Tourist Attractions & Monuments Nepal

Located in the western centre of the country, the Annapurna reserve is the country's most visited trekking area. Altitude ranges between 790 and 8 000 m. Cascades, mountains and crossing traditional villages. 1 200 plants including 40 orchids and 9 species of rhododendron, the national flower. The park hosts a hundred mammals, including the very rare snow panther.

A landmark in the country's history, Durbar Square is a Unesco World Heritage Site, like the valley's other "royal squares" in Patan and Bakhtapur. Since its independence under the Malla kings, Kathmandu's kings were crowned here. Within Durbar Square lies the royal complex of Hanuman Dhoka, with its dozen courtyards, palaces and temples. Although the buildings date back to the ^17th and ^18th centuries, many were renovated after the 1934 earthquake and especially after the 2015 earthquake, which caused considerable damage. The Maju Teval and Trailokya Mohan Narayan temples were badly damaged, while the Kasthamandap temple was totally destroyed and rebuilt in 2021. A lively atmosphere reigns in these squares, where locals come to sit and chat at all hours of the day. Stepped brick and stone temples decorated with finely sculpted statues and dedicated in particular to the gods Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, Bhairab, but also to the goddesses Taleju and Parvati. Children play, tourists stroll among the strolling souvenir vendors, while students and workers hurry through the hustle and bustle. Motorcycles, bicycles and rickshaws thread their way through this tangle of temples.

Orientation. Entering from the traffic circle where the statue of Jiddha is enthroned, you discover a vast, open rectangular square, bordered by the Nau-talle palace or Basantapur tower on the right, flanked by a neoclassical palace by Gaddi Baithak. At its center, craft stalls display their wares right on the cobblestones, while cafés with roof terraces blossom all around to enjoy the view from the heights. This is where hippies used to gather in the 1970s. At the far end of the square is the Kumari Ghar, the palace of the living goddess Kumari. The Kasthamandap was built as an extension to the Kumari Ghar, but was totally destroyed in 2015. In front of the Kumari Ghar, the imposing statue of Garouda. This giant half-man, half-bird idol kneels in homage to Vishnu, whose triple-roofed Trailokya Mohan Narayan temple lends its base to the merchants' stalls. Just around the corner on a shopping street leading off from this point, don't miss a small golden temple dedicated to Maru Ganesh. A bronze rat, or rather shrew, is the deity's mount. This shrine is the object of great fervor, with everyone striding around it, putting their finger in a hole in the side, ringing the bell and then receiving the priest's tika. From here, a narrow street punctuated by multitudes of stepped temples and stalls leads to the Hanuman Dhoka complex.

Basantapur Durbar or Nau-tallé Durbar. Literally the 9-storey palace, this is the largest structure in Durbar Square. A fine example of Nepalese architecture, the pagoda is made of wood and brick, and opens onto windows with remarkably fine carvings on the façade. This palace was built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the ^18th century after the conquest of the valley. Basantapur Square, the part of Durbar Square where stalls and souvenir stores are located today, was once home to the royal elephants.

Gaddi Baithak. Its white neoclassical style and colonnaded facade stand in stark contrast to the traditional Newar architecture of Durbar Square. Built during the Rana reign of Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher in 1908 to welcome foreign statesmen, ambassadors and official celebrations, it too was badly damaged by the 2015 earthquake and completely renovated, thanks in part to a $7 million American fund.

Kumari Ghar. "Kumari" literally means "virgin" in Sanskrit. In this palace lives a young girl, the living reincarnation of the Hindu warrior goddess Taleju. Nepal has several Kumaris, but Royal Kumari is the most famous. Admire the woodwork of this palace built in 1757 by King Jaya Prakash Malla in a fit of atonement, repentant for having offended the Kumari of the time. Enter the courtyard between 9 and 11 a.m. and between 4 and 6 p.m., hold your breath and drop your phone - photos and videos of the goddess are strictly forbidden - for the solemn greeting of the goddess. Several times a day, morning and afternoon, she presents a face with a neutral expression and daily make-up to the crowds, who are allowed to enter in small groups. It's a ceremony that both impresses and begs the question: what kind of life has this little girl got in mind? She is elected in a very special ceremony from early childhood. Little girls aged 6 or 7 from Newar goldsmith castes are locked in a dark room with severed and bloody buffalo heads, while dancers whirl around wearing demon masks. The Kumari, Taleju's next reincarnation, is the fearless one. From the moment she enters the palace, her feet can no longer touch the ground, and she lives reclusively within these walls, surrounded by people devoted to her education and rank. She only comes out once a year for the Indra Jatra ceremony, riding in a golden chariot. Her life as a goddess ends when she menstruates for the first time, or if she loses blood through injury. She then becomes mortal again in the eyes of the religion and re-enters society. Another little girl is then chosen. A sacrificed childhood, some would say, a necessity of tradition in modernity, others would say. The men of the village are generally afraid to marry a former Kumari, but often these young girls, educated during their confinement, go on to study and open up to other destinies than that of their caste and village.

