Kodari
Being the main trade centre of Nepal with Tibet, the autonomous region of China, Kodari is the main checkpoint of Nepal like Birgunj is the main trade centre of Nepal with India. The Araniko Highway, one of the major highways of Nepal, has linked Kathmandu with Kodari, the bordering trade centre for importing goods from borderline market of Tibet and for exporting the goods to Khasa from Nepal. Kodari is located in the northern border area of Sindhupalchok district of State Number 3.
Kakarvitta
This is the market lying near the eastern border of Nepal. This lies in Jhapa district of State Number 1. The importance of this place has increased following the opening of the road that goes from here to Bangladesh through Phulbari. This is also called the door of the eastern Nepal as it is the important entry point of eastern border of Nepal. Mechi Custom Office also lie here so it has played important role in import and export from this area.
It is evident that the distance between Ilam and Jhapa is not much because the trade relations with Kharsang, Siliguri and Darjeeing have been maintained from Pashupatinangar and because Ilam and Jhapa, popular for the production of tea, are adjacent districts.
Kakani
There is a beautiful place called Kakani at an altitude of 6,778 feet and 29 km away from the centre of Kathmandu. Lying in Nuwakot district, the place used to be called Basanti Baag during the Rana period. There is a big settlement of Tamang people near it. In addition to this, Police Training Centre, Tara Gaun Guest House, Memorial Park built by Thai Airways, and a Horticulture Farm have added to the grandeur of Kakani.
Khumbu Region
Lying in Solukhumbu district of State Number 1, Khumbu region is famous for trekking and mountaineering. There lie 6664 m high Mera Peak, the famous peak for easy and quick mountaineering including the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest in the region. Besides this, there lie worth seeing places like; Gokyo Peak, Pike Danda, Tashi Lapcha, Kalpatthar, Amadablam Crux, Dudh Kunda etc.
Khaptad
Spread in four districts; Doti, Achham, Bajhang and Bajura, Khaptad lies at an altitude of 11,000 feet. Situated at the meeting point of four districts, the high altitude hilly region has hill tops, grasslands, and small streams. The high hill flat land is approximately 5 km wide and 10 km long.
The snow covered white hills and forests look themselves attractive. The flat land with different colored flowers after snow melting looks like the heaven. Khaptad is synonymous with natural beauty. Khaptad, if developed from the tourism point of view, can contribute significantly to the development of western Nepal.
Gorkha
Prior to the commencement of unification campaign of Nepal by Prithvi Narayan Shah, Gorkha was a small hilly state governed by Shah Kings. Gorkha is surrounded by Dhading in the east, by Tanahu, Lamjung and Manang in the west and by Tibet of China in the north and by Chitwan in the south. Gwala mountain pass and Mt. Shringi, Narad pond, the head of Daraudi river in the north; Trishuli in the south; Budhi Gandaki river in the east and Marshyangdi river, Chepe river, Mt. Champabati and Manaslu mountain range in the west are the natural borders of Gorkha. Lying to the southern slope of GorakhKali, Gorkha Bazar or Pokharathok is the district headquarters of Gorkha. The Daraudi river is the principal river flowing through Gorkha from north to south. The Daraudi river is the centre of attraction with respect to its historical importance and its water energy.
The hill where lies Gorkha Bazar below has Gorkha Palace built in Pagoda style at its top. The palace is decorated with artistic windows and doors. As a historical place, Gorkha Palace is very important with tourism point of view too. The Kali temple, the Gorakhnath temple as well as the idols of other deities are located in the palace premises. Including Gorkha palace, there are other palaces built in artistic way in Gorkha Bazar. Nuwakot palace is also built in this style. There lies an ancient museum in Gorkha. Since, people of Newar caste constitutes the majority of people residing in Bazar area, there is a tradition of conducting all Jatras (fair) be done by Newar community.
This area is very attractive in view of tourism as enchanting views of the Himalaya can be seen from here. The area is also famous as the main pass that goes to Manang via Larke. Like with other northern districts of Nepal, Gorkha is also famous for cordyceps. Located in Gorkha district, the Manakamana Temple is not only a famous religious site of Hindus, it is also a beautiful tourist destination. The operation of cable car from Cheres on Prithivi Highway to Manakamana has made the travel to Manakamana very easy, comfortable, short and enjoyable.
Gajurmukhi Devi
The stone idols of different shapes of Goddess lying in a cave like place on the western bank of the Deumai river, one of the four major rivers of Ilam district, is called Gajurmukhi Devi. The priest there is of Limbu caste. People believe that worshipping of the Gajurmukhi Devi would enable deaf people to listen and dumb to speak. A fair is held here on the full moon day of Kartik. The cave shaped site has been given the form of a temple with the assistance from the public. Shiva temple and a guest house for pilgrims have also been built there.
Pashupatinath Temple
Lying on the bank of the Bagmatiriver, Pashupatinath is the sacred temple of the Hindus. It is the most famous temple of Lord Shiva. Grand celebration of the festival of Shivaratri takes place in Pashupatinath temple. Pashupatinath temple is taken as the masterpiece of Hindu architecture. The two storiedgrand temple has the roof made up of gold plated copper. The golden statue of Nandi (Shiva’s Bahan) has been placed to the west of the temple. This temple has been enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Guheshwori Temple
Lying near the Pashupati temple on the bank of the Bagmati river, and historically, culturally and artistically important, Guheshwori temple has been a centre of religious faith for the followers of the Hindu religion. As this Shaktipeeth (Centre of Holy Power) was established in Lichchhavi period and the temple was built in Malla period, the specific examples of sculpture of Lichchhavi period and wood art of Malla period can be seen here.
Surrounded by resting places, the pavilion style temple built near the Sleshmantak forest on the southern bank of the Bagmati river is believed to be the temple of Satidevi (Parbati), the consort of Lord Shiva. People also believe that the Supreme Guru, Shankaracharya, had visited to observe this place in ancient time and had performed devotion and prayer to Guheshwori. As Guheshwori is worshipped and prayed according to the Tantrik Bajrayan Buddhist tradition, the place is taken as the reverence for both the Hindu and Buddhist community.
Ghandruk
Located on the lap of Mt. Annapurna and Mt. Machhapuchhre, 42 km away from Pokhara to the North, Ghandruk lies in Kaski district of Gandaki state. It is the settlement of Gurung people and has been able to demonstrate lively the Gurung culture and life style. The place is regarded as an important and attractive place for internal and international tourists in addition to mountaineers and trekkers. 50 thousand tourists visit this place every year.
Chandannath Temple
The idol of Lord Dattatraya has been established in Chandannath temple located in Jumla district of Karnali state. The worshipping is performed three times a day; in the morning, in the afternoon and in the evening, according to Vedic methods. Built prior to 8th Century, the foot image of Lord Dattatraya is there in the temple. The temple has been named Chandannath since it was built by Chandannath. The priest in the temple comes from Yogi (Giri, Puri etc.) community.
