There are many beautiful and interesting places to visit outside the Kathmandu Valley- places of historical importance of noted for natural beauty. Most of them can be easily reached from kathmandu by road or by air.

Pokhara

Pokhara Valley is one of the most picturesque spot of Nepal . Pokhara stands at 884 meters above sea level, about 700 meters lower than Kathmandu . Its lovely lakes such as Fewa, Begnas and Rupa as well as Barahi Temple , Davy's fall, Mahendra Gupha (Cave) etc enhances the beauty of the valley. Situated 200 km west of Kathmandu , Pokhara is connected by air as well or by tourist luxuries bus from Kathmandu . Pokhara offers the magnificent views of Dhaulagiri , Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, 5 peaks of Annapurna and many others. Pokhara's numerous lakes, known as "Tal" in Nepali offer fishing, boating and swimming. Pokhara is gateway to go to several trekking destination in the country. Now a day Pokhara is a fashionable and holiday destination especially for the tourists where there are economical to the most luxurious hotels to welcome the visitors. In the Kathmandu Valley the high temples are all around you, in the Pokhara Valley it is the mountains.

Lumbini

Lumbini (306Km. -east); this World Heritage Site is not only a place of pilgrimage but also an international tourist attraction where Lord Buddha was born, who ultimately got enlightenment and preached his message to the world. This nativity site was identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka's commemorative pillar. The main attraction at the Lumbini remains the Sacred Garden that is spread over 8 sq. km, the Mayadevi Temple , Ashoka Pillar, sacred pond, China Temple etc. The sacred Garden possesses all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Here we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha's mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal ; the Ashoka's pillar. Emperor Ashoka built the pillar in 249 BC to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we fine the sacred pond, Puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. Today the holy site is being developed as the supreme Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace. The shrines and monasteries built by different countries and in different times reflect the architectural traditions of the respective countries, and thus giving Lumbini an international feel with a message of universal friendship and brotherhood. About 30km east of Lumbini is the village of Tilaurakot , which is believed to have been the location of the Kapilvastu royal palace where the Buddha grew up as the Shakya dynasty prince, until he renounced it at the age of 29 in search of enlightenment.

A tour to this destination will bring emancipation in one's life, which is so pure, peace and prosperous to those who seek salvation from the filthy activities practiced in the world. There are other places of interest too nearby as Kapilbastu. It is accessible by air from Kathmandu to Bhairahwa. From Kathmandu it takes about eight hours by bus or car.

There are also three museums in Lumbini The Lumbini Museum , located in the Cultural Zone, contains Mauryan and Kushana coins, religious manuscripts, terra-cotta fragments, and stone and metal sculptures. It also possesses an extensive collection of stamps from various countries depicting Lumbini and the Buddha.

Kapilvastu Museum is situated 27 km west of Lumbini in the village of Tilaurakot . The museum holds coins, pottery and toys dating between the seventh century BC and fourth century AD. The museum also has good collection of jewelry and other ornaments of that period.

Lumbini International Research Institute (LIRI), located opposite to the Lumbini Museum , provides research facilities for the study of Buddhism and religion in general. Run jointly by the Lumbini Development Trust (LDT) and the Reiyukai of Japan, LIRI contains some 12,000 books on religion, philosophy, art and architecture.

Some Importants Sites Around Lumbini

Kapilvastu: Located some 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the ruins of the historic town of Kapilvastu , which is believed to the capital of Shakya Kingdom where Lord Buddha was brought up till he was 13. Kapilvastu has been identified with Tilaurakot by archaeologist. There are ruins and mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of kiln-burnt bricks and clay mortar. The remains are surrounded by a moat and the wall of the city is made of bricks. A museum at Kapilvastu showcases everyday materials like ancient coins, terracotta utensils, metallic weapons and ornaments.

Arorakot:
About 10 kilometers morthwest of Taulihawa is a rectangular fortitied area popularly known as Arorakot, which is believed to be the natal town of Kanakmuni Buddha . There are remains of ancient moat and the fortification made of bricks. A brick lined will is seen to the south and an elevated mound is toward the northwest.

Gotihawa:
About 5 kilometers southwest of Taulihawa, there is a village called Gotihawa where an Ashokan pillar is broke and lost. The lower portion is 3.5 meters high and still intact. A huge stupa is seen to the north east of the pillar.

Kudan:
About 2 kilometers northwest of Taulihawa on a roadside is the dilapidated village of Kudan .
Niglihawa:
About 8 kilometer northwest of Taulihawa is another site of archaeological importance. The place has a quadrangular pond surrounded by bushes locally known as Niglisagar. On the western bank of the pond there are two broken pieces of the Ashokan Pillar, the longer one lying flat on the ground while the shorter ones stand erect. The pillar bears two peacocks on the top.

