Top Things to Do in Kathmandu" Known As the City of Temples, Kathmandu Is a Sacred Pilgrimage Site

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Top Things to Do in Kathmandu "Top Things To Do in Kathmandu" Known as the city of temples, Kathmandu is a sacred pilgrimage site. However, the surrounding mountains and parks also attract those who are looking for something adventurous. The city also has bustling markets catering to every shopper's needs. Created by: Cityseeker 10 Locations Bookmarked Pashupatinath Temple "Embodying Hinduism" Perched along the banks of the holy Bagmati River, this iconic temple is one of the most significant religious sites in Asia. Eternally dedicated to the titular incarnation of Lord Shiva and Nepal's national deity, this temple's origins are mired in legend and lore. Essentially a complex of temples, Pashupatinath Temple boasts gilded roofs, religious carvings, by Q-lieb-in and splendid statues of Hindu gods and goddesses. Dotted with a multitude of Shivalingas and shrines, this complex comes alive when caught in the whirlwind of festivities celebrating Maha Shivratri each year, when priests as well as devout Hindus surrender themselves to the divine glory of Lord Shiva. Duly designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this deeply-revered and highly-visited temple complex is one of the most emblematic monuments of the Kathmandu Valley. + 977 1 447 0340 pashupatinathtemple.org/ Pashupati Nath Road, Kathmandu Boudhanath Stupa "Nepal's Holy Buddhist Stupa" Nepal's most sacred Buddhist stupa sits on an ancient trade route that interlinks Tibet with Nepal via the village of Sankhu. For several centuries since its construction in the 14th Century, this storied shrine has stood as an everlasting symbol of Buddhist faith and peace, inviting devotees from near and far. Known to be one of the holiest Buddhist stupas outside of by Nabin K. Sapkota Tibet, the exalted Boudhanath Stupa asserts its presence in Kathmandu's busy square with its imposing dome, a whitewashed behemoth that rests on giant steps resembling a mandala. With its distinctly spiritual mandala design, the stupa is emblematic of the all encompassing cosmos. Atop its perfectly rounded dome, a tapering spire replete with 13 tiny steps that meet at the apex denotes the stages that lead you to achieve nirvana. Four sets of eyes are etched on the neck that joins the spire and the dome, depicting the all-seeing nature of the noble Buddha. In its entire form, the architecture of the stupa is said to represent each of the five elements of the universe – earth, water, fire, air and ether. With its inherently spiritual essence and remarkable architecture, the Boudhanath Stupa makes for a significant religious landmark. + 977 986 331 9626 Boudhanath Sadak, Kathmandu by Bernard Gagnon Kathmandu Durbar Square "Historic Town Square" One of the cornerstones of the once mighty Kathmandu Kingdom, this iconic town square sits right in front of the former royal palace, displaying a spectacular array of intricate Nepalese craftsmanship and Newar-style architecture. Although the square's history dates back to the Licchavi Period, it is believed to really have grown in stature under the rule of King Pratap Malla. Prior to its destruction due to a major earthquake in 2015, the square housed several historically-significant structures within its premises, most notably the three-tiered Kasthamandap temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square along with some of its most-notable inhabitants are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Ganga Path, Kathmandu Swayambhunath Stupa "Naturally Formed Shrine" Upheld by a prolific heritage and a profound belief in divine forces beyond human perception, the Swayambhunath Stupa overlooks the peaceful Kathmandu Valley from its lofty perch. Built on the site of an erstwhile lake that arose by itself and formed a small mound, the stupa bears the name of this hillock on which it stands. The stupa's rounded white dome, by Bijay Chaurasia painted a dull yellow in places, underpins a beautifully ornate gilded spire etched with wise eyes of the Buddha that benignly watch over the surrounding valley. From spire's topmost tip, a riot of colored flags make their way to smaller temples in the complex, gently flitting in unison to symbolize spiritual harmony. Dotting the complex's empty spaces are mobs of playful monkeys that amble up the valley, and are considered holy by Tibetan Buddhists and Hindus. According to legend, the monkeys evolved from the Bodhisattva of wisdom, while he attempted to lift the temple hill from the depths of the valley. Reaching the temple requires quite some effort, with as many as 365 steps leading the way to this sacred symbol of divinity. + 977 1425 6909 (Tourist Information) www.welcomenepal.com/places-to- Swayambhu Parikrama, Kathmandu see/Swayambhunath%20.html Hanuman Dhoka "Elaborate Temple Complex" High in the snow-capped Himalayas, Hanuman Dhoka stands as a representation of Nepal's royal heritage, making up a section of UNESCO- recognized Durbar Square. This breathtaking ensemble in Kathmandu is comprised of a series of palaces and temples, each with its own architectural tenor. Among the many buildings here, Malla Palace stands by Mahalaxmi silwal out for its serene all-white exterior. The entryway is guarded by a revered figure of Hanuman, the Hindu god. Draped in bright red fabric, the statue is protected from the elements by an ornate umbrella fashioned in traditional style. This figure is what gives the complex its name, which translates as 'Hanuman Gate.' An etched inscription entreats Lord Hanuman to protect King Bhupatindra Malla, one of royal lineage, in fifteen languages for all to read, while a figure of Narasimha flanks the other side of the entrance. An excellent example of the architecture of the time, the ensemble features elements like the pagoda, a common