DOCSLIB.ORG

Miami1221252415.Pdf (5.61

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Miami1221252415.Pdf (5.61 ABSTRACT AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY OF NEPAL by Himamshu Ghimire This practicum is about the environmental situation in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. In particular, it describes the deteriorating environmental conditions caused by air pollution, solid waste, and inadequate water supply. It also describes the impact of these deteriorating environmental conditions on the health of the local residents of the valley. In addition to an assessment of the environmental problems and its affects, this report attempts to analyze the issue of environmental sustainability in the Kathmandu valley regarding the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals of 2015. As such, this report is slated to be a reference for the people interested to know the environmental situation of the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. AN ASSESSMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY OF NEPAL A Practicum Report Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Miami University in Fulfillment of The Requirements for the Degree of Master in Environmental Sciences Institute of Environmental Sciences by Himamshu Ghimire Miami University Oxford, Ohio 2008 Advisor _____________________________ Dr. Adolph M. Greenberg Reader _____________________________ Dr. Sandra Woy Hazleton Reader _____________________________ Dr. Mark Stephan Walsh Table of Contents List of Tables iii List of Figures iv Chapter 1: Introduction 1 Chapter 2: Goal and Objectives 10 Chapter 3: Air 12 Background 12 Causes and Sources of Air Pollution 13 Pollutant Types 16 Impacts 17 Discussion 19 Measures 21 Chapter 4: Solid Waste 24 Background 24 Cause 25 Volume and Types of Waste 25 Collection and Disposal 26 Impacts 31 Areas to Improve 33 Measures 33 Chapter 5: Water 36 Background 36 Water Sources 36 Water Production 38 Water Distribution System 40 Water Demand and Production Capacity 41 Water Quality 41 Impacts 42 Future Water Need 44 Discussion 48 Chapter 6: Conclusion 51 References 55 ii List of Tables Table 3.1 Pollution in the ambient air of the Kathmandu Valley Table 5.1 Water Production Capacity and Demand in the Kathmandu Valley, 1999-2004 Table 5.2 Persons affected by Waterborne Diseases in the Kathmandu Valley in 2002 Table 5.3 Projected Population in the Kathmandu Valley by 2015 Table 5.4 Water Demand and Production Capacity 1999-2004 iii List of Figures Fig. 1.1. Country Map, Nepal Fig. 1.2. Kathmandu Valley Fig. 1.3. Satellite Map of the Kathmandu Valley Fig. 1.4. Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites Fig. 1.5. Krishna Mandir (Temple) is one of the World Heritage Sites in the valley Fig. 1.6. A glimpse of Kathmandu Durbar Square- another World Heritage Site Fig. 1.7. Population Growth in the Kathmandu Valley, 1952-2001 Fig. 1.8. Satellite Images for 1967 (Left) and 2001 (Right) Source Fig. 1.9. Typical view of a residential area in the Kathmandu Valley Fig. 1.10. Traffic congestion in the valley Fig. 1.11. Solid waste is collected from the street due to limited collection facility. Fig. 1.12. River, a source for drinking water, is highly polluted. Fig. 1.13. Water shortage has caused use of untreated groundwater from wells. Fig. 3.1. Services such as sewers requires road digging, a major source of dusts in the ambient air of the Kathmandu Valley. Fig. 3.2. Growth in the motor-vehicle numbers in the valley Fig. 3.3. Projection in Motor vehicles’ number Fig. 3.4. Traffic Congestion Fig. 3.5. Transportation vehicular includes large number of two-wheelers. Fig. 3.6. Diesel Trucks account for high emission of toxins Fig. 3.7. Emissions from brick kilns are a significant source of air pollution in the Kathmandu Valley Fig. 4.1. Collection of household waste Fig. 4.2. Waste collected from households usually end up on the roadside. Fig. 4.3. There is also a waste collection centre at Teku Fig. 4.4. Containers have been provided at few places iv Fig. 4.5. Waste leftover on the roadside. Fig. 4.6. The landfill site at Sisdol Fig. 4.7. Waste thus accumulated is a source of pollution for dust too Fig. 4.8. Waste are also dumped on the riversides near to Maitidevi, Kathmandu Fig. 5.1. The Bagmati River nearby of its origin Fig. 5.2. A view of the Bagmati River Fig. 5.3. Desilting Basin- one of the components of water treatment plant at Sundarijal Fig. 5.4. Tankers are used when to supply water wherever supply is acute. Fig. 5.5. Water distribution main line Fig. 5.6. Rivers are highly polluted due to flow of untreated industrial effluents and domestic sewerages Fig. 5.7. Population Projection based on CBS 2003b v 1 Introduction Kathmandu Valley is the capital region of Nepal, a small country in Southern Asia. The northern side of the country is bounded by the Himalayan Mountains, which separate the country from China, and the remaining