Beyond the Valley
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Kodari : The nearest point to the Tibetan border bridge from Kathmandu
is Kodari. A trip to Kodari is exactly 114km. scenic drive along the Chinese
built mountain highway. Although the distance is only 114km. from Kathmandu
to the border, it takes almost 5 full hours to reach there. This is all
because of the many sharp turnings and narrow passes one has to drive through
on this way. In other words, the road to Kodari in fact goes winding through
many fascination river valleys and mountain villages. Some of the interesting
points you may like to stop on the way include Panchkhal valley, Dolalghat
riverside village, Barabise bazaar, Sunkoshi beach, and Tatopani (the hot
spring water place dedicated to Lord Shiva). A full day family outing memorable
trip indeed.
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Panauti: Panauti is a very typical Newar town situated near Punyamati
river about 34 km. east of Kathmandu and only seven km south of Banepa.
Some of the most fascinating things to be seen in this quite little town
are small medieval brick houses and wayside inns with nicely carved windows,
several beautifully crafted stone-sculpture and lovely shrines lying almost
at every important point of this town. The oldest and the most important
monument in the town however is the classical pagoda style temple dedicated
to Lord Shiva, locally known as Indreswara Mahadeva. In fact, this is presiding
temple of the town.
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Namoboudha:It is a very important place of pilgrimage located in
Kabhre district 38 km east of Kathmandu. It is only few minutes up hill
walk from Panauti.The stupas and shrines built up in this lovely hill significantly
enough mark a very ancient holy site where a legendary ruler named Mhasttva
offered himself to a starving tigress with its several underfed cubs.
- This legendary episode is depicted in a very nice stone slab and placed
surrounding hills right next to the holy stupa.
- This place of pilgrimage also commands a very good view of the and lovely
little ginger bread houses dotted down in the valley. A mini trek from
Dhulikhel to this point is really something very special experience and
it takes only 3 hours. It is a great fun ofcourse a very fine treat to
your feet too.
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Palanchowk Bhagawati: Its a 42 Km, one hour, drive from Kathmandu
to Palanchowk on Arniko Highway (Highway to Tibet border). This noted historic
temple of goddess Kali is located at a hilltop some 7 kms north of Panchkhal
which is about half-an hour drive. This temple is said to have been constructed
during the reign of King Man Dev. The temple houses a three feet long beautiful
artistic idol of Goddess Bhagwati (Kali) carved in a black stone. One can
really enjoy the panoramic view of the landscape from this spot.
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Gorkha: The Gorkha township is the Headquarters of the district
of the same name. Gorkha is the birthplace of King Prithivi Nayaran Shah,
the great, the founder of modern Nepal, hence it is the ancestral home
of the Shah Kings of Nepal. Situated on a hill overlooking the snowy peaks
of the Himalayas, there is a beautiful old palace known as Gorkha Durbar.
The palace is said to have been built by King Ram Shah. King Prithivi Narayan
Shah began his campaign to unify the kingdom from this palace of Gorkha.
There are two attractive temples of Gorakhnath and Kali inside the palace
precinct. Gorkha Durbar is certainly one of the most outstanding examples
of Nepalese architecture. Only Hindus are allowed inside the temples of
Gorakhnath and Kali, from where the town derives its name. The world famous
Gurkha Soldiers hail from this palace. Gorkha can be reached in about 4
hours from Kathmandu. Its 146 kms scenic drive along Trisuli and Marshyangdi
rivers.
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