Trailokya Mohan Narayan temple or Vishnu temple. "Trailokya Mohan" means "Vishnu of the Three Worlds". This three-storey pagoda-style Hindu temple is the setting for dance performances representing the ten incarnations of Vishnu during the Indra Jatra festival. It was built in 1679 by King Parthivendra Malla to honor his late brother, Nripendra Malla. It too was severely damaged by the 2015 earthquake, but has since been restored. It's from this temple that the lively, authentic life of Kathmandu's old city center begins, all the way to the exit of the Hanuman Dhoka complex. Visitors and locals alike are happy to sit on the temple steps to watch the bustle of the square, with the votive statue of Garuda facing its western side.

Statue of Garouda. This idolized mythical creature, half-man half-bird, is important in Nepalese beliefs, as well as in India and Indonesia. This bronze statue depicts Garouda crouching, one knee on the ground and hands clasped. With his wings behind his back, he faces the temple of Vishnu, also known as Trailokya Mohan Narayan.

Kasthamandap. Literally "the wood-covered shelter", this is a three-storey Hindu temple in the form of a pagoda, with a tomb dedicated to Gorakshanath. Unfortunately, it was completely destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. Thanks to national and international funding totalling 198 million rupees, it was able to be rebuilt to exact specifications between 2018 and 2021. Over 8.3 million rupees worth of renovation work was carried out thanks to the civic participation of volunteers.

Kaal Bhairav idol. This frightening giant idol of a single stone placed is a manifestation of Shiva the Black, a very colorful but terrifying avatar, wearing the decapitated head of Shani, an ornamental snake, a tiger skin and a ritual apron made of human bones and straddling a corpse. Found by King Pratap Malla in the ^17th century in a rice field, it dates back to the ^6th century and has been placed at the center of the complex. Thieves and liars were once dragged before this idol to spontaneously confess their crimes and avoid divine wrath, synonymous with sudden and certain death. The inhabitants continue to venerate this great and fierce incarnation of Shiva.

One of the finest examples of conservation. Chitwan National Park is, therefore, becoming a popular location. 43 species of mammals were identified in the park, including rhino, tiger… 540 species of birds.

The Hanuman Dhoka royal complex extends over 5 hectares, but is nested within Durbar Square. This complex of palaces, temples and courtyards has several wings, but was badly damaged by the 2015 earthquake. It's not the first time: before the 1934 earthquake, the palace had 35 courtyards. The eastern wing dates back to the ^16th century, and is the oldest part enlarged by King Mahendra Malla (1560-1574). He commissioned the construction of Hanuman Dhoka's oldest temples in Newari style: the Jagannath temples, Kotilingeshwara Mahadev (a stone temple to Lord Shiva), Mahendreswara temple and the magnificent Taleju temple. In the ^18th century, King Prithvi Narayan Shah added four watchtowers (Lowan Chowk. The royal family lived here until 1886, when they moved to the Narayanhiti Palace.

Nasal Chowk courtyard and Panch Mukhi Hanuman temple. Passing through the Golden Gate, you enter a large rectangular courtyard, the most imposing of the ten courtyards that make up the Hanuman Dhoka complex. It was in this courtyard that King Birendra was crowned in 1975. Nasal (meaning "to dance" in Bhasha) refers to the image of Shiva dancing, placed on the northeast side of the square in a whitewashed chamber where dancing ceremonies took place during the Malla period, when it was built. As soon as you enter, on the left, don't miss the representation of Narasimha, reincarnation of Vishnu, half-man, half-lion, a kind of griffin devouring the demon Hiranyakashipu. The buildings surrounding the courtyard date from the Rana period. Linger over the Sisha Baithak, the audience hall of the Malla kings. The open veranda houses the royal throne and portraits of the Shah kings.

