Kathmandu and its surroundings
Of course visiting the surroundings of Kathmandu asks for time, but if you stay in the capital for a week, you will have the time to enjoy and discover the surroundings of the city. From the simple walk, to the visit of exceptional sites, live your stay at the rhythm of the country, spirituality, discovery, smile are the slogans of the order of the Nepal .
Also read: Discovery of the city of Kathmandu
After leaving the tourist area of Thamel, take the time from one day to the Swayambhunath temple . This Buddhist temple also known as the temple of monkeys, probably because of the colonies of monkeys wandering around the visitors, is one of the sightseeing excursions of travellers. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the architectural ensemble of the highest-level temple on a hill has an incredible stupa which dominates the Kathmandu Valley.
Photo credit: Flickr – Dhilung Kirat
The many steps to access the site will soon be forgotten, the spiritual atmosphere reaches its paroxysm at dawn and at sunset, when the faithful gather, meditate and turn around the stupa a sparkling white, while activating the numerous prayer mills. The incense, butter lamps, incantations, everything is captivating, post at sunset facing the horizon and enjoy this moment, it will undoubtedly be one of the unforgettable moments of your trip.
The Kathmandu Valley represents all the essence of Nepal, and the talent of Nepal’s architects and craftsmen can be seen very quickly after discovering medieval towns and villages as Patan , Bodnnath or Bhaktapur . All classified as Unesco’s world heritage, these cities allow travellers to get out of the tourist trails and taste real Nepalese life.
Durbar Square de Patan – Photo credit: Flickr – Jean-Pierre Dalbéra
The site Pashupatinath Will prove that you are far from European continent. This site welcomes the largest Hindu temple in Nepal where faithful, sâdhus come to get the blessing of Pashupati , the master of the flock so venerated on this site.
One of the greatest features of these places is the incineration of bodies at the edges of the sacred waters of the Bagmati . Famous as its Indian equivalent, Varanasi , cremation ghats are used for open-air incinerations, members of the royal family but also ordinary people. The body of the deceased wrapped in a linceul is deposited on a stake in front of the relatives and all those who will be in the vicinity. Rituals to which everyone can attend which turns out to be a unique “experience”.
A sâdhu – Photo credit: Flickr – Jean-Marie Hullot
Around the banks of the Bagmati, many temples are installed where walking groups of Buddhists hoping to earn a little money thanks to the visits of many tourists. The visit to the site of Pashupatinath is a great step towards another world, another culture, real imprint of Hindu religion, the site allows all people to attend in the greatest respect to an event that seems to be unreal in the eyes of any stranger. Located a few minutes from the capital, count about 30 minutes and board for a visit that you will not know about to forget.
Do you know the area around the capital of Nepal?
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