid. Kathmandu Valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newari culture that is responsible for the valley's superb art and architecture. Locally also called as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. Some of the important monuments to be seen here are: Hanuman Dhoka (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Architectural building) – Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century. The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance ( the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square. Kneeling in his usual posture on a pedestal, Hanuman is a hero from the Hindu epic Ramayana, who endows military success to his devotees - the reason why he has been placed there. The gate is guarded by two stone lions that are mounted by the god Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Immediately inside is the biggest of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace's chowks (courtyards), Nasal Chowk. This is where the king's coronation takes place and where various other festivities are held. Here we also find the entrance to the Tribhuvan Museum largely dedicated to the memory of the late king Tribhuvan. The Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, with its five circular roofs, whose entrance is limited only to priests, lies at the north-eastern corner of the Nasal chowk.

Basantapur Tower (Attraction type: Lookout) – There are four towers in the palace. Of these, Basantapur Tower, built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah around the Lohan Chowk, is the tallest. Mook Chowk is the courtyard dedicated to the goddess, Taleju Bhawani, and is used only for religious functions of the palace. Taleju temple, tallest of all structures built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.

Kumari Ghar (Attraction type: Religious site) – 17th century Kumari temple, an example of the highly developed Nepalese temple craft. It the house of the Royal Kumari acknowledged to be a Living Goddess. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. Two painted stone lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see Kumari, but are forbidden to take photographs.

Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The Trailokya Mohan Temple was built in 1680 by Prithvibendra Malla. It is on the immediate left as one walks out of the Kumari Bahal. It is built on a panoply of five plinths that narrow down at each upper level and above the shrine is a three-tiered roof. On the back you see a beautiful Garuda.

Maju Deval (Attraction type: Religious site) – This Temple is dedicated to Shiva and inside you will find a famous Lingam. The temple is set atop nine levels of plinth. The steps of this temple is a favourite place to sit and watch the daily life.. Both locals and tourists can be found reposing against the many levels of platforms watching the bustle of the crowd below or even enjoying a siesta.

Gadhi Baithak – stands out very conspicuously, or rather, incongruously in the same square with its neoclassical European architecture. Built in the early years of the 20th century during the Rana period, its balcony overlooking the square is from where the king witness the pageantry of the Indra Jatra festival.

Bhagwati Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is the three-storied building next to the Gaddi Baithak. Built by King Jagat Jaya Malla in 1670 and originally dedicated to Lord Narayan.

Shiva Parvati Temple House (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies on the left as one walks into the Durbar Square from Kumari Bahal. The celestial couple carved in wood look down into the street from the central window on the upper floor. They are overlooking the place, have a look where Shiva is holding his left hand! Again this Temple has fantastic carved windows and two lions guarding the entrance.

The Big Bell (Attraction type: Lookout) – was erected by the son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Rana Bahadur in 1797. The ringing of bell is said to drive away evil spirits, and is rung on occasion when ceremonies are held at Degu Taleju Temple.

Vishnu Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies next to the Big Bell and after it comes the Saraswati Temple. Both were severely damaged in the Great Earthquare of 1934. Krishna Mandir is the next monument and was built in 1648 by King Pratap Malla in imitation of its more famous namesake in Patan. It has an octagonal-shaped construction with a three-tiered roof.

Pratap Dhvaja – King Pratap Malla's statue called Prataf Dhvaja lies mounted on the high pillar on the outer courtyard. He sits with hands folded and surrounded by is two wives and five children facing the entrance of Hanuman Dhoka.

Seto Bhairab's huge glided face lies hidden behind a latticed wooden screen. The screen is only opened for ten days once every year during the festival of Indra Jatra when devotees flock around the shower this image with rice and confetti of flower petals.

Jagannath temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – in the central part of the Durbar Square, exhibits a variety of erotic carvings on the struts supporting its canopies. Built in the 16th century, known for fascinating erotic figures carving the wooden struts eaves. Next to it lies Gopinath Mandir, a temple honoring Lord Krishna.

Kal Bhairav (Attraction type: Religious site) – is one of the largest stone idol in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspects of Shiva. Kal Bhairav is a massive relief in stone of a fierce-looking deity, painted in black and garlanded with skulls around neck, and bright red and yellow ornaments. Indrapur Temple lies immediately east of the Kal Bhairav and adjoining it is the Vishnu Temple. North of it is the Kakeshwar Temple built in 1681. Stone inscriptins in 15 languages, including English and French, can been seen outside the wall of the Hanuman Dhoka opposite the Vishnu Temple.

Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is a Shiva Temple built in the 1500s in the era of King Mahendra Malla. Set atop three levels of plinth, it is a square structure with a domed roof. Mahavishnu Temple stands on a set of four levels of plinth and has a two-tiered roof. Mahendrashwar Temple is another temple dedicated to Shiva. It has two levels of plinth and it topped by a golden umbrella.

The Ganesh shrine Ashok Binayak (Attraction type: Religious site) – One of my favourites places on Durbar Square is the little Ganesh temple on the corner of the Kasthamandap. From the early morning an, devotees are coming to give some offerings to Ganesh, asking luck for a travel or a business. After giving a little offering to the god, they receive a little spot of red colour on their head, the Hindu Thikka. This magic place is absolutely worth to be visited very early in the morning.

Kasthamandap (Attraction type: Religious site) – The name means house of wood. The Kathmandu City derives its name from Kasthamandap. This Temple is supposed to be on of the oldest remaining houses of Kathmandu. This unique wooden temple is also known as Maru Satal. It was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. They say the timber used for its relevant construction was sawed out f a single tree.

Taleju Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The grandest among all the temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is Taleju Temple. Standing on a level of twelve plinth at a height exceeding 35 meters, this temple dominates the landscapes around Durbar Square. Built in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla. It is only opened to the public during the festival of Dashain.

Nautale Durbar – Besides this other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast Basantapur square where Prithivi Narayan Shah built mansion to commemorate his victory in 1768 A.D. This building complex is known for the most intricately carved wooden doorways roof struts and massive lattice windows full of mythical figures.

