Kathmandu Durbar Square
It is easy to be overwhelmed by the seemingly uncountable monuments in the Kathmandu Durbar Square. The house of the Living Goddess, the ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the Square. The buildings here are the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty, and they resulted from the great rivalry between the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The Valley was divided among the children of Yaksya Malla. A visitor who wanders around the Square will see a round temple in the pagoda architectural style, the temple of Goddess Taleju (legend has it that She played dice with King Jaya Prakash Malla), and an image of Shiva and Parbati sitting together among the many monuments.
The Trisuli River
The Trisuli River (grade 3+) is one of the most popular raftable rivers. Due to its proximity to Kathmandu and the easy road access which accompanies it, most rafting companies offer trips on the Trisuli. For first time rafters it offers plenty of excitement. Many choose to incorporate a ride down the Trisuli with either a trip to Pokhara or to the Royal Chitwan National Park.
Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park spreads over an area of 932 sq km covered by dense tall elephant grass interspersed with the forests of silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian one horned rhinoceros and harbors one of the largest populations of the elusive and rare Royal Bengal Tiger. In a stretch of the Narayani River is found one of the few remaining populations of the rare and endangered fish-only eating gharial, or Genetic crocodile. Here also is found one of the world's four species of freshwater dolphins. For the ornithologist and the amateur bird-watcher the park offers excellent possibilities with more than 450 species recorded. Some of the resident specialties are several species of woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, and red-headed trogons. Winter birds such as waterfowl, Brahmini duck, pintails and bareheaded geese, amongst many other cold weather visitors are drawn by the sanctuary of the Parks Rivers.
Ghorepani Poon Hill:
Ghorepani, the short, colorful and relatively easy trek, takes its place in the western part of Kathmandu into the Annapurna region, one of the most popular trekking destination which offers impressive natural scenery, marvelous views of Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchchhre and Himchuli. One can get the lifetime chance to see some of the most dramatic views of some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world including pristine forests, diversity of flora and fauna encounter with the warm heartedness of the simple people whose rich and varied customs give you an insight into the typical life style of Gurung and Magar people.
On the way of trekking you are sure to encounter the legendary Gorkha soldiers who had served in the Gorkha Army during the world war in many countries. The main attraction of Ghorepani trekking is Poon Hill, situated at an altitude of 3100m, the most spectacular mountain spot on earth
Pokhara
If Kathmandu is the cultural hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its center of adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a tranquil valley, it is the starting point for many of Nepals most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars and restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest houses and viewpoints. Pokhara is a place of remarkable natural beauty.
The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed summit of Machhapuchhre (6,977 m) rising behind it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much more tropical feel to it, a fact well appreciated by the beautiful diversity of flowers which prosper in its environs. Indeed, the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes, and of course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.
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