Kathmandu City, Patan and Bhaktapur (CT302)

Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, the Durbar Square is a complex of palaces, courtyards

and temples. It used to be the seat of the ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. An intriguing piece

here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

Protected as a World Heritage Site, it is the social religious and urban focal point of the city. The

chief attractions are the Kashtamandap (a pagoda built from a single tree), the Kumari Chhe (house

of the Living Goddess), the Old Palace with three museums inside, and the numerous temples and

statues all around.

Like its counter part in Kathmandu, it is an enchanting living museum of palace buildings, artistic

courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace

complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array

of bronze statues and religious objects. Most of the monuments in this square belong to the medieval

Malla period 15th to 17th century. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated

to the Hindu god Krishna, built entirely of stone. Kwa Bahal, a Buddhist monastery courtyard dating

back to the 12th century, Mahabouddha, Uku Bahal and Kumari Hiti – the bathing fountain of Malla

princesses – are other places of interest.

So exquisite is the art and architecture and the spatial layout of Bhaktapur that as you walk in, you

cannot but be overcome by a feeling of awe and admiration. The 15th century Palace, situated to the

left as you enter through the city gate, built in 1427 AD by King Yaksha Malla with 55 carved

windows and 99 courtyards, is the major attraction. While it also houses the National Art Gallery

inside, the entrance to the palace, the Golden Gate, is a masterpiece in the repose art. In front of the

palace building is a medley of temples and architectural structures of various designs. The must-visit

ones among them are Taumadhi Square to the east of Durbar Square, the towering five roofed

Nyatapol temple presiding over the Dattatreya Square, Peacock window and the Taleju temple.

Also known as Monkey temple, Swayambhunath watches over the Valley with its famous Buddha

Eyes from the top of a hillock 2 km west of Thamel. The huge stupa (10 m high and approx. 64 m

circumference) is one of the holiest Buddhists sites in the world and its origin is linked to the creation

of the Kathmandu Valley out of a primordial lake. It is listed as a World Heritage Site. The National

Museum and Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.

lies about six Km to the east of downtown Kathmandu and is the largest stupa in the World. It looms

36 meters high and presents one of the most fascinating specimens of stupa design. Bouddhanath,

a World Heritage Site, is also known as Khasti, or dew drops, after an account that builders had to

use dew to mix the mortar as Kathmandu was suffering from a severe drought during its construction.

One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and also a World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath

lies 5 Km east of the city center. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic

symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 AD. Devotees from

different parts of the Indian Subcontinent can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river

flowing beside the temple.

The Gujeshwari Temple, a Power Place in the valley, can be approached by a tail from the Pashupatinath

Temple or the downhill trail from Gorakhnath Temple.

It is the main tourist hub, the multinational melting point of Kathmandu. Here you can find everything

from trekking paraphernalia to sophisticated mountaineering equipment, from economy lodgings to

the best bars, cafes and restaurants. It offers everything a tourist may need in Nepal.

Kirtipur, a small historic town, 8km southwest of Kathmandu, lying atop a hill, was in fact a hill-

top fortress. It has many things to offer like old shrines and temples and old houses. The inhabitants,

predominantly Jyapus – a traditionally farming community, are typically dressed in traditional

costumes, and can be spotted working on looms and in paddy fields.

This former pleasure garden of the Malla queens-located at 2 km north-west of Thamel and on the

route to Kakani-is famous for its 22 stone taps and the exact replica of the Sleeping Vishnu.

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Publisher’s Note

This map has been published by Himalayan MapHouse (P) Ltd., the only registered map publishing company in Nepal & a member of the International Map Trade Association (IMTA). Himalayan MapHouse produces the widest range of trekking maps in Nepal, updated to reflect the latest information regarding route changes and facilities available.
As an integral part of our Quality Assurance Program, we verify all information regarding trekking routes and trails with professional trekking guides & climbers and update our maps for accuracy and reliability. All altitudes are measured with analog & digital altimeters and the trekking times represent average times. Credit is due to the numerous trekkers who wrote/called/faxed/emailed, their suggestions for improvement.

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