(2) Swoyambhu Nath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site)
Svayambhunath is a hilltop temple complex situated on the northwestern boundary of Kathmandu, with panoramic views of the valley and city. Its main feature is a Buddhist stupa, the Maha Chaitya, reputed to be more than 2,000 years old. Located in a lovely little hill rock Swoyambhu Nath Stupa is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world. This great Stoup is said to have been built around 250 B.C. It is indeed listed a World Heritage for Site to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout philosophy of Bajrayan in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha. Generally a holy memorial site Stoup represents a typical Buddhist architecture. Its main feature the white dome is identified with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted on the dome. Underneath this towering structure are a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides of the Stupa. The Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley. As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu Valley was a lake a long time ago. Right in the centre of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light a top. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came rushing all the way from China to the Valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor open for a close up view of the divine lotus light. This holy site in fact is the massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in and around this stupa speak a lot about the significance and antiquity of this famed stupa. It lies about 3k.m. west of down town Kathmandu. There are two different ways to reach for this site. One is from the west side which is relatively a short cut and another is from the east side where it leads to the main entrance with 360 steps leading all the way to the top, where the most venerated Swayambhu Stupa stands-commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range. Other important things to be seen here include a magnificent two tiered golden temple dedicated to Harati. She is the grand mother deity of children and small pox who was said to be the Ogress until Lord Buddha converted her to be the great caretaker of the children. Not to far from this temple is Dewa Dharma monastery-noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings . The huge gold plated vajra ' tha priestly symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism set on the Dharmadhatu mandala at the side of the stupa is worth a close look. Important days to visit this holy site: Buddha Purnima, Gunla, Kojagrath Purni and Samyak day. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.

(3) Pasupatinath Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Pasupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complex in South Asia with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. This temple site occupies an area of 281 hectares in total. The main entrance of this temple is in the western side facing a small street of Deopatan market. As non Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple courtyard. They are advised to go on the other side of the river in the East to have a glimpse of the temple complex. In the middle of the spring (Feb.-March) every year there occurs a festival called Shivaratri. The world Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord Shiva. On this day many devotees visit the Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial fire. Most of the devotees spend the night offering prayers to Shiva. This festival attracts tens of thousand of pilgrims from India besides the locals. Historically pre-Christian era this temple seems to have its origin away back to the early Kirat period. Stone sculptures found in the vicinity support the antiquity of this place. This holy site is 6 km. east oil down town Kathmandu. Regular bus and taxi services are easily available from a city points. Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the festival of Shivaratri and Teej. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.

(4) Guheshwori Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Guheshwori Temple lies 500 meters east of Pashupatinath across the Bagmati River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's wife., Parbati. On a forested knoll, further behind Pashupati Temple to the eastern direction and also by the side of the bending or winding Bagmati River appears the gracious temple of Guheshwori sometimes known as Nairatma Yogini or Aksah Yogini. It is another famous spot of Hindu pilgrimage. In this case, also, only Hindus are authorized to enter the premises.

(5) Boudhanath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site)
Boudhanath is a colossal stupa north east of Pashupatinath and lies a further 2 km by road. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of South Asia. The Stupa stands on the massive three level mandala style Platforms surrounded by colourful private family houses. The basic feature of this great stupa is very much like that of Swoyambhunath stupa except its finial displaying. It is much bigger than Swoyambhu stupa and lies on the valley floor whereas the former one stands on the hill top. This stupa is said to have been built in 5th century A. D. The site is considered very much like Mecca for the Tibetan Buddhists and every year tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit the stupa. Some of the gompas surrounding Boudha are Sakyapa Gompa, Chinya-Lama Gompa, Nyingmapa Gompa, Kargyupa Gompa, Gelugpa Gompa etc. According to a very popular legend long time ago the kingdom of Kathmandu was under terrifying draught. King Dharma Deva was very worried. An astrologer advised him that only the sacrifice of an ideal man with 32 virtues in front of the dry royal water spout could make the rain fall in the country. And in the following night he commanded his son to go to the dry water spout inside the royal palace compound at mid night and behead the person shrouded in white robe without looking at him. The Prince obeyed his father but to his great horror only to find it was none other than his own father. In order to atone the big sin and in removal the prince said to have built this great stupa. As an entry point of ancient Nepal-Tibet trade rout, the site is popularly frequented by Tibetan visitors. During Lhosar festival the pilgrims worship the Buddhist deities, light the increase and butter lamp day and night. Every twelve year a special ceremony is observed with great gusto and fervor . During that time they dance, play musical instruments, chant and hymns. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.

(6) Changu Narayan (Attraction type: Religious site)
Changu Narayan, with an ancient Hindu temple complex inside an enclosed courtyard, located approximately 13 kms east-north-east from Kathmandu, the temple is also on a hilltop, at an altitude of 1550 metres above sea level. Narayan, or Vishnu, is the preserver of creation to Hindus. Situated on the beautiful hil, the square two storeyed temple stands in the centre of a brickpaved courtyard, with the main structure raised on a three tier diminishing plinth, with doors on all four sides. The doors have pairs of carvings of animals such as lions, horses, griffins, and elephants with the main western door richly carved in brass, with a brass tympanum above the door. The roof is supported by 24 struts or brackets, which serve as decoration and to support the temple roof. His temple is often described as the most ancient temple in Kathmandu, based on a fifth century inscription on a stone pillar discovered inside the temple grounds. The Changu Narayan complex and associated statues, carvings and artifacts cover sixteen hundred years of Newari art and in effect chart the cultural development of the indigenous Newari people. The courtyard has many other temples such as that of Kileshwar Shiva, , Chinnamasta Devi, and other figures like that of Garuda. The temple and surrounding buildings exhibit some of the finest stone, wood, and metal craft in the Valley. It is therefore sacred to adherents of both religions and attracts thousands of pilgrims from around the world each year as one of the three most venerated power places in the Kathmandu Valley. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 60 per person.

(7) Dachhinkali (Attraction type: Religious site)
Kali is a bloodthirsty Hindu Goddess. This particular temple lies in the southernmost suburbs of the Valley, beyond Furping downward in a solitary ravine. So she is termed 'Dachhinkali' meaning South Kali. The important days for religious pilgrimage include Tuesdays and Saturdays. A ritual worship attached by animal sacrifice would not be an uncommon scene here the practice of which is totally against Buddhism in the birth land of Lord Buddha. The poor victims include the fowls, birds and sheep in general.