The statue of the Hindu god who gave his name to the complex is easily recognizable from the entrance: the monkey god sculpted in 1768 with one face painted red is adorned with a red cape and umbrella. The general of the monkey army in the Râmâyana epic saved Princess Sita from the clutches of the demon-king of Ceylon. Since then, he has become the symbol of marital fidelity, and every new couple comes to him with an offering of sindur, a red dust mixed with mustard oil, a vermilion paste that now disfigures him. The Panch Mukhi Hanuman temple (the five-faced monkey god) stands in the northeast corner of Nasal Chok. Its unique design of five circular roofs is typical of Nepal and dates back to the late Malla or early Sha dynasty period in the ^19th century. It withstood the 2015 earthquake and has since been restored. The temple priest is the only person who can enter this sanctuary.

Mul Chowk courtyard and Taleju temple. This courtyard is dedicated to Taleju Bhawani. It is reserved for religious rites and Hinduism (so you won't be able to enter). In the center, the Taleju temple is guarded by the goddesses of the Ganges and Yamuna rivers. It's one of the most impressive in Hanuman Dhoka. This tall pagoda houses the mysterious divinity, the royal goddess of the Malla kings. Hindus are admitted here once a year on the festival of Dasain, when sacrifices are performed.

Mohan Chowk. This is the most spectacular courtyard. Built by King Pratap Malla in 1649, it represents the royal private quarters. Malla kings had to be born here in order to legitimately wear the crown, and were the only ones allowed to enter. Note the impressive golden spout fountain, richly carved with birds and animals, known as the Sun Dhara. Malla kings used to perform their daily ablutions here, using fresh water from the Budhanilkantha hills. The goddess in charge of bringing the Ganges to Earth, Bhagiratha, is also depicted, kissing her knees and contemplating the surface of the baths.

Sundari Chowk, Jagannath temple. The Jagannath temple is the oldest (^17th century) and most impressive of all, standing two storeys high. Linger over the details: it is adorned at eye level with erotic sculptures. Take a close look at the long inscription on a long, parchment-like stone, which forms the impressive decorative background of a fountain with a drinking water reservoir called hiti or jahru in Newar. The inscription contains paragraphs in 15 different languages. It is due to King Pratap Malla who, in 1664, left this enigma indicating the location of a treasure.

Lohan Chowk. This courtyard was bounded by four red towers built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, representing the valley's four Newar imperial cities: the tower at Basantapur (Kathmandu) and the tower at Bhaktapur (Lakshmi Bilas) collapsed in 2015, but are now almost completely rebuilt, while the tower at Kirtipur and the tower at Patan (Lalitpur) are still standing.

Tribhuwan Museum. Located in a part of the palace built by the Rana kings in the ^19th century. It was damaged by the 2015 earthquake but has now been reopened. It features exhibits from King Birendra's grandfather. The tour begins with the Shah dynasty, the last clan to rule Nepal, until 2006. Sculptures, several thrones, coronation jewels, weapons, period furniture and a numismatic collection are also on display. King Tribhuwan's bedroom, study and personal effects are also on display.

A true haven of peace in the heart of Kathmandu, the Garden of Dreams is an idyllic place to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital. Many readers, walkers and gamblers meet there for an afternoon. Idyllic atmosphere. A glance at the statue of Laxmi, made by the creator of the garden, Kaiser Shumsher (1892-1964), who drew his inspiration from a statue of Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, in the Louvre museum. There is also a charming little café in the garden, the Kaiser Café.

Located in the western part of the Palace, the entrance to this beautiful museum is guarded by two male and female lions. Beside them stand the sculptures of Hanuman, the monkey god. The museum also exhibits sculptures of Narsingha dating from the 17th century, beautiful thangkas and paubhas, painted banners of mythological and religious scenes according to the Newar tradition, as well as prayer books illustrated with palm leaves. There are also portraits of all the Shah Kings who succeeded each other, which allows us to visualize the Nepalese monarchy.