Chagunarayan
Regarded to be one of the most ancient temples in Nepal with an idol of Lord Vishnu established inside, Chagunarayn temple lies on a mountain peak called Doladri (Dolagiri) on the eastern most part of Bhaktapur district. Although no one knows for sure about who the temple was constructed by and when, there’s a saying that a person named Haridatta Burma established the temple in course of establishing four Narayans (Chagunarayan, Sheshnarayan, Bisankhunarayan and Ichangunarayan) in the valley in 386 Saka Sambat (521 BS). It is found to have been stated that in 386 Saka Sambat (521 BS) King Mandev erected a pillar with the Garud after performing the worship of Chagunarayan by taking in control the lords of the east and the west.
Chitwan Wildlife Conservation Area
Chitwan has been taken as the wildlife conservation area. Rare wild animals and birds are found there. One horned rhinoceros, Bengal tigers and elephants found in the area have been regarded as the rare animals. The place has become the centre of attraction among the researchers to study wild life and for the tourists who are interested in watching wild animals.
Janakpur
Janakpur has been taken as the capital of the ancient Mithila state. Almost all the inhabitants of this place speak Maithili language and Maithili literature is found to have developed here. There is also a statue of the Maithili poet Bidhyapati Kokil in Janakpur. Janakpur is famous as the birthplace of Sita, the ideal epitome of Hindu women. At this holy place, the followers of Hindu religion from Nepal and India go around Janakpurdham on the day of Bibaha Panchami. A big fair is held on this day to have the sight of Janaki temple.
A large number of the followers of the Hindu religion gathers at Janaki temple at Bibaha Panchami. The followers of Hind religion in large numbers, not only from the country but also from other countries, come to have the sight of Ram Janaki and travel through the route of Mithila and as well as circumambulate it. The Janaki temple of Janakpur has been a famous and a main religious site for the Hindus. There are other different sacred religious sites along with the Janaki temple. Sacred lakes like Dahusha Sagar and Ratna Sagar etc. are taken as the invaluable properties of Janakpur.
Scholars agree that the place has been named after the most knowledgeable king Janak who once had ruled there. This agreement justifies that King Janak got Sita, the most revered Goddess of Hindus, married to Ram at this very place of Janakpur. The saying that the renowned Hindu scholar and the writer of Smriti, Yagyabalkya had been honored in the palace of King Janak reveals the fact that Janakpur has been introducing itself also as the centre of study and research.
Janaki Temple
While Surkishor Das from Madhya Pradesh was living in the area located at present day Janaki temple, there appeared the idol of Ram Janaki. He then built a hut there and gave it the form of temple. The temple is very beautiful and magnificent. The temple is also called Naulakha temple. The marble floor and attractive pinnacles as well as the marriage pavilion and idols of saints and sages made of marble have added to the beauty of the temple. The area has been in the form of burning example of Mithila culture, costumes, way of life and festivals. The devotees from Nepal and India gather in the temple from time to time.
Jiri
Jiri, the second most important Bazar of Dolakha district, is located at an altitude of about 6000 feet. Jiri is also known as the Switzerland of Nepal. Jiri has been taken as the important rural city from the tourism point of view.
Tansen
Located in the land of the midhills, Tansen lies in Palpa district. Tansen is the most scenic tourism centre and an important trade centre of Nepal. The importance of Palpa is increasing as the very beautiful and attractive scenery can also be observed from Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa. The city has a very pleasant climate and the settlement of Newar and Gurung caste is found here. Tansen had been established as the important political and administrative centre after Kathmandu during the Rana period. Famous for Nepali cap made of Dhaka and metal objects including the Karuwa, Tansen is also a major trade centre between Madhesh and hills. The beautiful scenery of Dhawalagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu, Gaurishankar and other several snow capped mountains can be seen from Tansen on a clear day. Palpa was a separate and a powerful state prior to the integration of Nepal.
Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa district, located at an altitude of 1371m on the lap of Shreenagar hill is full of natural beauty. Tansen which is prosperous in terms of its arts and skills is oriented towards modern civilization. Having been the capital of the rulers of Sen Dynasty in the ancient time, Tansen is waiting to have historical exploration and discovery.
Amar Narayan Temple built by Amar Singh Thapa in 1807 AD; Tansen palace built by Pratap Shamsher Junga Bahadur Rana in 1927 AD; Shitalpati (round house) built by Khadga Shamsher; Bhagabati temple built by Ujir Singh Thapa in 1814 AD in memory of the victory over British India Troops; Ananda Bihar, known as the most ancient Bauddha Bihar; Mahachaitya Bihar; Mahabodhi Bihar; Birendra Garden etc. are the heritages important from tourism point of view. Similarly, The Satyabati lake located 8 km South of Tansen and the lotuses blooming in Pravas lake lure tourists to frequently visit Tansen.
Tatopani
Tatopani (meaning hot water) located on the Pokhara-Mustang road in Myagdi district and Tatopani on the Kodari Highway near the Chinese border in Sindhupalchok are important locations from the tourism point of view. There is the religious belief that rheumatoid arthritis, skin and neuro related diseases are cured after taking bath in hot water. With the same belief, thousands of people take bath in the dozens of hot spring ponds located in different parts of the country.
Dipayal
Dipayal Bazar lies on the bank of the Seti River. Near Dipayal Bazar on the other side of the same river, there is a little high mountain which is called Rajapur where most of the Regional Directorates are located. The historical evidences have indicated that Rajpur had been the capital city of the old Doti state.
The importance of Dipayal-Silgadhi has increased because the beautiful tourist destination and the famous pilgrimage, Khaptad, is accessible with in a day’s walk from there and because one can get the opportunity to watch the rare and beautiful flowers, herbal plants, lake, flat layered pastures found in Khaptad National Park.
Timal
The beautiful Timal which starts from the then Kanpur VDC of Kabhrepalanchok district and covers 12 villages including Pokhari Narayansthan, is predominantly a Tamang settlement. People from different castes like; Brahman, Newar, Magar, Damai, Kami, Thakuri, Sarki, Danwar etc. also live there. The area which also has diversity in terms of castes is famous from religious point of view too. Full of historical and natural beauty, the region has the popular religious and historical places; Gelung cave, where Guru Rimpochhe sat for meditation; other historical and religious places, caves where lords sat for meditation; Gumba; Kakling; Narayansthan temple; Mahadevsthan of Dumja and different temples.