(8) Buddhanilkantha (Attraction type: Religious site)
Situated in the northern suburbs of the Valley just at the foot of Mt. Shibapur, this is an enchanting Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu Narayan. So the locality is also known as Narayanthan. He lies in a bed of serpents amidst the pious pool and seems to float on water. The surrounding pond actually represents the sea. The reclining statue was built in the 5th century A.D.The season of religious celebration here takes place right after the festival of Tihar. Although it is a renowned spot of worship, the reigning king of Nepal (may it be contemporary or any Hindu monarch) may not visit this place for reasons particularly unknown. Thus to please the king a replica of it has been built elsewhere if he wishes to visit it much.

(9) Bhadrakali Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
As the eastern edge of the Tundikhel, near Shahid Gate stands the temple of Goddess Bhadrakali. This temple is also known as Lumarhi Temple and is one of the main "Shakta" temples of Kathmandu city.

(10) Karunamaya Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
It is a Buddhist pagoda of considerable artistic beauty located in a holy courtyard called Jan Bahal, which is full of stupas and statues nearby Indra-Chowk. It consists of a two tiered bronze roof built by King Yakshta Malla in 1502 A.D. This authentic temple is surrounded by residential houses and busy shops. The chariot festival of White Karunamaya-the "God of Mercy" is annually celebrated in Kathmandu Valley.

(11) Akash Bhairab Temple (Attraction type: Religious site)
Also referred to as the Blue Bhairab sometimes, it is a three-storeyed temple in the principal market called Indra Chowk. The divine image of the Akash Bhairab is displayed outside for a week -long period during the great festival of Indra Jatra. The celebration of Indra Jatra honors Indra- the King of Heaven and the God of Rain.

(12) Jaishi Dewal (Attraction type: Religious site)
Five minutes from Kasthmandap the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra, Gai Jatra and other festivals.

(13) Kimdol Monastery (Attraction type: Religious site)
Situated within Ward No. 15 of Kathmandu City adjacent to Swayamvu Hill is another famous Buddhist monastery called Kimdol. It is a small town itself full of Buddhist citizens. Kimdol resumes a hillock atop which sits a Buddhist embracing the two major aspects of Buddhism including Mahayan (Lamaism) and Hinyan (Therbad). Apart form that we find numerous stupas, chaityas and chhortens scattered around. Prayer-flags with printed Tibetan characters and holy diagrams flutter many terraces and rooftops. Kimdol bahal is believed to be the location whence the Hinyan (Therbad) from of Buddhism highly developed. Today only nunnery of the saffron robe is practiced here; monk hood has eventually shifted elsewhere. The bahal restricts the consumption of liquors of any kind (strong or mild), tobacco, meat, fish, egg and even garlic for all visiting the monastery. The spectacular view of old Kathmandu, i.e. Kantipur, can be clearly fetched form Kimdol height.

(14) Kopan Monastery (Attraction type: Religious site)
Hundreds of monks and nuns live at this monastery, which offers meditation courses year round. HISTORICAL BUILDINGS AND MONUMENTS IN KATHMANDU
(1) Narayanhiti Royal Palace (Attraction type: Historic home)
This is the current Royal Palace where the Himalayan Monarch of the Shah dynasty resides. It is built on a site of a much older one and owns a colossal compound. During the reign of late King Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah Dev, the father of the present king, the main gate was facing west. Today the main gate eventually faces south. Special permission has to be gotten to enter the palace premises on days of privilege. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity, is situated at the southern corner of the Palace.

(2) Singha Durbar (Attraction type: Historic palace)
Literally meaning Lion Palace, it is a grand imposing palace built on the neo-classical style surrounded by a colossal compound. It was built by His Excellency Maharaja Chandra Shamsher S.J.B. Rana- the 5th Rana Prime Minister. It once stood as the private residence of the Rana Premiers till 1950 but now remains the Secretariat Building of His majesty's Government. The Parliament (including the Upper House and the Lower House), the Radio Station, the Television Station, etc. are all located in the very premises.

(3) Martyr's Memorial/Sahid Gate (Attraction type: memorial arch)
This is located on the way to Singha Durbar, between Bhimsen Stambha and Bhadrakali temple.The memorial arch contains the effigies of four political leaders who were mercilessly martyred in 1940. Two were hung and two were shot. They include Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Shukra Raj Joshy, Dashrath Chand and Ganga Lal Shrestha. The fatherly statue of late King Tribhuwan Bir Bikram Shah Deb appears high in the middle. Late King Tribhuwan is solely held responsible to lead the Historical revolution of 1950- 51 for laying the foundation of today's democratic system, virtually replacing the cruel family autocracy of the Ranas.

(4) Dharahara (Attraction type: Historical monument/lookout)
Also known as Bhimsen Tower to the local people, it is a 165 feet tall tower built by Premier Bhimsen Thapa in 1932. One fetches a panoramic view of the whole valley of Kathmandu from the top of the tower. It has been open for the general public since Magh 2061 B.S.

(5) Ranipokhari (Attraction type: Historical pond/religious site)
Situated in between Ratna Park and Jamal. This historical pond has been built by Pratap Malla to sympathize his beloved wife who was deeply shocked by the death of his son. The pond is opened for public only at the last day of Tihar - "Bhai Tika". Those who doesn't have any brothers or sisters visit Rani Pokhari to pay homage to Lord Shiva on that day.