Called fadke in Nepali, this bottomless pit is a 15-minute drive (one hour on foot) by car from the road leading southwest to the Indian border. It is said that a young girl was bathing in the Seti with her lover, when she was swept away by the swirling waters and disappeared forever. Hence the name "Devil's Falls". The site, which is of limited interest in the dry season, is impressive during the monsoon season because of the volume of water that falls noisily into the chasm. It is possible to walk to the opposite bank facing Pokhara.

Opened in 1987, the Breeding Center is one of the world's first. Each elephant is assigned three carers: the phanit or driver, the second driver called patchghua, who feeds the pachyderm, and the mahout, who cleans the stalls. Nevertheless, these are elephants destined to be domesticated. They are chained, even the smallest ones, and penned in tin sheds, and the spectacle is a sight to behold despite the enduring tradition of elephant safaris. In fact, some lodges have ethically abandoned this practice.

Opened a few years ago in Kathmandu, MONA is the first museum dedicated to contemporary and traditional Nepalese art. Its mission is to showcase local artists, past and present, and raise public awareness of Nepal's rich cultural heritage and its age-old artistic practices and traditions. Located within the Kathmandu Guest House, the museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions. An opportunity to highlight the historical and cultural influences that have shaped Nepalese art over two millennia.

Pashupatinah is a highly symbolic temple and pilgrimage site for Nepalese and international Hindus alike. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site. It is dedicated to Pashupati, the incarnation of Shiva as "master of animals". Two major Hindu celebrations take place here, Maha Shivaratri and Teej. As you enter the 246-hectare sanctuary estate, with its many temples and ashrams, you'll find flower, incense and offering stores along the street leading to the temple.

Legend. It is said that Shiva, tired of his divine duties, hid in a forest on the east bank of the Bagmati River in the form of an antelope. Vishnu is said to have forced him back into his divine form by grabbing him by a horn, which then broke off and fell into the earth. The broken horn was worshipped as a linga, but over time it was buried and lost. One day, a young farmer noticed that one of his cows was spilling all its milk here. He decided to dig and discovered the linga, whose cult began with the construction of a temple.

The Golden Temple. This was built in the ^17th century by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, and was first built in 400 AD under Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi king. Its triple golden roof is visible from the entrance, but the temple grounds are off-limits to non-Hindus. This is clearly posted on the door, and police officers will call you to order if necessary. However, just cross over to the monkey-populated opposite bank and, from a hill covered with eleven stone reliquaries containing the linga, you can see inside the sanctuary with Nandi at its center.

Body cremations. Cross the bridge between the temple and the hill to see the famous cremation pyres. Below you'll find the Bagmati River, a sacred tributary of the Ganges. Women come here to purify themselves and put on a new sari at the end of each menstrual cycle and during festivals. To the right of the bridge, at the foot of the Golden Temple, are the cremation ghats reserved for the royal family, generally decorated with flowers. To the left are the people's ghats, made up of stones on which the pyres are placed. Every day, around eighty bodies are burned on these pyres. Out of respect for the bereaved, you can see the pyres from the hill opposite, but don't get too close. Sensitive souls, please refrain! At bridge level, ashes fly and the air is saturated with the smoke of bodies burning in the open air.

Sadhus. You'll come across many sadhus in Pashipatinah. These men live as ascetic lives, on the bangs of the world, thanks to the charitable donations of the faithful. They have renounced the world in their pursuit of liberation, giving up all attachment to material life to devote themselves solely to their spiritual quest. There are two main families of Sadhus: Shiva worshippers and Vishnu worshippers. These often elderly men can be recognized by their hair, often long dreadlocks, their long beards and their clothes. They wear a loincloth, a long tunic called longhi, as well as exuberantly colorful outfits. Their make-up is just as eccentric. You won't want to miss those who show off their beauty on your way, offering, for a few rupees, a photo with them and a blessing.

The history of the Nag bahal and the nearby Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (also known as the Golden Temple) dates back to the 11th century. It is a central district of Patan in which almost all the inhabitants are Buddhists. The main shrine is located in the centre of the complex, inside an isolated two-storey building with a tiled roof. The neighborhood perpetuates the Newar traditions and atmosphere: take a walk through this historic place to capture unique moments in the daily life of the Newar community.