Sagarhawa :
About 12 kilometers north of Taulihawa is the forest of Sagarhawa . In the midst of the forest here is a huge rectangular pond, locally known as Lumbusagar or a long pond. Devdaha: Situated at about 35 kilometers northeast of Lumbini, Devdaha is believed to be the maternal home of Prince Siddhartha. Siddhartha's wife Princess Yasodhara was also from Devdaha.

Daman

Daman in Nepal is a destination for all seasons and is a perfect place for Honeymoon Couples, or any other visitors with short stay in Nepal , Family Holidays, Meditation, Seminars and place to unwind or undertake more Adventurous Outdoor Activities.

80 KM South West of Kathmandu on the Tribhuwan Raj Path (the original Highway to the Nearest Indian Border Town, Raxaul), and is exactly half- way to Chitwan National Park from Kathmandu . It is situated at 2500m from the sea level.

Features & Facilities:

On clear days views of 400 KM range of Himalayas Panorama including Mt. Everest can be seen just standing on one spot; 8 out of the 10 Highest Mountains. Hiking to a Buddhist Monastery & Rikheshwor Mahadevsthan or surrounding Tamang villages. Pony Trek, Mountain Biking, Sunset Walk, Bird Watching & Fishing in near by Indra Sarovar Lake .

Flora & Fauna:

Lush Pine & Oak Forest; varieties of Ferns and Herb, Primal, Danphe and Rhododendron (national flower) abound in Spring; Daman is famous for its countless varieties of Wild Orchids; Colorful and varied bird-life abounds; Deer can be seen around the resort compound sometimes.

Kakani

Kakani is another good location for viewing the mountain scenery. Only two hours north-west of Kathmandu , one can see the mountain landscape of central Nepal , a vast collection of majestic peaks stretching from Ganesh Himal to the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges. There is an unusually perfect blending of the imposing mountain scenery with the more sylvan environment of the lower valleys. Rhododendrons growing wild on the mountain slopes begin to bloom in late winter and stay in bloom for several months, giving the village even more charm.

Panauti:

It is a thriving Newari village with beautiful temples and interesting old houses. Located between Punyamati and Rosikhola about 34km south east of Kathmandu . It derives its name from Punyamati River , also known as Punyamata by the local people. It is an interesting spot, as the people tend to believe that there is a huge rock all the way to Godavari from Panauti. They take it as a Naga, the serpent king capable of protecting them against earthquake of any richer scale in 1934. Once you are in Panauti, you will discover that the whole area is dotted with innumerable gods and goddesses rather like the constellation of stars in the universe.

Tansen:

Located at an altitude of 1343m above the sea-level, Tansen is the most popular summer resort in western Nepal because of its position and climate. It has the most extensive views of the country's chief attraction, the great Himalayan ranges from Gaurishanker in the northeast to Dhaulagiri in the west. It takes just seven-hours by drive from Pokhara to get Tansen.

Palanchowk Bhagawati:

It is a 42km, one-hour drive from Kathmandu to Palanchowk on the Arniko highway. This noted historic temple of goddess Kali is situated at a hilltop some 7km north of Panchkhal. One can really enjoy the panoramic view of the landscape from this spot. This temple is said to have been constructed during the region of King Mandev. The temple houses a three feet high idol of goddess Kali artistically carved in a black stone, which is one of the best examples of such intricate workmanship.

Gosainkunda :

One of the most famous religious places of pilgrimage of Nepal is Gosainkunda lake, situated at an altitude of about 4360 m. The best approach to Gosainkunda is through Dhunche, 132 kilometres north east of kathmandu. Dhunche is linked with Kathmandu by a motorable road. Surrounded by high mountains on the north and the south, the Lake is grand and picturesque. There are other nine famous lakes such as Saraswati, Bhairav, Sourya and Ganesh Kunda, etc.

Timal Narayan :

The route from Dhulikhel to Timal Narayan is ideal for a short trek. From here one can have a beautiful view of Gaurishanker Himal and other important peaks as well as Sunkoshi river. It is also very pleasant to visit the villages of the Tamang people who live in this area.

Charikot:

About 133 kilometers from Kathmandu , Charikot provides a spectacular mountain view of the Gaurishanker. In the eastern upper part of Dolakha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolakha Bhimsen .

Helambu:

Helambu situated about 72 kilometers north-east of Kathmandu is famous for its scenic grandeur and pleasant climate. There are many Buddhist monasteries amidst a rich and enchanting landscape. Sundarijal is the starting point to trek to Helambu which is mere 11 kilometers away from Kathmandu .