three sides are bordered by India (Central Intelligence Agency 2007). Covering an area of 650 sq. km, the valley has bowl shaped topography and is located at 1300 Average Mean Sea Level (amsl). It comes under the jurisdiction of three governmental districts - Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur (International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development 2007). Fig. 1.1. Country Map, Nepal (Source: CIA 2007)) The Kathmandu Valley is endowed with fertile soil and rich forests. The weather is moderate (25-30 oC) even during the months of summer. In winter, the mercury regularly 1 registers below freezing, but snowfall is rare, falling for the first time in six decades during the winter of 2006 (British Broadcasting Corporation 2007). The valley gets reasonably high rainfall during the summer months, June to September, due to monsoonal effect and is one of few areas in the country with a high annual precipitation rate (Ichiyanagi et al. 2007). Fig. 1.2. Kathmandu Valley map published by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) (Source: ICIMOD 2007) Fig. 1.3. Satellite Map of the Kathmandu Valley (Source: Google 2008) 2 The Kathmandu Valley is famous all over the world for its traditional art, and architecture. It is one of the well-known pilgrimage centers for both the Hindu and Buddhist cultures. It was an area of early settlement and boasts many ancient temples and stupas. The first groups to reign in the valley were the Kirats who ruled from 625 BC to 100 AD. However, chronicles suggest that human activities in the valley date back to 2000 years prior to the Kirats (Thapa 2008, 46). After the Kirats, the Lichhavis ruled in the valley from100 AD to 1000 AD and then the Mallas took over and reigned until the Shahs, the Monarchs of modern Nepal, defeated them in 1768 (Thapa 2008, 46). Prior to the Mallas, settlement took place in and around the Pashupatinath Temple- one of the most famous Hindu shrines. Later, settlement flourished in other parts of the valley. During the Mallas’ reign, from 1200- 1768, the valley saw the construction of a number of architectural marvels that included temples, stupas (monasteries), and squares (Spodek 2002). The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has recognized several of them (Fig. 1.4.) as World Heritage Sites (UNESCO 2007). Fig. 1.4. World Heritages Sites, Kathmandu Valley (Source: KMC 2008) 3 Fig. 1.5. Krishna Mandir (Temple) is one of the World Heritage Sites in the valley (Photo By: H. Ghimire) Fig. 1.6. A glimpses of Kathmandu Durbar Square- another World Heritage Site (Photo By: H. Ghimire) 4 Although it was always a population center, the landscape of the Kathmandu Valley completely changed in the 20th century. From the 1980s on, the size and nature of the valley’s urban area expanded exponentially. In 1985, according to then Ministry of Population and Environment (MoPE), there were 17 squatter settlements with a total population of 3,000 (MoPE 1999). By 1998, approximately 6,300 hectares of fertile and productive agricultural land had been lost due to urbanization and industrialization. At that time it was estimated by MoPE that half of the valley’s agricultural land would be lost to urban sprawl by 2010 (MoPE 1999). In the last half of the 20 th century, the urban population in the Kathmandu Valley had grown by almost five times between 1952 and 2001 (Fig. 1.7) (CBS 2003b; Pradhan 2004). The surge in the population is attributed largely to the migration of people from rural areas of the country into the valley. The fundamental reason is that the capital of the country is located in the valley. Thus with most of the decision-making government functionaries located there, people found it more convenient to settle down in the valley itself and conduct activities and business. Pupulation Growth in the Kathmandu Valley, 1952-2001 1,200,000 1,000,000 800,000 600,000 400,000 Population, no. Population, 200,000 0 1952 1961 1971 1981 1991 2001 Years Fig. 1.7. Population Growth in the Kathmandu Valley, 1952-2001 (Source: CBS 2003b) In addition, Kathmandu Valley offered amenities such as educational and health care facilities, which the people from rural Nepal did not find in their local villages. Along with educational and health care facilities, the valley also offered work opportunities in sectors such as manufacturing, trade or business, tourism, transport, and other services. Therefore, the attraction of employment opportunities and centralized government functionaries caused large- scale migration to the valley in the 1980s (Pradhan 2004). 5 Fig. 1.8. Satellite Images for 1967 (Left) and 2001 (Right) (Source: Haack and Rafter 2006) Migration of people to the Kathmandu Valley continued in the 1990s. In addition to the employment opportunities and government services, the influx of people to the valley was increasing due to the armed conflict started by the Maoists in mid 1990 (Upreti 2006).