Entrusted to the Japanese architect Kenzo Tange, this vast area is home to a large number of Buddhist monasteries built by different countries or communities. Its two parts are located on either side of a central canal. To the west are the Chinese monastery Zhong Hua, the Korean, Vietnamese and Nepalese temples, the Grand Stupa Lotus and the monastery of the French congregation Ling Son. To the east are the monasteries of Thailand, Sri Lanka and Cambodia, as well as the Golden Temple (Burma) which has a large golden stupa.

Stone inscriptions dating back to the ^7th century allow us to date Bungamati, which once housed a royal residence. Built in a shikhara style, this temple is very impressive and stands out from the Newar style. It protects the deity Rato Macchendranath for six months of the year. The rest of the time, the statue is housed in Patan. With its chörten and enormous prayer wheel, it's well worth a visit. Macchendranath celebrations culminate in a procession of huge carts.

Opened in 1950 to open up the city centre, New Road is the work of Prime Minister Shamsher Rana, whose statue adorns the main square. New Road starts from Freak Street and ends under a large arch facing Tundikhel, a green space surrounded by jacarandas that serves as a manoeuvring area. This is where the tourist office, Kathmandu's oldest cheese factory and the city's first supermarket with an escalator are located. This is the avenue of jewellers, good ice cream and ready-to-wear shops for the locals.

The temple of Kali is located above Dhulikel and dominates the valley. To reach it, you will have to climb the 1,000 concrete steps that lead to it. It will take a good half hour to get to this small temple, also called the temple of 1,000 steps. The building is only of relative interest, but once you get to the top, the view is simply breathtaking. It's nice to rest using the services of the beverage shop. Also note on the way up, the Shanti Ban, an imposing golden statue of the Buddha, the opportunity for a break in the ascent.

Its origin dates back to the 13th century, it is the most famous Hindu temple in Panauti. Implanted on a rather vast space between the two rivers, it is topped by a triple pagoda-style roof which represents a very good example of Newar architecture. Note the fine carvings that adorn the wooden pillars. Other small temples are visible nearby, including that of Unamanta Bhairab recognizable by the three figures looking out of the window.

Housed on a small island near the Ratna Mandir (royal palace), the Hindu temple Varahi is the most famous temple in Pokhara. Built in a two-roofed pagoda style in the 18th century, it is dedicated to Vishnu in his incarnation as a boar. To get there, take a canoe from the local bus stop at Lakeside. On the shore, the Basundhara Park is a small park overlooking a portion of the lake: a very small patch of green very pleasant in case of heat,

In this temple, the altar does not contain an idol, but a khadga, a sacred sword, offered to Mukunda Sen, the king of Palpa, by Shiva. This gift was said to have been exchanged by the king for food when he had become an ascetic and had renounced his past life. Wrapped in layers of cloth since that time, the khadga has been revered as a symbol of female power. Legend has it that anyone who looks at the naked sword is condemned to instant death.

It's one of Kathmandu's major attractions, completely destroyed in the 2015 earthquake, then completely rebuilt from 2018 to 2021. It has a lighthouse-like Indian monghol style, all white. The new version is taller: 84 meters high, compared with 61 meters previously. Both a watchtower and the city's belfry, it was from here that the call to arms was made in the event of attacks, speeches and important celebrations. Two underground floors have been added to house a museum dedicated to the earthquake, in which some 50 people lost their lives.

This small hilltop pagoda, 6 km north of Abu Khaireni, attracts crowds of pilgrims from the Kathmandu valley, as it is of great importance in local spirituality. The shrine, whose current building dates back to the ^19th century, is dedicated to Bhagawati, a wrathful form of Parvati who is believed to grant wishes: married couples come here to obtain offspring. While Buddhists come here to pray peacefully to Drölma, the Green Tara, Hindus are obliged to perform animal sacrifices.

Along the main road leading to Kathmandu, you'll see the Chabahil stupa, much smaller than the one at Bodnath. Legend has it that in the ^3rd century BC, King Ashoka's daughter Charumati had this stupa built before retiring with her husband to a monastery. The niches around the stupa are now empty, and all that remains is a superb statue, considered one of the most remarkable in the valley, of a standing bodhisattva with curly hair and full lips, reminiscent of the Lichavi style (^5th-9th century).