Muktinath:

The famous temple of Lord Muktinath lies in the district of Mustang and is situated about 18 kilometers north east of Jomsom at an altitude of about 3,749 meters. The temple is situated on a high mountain range and is visited during fair weather. There are two ways to get to Muktinath from Kathmandu . Either to take a direct flight from Kathmandu via Pokhara to Jomsom and hike for a couple of hours via Kagbeni or to trek all the way from Pokhara. There is also air service from Pokhara to Jomsom.

Rapti Valley (Chitwan):

From Kathmandu it takes six hours to reach Chitwan. Situated 120 kilometers south-west of Kathmandu , the main attraction of Chitwan is Royal Chitwan National Park . This is one of the Nepal's largest forest regions with a wide range of wildlife- the rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. The diverse ecology is home to around 600 plant species, 50 mammals, and 49 amphibians and reptiles. Some of these flora and fauna are endangered.

Namche Bazaar:

The name of Namche Bazaar is generally associated with that of Sagarmatha ( Mt. Everest ), the highest peak in the world. It is the entrance to the Everest region. Situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal range, Namche Bazaar is about 241 km. from Kathmandu and the distance is generally covered within 15 days by trekking. This place is the home of the legendary Sherpas. One can fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and Syangboche in the Everest region. Accommodations are available at Lukla, Namche bazaar, Thyangboche, Debuche, Periche, Pangboche, Lobuche and Gorakhshep respectively.

Janakpur:

A great religious place, Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the consort of Lord Rama. There is an artistic marble temple of Sita (Janaki), popoularly known as Naulakha Mandir. Religous festivals, pilgrimages, trade fairs and other festivities are held here on Bivaha Panchami and Ram Navami days. Janakpur is also linked with Kathmandu by air and road.

Biratnagar:

The second largest city of Nepal Biratnagar is situated in the Koshi Zone. The city has some of the largest industrial undertakings in the country. There are a couple of pilgrimage spots in Dharan and Barahachhetra nearby the city. Biratnager is linked with Kathmandu by air and road.

Barahachhetra:

A few kilometers from the main city of Biratnagar , Barahachhetra, the holy place of Hindu pilgrimage, lies at the confluence of the two rivers the Saptakoshi and Kokaha. There is the temple of Lord Baraha , the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Historians have traced the existence of this image from the twelth century.

Hile:

It is situated about 13 kilometers north of Dhankuta Bazaar. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Himalayas including Sagarmatha (Mt.Everest) Makalu , Lhotse and Kumbhakarna.

Baglung:

Located in the middle hills on the west of Pokhara, Baglung is the headquarters of Dhaulagiri Zone. It is situated on a terrace overlooking the Kali Gandaki river which is famous for deep gorges and notorious bends. It is the trading town of quaint streets and traditional buildings where merchants from the Terai plains in the south and the hills in the north come together to barter. Inhabited by different ethnic groups, Baglung offers the most scenic view of Mount Dhaulagiri towards its north. It has recently been connected to Pokhara by a 72 km black-topped highway. On the way to Baglung, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the incredibly long range of Annapurna Himal towards north. Baglung is also a good starting point for Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve where controlled hunting of some species is allowed. The reserve is famous for the blue sheep. The trek from Baglung Bazaar to Dhorpatan takes about four days

Bandipur:

Bandipur is an ancient trading town of quaint streets and charming atmosphere. It is situated on a ridge top south of Dumre which lies 135 km out on the Kathmandu -Pokhara highway. Bandipur can be reached after a two hour climb from Dumre. While the other trading posts of the Nepali hills have modernised, Bandipur retains its age old cultural attributes. It still has its temples, shrines, holy caves and a newari architecture that harks back to the Kathmandu Valley of old.

Birgunj:

Birgunj is the busy border town which serves as the main entry point to Nepal for travelers from India. It is a rapidly growing industrial town connected to Bihar's Raxaul. If you are traveling from Calcutta and Patna to Kathmandu, you have to pass through Birgunj. For almost all the travelers, however, it is just a stopping point for over night on the way to Kathmandu or Royal Chitwan National Park.

Charikot / Jiri:

About 133 kilometers from Kathmandu, Charikot provides a spectacular mountain view of Gaurishankar. In the eastern upper part of Dolkha township there is a famous roofless temple of Dolkha Bhimsen. The highway to Jiri is famous for the environment friendly approach adopted during its design, construction and maintenance. Jirels, one of the unique ethnic groups of Nepal reside here. Jiri, in fact, is one of the major starting points for mountain trek to Mount Everest region.

Chitwan:

For a country known for its beautiful mountains, the Gangetic flat lands of the Terai that stretches through out the southern part of Nepal provide a wholly different experience. (See the separate section on the Terai for more details.) A visit to Nepal remains incomplete without seeing the beauty of the Terai.