Load more

Recommended publications
  • NEWAR ARCHITECTURE the Typology of the Malla Period Monuments of the Kathmandu Valley
    BBarbaraarbara Gmińska-NowakGmińska-Nowak Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń Polish Institute of World Art Studies NEWAR ARCHITECTURE The typology of the Malla period monuments of the Kathmandu Valley INTRODUCTION: NEPAL AND THE KATHMANDU VALLEY epal is a country with an old culture steeped in deeply ingrained tradi- tion. Political, trade and dynastic relations with both neighbours – NIndia and Tibet, have been intense for hundreds of years. The most important of the smaller states existing in the current territorial borders of Nepal is that of the Kathmandu Valley. This valley has been one of the most important points on the main trade route between India and Tibet. Until the late 18t century, the wealth of the Kathmandu Valley reflected in the golden roofs of numerous temples and the monastic structures adorned by artistic bronze and stone sculptures, woodcarving and paintings was mainly gained from commerce. Being the point of intersection of significant trans-Himalaya trade routes, the Kathmandu Valley was a centre for cultural exchange and a place often frequented by Hindu and Buddhist teachers, scientists, poets, architects and sculptors.1) The Kathmandu Valley with its main cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhak- tapur is situated in the northeast of Nepal at an average height of 1350 metres above sea level. Today it is still the administrative, cultural and historical centre of Nepal. South of the valley lies a mountain range of moderate height whereas the lofty peaks of the Himalayas are visible in the North. 1) Dębicki (1981: 11 – 14). 10 Barbara Gmińska-Nowak The main group of inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars, an ancient and high organised ethnic group very conscious of its identity.
    [Show full text]
  • Cultural Tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    TREKKING AT ITS BEST Cultural Tour to UNESCO World Heritage Sites Trek Description If you opt to visit the UNESCO world heritage sites around Kathmandu we will take you to the Patan Durbar Square complex, explore the magnificent Trek details city of Bhaktapur and visit the old Hindu temple of Changu. Included in this tour is all private transport and an extra night of accommodation in your Tour dates preferred class of hotel. Daily Itinerary Season All year round The City of Patan The ancient city is situated on the southern bank of the river Bagmati and is Duration about five kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Buddhist monu- 1 day - 1 night ments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, guardian deities and wonderful carvings. Noted for its craftsmen and metal workers, it is known Tour code as the city of artists. Patan is the oldest of the three ancient city-kingdoms of C1 the Kathmandu valley which once ruled by the Mallas. Patan is still populated mostly by Newars, two-thirds of them being Buddhist. As in Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, a fusion prevails between Hinduism and Buddhism. Also, as in those cities, Patan has a Durbar Square and a labyrinth of winding lanes. The square boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in the Patan Durbar Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. Krishna fought by the side of the Pandavs in the Mahabharat war to assure that truth would prevail. This temple is the best example of stone architec- ture in Nepal.
