- Topographic Trekking & Planning Guide Map
- Includes: Road Distances, Trekking Routes, National Parks, Introduction of Major Places
Nepal at a Glance
Bordered by Tibet (China) to the North and India to the South, East & West, this
landlocked country – the land of majestic mountains is famous for its rich cultural
heritage and known as the only Hindu kingdom in the world. A popular destination for
trekking and climbing – home to Mt. Everest Nepal presents varied possibilities
suitable to all age groups and degrees of physical fitness.
With its diverse religious practices, Nepal has been for the last five decades (since it
opened up) an exotic destination for the spiritually inclined. Hinduism with its concept of
‘Dharma’ and Karma’ defines the way of life for the Nepalese interspersed with the path
of Buddhism, which seeks ‘Nirvana’, in lieu of greed, hatred, and delusion. Shamanism,
widely practiced in the Eastern and Western hills, mediates between the physical and
spiritual realms, with the medicine men/oracles performing acts of healing and
appeasing various spirits and demons.
Must See’s in Kathmandu Valley
Available: HMH Kathmandu Valley Map: Scale 1:50 000, HKI Kathmandu City Map: Scale 1:15 000
Kathmandu Durbar Square: In the heart of the valley, the Kathmandu Durbar Square has
50 monuments with older ones aged over 800 years. Of special interest are the
Kasthamandap (constructed from the wood of a single tree), Kumari Chhen (house of the
Virgin Goddess), the Old Palace, the Big Bell (installed by Bahadur Shah in 1797) and the
numerous temples. Myriads of alleys around the Square offer glimpses into the past of
Kantipur (City of Peace), the original name of Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath: Commonly known as “Monkey temple”, Swayambhu is situated atop the
Padmanchal Hill, 2 km west of Thamel. Centuries old 365 stone steps lead to the central
stupa (10m high and nearly 64m circumference) with its famous Buddha Eyes of Peace.
Pashupatinath: The temple of Lord Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and
one of the great pilgrimage sites of the subcontinent. Just 4 km north-east of central Thamel
and near the airport, it covers an area of more than 260 hectares with almost as many
temples and religious monuments and has been designated a World Heritage Site by
UNESCO.
Boudhanath: or Chorten Chempo (in Tibetan), is one of the world’s largest stupas and an
important Tibetan-Buddhist monument outside of Tibet. Situated 5 km east of downtown
Kathmandu, the stupa is 38m high and 100m in circumference with numerous monasteries
in its vicinity.
Thamel: the main tourist junction, where you can find everything from trekking
paraphernalia to lodgings to the best bars in town, is the multinational melting-pot.
Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square is an excellent example of Newari architecture
with 17th & 18th century Malla monuments. The museum and Kumari Hiti – the bathing
fountain of the Malla dynasty princess are not to be missed along with Krishna Mandir,
depicting scenery from the Mahabharata. Walking around the vicinity in Mangal Bazar gives
a flavor of the old mixed with the new.
Bhaktapur: Literally, the City of Devotees, Bhaktapur is in totality an architectural
showpiece, whose carvings & fineness of work are yet to be surpassed. Walking around
one can observe historically authentic lifestyle of the Jyapus – the traditional farmers of the
valley, whose communities thrive on agricultural self-sufficiency. The central attraction is the
Royal Palace & Durbar Square, built originally in 1427 AD by King Yaksha Malla, with 99
courtyards, 55 carved windows and a golden gate. Other places of interest are the five
storied Nyatapola temple, Dattatraya Square, Peacock window and Taleju Temple, along
with real-life pottery making in the myriad streets and chowks (courtyards).
Bungamati: Almost a Tuscan village from a distance with all roads leading to the central
plaza, Bungamati is home to the Machhendranath deity (the patron of rain) and a paragon of
medieval lifestyle.
Changu Narayan: This temple complex honoring Lord Vishnu, dates back to 6 Century
and is the oldest temple in Nepal. With its location at the abrupt end of a ridge (north of
Chobhar: Surrounded by pine forests, this ancient village lies on top of a hill and is renowned
for the idiosyncratic Adinath Temple decorated with pots & pans. A steel suspension bridge
across the Chhobar gorge accords views of the riverbank shrine of Jal Binayak and the
Chobhar Cave.
Kirtipur: Kirtipur, a hilltop fortress, located on a ridge 5 km south-west of Kathmandu, was
the original strategic entry point to the valley kingdoms during the unification of Nepal.
Kirtipur offers a different dimension to the lifestyle of the Jyapus.
Beyond the Valley
Nagarkot: Nagarkot, less than an hour’s drive to the east of Kathmandu, proffers
magnificent panoramic views of the Himalayan Range, including a glimpse of Mt.Everest.
Overnight stays are popular for the breath-taking views in the mornings & evenings and the
serene life-style. Nagarkot village, with hotels, lodges and guest houses that stretches for
over two kilometres along cultivated ridge tops, was literally a fort site – a strategic defense
location for the valley in medieval history and still has an army base in situ. The major
landmarks in the vicinity are Mahankal Shrine and a small-scale cheese-making project.
Chitwan: Nepal’s most popular national park offers jungle safaris, ‘shooting’ the Bengal
Tiger, Elephant rides and the Tharu (local ethnic community) cultural tour.
Pokhara: Nepal’s most popular destination after Kathmandu, Pokhara valley with Fish Tail
mountain looming over it – is the hub of treks to the Annapurna Conservation Region.
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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