This Tibetan Buddhist monastery is one of the most beautiful in the valley, located in a Tamang village on a mountain 1,750 meters above sea level. It is also one of the valley's three most important sites, along with the stupas of Swayambunath and Bodnath. The Kartik Purnima and Buddha Jayanti festivals are particularly celebrated here. According to legend, 6,000 years ago, Buddha, then in the reincarnation of Prince Mahasatwo, discovered a tigress lying by a rock, starving with five babies. He sacrificed himself to feed her, leaving only the bones, which were then taken back to the village and buried in the Namo Buddha stupa. Some 3,500 years later, Gautam Buddha came to the village of Sange da Fyafulsa and made 3 rounds around the stupa before declaring that he was the reincarnation of Prince Mahasatwo. Today, the monastery is open to the public. It's possible to visit for the day, to hear the monks chant in the mornings and afternoons, but we recommend a stay to discover their daily life, Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, share meals with them, and attend religious services. The view of the Himalayas is breathtaking, the setting magnificent and the experience of staying here unique. Comfort is pretty basic, and all the money goes to cover the monastery's costs. You can hike in the surrounding area during your stay.

In the city centre, this Newar-style palace offers impressive architecture for the village. The decoration is provided, one can observe carved wooden doors and windows, corridors and passageways decorated with wooden pillars, and also walk around tasting the calm of the place. The museum is inside the palace, the number of objects it displays is not very high, but they are very well integrated into the whole: antiques or works of art find a natural place there. A walk in the gardens will be welcome afterwards.

The temple of Maya Devi, the mother of the Buddha, is the spiritual center of Lumbini. Built on the site where Maya Devi gave birth, it features a series of ancient ruins (2,200 years old) currently being excavated. A sandstone sculpture depicting the birth of Buddha, donated by King Ripu Malla in the ^14th century, is now the object of devotion by the faithful. In front of the temple stands the column dedicated to Buddha by the Indian emperor Ashoka, who visited Lumbini in 249 BC. Standing 6 m high and made of pink sandstone, it is easy to spot.

Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of central Kathmandu? Take refuge in one of the city's oldest bahals, in Thamel. A bahal is a courtyard in a Buddhist monastery. A bahal is a courtyard in a Buddhist monastery, where you can enjoy a peaceful stop in front of a small stupa. Then take time to admire the interior of the Kichandra Bahal, starting with the central pagoda, the chaitya (sanctuary) decorated with standing bodhisattvas and the frescoed walls on the upper floor. One of these depicts Guru Mapa, one of Nepal's most odious ogres.

Uku Baha is one of the oldest Buddhist monasteries in Patan, although some of the buildings date from the 19th century. In operation since the 6th century, the temple houses authentic treasures donated by the faithful. It is also distinguished by a bronze lion from the Victorian period and a statue of Judda Shamsher, a rana Prime Minister, in ceremonial dress. Shamsher had contributed to the renovation of the temple after the 1934 earthquake.

The Tanga Baha temple protects the ancient Buddhist sanctuary of Minnath, which dates back to the Lichavi period. Tanga Baha is a brightly painted, double-roofed temple dating from the ^16th century. It houses the deity, a red Lokesvar idol identical to that of Macchendranath. During the procession, his smaller chariot follows that of Macchendranath. Mandalas, stone lion statues and a large prayer wheel can all be seen here.

This temple, which is relatively difficult to find, is also colloquially called the Temple of a Thousand Buddhas. You will find there a replica of the temple of Bodhgaya, made in the 17th century with bricks: each one bears an effigy of the Awakened One, a particularity that gave the temple its name. Contrary to what one might think, the images of the Buddhas are not all identical, they differ according to the cardinal points. Chronicles have preserved the memory of Abhayaraja, the bronzer who financed this masterpiece with his own money. Following a marital conflict, the craftsman stayed for some time in Bodhgaya, where he learned how to melt copper coins. This art was developed during the reign of Amar Malla, king of Kathmandu, who was in great need of specialists in alloys at a time when the valley benefited from its monopoly on minting the coins circulating in Tibet. As in the time of Philip Augustus, the great art consisted in discreetly reducing the proportion of gold used in the manufacture of coins.

The houses that surround the temple are the stronghold of the bronze-makers and still belong to authentic descendants of Abhayaraja. The shops offer bronze statuettes and information on the different stages of their manufacture according to the lost wax technique. A fireclay mould is cast on the wax model. When heated, the wax melts and leaves a hollow shape that is filled with an alloy of molten metals. A long finishing work follows.

