Sundarijal Reservoir and Sundari Mai
On Route on the first day of trekking you will cross
over a small reservoir which is now used to supply
drinking water to parts of Kathmandu, however at one
time it was used as a place to generate electricity
and to supply water to the Royal Palace. A short
diversion from the main trail takes you to Sundari
Mai, a small temple nestled on a cliff face
overlooking a small series of cascading waterfalls
and rock pools. Indeed the name Sundarijal means
beautiful water fall.
Chisopani Cheese Factory
No stay in Chisopani is complete without a visit to
the local cheese factory. Here is the perfect
example of a local industry created to generate
income into the rural areas. Locals collect milk and
bring it here to make cheese that is taken and sold
in Kathmandu.
Shivapuri National Park ( link to page … http://www.dnpwc.gov.np/national-parks-shivapuri.asp)
Shivapuri is one of nine National Parks in Nepal and
the closest National Park to Kathmandu. The park was
founded in 2002 to protect the valley’s water
resources; a pristine natural buffer against the
burgeoning urban settlements growing out from
Kathmandu valley. The park is home to 177 species of
birds, orchids, leopards and bears. One of the
biggest differences between Nepalese National Parks
and their counterpart, let’s say, in most of the
Western countries is, you will find more life in the
parks here – and it is not just wildlife. You’ll
find villages, businesses, restaurants and lodges.
Chickens running around, traditionally dressed women
washing laundry and young girls carrying water jars
or firewood on their back. It feels like someone has
turned the clock a hundred years back, then suddenly
a porter shows up with a big television on his back!
Changu Narayan
This medieval looking temple is said to be the
oldest in the valley and perched on the end of the
ridge it’s certainly a commanding structure. This
magnificent example of 5th and 12th century art and
architecture is seldom visited by tourists, though
the touts along the shop lined street leading up to
the temple can be a bit overwhelming, once inside
you can wonder around in peace and quiet. The actual
temple standing now, dates back to the 18th century,
but the site is at least 15 centuries older. Just
behind the temple you can find a script carved stone
that is said to be from the 5th century. The temple
is easily identified by the imposing Garuda, half
man half bird, statue that marks it as a Vishnu
Temple (Vishnu is an incarnation of the devious lord
Krishna). The site is filled with historically
important statues and images and a local guide will
give you an in-depth briefing about the temple and
it’s history. This site is one of the seven listed
World Heritage Sites in Nepal.
Namobuddha
Namobuddha is the place where Lord Buddha took pity
on a starving tigress and her cubs. He sacrificed
his body to her, enabling the tigress to feed her
cubs. It’s a beautiful monastery set on a hill top
overlooking the entire region. Climb up from the
Stupa to the top of the hill and enter a small
shrine to see a carving of the scene of Buddha and
the Tigress.
Panauti
A small Newar Town rich in history. In the 14th
Century, Panauti reared up as its own independent
principality, and the remains of the Royal Palace
can still be seen in the center of the town. Though
not much to look at from afar, there is much to be
revealed in this quaint town. The oldest temple, a
reverence to Lord Shiva was built in 1291. The
erotic wood carvings on the temple are considered to
be masterpieces. The temple complex sits on the
conflux of two rivers and a third mystical river is
also believed to run through the complex and join
the others.
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