    [Show full text]
  • Schools Are Highly Vulnerable If Not Properly Constructed and Prepared for Earthquakes
    Safer Society NSET Report 2014 National Society for Earthquake Technology-Nepal (NSET) Cover Photo (Front) Students' Summit on Earthqauke Safety 2013, Sauraha, Chitwan Cover Photo (Back) Retrofitting of Adarsha L.S. School, Chiyabari, Ilam June 2014 Book Publication Series: NSET-097-2014 ©NSET ii | Safer Society NSET Report 2014 Message We are here again with the NSET Report 2014. This report presents an account of NSET's endeavors and activities towards the enhancement of disaster resilience of from the communities in Nepal during the past year. This year has been momentous in the sense that it marks 20 years of collaboration, commitment and partnering in disaster risk President management. NSET strongly believes that the earthquake resilience of communities can be achieved through enhancing awareness and building capacity by helping them to understand seismic risk and providing them with simple and practical methods in mitigating the risks. NSET is grateful that its work has been recognized with the wider acceptance of concepts, methodologies and safety measures NSET has been developing and propagating in Nepal and the region. On behalf of the NSET Executive Committee, I would like to thank all Government agencies, civil society organizations, international agencies and individuals for their Shiva Bahadur initiatives and partnerships with NSET in their Disaster Risk Management Programs. Pradhanang In conclusion, I would personally like to commend all the staff at NSET for their hard and dedicated work. With your continued and sustained efforts, I'm sure that NSET Vision of 'Earthquake Safe Communities in Nepal by 2020' will materialize. Thank you! Safer Society | iii NSET Report 2014 Message Our National Society for Earthquake Technology -Nepal (NSET) has completed its 20 years of service to the nation and the region.
    [Show full text]
  • Conflict in World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley: a Case Study on the Conservation of Private Houses in Three Durbar Squares
    Conflict in World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley: A Case Study on the Conservation of Private Houses in Three Durbar Squares - Monalisa Maharjan [email protected] Conflict between heritage management authorities and the local residents has been critical to sustainable management of the World Heritage Sites (WHS) in Kathmandu Valley. This paper attempts to find out the reasons of such conflict by analyzing the facets of prevalent non-compliance of rules and regulations in Kathmandu Valley’s three World Heritage Sites: Hanuman Dhoka, Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares. This is a qualitative analysis of perceptions, understanding and interests of the local people and the heritage management authorities. The paper also reviews the existing national and international policy provisions on conservation of WHS and makes special notes about the conservation of private houses in the WHS. Cases were selected using snow-ball sampling technique. Structured interviews were conducted with key informants including concerned government officials and the local residents. The findings include such reasons of non-compliance of WHS regulations as overlapping and unclear roles of multiple institutions involved in the management of the WHS, lack of public participation in decision making, inadequate economic incentives to locals, ineffective implementation of compliance mechanisms. Introduction Kathmandu valley is a cultural hub and also Nepal’s pride in international arena. Historical palaces, buildings, shrines and temples which display brilliant architectural craftsmanship make the valley of outstanding universal value. The UNESCO declared the valley a World Heritage Site in 1979 under criteria iii, iv and vi of UNESCO’s operational guidelines among nine 88 Maharjan, Conflict in Heritage Sites ---------------------------------------------------------------------- criteria [Department of Archaelogy (DoA), 2007].