(6) Nagpokhari (Attraction type: Historical pond/religious site)
Nagpokhari is situated at Naxal, at the eastern side of the Royal Palace along the main road stretching from Thamel upto NaniKeshar Bahal. Nagpokhari bears great religious and historical significance possessing perennial importance after Ranipokhari. Its overall importance gradually increased after the renovation as a park on the initiative of Her Late Majesty the Queen Aishwarya Rajya Laxmi Devi Shah. There are other historical and cultural heritages situated in and around Nagpokhari area mainly Royal Palace, Lal Durbar, NAFA Hall, Phohara Durbar, Naxal Bhagawati, Nandikeshar Bahal, Shankar Kriti Mahabihar etc. Naga Panchami is the festival of snakes celebrated on the fifth day of the bright fortnight in the month of shravan. Naga, the Snake God is one of the important deities worshipped by the Nepalese believing that Naga or Snake protects and fulfill their wishes.Great lord Shiva wears Nagas as garland on his neck.
FESTIVALS OF NEPAL
Maghe Sankranti : (January)
A Sankranti signifies the first day of any month in the Nepali calendar year. Makar means Capricorn. Makar Sankranti, therefore, means the first day of the month when the sun enters that part of the zodiac which is symbolized by Capricorn. It starts on its northward journey in its heavenly course on this day, thus announcing the commencement of the Uttarayan. In the Nepalese belief this day marks the division of the Winter and Summer solstice. Bathing in rivers is prescribed for this day, especially at the river confluence and feasting with rich foods of special preparation is common in the family.

Sri Panchami or Basant Panchami : (February)
It is the day consecrated to honor Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of learning, throughout Nepal. Saraswati shrines all over the Kingdom are filled with the crowd of school children and other students on this day. Goddess Saraswati reigns over the realm of speech, letters, arts and sciences, and all her tools are worshipped accordingly, pens, ink, books, pencils, and spinning wheels. Around the city are seen numerous wedding processions. Saraswati temples at Swayambhu and Neel Saraswati at Gairidhara are worth visiting during the morning. Sri Panchami announces the advent of the spring season in Nepal. On this day a religious function known as Basanta Shrawan is held at the court-yard of Hanuman Dhoka Palace. On this occasion Geet Govinda (Verses written by Poet Jaya Dev) is recited by the royal priest and hymns are sung by a concert of musician in accompaniment with musical instruments. His Majesty the King graces the function.

Maha Shivaratri : (February)
This is the most famous and celebrated festival of Nepal which attracts large crowds from far-Flung places both in India and Nepal. The festival as its very name suggests, is consecrated in honor of Lord Shiva. It is observed by bathing and holding of a religious fast. All Shiva shrines become the places of visit for dracaena, but the greatest attraction of all is held by the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu. One gets to see hundreds of thousand of devout Hindus coming to visit the temple of Pashupati on this day. On this day religious Hindus worship Lord Shiva by offering flowers, garlands, 'bel patra' (leaves of 'bet' f rub), fruits, coins and so on and also by chanting prayers and hymns. Among them are a large number of Sadhus and ascetics.

Losar : (February-March)
Losar is the Tebetan New Year. This festival is most impressively observed by all the Tibetan-speaking populations. They organize folk songs and dances on this occasion. The Sherpas goes to Boudhanath on this occasion in Kathmandu. Losar is celebrated with prayers and feasts, and visits to relatives and friends.

Holi or Phagu Poornima : (March-April)
Holi is the festival of colour. It is observed for eight days just before the full moon of Phalgun during which time townsmen indulge in colour throwing at each other. The festival of colour is always heralded by the sticking of wooden pole known as chir with colourful streamers beside the old royal palace at Basantapur by the arrangement of the Government Religious Endowment (Guthi) Office. This festival is observed with most joy and gaity in the Terai region of the country. The festival is terminated with the burning of the pole on the night preceding the Phalgun full moon.

Ghodejatra : (March-April)
Ghodejatra or the festival of horse is held on-the fourteenth of the dark half of the Chaitra (sometime in March or April). The festival has two sides of its celebration. Its cultural side involves the Newars of Kathmandu who celebrate it for several days. The idols of the gods of many localities are taken in a procession in their area in portable chariots. Every household is feasting at this time. A demon called 'Gurumumpa' is also propitiated at this time in Tundikhel. This festival is called Pahachare. The other aspect of the festival is provided by the function organised by the Royal Nepalese Army at Tundikhel in the afternoon of the main day. Horse race and acrobatic shows are presented at this time in which His Majesty the King is present. A meeting of Lumadi, Bhadrakali, Kankeshwari and Bhairav takes place during the day time at the main celebration at Ason. The deities are brought in their portable chariots.

Chaite Dashain : (March-April)
Dashain is a great festival of Nepalese people. In Nepal it is observed twice a year-once in the month of Chaitra and once in Ashwin (Sept-Oct.). The former is observed on the eighth of the bright half of the month of Chaitra. On this occasion goddess Bhagawati is worshipped and animal sacrifices are made to her. But this festival is not observed with so much pomp and grandeur as the one which is observed in Autumn.

Nava Barsha or New Year : (April 13 or 14th)
The Nepalese festivals follow round the traditional ,religious' Lunar Calendar in the same sequence. An exception is New Year Day, which always fails in the middle of April, observed throughout Nepal as the first day of the official Nepalese solar Calendar, i.e., the first day of Baisakh. This day is an official holiday for Nepal. The most important New year festival in the Valley is held at Bhaktapur City, located fourteen kilometers on east of Kathmandu. This festival is known as Bisket Jatra meaning the festival after the death of serpent. The main attraction of the festival is the erection of the 'lingo', a ceremonial pole, a thick, shorn tree-trunk some eighty feet in length. This is an exciting operation, for the pole, supported by bamboos and pulled by heavy ropes, must be made to rest in the centre hole of a large pile of cemented rocks. A large crowds from other town of the Valley assemble to watch this festival. During the week Bhairav, Bhadrakaii and other goddesses are dragged in chariots in the town.

Festival of Seto Machchhendranath (March-April)
This is a four-day chariot festival held in honor of the White (Seto) Machchhendranath (to be distinguished from the Red (Rato) form of the same divinity in Patan), who is actually the Padmapani Lokeshwara, whose permanent shrine is situated at Janabahal in Kel Tole in the middle of the old bazaar in Kathmandu. A huge chariot of wood supported on four large wheels and carrying a tall spire covered with green foliage is made ready for receiving the image of the divinity on this occasion and for dragging in the old part of city.