element showcased in nearly all of the buildings. There are also museums on site which preserve historical artifacts that belonged to the royal families that lived in the palace. Though a significant part of this historic monument was damaged due to an earthquake in 2015, it continues to evoke a sense of a bygone era. Hanuman Dhoka Sadak, Kathmandu Thamel "Experience Kathmandu Firsthand" Kathmandu is known as the city of temples, but there is a lot more to explore culturally. One such premiere area to experience the local flavor of life is Thamel and its surrounding markets. From shopping for souvenirs and electronics to enjoying delectable local cuisine, Thamel has got you covered. Although crowded, it is a culturally enriching experience. by Francisco Anzola Thamel, Kathmandu Garden of Dreams "Blissful Imperial Garden" One of Nepal's most iconic gardens, the Garden of Dreams or the Garden of Six Seasons ornament Kathmandu's Kaiser Mahal with its fine acreage of blissful meadows and neoclassical splendor. Spread across the Kaiser Mahal's backyard, the elegant gardens span nearly 28,656 square meters (74,220 square feet). Its velveteen expanse is flecked with an array of by Aasish5050 breathtaking elements, from inscribed Persian verses that adorn the garden's gate, to delicately adorned trellis and pavilions, clandestine corners, fountains and spacious amphitheaters. Especially notable are the six pavilions in the garden - of which only three remain today - built to symbolize the vibrancy of Nepal's six seasons. The gardens were made at the behest of Kaiser Shamsher Rana in 1920, and were designed by renowned Nepalese architect Kishore Narsingh, who built it to his influential client's specifications. After Kaiser Samsher's demise, the gardens underwent a period of grave neglect, and were salvaged from decay with help from the Austrian Government and the Nepal Ministry of Education. + 977 1 442 5340 www.gardenofdreams.org. [email protected]. Tridevi Marg, Kaiser Mahal, np/ np Kathmandu Narayanhiti Palace "Elegant Nepalese Palace" Alternatively called the Narayanhiti Durbar, this elegant palace that once acted as the royal palace for Nepalese monarchs has opened doors to the public since 2009. Now converted into a museum, the then stately royal family home stands proudly in the very heart of Nepal's capital, Kathmandu and flanks the majestic Kaiser Mahal from its east. Built from by Suraj Belbase fine-quality mortar and brick, the structure was designed by renowned American artist Benjamin Kaufmann Polk and is a stunning example of modern Nepalese architecture. The palace's entire complex covers nearly 94 acres of prime land (38 hectares), with its elaborate courtyard being one of its highlights. The throne room, the reception hall and the Dhanusha Baithak are some of the palace's most historically-significant event venues. The revered Narayan Mandir can be found within the palace estate itself. + 977 1 422 7844 Narayanhiti Path, Kathmandu Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park "Hiker's Paradise" Spread across a total area of 159 square kilometers (61 square miles), Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park situated in the Kathmandu Valley was opened to the public in the year 2002. Wilderness and greenery encompass the many trails here which are best explored on foot if you wish to spend time in nature's lap. Boasting rich, diverse flora and fauna, by Peterkarki042 Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park is among the best national parks in the country. + 977 1 437 0355 www.snnp.gov.np/ Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, Kathmandu Asan Market "Historical Newar Style Baazar" Asan market is a historical thoroughfare that reflects Newar style of city planning. This bustling market and residential area is where you can experience every day life in Kathmandu first hand. From selling food products, textiles, souvenirs and a lot more, you will be spoiled for choice at this bustling marketplace. by jafsegal (Thanks for the 4,5 million views) + 977 1 421 8801 Chittadhar Marg, Kathmandu JOIN US AT: cityseeker.com TERMS & CONDITIONS | PRIVACY POLICY | API | CONTACT US | Copyright (C) 2020 CITYSEEKER Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org).
Recommended publications
  • Nepal Newsletter
    News update from Nepal, 1 July 2008 News Update from Nepal 1 July 2008 National Security Nepal is facing the condition of statelessness. On June 22, over 200 Armed Police Force (APF) of Banke revolted to protest against poor ration quality and senior official's ill- treatment. They also beat up APF battalion chief and other senior officers. On June 23, the rebelling armed forces reached an agreement with the government and formed a nine-member team to listen their grievances and corruption done by senior officials. A similar event that took place in Parvat district, however, went unnoticed. On June 20, civil servants urged the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to take strong action against the Minister for Forest and Soil Conservation Matrika Yadav for locking up the Lo- cal Development Officer of Lalitpur, Dandu R. Ghimire, in a toilet for allegedly allowing illegal stone quarries at a community forest in Lalitpur. Frequent robberies in the highways and the rise of extortion, kidnapping and killing by non-state armed actors have weakened the sense of public security. The public life in Bir- gunj has been paralyzed due to the killing of one government official by the cadres of Ta- rai Mukti Tigers. Similarly, in a confrontation between the police and Akhil Tarai Mukti Morcha (ATMM) in Bara four cadres of the latter were killed. A cloth trader was killed in Birgunj while two persons were killed in Butwal. On June 21, Bardibas bazaar remained closed due to the bombing of the petroleum pomp by the cadres of Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha (JTMM).