Danasangu
The meeting point of the Tila river and Jawan river in the easternmost part of Khalanga, the district headquarter of Jumla, is called Danasangu. It has been so named as it is the place where various types of donations (Dan) like; Godan (donating cows), Bhumidan (donating land), Annadan (donating food), Swornadan (donating gold), Ratnadan (donating gems), Abhayadan (donating fearlessness) were performed. A big fair is held here during Teej, Mahashivaratri, Nawaratri, Baishakh Purnima, Gangadashahara, Chandi Purnima and Guru Purnima.
Daunne Gadhi Daunne Devi
The place, Daunne Devi is located on the lap of Chure hill on the Butwal-Narayangadh section of Mahendra Highway in Nawalparasi district. There is hearsay that this was the place where there had been the hermitage and entombment of the sage, Parshuram. The Daunne Gadhi is situated right in the middle of Nawalpur and Parasi, the two main areas of Nawalparasi district. The Nawalpur settlement is believed to have been established by Nawalsingh. The word Parshuram developed in to Parasi through Parashi, Paraso and two words combined together to form Nawalparasi.
Devghat
Lying in the then Devghat Village Development Committee of Tanahu district, Devghat is a holy pilgrimage of the Hindus. Since the place is the meeting point of Saptagandaki, it is mentioned in the Nepal Mahatmya that a holy bath taken in this place would make a person free from all sins, and the last breath taken here would merit Kaiwalya Mukti (salvation). Devghat lies on the bank of Saptagandaki river where two other rivers named; Hariganga (Kali Gandaki) and Harganga (Trishuli) also meet. The place is also called Harihar area as it lies on the bank of Hariganga and Harganga rivers. It is also called Aadiprayag in some places. A big fair is held on the first day of the month of Magh. The place which is importat from religious point of view, Devghat Area Development Committee has been formed by including some parts of Tanahun, Nawalparasi and Chitwan districts.
Devighat
The pilgrimage, Devighat is located on the edge of Battar of Nuwakot district at the confluence of the Trishuli river (coming from Gosaikunda) and Tadi river or Suryamati river (coming from Suryakunda of Rasuwa). The famous Jalpa Devi temple lies in the same place. A big fair is held there on the full moon day of Chait and Haribodhani Ekadashi.
Dakshinkali
A Mongol faced idol of Kalikadevi is there in Dakshinkali of Pharping area of Kathmandu. This place is 20 kilometers south of the center of Kathmandu. A big fair is held every Tuesday and Saturday in this temple with the beautiful garden and forest. The Dakshinkali temple is at the distance of 17 km to the South from Kathmandu. This is the temple of Kalikadevi.
The temple was built by Pratap Malla. The temple is full of the historical importance located at the heart of Pharping. The temple surrounded by greenery is at the confluence of two streams. There lie the idols of other Gods and Goddesses including the idol of Kalika Devi in the temple.
The place does not only have the temple; it also has the very beautiful and entertaining picnic spot. Thousands of pilgrims come to the temple every year because of the religious belief that the wishes come true after worshipping at the temple.
Dhanushadham
The place where the pieces of Shiva’s Dhanu (Bow) fell when it was broken while being used by Ram during Swayambar (the ceremony of garlanding a chosen groom by the bride) with Sita, came to be known as Dhanusha. Located in 14 km north from Janakpur, A big fair of devotees from Nepal and India is held on every Sunday of the month of Magh in Dhanushadham.
Dhankuta
Dhankuta lies in Dhankuta district of State Number 1. Having natural scenery and pleasant climate, Dhankuta is very important from tourism point of view too. The Koshi Highway from Dharan, the oldest city of Sunsari district and one of the old and an important and worth-seeing cities of Nepal, to Sankhuwasabha which passes through Dhankuta, has made the travel to Dhankuta easier.
Dhulikhel
Located at 30 km east of Kathmandu, the ancient city of Dhulikhel has been popular as the traditional and the ancient settlement of Newar caste. The beautiful scenery of Mt. Keriloyung in the East and the mountain ranges of the mountain peaks can be seen from here.
Similarly, the beautiful view of Mt. Gaurishankar and other hill ranges and the confluence of the Sunkoshi river and the Roshi river can be seen here. There lies the temple of Timal Narayan where the idol of Lord Vishnu has been established.
Nepalgunj
The big city of Nepalgunj of the mid-western region is located near the place named Kohalpur lying on the Mahendra Highway. Nepalgunj is the district headquarters of Banke district. The city is also the educational, industrial and trade center. It is located at an altitude of 600 feet above the sea level.
The tropical climate is found here. Since, people from Karnali, Bheri and Rapti zones come here to sell their agricultural, forest and domestic products and to buy clothes, salt, oil and other consumable goods, Nepalgunj is getting developed day by day as the big and important trade center of the region.
Nepalgunj is also an important place from religious point of view. The Bageshwori temple of this place is famous. A big fair is held in the temple on Ramnawami and on the ninth day of Badadashain.
The ponds: Bageshwori and Rani Talau lying in Nepalgunj are also famous. Nepalgunj has the facilities of air and road transport. The factories producing rice, timber, matches, Kattha, biscuits etc. are in operation in Nepalgunj.
Narayangadh
Connected with different places from Mechi to Mahakali of Nepal including the capital city of Kathmandu, beautiful tourist destination of Pokhara and Hetauda by road transport, Narayangadh is the major center of movement within Nepal.
Narayangadh is located on the bank of the Narayani river, the deepest river in Nepal. The famous religious site, Devghat is also located on the bank of the Narayani river near the Narayangadh market. Located near another famous religious site, Triveni, nnumerous vehicles reach different parts of the country via this city every day.
The importance of Narayangadh in view of trade has been growing enormously as the vehicles from Mahendranagar of Mahakali to Kathmandu and from Kakarvitta of Mechi to Kathmandu and Pokhara run through this city.
On the other hand, Chitwan National Park which has been enlisted in World Heritage Site is also attached with Narayangadh. The tourist sites like Sauraha, Kasara, Chandibhanjyang, Tiger Tops etc. are at a short distance from Narayangadh.
Nyatpol Dewal
Built in Pagoda style by King Bhupatindra Mall in 1759 BS, the temple has an idol of Goddess Laxmi established in it. Different storeys of the temple has idols of different Gods and Goddesses. The idols of warrior, tiger, tigress and lion are at the entrance of the temple.
Naxal Bhagwati
There is a public hearsay that the idol of Naxal Bhagwati was made and established by the same person who had made the idol of Palanchok Bhagawati in the Lichchhavi period. A stone inscription mentions about the minter named Bhim Barma Khawas of Ranabahadur Shah having renovated the temple following its worship in 1839 BS, the sculpturing of the idol was done by Prem Giri Khasai.