Heading west towards Tangal Tol via a street that joins the main axis linking Durbar Square to Lagankhel, you will arrive at the temple complex of Macchendranath the Red, Patan's most popular god. Revered by Hindus and Buddhists in many ways, this god responsible for rain and fertility enjoys a special status. He resides in Bungamati half the year: during ceremonies, devotees bathe and dress him in great pomp, and processions of his chariot are the main festival of the city.

Located north of Durbar Square, this Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva. In the centre of a mysterious basin mysteriously fed by the waters of the sacred lakes of Gosainkund rises a five-storey pagoda which would date back to 1382. This place is particularly venerated during the festival of Janai Purnima. Its courtyard is dotted with licchavi, thakuri and malla sculptures. The sanctuaries of the mother goddess, renowned for her great powers, attract many supplicants.

Less than 10 minutes' walk from the Swayambhunath stupa on the south side of the hill, this large, old-fashioned building houses Nepal's first public museum. If you have a little time, it's well worth a visit, especially for archaeology and history buffs. You'll come across lovely stone, bronze and terracotta statues of Nepalese deities, Hindu paintings on canvas, interesting bas-reliefs and plenty of artifacts from local excavations. The life-size statue of Jayavarma is well worth a visit.

Behind the districts of Balaju and Swayambhunath, the forested hill of Nagarjun is an extension of the Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park. It is populated by an abundance of wildlife: deer, leopards, pangolins, 300 types of birds... A cave at the top is said to have been inhabited by Nagarjuna, the Buddhist philosopher of the "Middle Way", who gave it his name. Tibetans believe that Buddha preached here, hence the presence of a small white stupa and the Jamacho Gomba monastery. At 2,128 m, the view of Kathmandu, Everest and Annapurna is breathtaking.

Tsamchen Gompa is the onlyTibetan Buddhist monastery to open directly onto the stūpa. It houses superb paintings and a Buddha from the future. But many other gompas surround the stūpa: Tamang Gompa, Kagyupa Gompa, Chinya-Lama Gompa, Nyingmapa Gompa, Tarik Gompa... Most can be visited, except in the middle of the day. Further east, Samtenling Gompa is the oldest. The large Kopan monastery (in the nearby mountains) and Shechen monastery provide accommodation for visitors. The latter is famous for one of its monks: the Frenchman Matthieu Ricard.

The affable Prakash knows all there is to know about the prestigious art of thangkas, Tibetan Buddhist paintings. He sells a selection of beautiful, fair-trade pieces. If you can't afford to buy a piece, come and see for yourself! Ask him to show you the most beautiful pieces; he'll explain them to you in impeccable French. The key to appreciating the quality of a thangka lies in four details: the iconography, the finesse of the silver and gold details, the facial expressions and the overall aesthetic.

Tachupal Tole is lined with math, the homes of Hindu priests. A former monastery now houses the museum of carved wood. One goes there for its beautiful collections of carved wood, the oldest of which date from the 17th century, they allow to approach the symbolism of the Newar architecture. You can also get acquainted with the interior design of a traditional house. The famous "Peacock window" overlooks the street and is one of the most beautiful pieces of carved wood in the Kathmandu valley.

At the end of Main Bazaar, the heart of the village, turn left and walk for 10 to 15 minutes to reach this former fairground, dating from the great merchant era. Merchants used to gather there before leaving for India or Tibet. Bordered by five gigantic fig trees serving as perches for children, the field offers an exceptional panorama. Today it is a meeting place, sometimes for picnics. At a time when the sun is waning, when the sky is tinged with pink and mauve, the great Himalayan range offers its most beautiful spectacle.

Godavari is a very small garden with peaceful paths and a noteworthy orchid house. At the entrance, you are given a map and a small manual in English, as the plants are not labeled. A little further on, at the end of the main road, you come to the Godavari Kunda pond, a natural site that holds the sacred water of the Godavari River, endowed with supernatural powers. Every twelve years in summer, festivities take place here, and the ritual baths performed are said to provide as much merit as an offering of six million cows.