    [Show full text]
  • Community Based Participatory Approach in Cultural Heritage Reconstruction: a Case Study of Kasthamandap
    Community based participatory approach in Cultural Heritage Reconstruction: A case study of Kasthamandap Rija Joshi1, Alina Tamrakar2, Binita Magaiya3 Abstract Kasthamandap, a centrally located monument in the old settlement of Kathmandu, is the 7th century structure, from which the name of Kathmandu valley originated. Kasthamandap was originally a public rest house and holds social, cultural and religious significance. The 25th April Gorkha earthquake completely collapsed the monument and it took a year before the government disclosed its reconstruction plan. However, the preparations were not satisfactory. The proposed plans severely contradicted with the traditional construction system. The introduction of modern materials such as steel and concrete made the aesthetic and artistic values of the monument to lose its original identity. The general public couldn’t accommodate with the idea of our national heritage being rebuilt with considerably newer materialistic ideas and a large public outcry against the proposal was seen. The necessity of reconstruction using traditional methods and materials with equal involvement of the community was realised to maintain identity, increase community belongingness and to connect new generation with the heritage. Therefore, a community initiative to rebuild Kasthamandap started with the involvement of diverse groups from the community. This paper discusses the observations, learning and achievements of community participation of the Kasthamandap rebuilding process. Further, the paper includes exploration of both tangible and intangible aspect and its benefits for overall heritage knowledge of Kathmandu valley. This paper presents an exemplary participatory heritage-making concept, which can be a learning for heritage reconstructions in future. Key words: Cultural Heritage, Community participation, Reconstruction, Conservation 1.
    [Show full text]
  • After the Quake: Preserving the Artifacts of Kathmandu
    LESSON PLAN After the Quake: Preserving the Artifacts of Kathmandu RELATED PHOTO ESSAY Protecting Cultural Heritage After the Nepal Quake BY TAYLOR WEIDMAN After the Quake: Preserving the Artifacts of Kathmandu Class: 60 minutes Key Idea Earthquakes and other natural disasters can destroy valuable cultural SUBJECT AREAS artifacts, but local and global efforts can protect and restore relics for HIGH SCHOOL future generations. • Anthropology • Art Background • Geography This photo essay shows the destruction wrought by the 7.8 magnitude • Modern World Studies earthquake that struck the Kathmandu Valley on April 28, 2015, and depicts efforts to protect ancient artifacts of the area. Kathmandu is the COLLEGE capital city of Nepal, a country located in the Himalayas of South Asia • Architecture bordered by China on the North and India to the South. More than 8,500 • Art History died in the earthquake and tens of thousands were left homeless. Behind the humanitarian crisis is the loss of some of the area’s most treasured • Cultural Anthropology cultural resources. • Geography Once at the intersection of trade routes between India and China, the • History Kathmandu Valley has a rich cultural history spanning nearly 2,000 years and is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, more than any other THEMES area in the world. Three of these World Heritage sites are documented in • Cultural artifacts this photo essay—Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhakatapur Durbar Square. A Durbar Square is a name given to a plaza • Preservation of a culture or an area opposite to the old royal palaces in Nepal.
    [Show full text]
  • UPDATED REPORT KATHMANDU VALLEY WORLD HERITAGE SITE (Nepal) (C 121 Bis) 1 FEBRUARY 2019 Submitted By: Government of Nepal Minist
    UPDATED REPORT KATHMANDU VALLEY WORLD HERITAGE SITE (Nepal) (C 121 bis) 1 FEBRUARY 2019 Submitted by: Government of Nepal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation DEPARTMENT OF ARCHAEOLOGY Ramshah Path, Kathmandu, Nepal Telephone: +977 1 4250683 Facsimile: +977 1 4262856 E-mail: [email protected] TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 42 COM 7 B.Kathmandu Valley (Nepal) (C 121) SECTION A RESPONSE TO POINTS MADE BY THE WORLD HERITAGE COMMITTEE REFER 42COM 7B. SECTION B MANAGEMENT AND AWARENESS ACTIVITIES 1. COORDINATION THROUGH EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE COORDINATION OFFICE 2. IMPLEMENTATION OF CONSERVATION GUIDELINE AND MANUAL 3. COORDINATIVE WORKING COMMITTEE MEETINGS (CWC) 4. PHOTO EXHIBITION 5. TRAINING ON CAPACITY BUILDING 6. AWARENESS PROGRAM TO STAKEHOLDERS 7. ESTABLISHMENT OF CHIMS 8. SOIL CHARACTERIZATION STUDY OF SWAYAMBHU HILL 9. WELCOMING JOINT WORLD HERITAGE ADVISORY MISSION SECTION C STATE OF CONSERVATION REPORTS FROM INDIVIDUAL MONUMENT ZONES 1. HANUMAN DHOKA DURBAR SQUARE PROTECTED MONUMENT ZONE 2. PATAN DURBAR SQUARE MONUMENT ZONE 3. BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE PROTECTED MONUMENT ZONE 4. BAUDDHANATH PROTECTED MONUMENT ZONE 5. SWAYAMBHU PROTECTED MONUMENT ZONE 6. PASHUPATI AREA PROTECTED MONUMENT ZONE 7. CHANGU NARAYAN PROTECTED MONUMENT ZONE 2 Introduction The seven Protected Monument Zones, which are very important for the archaeological, historical, cultural, religious and many other values, were enlisted on the World Heritage list in 1979 as Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Property. The seven in one site consists, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Swayambhu Bauddha, Pashupati and Changu Narayan Protected Monument Zones. Department of Archaeology is the sole national authority of Government of Nepal for the conservation and management of the World Heritage property of Nepal.