Nagarkot
Located in Bhaktapur district at the distance of 32 km from the city of Kathmandu and at an altitude of 7,200 feet (2175 meters), enchanting views of sunrise and sunset can be seen from Nagarkot. Tourists throng in large numbers here in Nagarkot as the beautiful view of Kathmandu Valley, mountain sights and the attractive scenery of the mountain peaks like Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchanjungha, Mt. Annapurna etc. can be seen from here. It is said that four seasons can be experienced in a single day here. Similarly, the sight of Kathmandu in the northwestern direction and of Bhaktapur in the south direction is seen from here. There are hotels and resorts of various standard.
Pokhara
Lying in Kaski district of Gandaki state, the city of Pokhara is taken as the most important tourist center of Nepal and the capital of tourism of the nation. The famous lakes like; Phewa and Begnas, the scene of Mt. Machhapuchhre, Bindhyabasini temple, the Seti river flowing through the center of the city in a narrow and deep gorge, the Mahendra cave, David Falls etc. are taken as the worth seeing places of Pokhara.
Since more rainfall occurs, Pokhara is also called the Cherapunji of Nepal. The Siddhartha Highway has linked Pokhara with Tansen and Butwal and Prithivi Highway has linked it with Muglin and Kathmandu. The connection with other cities of eastern and western Terai has also been established by the road via Muglin, Narayangadh. Since Pokhara, the district headquarters of Kaski district, is a famous tourist destination, tourists coming to Nepal from other countries are found to have given it a greater priority.
The Temple of Pathibhara Devi
Located in the hilly district of Taplejung of the eastern Nepal at an altitude of 3794 m, the temple is situated at the top of Pathibhara hill. Pathibhara Goddess is revered and worshipped as a living Goddess wishing for happiness and prosperity. It is believed that something bad will happen if people having sin in them and pregnant women pay their visit to the Goddess.
Lying at the distance of 10 Kosh (unit of measurement of distance equivalent to 3 km) in the northeastern direction from the district headquarters of Taplejung, the temple is located at the hill which looks like a piled Pathi (a vessel for measuring grains) and thus the temple is named Pathibhara.
Phulchoki
Located at 10 km southwest of the headquarters of Lalitpur district and at the distance of 15 km from the center of Kathmandu, the height of Phulchoki hill is 2765 m. It is commonly believed that the name Phulchoki came from the word Phuloccha, meaning flowers in Sanskrit, referring to the white and red Rhododendron flowers that bloom here abundantly.
In the Treta epoch, during the worshipping of Lord Swyambhu that took place by sitting at the top of this mountain, the mountain is one of the mountains surrounding Naagdaha from the place named Anupam, a large mound of flowers piled up and the name of the place became Phulochha hill and later on became Phulchoki.
There lie the Godawari pond near the hill where a fair is held every 12 years and since Godawari flowers bloom in the surrounding area, Phulchoki is also called Godawari peak. Phulchoki has its economic importance as well because there lies the largest iron mine of Nepal which has nearly 60 million Metric Tons of iron deposited in here.
Balaju, Baisdhara
The beautiful place of Balaju lies to the northwest of Kathmandu. Since there lies an idol of Budha Narayan or Baal Narayan in the Balaju garden, the garden was given the same name but later on it changed into Balaju. In the same place, 21 water spouts were built by Pratap Malla and together with another golden water spout built by Rana Bahadur, the number of water spouts reached 22 and the place was named Baisdhara.
Bauddhanath
The Stupa of Lord Buddha lying at 7 km northeast from the center of Kathmandu city is called Bauddhanath. Built by the Lichchhavi king, Mandev in 5th century AD, the monastery is regarded as one of the ancient and large types of monasteries in the world. The monastery is the symbol of religious harmony as it is visited by both the Hindus and the Buddhists. It is also enlisted in World Heritage list.
Biratnagar
As different types of industries have flourished here, the city is also called the industrial city. This is also the commercial and industrial center of Nepal. Since it has dense settlement and it is a large city, Biratnagar has been categorized as a Metropolitan city.
Lying in Morang district of State Number 1, there are old and important factories and industries including Biratnagar Jute Mill. Thus, Biratnagar is also called the industrial capital of Nepal.
Birgunj
Birgunj is the headquarters of Parsa district. The district derives its name ‘Paras’ from the Parasnath temple of Madhuwan. Known as the main entry point to Nepal, Birgunj city has been being established as the economic capital of Nepal too. The original identity of Birgunj the industrial and commercial city. Birgunj is also the work place of democratic movement of Nepal.
The famous temple of Birgunj; Gahawa Maisthan is located beside the main market of Birgunj. Simraungahd, Gadhimai, Bindhyabasini temple, Parasnath Shrine etc. located near Birgunj city have established the historical and religious importance of Birgunj. One of the attractions of Birgunj is the Ghantaghar (clock tower) located at the center of the city.
Birgunj has now established itself as a Metropolitan City. Birgunj get connected to Kathmandu for the first time by the Tribhuvan Highway. The concept of developing Birgunj as dry port is going around as most of the goods imported to Nepal and exported from Nepal are transported through Birgunj.
Baglung Kalika Temple
The imposing and beautiful temple of Kalika Devi is located to the east of Baglung Bazar, the district headquarters of Baglung district, in the forest of Hattisunde at an elevated flat land at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki and Kathekhola.
The idol of Kali installed in the temple is commonly believed to be the same idol that Manimukunda Sen, the King of Palpa, presented to his daughter as dowry when he got his daughter married to Pratap Narayan Malla, the then king of Parbat. A fair is held in Chaitrastmi by sacrificing five types of animals to the Goddess. Baglung Bazar has now been renamed as Kalika Municipality.
Bandipur
Located in Tanahun district, Bandipur is taken as a beautiful place from religious and natural point of view. There are; chhimkeshwori temple, Khadgadevi temple, and caves in Bandipur and the mixed rural culture of Bandipur, Marshyangdi valley of the north, the mountain ranges, small hilly peaks, Mt. Ganesh, Mt. Machhapuchhre etc. lying in the north can be viewed from Bandipur. The importance of Bandipur from tourism perspective has increased because the trekking can be started from here to reach Chitwan National Park via Devghat.
Budhasubba
The place formed with the mound of soil raised by white ants like in the shape of an idol is called the place of Budhasubba which lies to the east of Dharan Bazar in Sunsari district. The priest of the temple is from Magar caste. Buddhasubba was an accomplished person from the Rai or Magar caste who used to hunt animals with a catapult. There is a hearsay that Budha, in course of hunting, came to the place buried the catapult in the ground, laid the clay pellets on the ground and entombed himself there.
There is the belief that the bamboo trees sprouted from the catapult buried by Budhasubba do not have tips since the catapult has no tip. People have the belief that when someone gets stomach ache, he/she is said to be haunted by the hunter (Budhasubba) and when fed the paste of grounded clay pellet, he/she recovers. Pigs and he-goats are sacrificed there during the fair held on the full moon day of Baishakh.