Matatirtha Aunsi or Mother's Day (April)
This day is observed as the Mother's Day with the expression of proper regards towards one's mother. It is individually performed by persons out of filial piety. Those whose mothers are already dead go to bathe and offer ablutions to their dead mothers at Matatirtha near Thankot village. The fortunate ones whose mothers are alive present her with gifts of sweetmeats and receive blessing from them.

Buddha Jayanti : (full moon day of April/May)
Buddha Jayanti is a great day for the Nepalese. This day which falls on the full moon of the month of Baisakh is celebrated to commemorate the birth, attainment of enlightenment and the death of Gautama Buddha, the founder preacher of Buddhism, more than 2500 Years ago. It is a thrice blessed day. It is the day when Buddha was born, when he was enlightened and when he got Nirvana (Salvation). prayers are sung and worship is offered by the devotees in leading Buddhist shrines throughout the country including Lumbini in the Rupandehi district, which is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia. There is a great fair held at Lumbini on this day.

Ghanta Karna : (June -July)
Ghanta Karna is also known as 'Gathyamuga'. This festival is a relic of the belief in demonolatry by the people of the Valley. Ghanta Karna, a demon and other evil spirits are propitiated and exercised on this day. An effigy made of green reeds is erected at all the main cross-roads of the town in the day. A person is painted in all kinds of colour till he looks like a grotesque figure representing the demon Ghanta Karna. This symbolic demon goes begging in the locality. At the end of the day he is dragged to a river on the green reeds symbolizing the driving away of the demon from the locality.

Naga Panchami : (July-August)
This is devoted to the worship of the Nagas, the divine serpents. Pictures of the Naga are stuck over the doorposts of all the houses in the morning as protective spells. This is also the day for the beginning of Gunialakhe dance in Kathmandu in which persons wearing masks of a demon entertain the people with their gimmick. People visit Nagpokhari, dedicated to Naga, the snake God.

Janai Poornima (Rokshya Bandhan) (July-August)
The full-moon of the month of Shrawan, the day when this festival is observed, is considered sacred ail over Nepal and is celebrated in different manner by different groups of people of Nepal. However, the most widely accepted mode of celebration is that on this day people take a ritual bath and change their sacred thread. Everyone gets a string of thread tied in his wrist from the Brahmans as a protective mark for the whole year. The Nepalese prepare a special dish called 'Kwati', (mixed sprouted beans) on this day. This day is also held sacred for bathing in Gosainkunda. One can also see a pageantry of the Jhankris (witch doctors) attired in their traditional costume come to bathe at Kumbheshwor at Patan. These Jhankris also visit the temple of Kaiinchowk Bhagavati (the goddess at Kalinchowk) in Dolkha district where they go to beg for their healing powers, as they are the traditional healers of the Nepalese villagers.

Gaijatra : (July-August)
In this festival teen-aged boys dressed up in the attire of a cow parade in the streets of the town. This custom spring from the belief that cows help the members of the family, who have died within that year, to travel to heaven smoothly. Some are also dressed up as an ascetic or a fool for achieving the same objective to their dead family members. Groups of mimics improvise short satirical enactments on the current sociopolitical scenes of the town to the entertainment of the public. The week beginning from Janai Poornima actually unfolds a season of good many religious and cultural activities. All the Buddhist monasteries open their gates to the visitors to view their bronze sculptures and collection of painting for a week. The spirit of the old festival is being increasingly adapted by Cultural Centres, newspapers and magazines of fling humor and satire on the Nepalese social and political life.

Pancha Dan: (July-August)
This is a Buddhist festival in which gifts are made by the laity to the monks. Since monastic Buddhism has been long extinct in Nepal, the receivers of the gift today are the Buddhist priests, the Shakyas and the Vajracharyas, who go begging aims to the house of their clients. Mainly food grains are offered on this occasion to the begging priests. Traditional collections of artifacts are displayed in monasteries and households on this occasion.

Gokarna Aunsi or Father's Day: (August-September)
This day is observed as the Father's Day with the expression of proper regards towards one's father. It is individually performed by persons out of filial piety. Those whose fathers are already dead go to bathe and perform shraddha ceremony in honor of their dead fathers at Gokarna. The fortunate ones whose fathers are alive present him with gifts of sweetmeat and delectable food and drink and receive blessings in return from them.

Gunla (August)
A Newar Buddhist holy month, celebrated at Swayambhunath, Kathmandu.

Teej and Rishi Panchani: (August-September)
Teej or Haritalika is purely a women's festival. These two days follow in close succession and are the days of observing religious fast for women folks of Nepal. On the day of Teej all the women observe fasting for twenty-four hours for the longevity of their husbands' life and go to visit the shrine of Pashupati and offer worship to Lord Shiva and his consort Parbati later in the evening. The Panchami is mainly devoted to cleaning the body by taking ritual bath in rivers for any sin or impurity the women folks may have committed during the past year. On this day women worship the seven Rishis in reminiscence of a high ascetic tradition of Hinduism and a notion of purity of descent in their lineage from the ancestral Rishis. All women whose husbands are alive are seen wearing red garments invariable and decked in all sorts of jewelry on these two days.

Indrajatra: (August-September)
Indrajatra heralds a week of religious and cultural festivity in Kathmandu. There are several foci of this festival. On the night when this festival begins, members of the family in which death has taken place within one year go round the town limits of Kathmandu burning incense and putting lamps along the route. The same morning a tall wooden pole representing the standard of lndra, the king of gods is erected in front of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Wooden statutes of lndra and large wooden masks of Bhairav are put on display in the old bazaar. Several groups of religious dance like the Devinach, Majipat Lakhe, Bhairav and Bhakku and Mahakaii Nach come into life during this week. The week also commences the dragging of chariots of Ganesh, Bhairav and Living Goddess Kumari in Kathmandu. His Majesty the King comes to pay homage to Kumari just before the start of the chariot-pulling.