    [Show full text]
  • Building Resilient Nepal Photo Book Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
    Building Resilient Nepal Photo Book Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Japan International Cooperation Agency is a governmental agency that coordinates official development assistance (ODA) for the government of Japan. JICA is one of the world’s largest bilateral aid agencies with a network of 100 overseas offices and projects operational in more than 150 countries. It is chartered with assisting economic and social growth in developing countries and for the promotion of international cooperation. In accordance with its vision “Leading the world with Trust,”JICA is advancing its activities around the pillars of a field-oriented approach, human security and enhanced effectiveness, efficiency, and speed. JICA supports the resolution of issues in developing countries through flexible combination of various types of assistances. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Japanese Cooperation in Nepal (1969-2019). This occasion thus assures stronger ties between Japan and Nepal with better partnership and cooperation in various development efforts. Since immediately after the devastating earthquake struck Nepal in April 2015, JICA has been supporting the Government of Nepal and its people in the post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction, by pursuing the principle of Build Back Better (BBB). Although reconstruction efforts are still ongoing, this photo book aims to capture some of the major accomplishments in the last four years. Published in April 2019. Design & Processed by: © 2019 JICA All Rights Reserved. Pentagram, 5548180 Photo Book 2019 3 School Reconstruction A total of 236 schools are being reconstructed in 6 districts (Gorkha, Rasuwa, Nuwakot, Dadhing, Makwanpur, and Lalitpur) with JICA support. Dharmodaya Secondary School, Mirkot, Gorkha “We feel happy going to school and pursuing our education, thanks to JICA.
    [Show full text]
  • Sightseeing Tour of Patan City, Swayambhunath, Kathmandu City & Asan
    SIGHTSEEING TOUR OF PATAN CITY, SWAYAMBHUNATH, KATHMANDU CITY & ASAN After breakfast met by the representative at the hotel who will introduce to the city guide for the sightseeing tour, later board the waiting vehicle and proceed for the sightseeing tour of Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa. Kathmandu Durbar Square & Asan Bazaar (Market) Ancient Patan cityalso known as Lalitpur or the city of fine arts is about five Kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The major tourist attraction of Patan is the Durbar Square situated in the heart of the city and constitutes the focus of the visitor’s attraction. The square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar consists of three main chowks or courtyards, the central MulChowk, SundariChowk and KeshavChowk. The SundariChowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. Also visit, Krishna Mandir, built in the seventeenth century and dedicated to Lord Krishna. It holds a commanding position in the palace complex of Patan and is supposed to be the first specimen of its kind in Nepal having 21 spires and completely made of stone. Later visit the Hiranya Verna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) located inside Kwabadehal. This Lokeshwor (Lord Buddha) was built in the twelfth century by King BhaskarVerma. Inside the upper storey of the pagoda, are the golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel. After sightseeing tour board the waiting vehicle and drive to Swayambhunath Stupa for the sightseeing tour. Swayambhunath Stupa - one of the protected monument sites of the Kathmandu Valley.