Budhanilkantha
There is a stone image of Lord Narayan sleeping on the Shesh serpent in the middle of a small pond on the lap of Shivapuri hill located at the distance of 8 kilometers north-west of Kathmandu city. Since the idol was made around the middle of the 5th century in the Lichchhavi period, it represents the sculpture of Lichchhavi period.
Baraha Kshetra
A beautiful and sacred pilgrimage named Barah Kshetra at the confluence of the Koshi river and Koka river is located in Sunsari district of State Number 1. Like that of Kuru Kshetra of India, Harihar Kshetra (Devghat), Mukti Kshetra (Muktinath, Mustang) and Ruru Kshetra (the bordering point of Gulmi, Palpa and Syangja), Baraha Kshetra also has the specific religious importance.
Baraha Kshetra has been described in 110th and 140th chapter of the Barah Puran (an ancient mythological text). Ganesh temple, Laxmi temple and guest houses for pilgrims including the temples and the idols of Ganesh Baraha, Guru Baraha, Surya Baraha, Koka Baraha, Indra Baraha, Saraswoti and Narayan are there in Baraha Kshetra.
Ram Mandir
Ram Mandir (temple) is another important temple after the Janaki temple of Janakpurdham. Sardar Amar Singh Thapa had built a large Ram Mandir with Ram, Sita and Laxman in Pagoda style near the Ram Janaki temple in 1839 BS. Shree 3 Chandra Shamsher had offered a brass gilded pinnacle to the temple. There are Hanuman temple, Shiva temple, and also the idols of Lord Vishnu and and Dashavatar (ten incarnations of Vishnu). A big fair is held and the worship is performed on the day of Ramnawami.
Bangalamukhi Temple
Bangalamukhi temple located at Kumbheshwor in Lalitpur is also considered important among various religious temples of Kathmandu valley. The people of Kapali community are the priests here.
Baijanath Dham
Baijanath Dham lies on the bank of Budhiganga and Saphe river of Achham district. A big fair is held here on Shivaratri. The pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and from India gather here in a large number.
Bhairahawa
Bhairahawa is the district headquarters of Rupandehi. This city is connected to India at the place named Sunauli. Being also the trading hub of the area, its importance has increased a lot. The import and export of the western area to and from India are done through this place.
Bhairahawa is linked to Pokhara by the Siddhartha Highway. The city is situated near Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha. Gautam Buddha airport lies in Bhairahawa. The maternal village of Buddha also lies near Bhairahawa. Bhairahawa has been renamed as Siddharthanagar Municipality.
The Temple of Bhadrakali Devi
The famous point of power of Goddess, the temple of Bhadrakali devi is located in the middle of Kathmandu city in front of Singha Durbar. The place began to be called Bhadrakali temple when a Tantrik Bajracharya named Shaswat Bajra established the Devi after performing the accustom in Vaishnabi Peeth in 7th Century AD. This is called Lumadhi in Newari language. As stated in language genealogy, after King Gunakamdev built Kathmandu city, he established Bhadrakali Peeth in the east of the city for its security. A big fair is held at the time of Bijayadashami (Badadashain) at Bhadrakali.
Mahendra Cave
Located in Pokhara of Kaski district, this cave is believed to have been discovered in 2012 BS while people were following the tiger to kill which had started to kill their domestic animals. When King Mahendra issued an order for the protection of this cave which had been the habitat of the wild animals like tiger, jackal etc., it was named Mahendra cave.
Muktinath
There lies the temple of Mukinath in the mountainous land of Mustang district. Mukinath lies between latitudes of 28° 24′ and the longitudes of 83° 30′. The chilling air blows through the air and it is mostly covered with snow in the winter.
Muktinath has been the holy site for the Hindus. A large number of devotees from far away come to visit Muktinath every year. The followers of Hindu religion from different corners of India come to visit Muktinath so Mukinath is not only of Nepal, it has been established as a pilgrimage of all the Hindus.
Many trekkers come to this area every year as it is also naturally beautiful. It is popularly believed that a visit for penance in Muktinath absolves a person’s soul, thus it is named Muktikshetra. The idol of Awalokiteswor, a spot with all the time burning flame worshipped as Varundevata and a Gumba (Buddhist Monastery) have been the attractions of this place.
Manakamana Devi Temple
The temple located in Gorkha district has the idol of Durga Bhawani in it. The Queen of King Ram Shah had possessed the power of Goddess Devi. Following the death of the queen, Lakhan Thapa, an accomplished person, established the Manakamana Devi at the present location and initiated the tradition of worship and thus, the priest of the Temple even today is appointed from the Magar caste. A cable car operates from Kurintar on the Prithvi Highway to Manakamana temple. People have belief that their wishes come true when visited Manakamana.
Maipokhari
Located at the distance of 13 kilometer north of Ilam Bazar, Maipokhari is said to be the same place described in the Skanda Puran where Lord Shiva and Parbati used to roam around the forest and to sport in the water. It is believed that religious merit would be gained if people take a bath in the pond.
There also lies the Shiva temple built by Swami Someshworananda in 1954 (BS). A big fair is held here on Harishayani Ekadashi and Haribodhani Ekadashi. Full of bio-diversity, the place is was declared as the Ramsar (wetlands) in 2008 AD according to Ramsar convention.
Maibeni
There are many confluences called Sangam, Beni, Dhobhan, and the confluences of three rivers called Tribeni are important from religious point of view. The confluence located 4/5 km east of Ilam where Mai and Jogmai river meet is called Maibeni. The river is called Kankai.
Maisthan
This place located in the middle is called Khalanga Khaldo, and the stone in front of the temple is called Ilanga stone. Kaji Hemdal Thapa (1876-1922 BS) got this temple built and installed the stone of Mai river in the form of Devi (Goddess). At present, a temple in Pagoda style has been built in Maisthan. There are other small temples of Ganesh, Dakini and Singhabahini near the temple.
Mahendranagar
Mahendranagar is the Bazar located near the far-western border of Nepal. This is also the headquarters of Kanchanpur district. This is the major trade area and a major industrial region too. The importance of Mahendranagar has grown as majority of exports and imports of the far-western part of Nepal to and from India is done from here.
The Sharada and the Tanakpur barrages built on the bordering river of Mahakali of Nepal and India are near Mahendranagar. The fact that Brahmadev Bazar that lies in the territory of Nepal near the eastern afflux bund of Tanakpur Barrage and Banbasa lying near the Sharada Barrage are also near Mahendranagar is self evident.
Ramarosan
There is an important place from the religious point of view and an enchanting place from the tourism point of view called Ramarosan at an altitude of 9,000 feet above the sea level near the source of Kailash river in the north of Achham district. Embellished with forests, rivers and lakes, there are 12 lakes and 18 hill tops called ‘Bahra Bund Athara Khand’ in the place.