Dashain (September-October)
It is truly the national festival of Nepal. Every Nepai is stirred by the prospects of the joy this festival is supposed to bring with it. The change of mood is also induced psychologically by the turn off autumn season after blue sky and a green carpet of fields. The climate is also put ideal at this time, it neither being too cold nor too warm. The Nepalese cherish their Dashain as a time for eating well and dressing well. The whole festival lasts a total of ten days. The first nine days are devoted to worship the goddess Durga Bhavani and her diverse manifestations. Each house also sets up a shrine to worship the goddess at this time. Barley seeds are planted on the first day in every household and nurtured for nine days. During the nine days goddess Durga Bhavani is worshipped and offered a lot of blood sacrifice. Buffaloes, goats and chickens are killed in thousands at the temples, at military posts and in every household. One of the main centres that witnesses the animal sacrifice in a large scale at this time is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace on the night of the eighth day and the morning of the ninth. On the concluding day of the festival called the Tika, the elders of the family give tika to their junior members and to other relatives who may also come to seek their blessing. The fresh shoots of the barley known as 'Jamara' are also given to wear. Family feasting and feasting of guests is a common practice at this time. On the day of Vijaya Dashami people go to Narayanhity Royal Palace to receive tika from their Majesties the King and the Queen.

Tihar, Laxmi Puja and Nhoo Da (Newari New Year): (October-November)
The festival of lights comes just after a fortnight of the departure of Dashain from the scene. The earlier festival mood helped on by the turn of a genial weather continues to glow the mind of the Nepalese during this festival also. The festivity lasts for five days and is marked by worship to different animals such as the crow, the dog and the cow on different days. Perhaps the most endearing sight of this festival is presented by the illumination of the entire town with rows of tiny flickering lamps at the duskbreak on the day of Laxmi Puja. In the evening of this day, the goddess of wealth, Laxmi, is worshipped at every household and it is in her welcome that myriad of lamps are burnt. On the day of Mha-puja, Newari New Year day is celebrated by the Newar community, dedicated to Shankadhar Shakwa, founder of Newari calendar. On the New Year Day, you can see different Newari culture, dresses, music, dance at Basantapur, Hanuman Dhoka. Women play 'Bhailo' on the third day, and men play 'Deusi' on the fourth day visiting door to door singing and dancing and blessing each household with long life and prosperity. The family in return gives them food and cash as a mark of goodwill. On the last day Bhaitika, sisters show their affection towards their brothers with the performance of a puja and feed them with delectable food. They pray for their brother's long life to Yama, the Hindu god of death.

Bala Chaturdashi: (November-December)
Pilgrims from ail over Nepal throng at Pashupati temple from the night before and burn an oil lamp to the god for the whole night. In the morrow they take a holy dip in the sacred water of the Bagmati, pay obeisance to Pashupati and traverse the route prescribed for that occasion scattering 'a hundred variety of seeds' in Kailash forest of Pashupati so that their dead relations may reap the fruit of this merit in the next world.
ARTS, ARCHITECTURE AND HANDICRAFTS IN KATHMANDU
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is the storehouse of Nepali arts and architecture. You can find so many temples and statues in the streets, every other building is a temple in the city. For this reason this valley is also known as the city of temples and shrines. There are over 2,500 big temples and monuments in the small valley. The art and architecture of Kathmandu is inspired by Hindu and Buddhist religion and culture. Kathmandu is endowed with such arts and sculpture. Here are the facts about some of the famous architectural designs of Kathmandu:

Pagoda Style : The pagoda style temple is Nepal's unique architectural contribution to the world. The pagoda style of architecture refers to multi-roofed structure with wide caves of the roof supported by carved wooden struts. The roofs are either topped with tiles or plated with copper gilt. A pagoda temple roof is topped off by spires. The windows are generally latticed and the doors carved. Nepal is the only country having so many temples made in the pagoda style. Some of the pagoda style temples are Changu Narayan, Pashupatipath, Taleju, Kasthamandap, Nyatapola etc.

Stupa Style : Another important style of architecture of Nepal is represented by the Stupa which is known as Chaitya also. The stupa style of architecture is Buddhist in concept. A Stupa is a solid hemispherical mound of earth, bricks or stones with a square base at the top. The square top supports a series of thirteen circular rings narrowed towards the top, and is crowned by a parasol. The four sides of the square base are painted with pairs of eyes. The eyes represent the eyes of Buddha, the founder of Buddhism. Some examples of the Stupa style of architecture are Swayambhunath stupa, Bouddhnath stupa etc.

Shikhara Style : This is a tall pyramidal structure. It has either five or nine sections. The final section consists of bell-shaped top. This architectural style is actually Indian in origin. The famous example of this design is Krishana Mandir of Patan. Other better known examples of this style are the Mahabouddha temple and Jagat Narayan temple in Patan, the Vatsala temple in Bhaktapur and the Gorakhnath temple in Kathmandu.
ENTERTAINMENT IN KATHMANDU
Night life: The most interesting after-dark activity is simply wandering the streets of old Kathmandu. As you wander the streets at night, listen for traditional Nepali music. In the evenings, impromptu bands often perform at small temples all over the city. This is also a good time to do your shopping since many shops catering to tourists stay open until 9pm. If you're dying to experience video night in Kathmandu, check the restaurants around Thamel. Many show videos of the latest Hollywood releases. There's also a video theater at the Kathmandu Guest House..

Pubs: Pubs and bars around Kathmandu offer a lively atmosphere in the late hours. Some of these feature live local bands who present renditions of past and present Western hits. Most are located in and around the tourist area of Thamel. A wide range of drinks,including punches and cocktails, can be found in these establishments. There may be temptation to try Nepali liquor but stand warned that it is a bit too strong both to the palate and the gullet. Opt for cocktails and punches. The barmen are sure to offer you a variety of cosmopolitan concoctions including a few that have been formulated locally. The best among hard liquor produced in Nepal are Himalayan Brandy, Snowland Gin, Bagpiper Whisky, Ruslan Vodka and Khukuri Rum. On the other hand locally manufactured beer happens to be good. Resulting from a combination of Nepal's Himalayan waters and technical collaboration with celebrated international master brewers like Carlsberg, Tuborg, and San Miguel, the beers of Nepal stand at par with top world brands. Some of the interesting bars and pubs are:
Blue Note Bar/New Orleans Café Bars & Pubs
Maya Cocktail Bar Bars & Pubs
Maya Pub. Bars & Pubs
Rum Doodle Bars & Pubs
The Tunnel Club Bars & Pubs
Tom & Jerry's Bars & Pubs
Underground Bars & Pubs
Holiday KTV Karoke Bar

Cultural Shows/Lok Dohari Restaurants: This is one way to get a taste of Nepal's varied cultural traditions without taking much trouble. The Lok Dohari Restaurants present Nepali cultural programs during dinnertime. Dance troupes with musical accompaniment perform a variety of Nepali folk and classical dances. These are usually performed before dinner beginning at 7:00 pm and run for an hour and a half or so. That gives you enough time ro enjoy a few drinks before your order is served. To soak in the ambience of totally Nepali experience, Nepali dishes are recommended for such an evening.

