Historic Durbar Square in ancient Patan City and Swayambhu Monkey Temple are 2 of the UNESCO Sites in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley.
Kathmandu Valley
Patan City Durbar Square and Swayambhu Monkey Temple
Padam took us to Patan on our 2nd day in Kathmandu. Padam Bhandari is our guide from Nepal Adventure Point, and Patan City one of the original three kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley founded in the year 299!
Patan Durbar Square
The taxi dropped us off at the gateway to ancient Patan city which was the once home of the Newar Dynasty. Some 8 km from Thamel in Kathmandu city centre where we were staying, this is one of Nepal’s must-see attractions and yet another unique World Heritage Site.
We walked around the narrow streets noticing more signs of the earthquake destruction. Much is being done to restore the many buildings of incalculable historical value but it takes time.
Historic Sites in Patan
Ancient Patan city is a wonder to discover, more authentic and less crowed than touristy Thamel, it is also famous for the fine local craftwork. The four magnificent stupas on each corner of town were reportedly built 2,250 years ago and there are some 1,200 Buddhist monuments listed, altogether most impressive!
We passed some of the amazing ancient temples, some still in ruins, and then stopped to see Patan museum which is housed in a former Royal Palace. Exhibits include unique Hindu and Buddhist relics, as well as fascinating works of art.
An archway leads onto the courtyard of a small 12th century Buddhist monastery known as the Golden Temple (Hiryana Varna Mahabihar). It’s a beautiful 3-storey pagoda decorated with paintings and carvings which show the life of Buddha. Under the arcades around the patio ladies in traditional dress were preparing flower offerings.
The ornate shrine is a centerpiece and other interesting features include a big prayer wheel, the clock tower and the statue flanked altar at the back.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is at the very heart of the old town and a focal point surrounded by shrines, temples and other incredible monuments. The Royal Palace is located here. The complex comprises three main courtyards, or ‘Chwoks’ as they are called in Nepal, the Bhawani Taleju and Degu Taleju temples, and the stunning Royal Bath stone statues.
The 17th century Krishna Mandir is another magnificent temple on Patan Durbar Square. It’s easily recognizable with 21 gilded pinnacles, and colourful friezes portraying scenes from the classic Hindu epics.
It’s true that we could have made our own way around to see the many sites in Kathmandu, but it was much more interesting to be shown them by Padam. Although he professionally guides adventure treks across the Himalayan mountains, he is great at explaining all the historical features of Kathmandu Valley too.
Swayambhunath Monkey Temple
In the afternoon Juan and I met his wife Sabina and their young son Rhidam, and the five of us set off to see the Monkey Temple a sacred pilgrimage site. Rhidam loves monkeys!
Swayambhu Stupa and Temple
Set on a hillside beside the Bagmati River, we climbed the steps up to Swayambhu followed by the cheeky holy animals! According to legend, the gods lived on this hill above an idyllic lake that filled the Kathmandu Valley many centuries ago.
Dating back to the 5th century, this is one the most ancient religious places in the country. An impressive white Stupa with the omnipresent Buddha’s eyes and traditional prayer flags is one of the first sites to see. The whole area is very scenic with shady trees and walkways.
Further on there are some authentic Hindu shrines which are fascinating to see. We walked around from left to right touching the prayer wheels, the pervading scent of burning incense on the air. A stray dog (one of the many in Nepal) was lying beside the resident sacred cow and monkeys were playing everywhere.
Tibetan Monastery at Swayambhu
On the hilltop there is a Tibetan Monastery where I saw a couple of adult and child monks in orange robes sitting outside. I thought they might be orphans but apparently in some ethnic communities it is still tradition to send a son away to become a Buddhist monk.
Nepal is a poor country and the people see the future in their children, and ensure they have a good education, no doubt with a good deal of personal sacrifice.
Nepalese Culture
The population in Nepal is mainly Hindu, although Buddha was actually born here, in the town of Lumbini to the west.
Nepal culture is still very traditional, particularly in rural areas. Women dress in a colourful ‘guniu’ sari (married women in red), the men with tunics over pants and a ‘topi’ hat. western-style clothes.
At festival times especially, people are blessed at the temples with a red Tikka sign on their foreheads.
For information on treks and activities in Nepal contact BB Bhandari at Nepal Adventure Point.
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- Kathmandu – Thamel and Kathmandu Durbar Square – First stop on our around the world trip!
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- Kathmandu – Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple
- Poon Hill Trek part 1 Nayapul – Hile – Ulleri – Ghorepani
- Poon Hill Trek part 2 Poon Hill Summit – Tadapani – Ghandruk
- Poon Hill Trek part 3 Landruk – Tolka – Dhampus
- Pokhara Lake
- Chitwan National Park
- Diwali Festival of Lights in Kathmandu
- 12-day Nepal Itinerary – Kathmandu Diwali Festival and Himalayan Trek
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Finally i got to read a blog about Nepal. How beautiful the buildings are! And how lucky to tour with a guide and not only learn historical information, but to meet and travel with his family. These are the special moments you remember. Your post makes me yearn to visit there too.
Nepal offers such an astonishingly diverse array of attractions, culture and above all, landscapes. A trip to Nepal is a step closer to nirvana. Thanks for sharing ;-) http://www.flyingbaguette.com