Out of the 12 lakes, ‘Jilinge lake’ which is 400 m in length and 300 meters in breadth is regarded as the biggest lake. The birds like lophophorous, hoopoe, wild hen stay in the forest of Ramarosan. There is an ancient temple of Badimalika above Ramarosan. A big fair is held on the full moon day of the month of Sawan.
Ruru Kshetra or Ruru Tirtha
The holy pilgrimage and the beautiful forest having the temples of different Gods and Goddesses lying on the bank of Ruru Ganga and Kaligandaki river on the border point of Gulmi, Palpa and Syangja, is called Ruru Kshetra. There is the belief among people that the place has been named Ruru Kshetra after an orphan baby who was raised by breastfeeding by a deer named Ruru made this place holy through engaging herself in penance. A big fair is held on the first day of the month of Magh.
Lho-Manthang (Mustang)
The Lho-village having 400 households and 900 population located at an altitude of about 12,000 feet above the sea level lying 105 km to the north from Jomsom, the district headquarters of Mustang district is regarded as important for rural tourism.
Known as the city lying inside the fort or wall, Lho-Manthang is a plain and fertile land surrounded by dry and small hills. The attractions of Lho-Manthang are the old palace and three old monasteries. Since the walls of Jhampa monastery is painted with pictures and have the letters inscribed in gold, it is regarded as very attractive and important.
Rasuwa Gadhi
Located at the border line between Nepal and China’s Autonomous Region of Tibet at an altitude of 6,000 feet above the sea level, the fort was built by Nepali people during Nepal-China war. The fort which has the economic importance in terms of history and tourism is the nearest trading outlet from Kathmandu. Kerung Bazar of Tibet is accessible from here.
Resunga
Resunga, the holy pilgrimage of the Hindus, is located at an altitude of 7,682 feet above the sea level at the top of the mountain named Resunga. As Shringi sage, the son of Vibhandak sage and the grandson of Kashyap sage, had done penance here, it was named Shringi in the memory of the sage and it later on distorted and became Resunga.
There are idols and temples of the sages like; Bhrigu, Pulasya, Pulahas including of the saints penance Laxmi Narayan, Swami Shashidhar, Resunga Mahaprabhu (Yadukananda), Parasananda who had performed penance there. It was Resunga Mahaprabhu (great sage) who encouraged the then Rana Prime Minister Juddha Shamsher to renounce his throne and pursue his life as a forest dweller.
Resunga Mahaprabhu died in 2028 BS. The Resunga peak and the place around it is called Bishnupaduka. Several big rituals have been taking place here. Now this place is aimed to be developed as a beautiful park and penance site. A pavilion for performing devotional songs, a bathing pond, assembly hall for saint, a guest house for pilgrims have been built here.
Lumbini
Lumbini is famous for all over the world as the birth place of Lord Gautam Buddha. Lumbini is a holy pilgrimage not only for Nepal but also for the whole world. Although the birth date and death date are not confirmed, the 20th century historians agree that Buddha’s life period was in between 563 BC to 483 BC.
The historians say that Buddha was born in the flat land behind the Chure in 563 BC. The famous Chinese pilgrims, Huyan Sang and Phaihyan had also described the place that the birthplace of Buddha can be taken as the heaven on Earth where lie very beautiful temples and hills.
During the archaeological excavation got in 1896 AD by Khadga Shamsher, the younger brother of Rana Prime Minister Bir Shamsher, the Ahokan Pillar established by Mourya King Ashoka and the record inscribed in the pillar was found.
After it was proven following the excavation of Lumbini got done by Khadga Shamsher, the younger brother of Rana Prime Minister Bir Shamsher, that Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha, it got established that Rupandehi district of Gandaki zone is the birth place of Gautam Buddha.
At the time while Khadga Shamsher was staying there to get the place excavated, one archaeologist of German nationality working in the Department of Indian Archaeological Survey, Dr. Fuharar reached there, took a photo of the inscribed record and on his return to India got his report published.
In this way, the Ashokan Pillar found in Lumbini by the excavation got done by Khadga Shamsher has helped to Ashokan Pillar, Lumbini confirm the birthplace of Buddha. King Ashoka had come to Lumbini to celebrate his 20th anniversary of accession to the throne and had established the Ashokan Pillar.
The record on Ashokan pillar has been inscribed in Brahmi script. The then remains and Mandals of archaeological importance are lying scattered around the birthplace of Buddha. There is a stone idol with the scenes depicting Mayadevi giving birth to Buddha by gripping a branch of a tree and the seven steps that Buddha walked immediately after his birth on it.
It is believed that a Lotus flower had emerged before Buddha stood on his foot following his birth. The excavation works of the place where the Mayadevi temple was located were done jointly by the experts of Lumbini Development Trust and Japan. The recovery of stone kept for denoting the exact place of Buddha’s birth and the terracotta idol with the picture of the sleeping posture together with the pictures of Rahul and Siddhartha found during the excavation have been enough proof to confirm that Lumbini is the birthplace of Buddha.
A beautiful Mayadevi temple has been built to protect and conserve the stone obtained as the symbol of Buddha’s Birth and archaeological sites around the premise in the same condition as they are. This will help the researchers to conduct archaeological study of the place in future.
The beautiful pond located near the birthplace of Buddha is known as Pushkarini. It is said that Mayadevi had a holy bath in the pond prior to the birth of Buddha. There are various archaeological objects in Kapilvastu, 27 km to west of Lumbini. The historical facts have proved that it was Kapilvastu which was King Suddhodhan’s state and the palace of the King was located in Tilaurakot, the capital of the state.
There are numerous archaeological remain in Tilaurakot. The utensils of the Bhusan period have been recovered from the place named Chataradev. This proves that Chataradev was once an ancient city. A replica of the Ashokan Pillar has been built in Gotishwor. The pillar now has remained broken.
Besides these, Niglihawa also falls in archaeological sites. The presence of Ashokan Pillar with the inscription of the sentence “Om Mani Padme Hum Dipu Malai Chheran Dayut 1234″ in the appearance of a peacock and in Devnagari script has reflected the historical importance of the place.
The Secretary General of the United Nations U Thant had visited Lumbini during his visit in Nepal. He had expressed his idea on the occasion that Lumbini has to be developed as the international centre of the Buddhist culture. Accordingly, the renowned architect of Japan, Kenjo Tange, envisioned a Master Plan for the development of Lumbini.
At present, Lumbini has been being developed as the international centre of tourism as per the same master plan. There is a vision for a Lumbini village, Religious site and a sacred garden in the master plan. Lumbini Development Trust has been established and run for the development of Lumbini.
There has been the practice of many countries to get the Buddhist Stupas constructed in their own style in Lumbini. The development is gradually taking place according to the master plan of Lumbini development under Lumbini Development Trust. The place with the Ashokan Pillar and Mayadevi temple in Lumbini is developed as a holy garden and holy religious place.