Opened just after the abolition of the monarchy - the last king, Gyanendra, left Narayanhiti on June 11, 2008 - this museum is housed in the fortified royal palace north of Durbar Marg named Narayanhiti. A composition of "Narayana" (the Hindu god Vishnu) and "Hiti", which means "water spout" in the Newar language and represents a traditional fountain. It's huge: 3,800^m2, divided into three parts: the guest wing, the state wing and the private wing.

History. Its existence at this location goes back many centuries, since in 1846 Prime Minister Fateh Jung Shah was assassinated in this palace during the Kot massacre, along with some forty civilians. In 1886, Prime Minister Rana Bir Shumsher ordered its demolition and reconstruction as the residence of King Prithvi Bir Bikram Shah, his son-in-law, moving the royal residence from Hanuman Dhoka to Durbar Square here in Narayanhiti. Damaged by the earthquake of 1934, during which two of King Tribhuvan's granddaughters died, it was renovated and a staircase added. However, King Mahendra ordered it demolished and rebuilt in 1963 by Benjamin Polk, an American architect living in India, who completed the building in 1969. A house-warming party (Griha Pravesh) took place within these walls on February 27, 1970, for the marriage of Crown Prince Birendra. In 1972, Mahendra declared the palace a royal office and bequeathed it to the Nepalese government as a dowry from his grandmother Queen Divyeshwari. On June¹, 2001, Crown Prince Dipendra murdered several members of the royal family in the palace, including King Birendra and Queen Aishwarya, before committing suicide. A tragic end.

Visit. This museum traces the history of the royal family right up to the abolition of the monarchy. The visit is long (1h30 to 2h minimum), so make sure you're in good shape: nineteen rooms used by the royal family are open to the public and feature a vast collection of exhibits. Don't miss the Gorkha Baithak throne room, with its immense chandelier, and the reception hall, with two stuffed Bengal tigers in hunting posture, killed by kings Mahendra and Birendra. Also on show: relics of the monarchy (full-length paintings of the kings and ceremonial photographs), a collection of vintage royal cars and the centerpiece: the crown jewels, on display since 2018. The tour is educational, with explanatory panels.

Near Kathmandu, in the northern part of the valley, the Shivapuri reserve is home to many species of birds and butterflies. Ideal for a bicycle ride.

Nestled in the mountains in the west of the country, Shey Phoksundo Park runs on the districts of Dolpa and Mugu. The creation of this park meets the objective of preserving the unique trans-Himalayan ecosystem and a typical fauna and flora in the Tibetan region.

Sagarmatha National Park covers an area of 1 148 km ² in the Khumbu region. The park has the highest summit in the world: Mount Sagarmatha, more known as Everest (8 848 m.). But also Cho Vasha, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamerku, Kwangde, Kangtaiga and Gyachyung Kang.

Located in the west of Nepal, in the district of Kanchanpur, this long reserve was reserved for hunting. The landscape consists of flood plains and meadows.

Located at the western end of Laukahi, Bardia is the largest park and the most preserved reserve in the Laukahi. Rhino, wild elephants, tigers, crocodiles, etc., are regularly screened.

Located in the north-west of the country, 370 km from Kathmandu, the National park of Rara is the smallest reserve, but home to the largest lake in the country. The lake is its main attraction. Observation of migratory birds in winter.

The park covers the lands of four districts in the centre of the country: Chitwan, Makwanpur, Parsa and Bara. Sal forest, wild elephants and many birds.

Located in the east of the country, on the edge of Sagamatha, Makalu Barung Park is home to Mount Makalu, the fifth highest summit in the world. With its 2 330 km ², this reserve is an important component of the Himalayan ecosystem. More than 32 000 people, from diverse ethnicities, inhabit the area.

Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, the Climbing is the nearest park in Kathmandu. Exploration of villages, monasteries and glaciers. A haven of ornithologists, the park is on a large migratory route between India and Tibet.

Reserve opened in 1976 in eastern Nepal, with the aim of preserving the population of wild buffalo. A 10 km long park, 10 km wide, extending to the Indian border along the Sapta Koshi River.

Khaptad National Park is located in the western region of Nepal. Khaptad is an important religious area: Khaptad Swami centres and ashram.

Varied landscapes and climate ranging from subtropical to subtropical. Many rhododendrons varieties over a range of 2 035 km ². The Kanchanjunga is 3rd world summit.