    [Show full text]
  • AFT Sightseeings in Nepal
    Sightseeings in Nepal Nepal has been a dreamland of the tourists since a long. Nepal invites, welcomes, and bewilders the visitors. Those who have already visited Nepal cherish the desire for the second visit and those who have heard or read about the kingdom make a plan to visit Nepal. Geographically, Nepal is small country but she shines like a multi gem in her diversity. She is holy, she is wonderful, she is gracious, she is strange, she is wild and she is beautiful. The small geographical territory encapsulates the most diverse of geo-topographical, biological and Socio-ethnic varieties. In this country there stands the majestic Mt. Everest, fertile land of the Terai sprawls luxuriously, deep George’s and fountains spring up form treasure house of the earth; swift and roaring rivers tumble down directly from the Himalayas, many rare and beautiful species of plants and animal find safe and favorable shelter in the land, the altitude of which varies between 70 meters to 8848 meters. More importantly, more than 65 ethnic groups speaking more than 45 languages present an unique example of the harmony in the diversity. In short, people with different sets of interest and different temperament find many things as their interest in the smallest possible territory. A few highlighted places not to be missed with in the kingdom are as follows. Kathmandu City The Kathmandu valley is the hub of Nepal for its’ political, commercial and cultural activities and is the first stop for the majority of the visitors to the country. Once separate kingdom in itself, it consists of three cities of the great history.
    [Show full text]
  • Nepal Sanctuary Treks (P.) Ltd
    Nepal Sanctuary Treks (P.) Ltd. PO Box: 5493, Kathmandu, Nepal. Tel. 4431610, 4426721 Nepal Tour itinerary Sep 28: Arrival in Kathmandu. Reception at airport and transfer to Dwarika's Hotel Sep 29. Sightseeing of Kathmandu. 8.00 am Breakfast at Hotel 9.00am: Sightseeing tour Kathmandu Durbar Square is an overwhelming house of monuments. within it are The Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess. Kashtamandap a huge resthouse that is said to have been built with the wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu valley got its name. Other sites around the Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab - the red monkey God- Hanuman, Hundreds of erotic carvings, temples and statues dedicated to different deities. Swayambhunath, “the self existent”, is a gigantic stupa located on a hilltop and houses images of important deities of both Buddhists and Hindus. Swayambhu, is perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and beside the integrate architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Swayambhu is a major landmark of the Kathmandu valley. Meal: Breakfast Sep 30: Sightseeing 8.00 am Breakfast at Hotel 9.00am: Sightseeing tour Pashupatinath- The most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath is situated n the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, it draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva) that takes place in early spring.
    [Show full text]
  • BHAKTAPUR the HISTORICAL CITY – a World Heritage Site
    Post 2015 Earthquake, 2016 BHAKTAPUR THE HISTORICAL CITY – A World Heritage Site Professor Purushottam Lochan Shrestha, Ph.D. Post 2015 Earthquake, 2016 BHAKTAPUR THE HISTORICAL CITY – A World Heritage Site Professor Purushottam Lochan Shrestha, Ph.D. Cover photo credit: Rita Thapa All inner photographs: Prof. Dr. Purushottam Lochan Shrestha’s collection Prof. Dr. Purushottam Lochan Shrestha has a Ph.D. in the Era of Tantric Power in Bhaktapur. He served as a Professor and Head of the Department of History, Anthropology & Sociology at Tribhuvan University. Currently, he is actively teaching in colleges in Bhaktapur. He is a recipient of several awards including the prestigious Mahendra Bhusan Class A. He has conducted researches, published numerous articles, written ten books and two additional are forthcoming. CONTENTS CHAPTER I BHAKTAPUR: HISTORICAL OVERVIEW 9 Meaning of ‘Bhaktapur’......................................................... 9 The People .................................................................. 10 Historical Background......................................................... 10 Art and Architecture .......................................................... 16 CHAPTER II FAIRS AND FESTIVALS 18 Biska/Bisket Jatra (the solar New Year festival)................................... 18 Aamako Mukh Herne (literally: looking at one’s Mother’s face or mothers day) ....... 20 Changunarayana, Chhinnamasta, Kilesvor Rathajatra .............................. 20 Buddha Jayanti Purnima ......................................................
    [Show full text]