The countries following the Buddhist religion have built the Bihar, temple and Stupas full of their architect in the premise of Buddhist temple as stated in the master plan. The Bihar of China, the Hotas Stupa built by Tara Foundation, the Bihar of Myanmar, Manang monastery, Thai Bihar, Vietnam Bihar, Nipol Mhohoja Peace Pagoda built by Japan, Korean Bihar, Mahabodhi Society Bihar etc. are the notable ones located in the premise.
They have contributed a lot to develop Lumbini as the major pilgrimage among the international followers of Buddhist religion. Since Lumbini International Research Institute has been established in Lumbini Master Plan Zone, this has become the place to study and research on Buddhism and Buddhist philosophy among national and international scholars.
Different invaluable things like the books on Buddhist philosophy, CD and microfilm etc. have been collected in this international institute. The second World Buddhist Conference concluded in Lumbini has decided to establish Buddhist University. The flame of peace is also burning there in Lumbini. Development works are going on in the area to develop Lumbini from tourism perspective as well. Some guest houses and hotels are also operating there.
There is the tradition of celebrating Buddha day in a grand manner on the full moon day of Baishakh. There is the need of developing Tilaurakot, the place where the palace of Suddhodhan is located; Ramagram, also known as the maternal village of Buddha including the archaeological centers associated deeply with the life of Buddha located in Rupandehi, Kapilvastu and Nawalparasi together with Lumbini in an integrated way.
Additionally, there is no doubt that Lumbini area has the possibility of taking the shape of a glorious tourist centre of Nepal and of the world if the integrated development of the places: the place known as the land where Panini Rishi performed his penance; the Durvasa cave, where the sage Durvasa had performed penance; Uluk and Balkote related to the tales of the Mahabharat period; the historical rest house for travelers in Arghakhanchi; Resunga and the famous pilgrimage of Ruru Kshetra of Gulmi as well as the enchanting city of Tansen, the artistic Ranighat palace and Devghat including the sites of tourism and religious importance around Lumbini; is undertaken.
Birendranagar
Birendranagar municipality is located in Surkhet district. Bulbule lake is an important site to visit in Birendranagar. Kakrebihar lying in the then Latikoili VDC adjacent to Birendranagar can also be taken as the famous, ancient sight of historical importance to visit. The temple of Deuti Bajai is the famous pilgrimage of the place.
Bikram Baba
The temple of Bikram Baba lies in Kasara on the bank of the Rapti river inside the Chitwan National Park at the distance of about 21 km to the south of Narayangadh. Bikram Baba was a Tharu by caste. A big fair is held on the occasion of Chaite Dashain. Devotees from Lamjung, Tanahun, Kaski, Gorkha, Makwanpur, Kathmandu, Nawalparsai and from different places of the country come to the fair. Specially, the newly married couples visit the place.
Badi Malika
Located at an altitude about 15,000 feet above the sea level, a big fair is held on the full moon day of the month of Bhadau at Badi Malika temple. Pilgrims from Achham, Doti, Bajhang and from different parts of the country pay visit to the place.
Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest)
Being the highest land in the earths’ structure, Mt. Everest has remained the attraction among the entire mankind and the adventurous travel. Located in Mahalangur mountain range, the height of the mountain peak is 8,848 m from the sea level.
The mountain lies in Solukhumbu district of State Number 1. After it had been opened for mountaineering in 1949 AD, Tenjing Norgay from Nepal and Edmund Hillary from New Zealand made the first successful ascent on 29th May, 1953.
Mt. Everest then became the subject of discussion. The topmost historian of Nepal, Baburam Acharya named the mountain Sagarmatha in 1956 AD. As the surveyor George Everest surveyed the mountain peaks of Nepal, the English name Mt. Everest for Sagarmatha was given after the name of the same man on 1965 AD.
The mountain is generally known as Mt. Everest in the international world. Being called Jhomolongma in Chinese language and Mitiguti Chapulongma in Tibetan language, the first woman to ascend Mt. Everest is Mrs. Junko Tabei of Japan. Pasang Lhamu Sherpa glorified the image of Nepali woman by being the first Nepali woman to ascend Mt. Everest successfully.
The highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest is actually the unique gift of nature. Having been the symbol of glory and attraction for the entire human kind, the peak has also contributed to introduce Nepal as the country of Mt. Everest in the outer world.
There are other snow peaks in the vicinity of Mt. Everest like Lhotse, Lhotsesar, Nuptse which are to be reached through Namche Bazar, the famous Bazar of the Himalayan region popular as the gateway to Mt. Everest. Thyangboche Monastery, the Baudha Monastery lying at the highest point of the world and the Syangboche airport lying at the highest point of the world are located on the lap of Mt. Everest.
Swargadwari
Swargadwai is a famous pilgrimage lying at the mountain top situated at an altitude of 6960 feet, 26 km to the west of Khalanga, the district headquarters of Pyuthan. Scholars have the belief that the name of the place became Swargadwari (the door to heaven) as according to the common saying that the saints and sages performed worship and reached the heaven from here.
Being an important place from religious and tourism point of view, there is a permanent temple with Shivalinga placed on a marble pedestal in Swargadwari. There are hundreds of cow sheds, beautiful cave, pavilions and ponds around the temple. A big religious fair is held every year on the full moon days of the months of Baishakh and Kartik. Thousands of pilgrims from different parts of Nepal and even from India come to attend the fair.
The non-stop sacrificial fire that Swargadwari Mahabrabhu started about 120 years ago is still going on. Sanskrit school and the Ved Bidhyashram for teaching Veda have also been running there where meals and accommodations are provided free of cost to the students coming for studying Veda and religious rituals from faraway places.
Swargadwari has its land in Dang under its Trust. Swargadwari Ashram can be reached in a few hours walking through the steep from the Bazar called Bhingri. A temporary road from Bhingri to this Ashram has also been built.
Sinja Valley
Lying in Jumla district, it had been the capital of the Khas Malla State established by Naagraj in the medieval period. As such, known also as the origin of the Nepali language, Sinja valley should also be taken as the center of ancient culture and heritage.
As the series of historical events prove that the Khas Malla State of Karnali region had expanded its land up to the borderline of Kathmandu, this Khas Malla State with its center in the Sinja valley had been very powerful. Mugu district which is near this valley has the largest lake in Nepal, Rara. The valley has enormous potential to develop itself as an important tourism center.
Sahalesh
In a garden located at the distance of 3km to the south of Lahan Bazar of Siraha district, there blooms Sahalesh in the Haram tree in the form of a garland on only the first day of the year. There lies the temple of Malini in the middle of the garden. The temple is regarded attractive to the tourists. The flower is taken as the symbol of the long-term love between King Sahalesh and Dauna Malini.