Casino: Used to be a time when Kathmandu was famous for having the only casino between the Suez and Singapore. That has changed now but Nepal's casinos still find favor with people with a penchant for gambling and with those just wanting to try their luck. Casino Nepal operates a chain of 4 casinos around Kathmandu which stay open 24 hours a day . The casinos are located in all of the 5-star hotels of Kathmandu, i.e. Soaltee Crowne plaza, Yak & Yeti, Hotel de 1' Annapurna, Radisson Hotel, Hyatt Regency and the Everest Hotel. Casino Nepal offers complimentary transportation from select hotels in their shuttle coaches , and also provide on-the-house snacks and beverages to players of big stakes. Games operated in the four casinos are roulette, blackjack, baccarat, pontoon, flush, and rummy. And there are plenty of one-armed bandits (slot machines) for those that want to tackle them. The famous casinos operating in Nepal are:
Casino Nepal – Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Tahachal, Kathmandu
Casino Anna – Hotel de L'Annapurna, Durbar Marg, KathmandU
Casino Royale – Hotel Yak & Yeti, Durbar Marg, Kathmandu
Casino Everest – Hotel Everest, New Baneshwor, Kathmandu
Casino Rad – Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat, Kathmandu
Casino Tara – Hyatt Regency, Boudha, Kathmandu

Disco and Dance Resturants: Different disco theques are operating in Kathmandu. Some of the famous Disco theque in Kathmandu are Babylon Disco, Galaxy, Club Dynasty, Royal Disco, Fire Disco, Club Platinum, etc. Similarly, there are different dance restaurants around Kathmandu.

Gazal Restaurants: A popular spot for Nepalis dining out is the gazal restaurants. These are Indian-style restaurants (but which offer Chinese and Continental cuisine as well ) where singers perform live. The songs are generally popular Nepali and Hindi songs and, hence, are not strictly "gazal" restaurants. There are, however, a few that have gazals (soulful Urdu songs ) only on their repertoire.
SPECIAL INTEREST TOURISM IN NEPAL
Ceramics and Pottery: Pre-historic pottery of Nepal consists of red, brown or black shades on unglazed surfaces. Excavation on various sites in the Kathmandu Valley have revealed specimens of ancient potteryware. They are ususally terracotta unglazed, although a few pieces of glazed potery have ben found. Most of Nepalese potteryware is for utilitarian purposes, such as container jars, water pitchers, lamps, washing bowls, flowers vases, and chilims-small objects used in religious workship. The pottery clay is found in the Kathmandu Valley. Black terracotta is another variety of folk pottery.

Bronze & Metal: Nepal, specially Kathmandu is an 'Aladdin's Cave' for shoppers, with reliable original antiques, along with reproductions of antiques plus masks, woodcarvings, and metal work all made to look old. From the beginning Nepal produced beautiful art work in metal. In temples of the Kathmandu valley there are copper statues made from the lost wax process that can be dated back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries A.D. Along with casting the Nepalese are experts in repousse - hammer beaten brass and copper works. There are life size repousse images of Ganga and Jamuna in the three royal palaces of the Kathmandu Valley. The copper and brass sheets are beaten by hammer into the required shape and then gold is applied. Many tympanums, the royal statues of the three cities supported by the tall monolithic stone pillars are done this way. The golden gate of Bhaktapur, the golden windows of Patan durbar and Hanuman Dhoka are the best examples of these.

Gold Jewelry: Jewelry is closely associated with a culture's aesthetic ideals, with its sensuous contours, the glistering patterns of its stones - even materials from which they are made - all reveal a culture's impassioned view about what is beautiful. The Newar craftsmen of the Kathmandu valley created amulet boxes adorned with both HIndu and Buddhist iconography for their customers, Jewelry plays a significant role in Buddhist and Hindu iconography, with the gods and goddesses of these traditions richly adorned with abundant jewelry- crowns, earrings, necklaces, armlets, anklets, finger and toe rings. Along with the gold the HImalayan stones of coral, amber and turuoise decorate the amulets, the jewelry, the ornaments, rings, earrings, and necklaces, and even belts. Hunting among the antique, metal and jewelry shops of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur is a shopper's delight.

Semi Precious Stones: The artistic finesse of Nepal is also seen in semi precious stones like coral, quartz and crystal.Hindus of Nepal use as pendant statue of a multiarmed Ganesh carved in coral, and some wear a ring carved from coral. The real art works are all handmade with traditional technology and or course their price reflects these age old techniques. In Thamel, there are bead shops which sell beads for jewellery, using coral, amber, turquoise and silver made up, or loose to design yourself.

Masks: The gods are on the one hand, the demons on the other, representing good and evil; they are the two radical opposing forces in Hindu mythology who have been fighting ever since the beginning of creation itself. Masked dances are performed in Nepal on almost every major religious occasion, like Gaijatra, Indra Jatra, Pachalibhairab Jatra, etc. and the dancers are mostly gardeners from the Newar community. At Bouddhanath you can see many old wooden masks which are quite old and have an antique or art value, and Thimi is the place to see the paper and clay masks including the masters turning a lump of clay into a beautiful masked wall hanging.

Handmade paper (Lokta paper): The Nepalese handmade paper is called "kancho kagaz" This paper is ancient in origin. Nepali paper is used in making kites, dolls and toys, papier mache, calendars, envelopes and writing material, in writing horoscopes, mandalas and thangka painting. The raw material of Nepali paper still grows wild; it has not been cultivated as yet. The common name for the bark is Lokta. Handmade paper produciton can be seen very easily on the edges of the Kathmandu Valley. More enterprising entrepreneurs are now pressing petals, flowers and leaves into the paper and are making wallpapers, lamp shades and other designer items.