And Chitwan is the best place to do so. The Royal Chitwan National Park, established in 1973, provides a great wildlife experience with its rich flora and fauna –read further for more details. The wildlife and the landscape are not as breathtaking as those found in Africa but still, the experience will stand out.

Chitwan is only 150m above the sea level. The place gets steamy from March-June, with peak temperatures reaching 43°C in the shade. Short grass makes Feb-May the best game-viewing season, but the autumn months are gorgeous, with Himalayan views, and in winter (December-January), Chitwan is pleasantly warmed compared to Kathmandu. The monsoon season (July-August) is intense, with pounding rain, swollen rivers, and luxuriant vegetation. While the rain isn't constant, the humidity is all pervasive.

Royal Bengal tigers roam the region; one-horned rhinos can be seen charging through the underbrush, feeding and even courting. The Rapti River has been dammed to form a man-made lake called Lamital where water-birds and marsh mugger peckers and many other birds are found in plenty in these forests.

Elephant grass, five to six feet tall, provides excellent camouflage for animals. This grass serves as food for the gaur (a local bison), rhino and other herbivores. Once a year, local people are allowed into the park area to cut grass. The grass is dried, and used to thatch roofs or stored for food for the domestic animals during the dry season.

Gorkha:

Gorkha is a scenic hill- town with great historical significance. King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who unified the Kingdom of Nepal during eighteenth century, was born in the township of Gorkha. Situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, Gorkha offers panoramic view of snow-fed mountains.

The then small kingdom of Gorkha, founded by king Drabya Shah in 1560 A. D. became famous during the dynasty of Ram Shah (1604-1641 A.D.), who earned the reputation of being just to his people. There was a famous proverb in those days which said that one should go to Gorkha if he were looking for justice.

In the middle of eighteenth century there were hundreds of small kingdoms and principalities in what is today's Nepal. The great Prithvi Narayan Shah took the mammoth task of unifying Nepal in the eighteenth century. The Gorkha soldiers under his dynamic leadership eventually succeeded in conquering the Kathmandu valley. The capital of greater Nepal was shifted to Kathmandu since then. But this beautiful township has always remained as the center of attraction for many Nepalese as well as foreign visitors.

Gorkha Durbar:

This historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township, about one hour's walk uphill from the bus station. On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba (sage). It is believed that the name of Gorkha was derived from the name of this sage, whose blessings inspired King Prithvi Narayan Shah for the unification of Nepal. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular.

Upallokot:

It is situated at a 20 minute walking distance from Gorkha palace.There is a viewing platform at an altitude of 1520 meters in Upallokot from where the spectacular view of Gorkha palace and the sliver shining snow-fed peaks can be enjoyed.

Manakamana:

On a beautiful ridge south-east of the township of Gorkha lies the holy temple of Manakamana, the holy goddess of aspirations. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus. Manakamana is a four hour walk uphill from Anbu Khaireni on Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway.

Ilam:

Ilam is the far eastern district of the country, inhabited by people of different colors living in peace and harmony. Neighboring the famous Indian hill town of Darjeeling, it is situated on the foothills of Mount Kanchanjunga, The third highest peak in the world. Ilam is adorned with an almost limitless range of lush-green tea gardens. The rolling hills covered with tea leaves are simply majestic. The thick white fogs alternatively descend to veil the gardens and then suddenly vanish. Greenery prevails all over the hills of Ilam all around the year. Ilam Tea Garden located near Ilam Bazaar and Kanyam Tea Garden located halfway between Terai plain and Ilam Bazaar are the major gardens of Nepal.

Antu Danda:

Antu Danda, situated at an altitude of 1677m in Ilam District, is famous for its unique views of Everest and Kanchanjunga. It is the best vantage point for viewing sunrise and sunset. There is a motorable road from Ilam to Chhipitar from where one can read Antu Danda on foot. This exhilarating trekking along the lush green hills takes about 3 hours.

Mai Pokhari:

Situated at an altitude of 2438 meters, Mai Pokhari is a famous place of pilgrimage in Ilam district. Lying at about thirteen kilometers north of Ilam Bazaar, this beautiful place consists of the pond whose circumference is more than one kilometer. Altogether there are nine ponds in the area some of which are large enough for boats. This place becomes alive every year during 'Harisayam Ekadashi' when a one-night fair is held. This place is a famous picnic spot for nearby people Mai Pokhari can be reached in four hours from Ilam Bazaar in jeep. On the way are the villages of Chureghanti, Bakhaute, Dharapani and Hasbire Bhanjyang, which offer commanding views of the snowy peaks towards north.