Shreenagar
Shreenagar is taken as the glory, beauty and crown of Palpa district. A hill top named Batasedanda which was treeless, dry and desolate was renamed Shreenagar hill after it converted into a park following the plantation of pine and other trees there.
There are temples, an idol of Buddha and gardens in Shreenagar. Spread over 1,500 Ropanis of land, Shreenagar has become a suitable habitat for wild animals like the tiger, leopard, rabbit, porcupine etc. and for various species of birds like; cuckoo, wild hen etc. as it has peaceful and graceful forest and has salubrious climate.
Famous for pleasure walk in the forest and for picnic, the enchanting views of mountains like; Mt. Machhhapuchhre, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Kanjirowa, Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Ganesh etc. can be viewed from Shreenagar. In addition to this, sunrise, the scenery of Madi valley and the beautiful scenery of trains as far as Gorakhpur in the northern part of India on the day of clear weather, can be observed from the place. The place has become an attractive place for foreign Golf players as a modern golf course has been built here.
Shahid Monument or Nepal Monument
The real name of the memorial built between Sighadurbar and Dharahara in the form of artistic gateway in reverence to and in memory of Shree 5 Tribhuvan, the martyrs Shukra Raj Shastri, Dharmabhakta Mathema, Gangalal and Dashrath Chand and other known and unknown martyrs who had great contribution for establishing democracy in Nepal is Nepal Memorial. Having the height of 40 feet from the ground, Nepal Monument (Martyrs’ Monument) was designed by Er. Shankarnath Rimal and the supervision of its construction was done by Er. Gaurinath Rimal. The statuettes and pictures were made by two sculptors namely, Babukaji Tuladhar and Balkrishna Tuladhar.
Siddhakali Temple
The idol of Devi has been established in Siddhakali temple in the same place where the right eye of Satidevi, the consort of Lord Shiva is supposed to have fallen, considering the importance of this site as the place infused with the Goddess’ power. The place is located 3 km away from Chainpur Bazar of Sankhuwasabha district. A temple of Lord Shiva has also been built near the temple.
Suryabinayak
The idol of Ganesh has been established in Suryabinayak temple locate d in Bhaktapur district. The place has been named after the same temple. The importance of this place has increased as Bhaktapur city and the mountains in the surroundings can be observed from there. Since there is a small forest, Nepali people go for picnic and the foreigners go there for sightseeing.
Sarangkot
The importance of Sarangkot to Pokhara is as much as it is of Nagarkot to Kathmandu from the tourism point of view. Lying in Kaski district, Sarangkot is located at the north-western part of Pokahara.
The beautiful view of Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Pokhara valley and different lakes of Pokhara including Phewa lake can be seen from here.
Swayambhu Mahachaitya
A famous Buddhist temple and Stupa enlisted in the world heritage list lies at the hill top called Mandagiri in the western part of Kathmandu valley. Lord Swayambhu is said to have been appeared in the same place. A big fair is organized here on the full moon day of Baishakh on which Buddha was born, got enlightenment and got salvation.
The sacred bone metal of Lord Buddha has been kept safely in Anandakuti Vihar of Swayambhu. The bone metal was stolen but later obtained from Sri Lanka in 2051 BS. This was taken around the city for the first time on the full moon day of Baishakh in 2055 BS. The beautiful sight of Kathmandu valley can be observed from Swayambhu.
Hilsa
Hilsa is the port of entry that lies in the northwest between Nepal and China which links Simikot, the headquarters of Humla district. Hilsa is accessible via Hari Bhanjyang. This is the port of entry being used to go and come from Mansarobar of China. The sparsely populated settlement of Bhote race lies here. There is a great potential of developing this place as a tourism area by conserving the natural beauty and local heritage area.
Halesi Mahadev Temple or Cave
The structure naturally formed in the shape of Shivalinga spread over 1 km and up to the height of 200 feet on the top of a hill called Kailash to the west of Diktel, the district headquarters of Khotang district is called Halesi Mahadev. Having the four outer doors, the cave is completely dark.There is a beautiful fusion of natural phenomena and religious faith in Halesi cave.
16 day fair is held here in Ramnawami. Most people come here on that occasion. People from Bhote community come and worship Shiva Parvati in the form of Sumnima Parohang on Mahashivaratri. People from very far places come to scatter Satbeej (seven kinds of grains mixed together) as a tribute to the deceased family members on Balachaturdashi.
Tribeni Dham, Valmiki Ashram and Gajendra Mokshya Dham
There is an hermitage of Maharshi, the first poet and the great seer of Sanskrit literature and the author of the Ramayan, on the south-west of Chitwan in Madi municipality on the other side of the Narayani river or on the eastern bank at the confluence of the three rivers; Swarnabhadra, Tamasa and Narayani.
Valmiki composed the epic Ramayan in the same place. There are ancient idols of archeological importance, Hairhar temple established by Maharshi Valmiki, sacrificial pavilion, Lavakush school, Sitakuti, Sitakup and hermitages. A big fair is held on the no moon day in the month of Magh. It is believed that taking bath at the confluence of the three holy rivers takes away the sins and taking the last breath here grants salvation.
Tripurasundari Devi
The idol of Bhagwati has been established in this major pilgrimage of Baitadi district. It is believed that her name became Tripurasundari Devi as she had eradicated the misery of the Gods and mankind by killing the demon named Tripurasur. Local people also call the Goddess Ranashayani Bhagawati.
Ghale Gaun
Located in Lamjung district, Ghale Gaun is famous for rural tourism and home stay. Mt. Manaslu, Mt. Annapurna, Mt. Machhapuchhre from Ghale Gaun look like the cap on head. Tea garden, Bhedikharka and the temple of Uttarkanya are worth watching.
The dearest hosting by Ghale Gurung and the demonstration of Ghatu dance attract national and international tourists. The home stay park of Ghale Gaun is supposed to be the most excellent of the country. Following the same, home stay tourism has expanded in many parts of the country.
Chhinamasta Bhagawati
Chhinnamasta Bhagawati is located near the border area to the south of Rajbiraj in Chinnamasta Village Body of Saptari district. People of Nepal and India has great faith on Chhinnamasta Bhagawati (Goddess) as this is one of the several Peeths believed to able to fulfill the wishes of devotees. According to the ancient history and hearsay, Shakra Singh Dev, the 5th generation of the King Nanyadev from Karnatak Dynasty had been the king of Simraungadh.
He came to Saptari to spend his life in exile by giving the throne to his infant son, Hari Singh Dev. It is said that the idol of Bhagawati was found while clearing the place which was covered with the forest then, and the same idol was established by Shakra Singh Dev as his family Goddess and named Shakershwori. As the Goddess did not have the head, people began to call her, Chinnamasta (headless) Bhagawati.