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Not
everyone has the time, drive, or stamina to make a trek into
the Himalaya. This should not be a reason for feeling like
you have missed out on some of the unique things that Nepal
has to offer. In fact, many visitors to Nepal leave for the
mountains a little too quickly and never enjoy the treasures
closer at hand. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal and major
city in the Kathmandu Valley, is replete with unique
buildings, temples, sites and smells. |
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But there are also other cities and many area temples,
all within easy walking distance of downtown Durbar Square at
the center of Kathmandu. Patan, just to the south of Kathmandu
and almost an extension of it, is considered the most
"Buddhist" of the valley's three principal centers,
and Bhaktapur to the east the most "medieval." Both
have a feel similar to that of Kathmandu's, but without the
population density and frenetic tourist pace. Of the temples in
the valley, Swayambhunath (also called Monkey Temple for the
hordes of monkeys living in its shadow) is the closest. A quick
jaunt to the west of the capital, it is on a hill and enjoys
generous views of the surroundings. The most famous temple in
Nepal, Pashupatinath, cannot be visited by non-Hindus. That
said, the setting, on the holy Bagmati River just to the east of
Kathmandu, is very peaceful. Bodhnath, one of the biggest stupas
in the world, is two kilometers through some fields further to
the east, and can be visited in the same day. Changunarayan, a
two-hour walk from Bhaktapur is visited by few foreigners, and
Nagarkot, a town four hours from Bhaktapur, has some of the best
Himalayan views in the area. There is so much more. Give the
valley its due.
Changu
- Nagarkot Trek
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7 days
Kakani - Shivapuri
- Nagarkot Trek
- 8 days
Shivapuri
- Nagarkot
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7 days
Kathmandu
- Shivapuri
- 7 days
Nagarkot
- Dhulikhel
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6 days
Sundarijal
- Nagarkot
- 7 days
Kathmandu
Valley Trek
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