Discover the rich, multi - cultural, multi ethnic traditions of Nepal, influenced by the cultures of its border countries, China and India. Being one of the countries boasting of being location of the Himalayas, Nepal shares this privilege with India, Bhutan, Pakistan and China. Nepal has the privilege of never being under invasion by any country. Nepal has a population of approximately 28 million people. (2018). The majority of the total workforce are employed in Agriculture. The Nepalese people are called Newaris who are comprised of people of Tibetan and Indian origin.
Nepal's people are vibrant and warm, predominantly attired in bright coloured attire even to go about their mundane lives. Be sure to visit the three Kathmandu city states of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, with their plethora of UNESCO Heritage listed Buddhist and Hindu temple sites, monasteries, and palaces. As many as seven UNESCO sites are located in Kathmandu valley.
Swayambunath Stupa:
Swayambunath also known as the Monkey Temple, is a majestic Stupa shaped Buddhist temple located atop a hill. At the entrance is a "Wishing Well" or "World Peace Pond", where you may throw in a coin and make a wish. It is perhaps Nepal's most iconic temple. The temple complex is sprawling, with steps to reach the top of the hill to reach the temple precincts. Conspicuous features of this temple are the colourful prayer flags that are suspended on strings, which are affixed from all four corners of the ground, to the pinnacle of the temple. There are several souvenir selling stalls at the foot of the hill, where you may bargain for souvenirs. Ascending the steps you will discover souvenir shops. This temple was partly destroyed by the 2015 earthquake. .
Pashupatinath temple:
This temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, commonly known as Lord Shiva. It is a pagoda style Hindu temple, which is located at the Western banks of the Baghmati River. The temple is cubic in shape and its four main doors are covered in silver. The main attraction here is the huge Shivalinga, the statue of Nandi, the bull of Lord Shiva. The main temple of the Pashupatinath temple can only be accessed by HindusOn both sides of the doors of the temples are carved images of Gods and Goddesses The bank of the river is a site for ceremonial cremations. This temple was unharmed during the 2015 earthquake.
Boudhanath Stupa:,
Boudhanath is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside of Tibet. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetan refugees during the Chinese invasion in 1959, the site has become an important temple for Tibetans. Like the Swayambunath temple, this too has the spinning Prayer Wheels surrounding the stupa, that you spin for good luck. The temple is situated by the ancient entrance from Tibet to Kathmandu. Boudhanath stupa was also partly damaged by the 2015 earthquake.
Thamel Neighbourhood:
Thamel is a commercial neighbourhood in Kathmandu, which was popular from the Hippie days when many artists came to Nepal. It is the most vibrant tourist centre in Kathmandu. You will be spoilt for choice with the array of restaurants, bars, coffee houses, shops and stores in this neighbourhood. The restaurants are multi ethnic - Japanese, Italian, Indian, Nepalese, and Turkish to mention a few. After a busy day it would be relaxing with a Foot or Body Massage at Seeing Hands spa, a centre where Spa treatment is provided by masseuses, who are visually impaired.
Take a Class:
The Seven Women Centre in Kathmandu, which conducts classes in Nepali Cooking, Language and Crafts. The Seven Women Centre was established by Australian citizen Stephanie Wollard who encountered seven marginalised women, who were working in a tin shed. The Seven Women centre was established for marginalised women, providing them accommodation, skills, and employment.
Royal Palace:
Narayanhiti Palace or Narayanhiti Durbar, is the Royal residence and workplace of the reigning Monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal. Located in Kathmandu, this is the centre for state occasions. The current Royal palace was built by King Mahendra in 1963. The Royal Palace was the site of the infamous massacre of the Nepalese Royal family in 2001, when Crown Prince Dipendra opened fire on the grounds of the palace, killing his father King Birendra, his mother - Queen Aishwarya and several other members of his family before turning the gun on himself.
Pokhara:
Pokhara is Nepal's second largest city in terms of population, next to Kathmandu. It is located 200 kilometers west of Kathmandu. The Annapurna range with 3 of the 10 highest mountains in the world - Dhaulagiri, Annapurna and Manaslu are located within close range of this city, which makes it a base for trekking expeditions.
Patan Durbar Square:
This square is situated at the centre of the city of Lalitpur in Kathmandu valley. It is a World Heritage site and one of the three Durbar Squares of Kathmandu valley. Krishna Mandir Temple, a fine example of Sikhara style architecture, is seen at this square.
Kathmandu
Durbar Square: This is located in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a UNESCO site. Several of its buildings were destroyed in the earthquake of 2015. Durbar Square is a generic name to describe squares that are located opposite royal residences.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
This is the third square of Kathmandu valley, and it is known for its scenic Newa style buildings - red brick work and unique work carvings.
Kumari the living Goddess:
An unusual and controversial part of Nepali culture. The word Kumari means Princess in Sanskrit. She is also referred to as Kumari Devi. This is the Nepali practice of worshipping young girls of Shakya or Bhajyachara origin, the Kumari is believed to be an incarnation of Hindu Goddess Durga. There are eleven chosen Kumaris around Nepal. They are often as young as 3 or 4 years old, and live in isolated and secretive existences, very rarely seen in public. On reaching puberty the Kumari will relinquish her position which will be taken over by another girl. The Kumari is chosen from a Buddhist family, but she is an incarnation of a Hindu Goddess, therefore she is worshipped by Hindus and Buddhists alike. The Kumari is chosen through a rigorous process; Among other criteria her body has to be without blemish, and she should be brave and not flinch at the sight of the ritually severed heads of animals.
Cuisine:
Nepalese cuisine consists of rice - the fried rice dish of Pulao is popular, dhal (lentil soup), Bara - a savoury rice pancake, Yomari - fish shaped dumplings, Sandheko - Nepali salad, Momos - the Nepalese version of dumplings which may be sweet or savoury, Pickles that may be spicy or fermented, Thukpa - a hot Nepalese Noodle soup, Dal Bhat Tarkari - lentils, rice and vegetable curry are eaten widely. The traditional sweets of Nepal are called Mithai which maybe eaten at any time of day, with breakfast, afternoon tea or after dinner.
