About Nepal
It is located mainly in the Himalayas but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain.
Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for Shiva devotees. Pashupatinath, dedicated to Shiva the Destroyer, is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage destination in Nepal. Although the Pashupatinath Temple was only built in the fifth century and later renovated by Malla kings, the holy site is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium.
A gold-plated roof, four silver doors, and wood carvings of the finest quality decorate the pagoda temple of Pashupatinath. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath. Nearby is the temple of Guheshwori dedicated to Shiva's consort Sati Devi. Behind the temple is the River Bagmati.
Located at eastern part of Kathmandu on the way to Sundarijal, Gokarna holds a distinct religious status because it is the place where Lord Brahma worshipped Lord Shiva by setting up a deer's horn as a Shivalinga. The deer was no other than Shiva himself in disguise. So it is also called Brahmashrama. Its sacredness has been further enhanced due to another specialty: confluence of Chandrabhaga and Bagmati river and is popularly known as North Ganga. It is more celebrated as a shrine of departed forefathers.
It is believed that the dead spirits ascend to Heaven if we offer panda holy rounded ball of cooked rice offered to departed soul in a rite called shradda at this place. Its importance is equal to ten Gayas.
Speaking to Lord Vishnu who is going to punish the demons, Lord Shiva states: Vishnu! Go to pacify the demons by bearing a sober body with an enlightened mind rather than go with dazzling personality. Thus, Lord Vishnu entered into the womb of Mayadevi, the wife of king Suddodhan, and was born in Kapilbastu district of western region of Nepal.
Hindus believe Buddha as the ninth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The gospels and sermons of peace and fraternity Buddha spread over the world to redeem humanity from the sufferings and chains of life are still unquestionably followed by the people all over the world. Such supreme soul was born in the pious soul of Lumbini.
At a distance of 120 Kms from south-west of Kathmandu, Chitwan National Park is one of the ancient Nepal's wildlife reserve which is famous for the most threatened Asian species "One-Horned Rhinoceros" and the "Royal Bengal Tiger".
Except this, the park which stretches across an area of 932 sq. km is also home for "Wildlife" like leopard, rhesus monkey, bison, wild boar, deer, sloth bear and about 450 species of birds. If you are lucky enough then you can enjoy different safari in one trip named Elephant back excursions, nature walks, canoe trips, river rafting, driving from Kathmandu to the river Trishuli or Seti Khola. Yeah, many certified agencies are available here which arrange such safari.
Located very near to famous Chitwan National Park, "Parsa Wildlife Reserve", one of the national wildlife parks in its own way offer a good chance to see wild animals like elephant, tiger, leopard, sloth bear, gaur, blue bull, wild dog, deer, sambar, chital, hog, barking deer, langur monkeys, striped hyenas, ratels, palm civets and jungle cats in their natural habitat.
Extents over a 499 sq. kms area, this enchanting park allure visitors with wonderful Sal trees with few patches of sissoo vegetation and variety of birds and snakes. Some of the common ones are: giant hornbill, peafowl, red jungle fowl, flycatchers, king cobra, common cobra, krait, rat snake and the python.
Annapurna Conservation Area which is Nepal's biggest prevented area cover around 7,629 sq. km area in the Annapurna range of the Himalayas has been believed as one of the best trekking areas in the world as it envelopes the area of Manang, Mustang, Kaski, Myagdi as well as Lamjung districts.
Despite this, the Annapurna also famous for around 100 varied kinds of animals including rare snow leopards and blue sheep, 478 species of birds, multi-colored Impeyan, Koklas and blood pheasants, 39 species of reptiles , 22 species of amphibians and last but not least various species of orchids and rhododendron.
A freshwater lake in the Pokhara Valley region of Nepal, it is the most visited spot in the country. It is kept in check by the help of a Dam and is fed by a river stream, making it somewhat a mixture of man-made and natural freshwater lake.
The second largest lake in the country, it is extremely famous for the natural beauty, the Barahi Temple which is based on an island in the lake, and the mirror-like reflections of the Annapurna, Dhaulagiri and Machhapuchhre in its waters.
Situated in the shadow of world's sixth highest mountain, Cho Oyu, are some of the most amazing high-altitude lakes of Nepal, the Gokyo Lakes. Lying at an altitude of 4700-5000 meters above sea level, the Gokyo Lakes are the world highest freshwater lake system, and within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu region. Formed mostly from glacial seepage, the lakes are fed from the Ngozumpa Glacier.
The Gokyo Lake system comprises of numerous lakes, of which there are six prominent ones: Gokyo Cho (Dudh Pokhari), Thonak Cho (the largest), Gyazumpa Cho, Tanjung Cho, Ngozumpa Cho, and Longbanga Cho. The main lake of the system is Gokyo Cho, also known as the Dudh Pokhari (milk lake). Collectively, the lakes discharge into the Dudh Koshi river system.
Dharan (349m), the popular hill station of the eastern part of Nepal, is a gateway to Makalu Base Camp Trek and the eastern hilly districts such as Dhankuta, Bhojpur, Terathum. The geographical location, climate, religious shrines, and places of religious and historical values make Dharan an important destination for national and international visitors. The hill station embraces cleanliness, openness, and friendly hill people.
Dharan is basically reputed for having over 25 Temples and holy sites like Pindeshwar temple, Dantakali temple, Pancha Kanyan temple, Buddha Subba temple etc., making it an important pilgrimage destination.
Daman (2,400m) is such a hill top station from where travelers can have a view of the breathtaking grandeur of the worlds highest peaks from the far west of Dhaulagiri to the east of Mount Everest. It is eighty kilometers south-west of Kathmandu on the mountain highway known as Tribhuvan Highway and has a view tower fitted with a long range telescope.
The view tower at Daman offers the views of an amazingly large section of the Himalayan range stretching from Mt. Everst in the East to Mt. Dhaulagiri in the West. Enjoy hiking around the villages that offers an opportunity to connect with the local life.
Gorkha, a scenic hill town with great historical significance situated on a small hillock at an attitude of about 1000 m, offers a panoramic view of snow-capped mountains. Beyond the mountain views, Gorkha Durbar primarily attracts the visitors. The historical palace is situated on the top of the fortified hill above the township.
On the west side of palace is the temple of Goddess Gorakhkali. There is also a famous cave sheltering the statue of Gorakhnath Baba. From the top of the hill above Gorkha palace and from a saddle east of the bazaar, the view of Manaslu and Himalchuli is spectacular. Gorakhnath Cave and Manakamana Temple are other religious landmarks of Gorkha. Besides, while being at the yard of Around Manaslu Trek you can also make various short trek from Gorkha. One can also walk a long days walk to Besishahar, which is the usual starting point for Annapurna and Manang treks.