Tibetan Woollen Carpets: The famed Tibetan woollen carpets are found aplenty. In Durbar Marg and Bouddhanath there are antique stores selling old carpets from Nepal and Tibet. The modern carpets, copies of old Tibetan designs, are woven with New Zealand or Tibetan wool, and mostly with reliable Swiss dyes, but vegetable dye rugs or carpets are sought after and can be found. As well there are modern designs, and of course they all come in different qualities, ranging from 60 knot to 100 knot.

Textiles: Raw materials for textiles are abundant in Nepal, and with the contrasting climates and altitudes there has been a wealth of materials which for centuries have been extracted, spun, twisted and wooven into a multitude of textiles. Textiles in Nepal are woven, knitted, crocheted, plaited or braide. The most remarkable and visible cotton textile are the intricately patterned, colourful cotton panels used for caps for men, and blouses and shawls for women, called Dhaka-cloth. A lovely cotton, with a very free design, very much up to the individual weaver, with no two pieces the same. The Limbus and Rais of the mid-mountains are famous for their Dhaka cloth. Pashmina shawls and lambswool shawls are everywhere, plus jumpers and cardigans from Cashmere, and some handknitted jumpers in local colours and designs. Cashmere, Pashmina shawls are in demand in Tokyo, New York, Paris, London etc. Yak hair is made into shelters, ropes and cloting, yak skin for shoes, saddle bags and straps. Sheep's wool was made into rainproof Nepalese woollen blankets that were used for trading items 2,000 years ago; and now woven clothing, blankets and rugs are still in use in the mountain areas. The most attractive Sherpa woollen front apron is woven from sheep's wool, hand spun and coloured with multi coloured natural dyes. Silk is also used in the pashmina and silk combined shawls. Jute goods and raw jude are important export items for Nepal to India and Bangladesh. Within Nepal the jute is sold to the mills in the Terai where it is machine spun and made into sack cloth and rope.

Thangkas: Painting is the mother of all forms of art. Wall paintings, frescos and mural paintings are found in the Kathmandu valley, with whole rooms painted without an inch uncovered, showing both religious and secular themes. Thangka painting in Nepal was used to describe the complicated tantric philosophy which also worked as a visual aid to a layman. The two types of thangka painted are the Newari Thangka and the Tamang Thangka. The Newar thangkas have gods, Buddhist gods dominating the whole canvas, while the Tamang thangkas mostly depict mandalas, the life of Buddha and the wheel of life. Throughout Kathmandu valley, Thangka schools and painters can be visited, and time can be spent learning, listening and watching the artists at their work.

Woodcarving: In the annals of the art and architectural treasures of Nepal wood has been the most common material used for carving. Besides the struts, windows of various designs, the peacock window, the Desemaru Jhya, meaning the unparalleled one, fake and lattice windows have added to the beauty of Nepalese temples and monasteries. They have beautiful carvings on their pillars and door-frames, lintels and cornices. There are intricate carvings of a number of animals and birds including the story of Ramayana,. These temples have erotic carvings at the bottom of their roof struts, a symbol of the tantric cult.

Khukuri: Khukuris, curved steel knives used by the Gurkha soldiers, are particularly a popular souvenir to take back home. An authentic khukuri should have a notch on it's blade near the handle. Sheathed together with the khukuri in the scabbard are two tiny knives: one is the karda whih is used for sharpening the khukuri, and the other called a chakmak is for striking a flintstone to make fire.
ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU
Accommodation plays an active role in the tourist movement. Without the facilities of accommodation no tourism is possible. Accommodation can itself be an important tourist destination. There is no dearth of comfortable accommodation in Kathmandu as there are more than a hundred hotels and lodges in and around Kathmandu for all kinds of budgets. A wide variety of accommodation such as hotels, motels, lodges, guest houses, apartments, rented houses, paying guest house, local house, tea house, tents, inns, resorts, etc. are available in Kathmandu. Thamel today is an agglomeration of hotels, restaurants, pubs and souvenir shops.

TABLE 1: Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu are their rates
Categories Hotel Count Room Count Average Single Room Rate
5 Star 7 1334 US $ 143.57
4 Star 9 819 US $ 105.55
3 Star 12 686 US $ 55.00
2 Star 23 834 US $ 27.08
1 Star 20 581 US $ 15.05
Non-star 81 1334 US $ 20.16

The top hotels of Kathmandu are : Soaltee Crowne Plaza, Hotel de L'Annapurna, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Hotel Everest, Radisson Hotel, Hyatt Regency, Hotel Sherpa, Hotel Ambassador, Shangri-La Hotel, Hotel Himalaya, Summit Hotel, Dwarika Hotel, Hotel Vajra, Nirvana Garden Hotel, Malla Hotel, Woodland, Utse, Shankar Hotel, The Retreat, Hotel Singi, MarcoPolo Business Hotel, Gazabko Business Court, Kathmandu Guest House etc.

Dining and Eating Places in Kathmandu:
It has often been said that Kathmandu is the cuisine capital of this part of the world. Therefore eating out in Kathmandu is a delight. You will be surprised at what you can get to eat around Kathmandu. Of the popular cuisines around the world, you name it and most are available here: Continental, Russian, Italian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Japenese, Tibetan, Indian, Nepali and Newari. A wide varieties of restaurants and eating places are available in Kathmandu. Some of the top restaurants are Nanglo, The Bakery Cafe, Rum Doodle, Bhojan Griha, Bhanchha Ghar, Cafe Mitra, The Northfield Cafe, Tien Shan, Tian Rui, China Town, Old Vienna Inn, The Chimney, Tansen, Ghar E Kabab, Vaishali, Al Fresco, Tamura, Him-Thai, Chez Caroline, Bi-won, Delicias Gourmet, Dhokaima, Nepali Chulo, LaSoon, Cross Kitchen, Himalayan Cafe, Latin Quarter, Baithak, The Mike's Breakfast, Wunjula, The Delicatessen, Wimpys, Oriental Kitchen etc.
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