    [Show full text]
  • Treasures of Nepal
    Treasures of Nepal Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Phewa Lake, Pokhara Day 01 | Friday, 13th March’2020: Arrive Kathmandu Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport. Following customs, immigration formalities and baggage collection, our representative will meet you as you exit the arrival terminal building after which you would be transferred to your hotel. Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked sovereign state located in South Asia. It is located in the Himalayas and bordered to the north by the People's Republic of China, and to the south, east, and west by the Republic of India. Kathmandu is the nation's capital and the country's largest metropolis. Nepal has a rich geography. The mountainous north has eight of the world's ten tallest mountains, including the highest point on Earth, Mount Everest (8884 M). It contains more than 240 peaks over 20,000 ft (6,096 m) above sea level. The fertile and humid south is heavily urbanized. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel for check-in. Rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight stay in Hotel Tibet International. Day 02 | Saturday, 14th March’2020: Kathmandu Morning proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Swayambhunath. Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is located in the heart of old city Kathmandu. The complex was residence to Nepal's family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. The founding of the Palace dates back to Licchavi times. With considerable renovations by Malla rulers and later the Ranas, construction was accomplished progressively over many centuries.
    [Show full text]
  • Mass Revolution and End of the Cultural Institution In
    RESEARCHER I II JULY- DECEMBER 2013 11 MASS REVOLUTION AND END OF THE CULTURAL INSTITUTION IN NEPAL Apar Kumar Lamsal Tribhuvan University [email protected] Abstract From 6th April to 24th April of 2006, parliamentary political parties along with the ten years long strafing underground Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) stage a mass revolution against the Royal takeover of 2002 AD for the establishment of republican state. This mass movement gained much impetus then trailed by various organizations, trade unions, students, professional employees and the general mass throughout the kingdom of Nepal. Ultimately, the age-long monarchical institution was finished from the political and cultural scenario of Nepal. This article outlines the main events and outcomes of this revolution and analyzes it. This article is based on secondary sources along with event observation. Key words: mass revolution, monarchy, political parties Background of the Mass Revolution After the restablishment of parliamentary democracy system in 1990AD, the people of Nepal had a hope and trust in peoples participation and more freedom. The also had hoped that the people's representatives government would give freedom, relief, peace, development and security but due to political instability, corruption, lack of understanding among major political parties, failure to maintain law and order and security, the political parties failed to secure the trust and support of the people. At this crucial moment, the Royal massacre of Birendra's family and enthronement of a king RESEARCHER I II JULY- DECEMBER 2013 12 Gyanendra abruptly dismissed the people's elected „House of Representative‟ on May 22, 2002 and the Government on Oct 4, 2002 and took the country's rule by appointing the council of minister according to his own will.
    [Show full text]
  • Investment Environment and Incentives in Nepal
    Investment Environment and Incentives in Nepal Presented by: Mr. Mikio TAMADA JICA Foreign Investment Expert Investment Board Nepal (IBN) 1 Nepal: Country Profile Official Country Name Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Capital Kathmandu Population 28.72 million (about 3 million people in the Kathmandu Valley) Area 147,181 square km (about 1/3 of Japan) Altitude 59 to 8,848 meters (Mt Everest) Language Nepali, written in Devanagari script; English is widely used in business Religion Hinduism 81.3%, Buddhism 9.0%, Islam 4.4%, Kirat 3.1%, Christianity 1.4% Currency Nepalese Rupee (NPR) (July 30, 2018 - Central Bank) US $ 1 = NPR 109.55; JP ¥ 1 = NPR 0.99 Foreign exchange reserves US$ 10.08 billion (Mid-July 2018) Corporate tax General corporate 25% However, infrastructure, road construction 20% Nepalese Japanese society Regular members: 176 people; supporting members Japan Chamber of Commerce 40 member companies (July 2018) and Industry (JCCN) 2 Population: (Projected) Population Census 2011, Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS); Foreign exchange reserve: Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) – Central Bank of Nepal Direct International flights from Kathmandu Turkey Incheon Seoul Osaka Lhasa Kathmandu Chengdu Dammam New Delhi Paro Doha Kunming Dubai Guangzhou Abu Dhabi Dhaka Muscat Kolkata Hong Kong Mumbai Bangkok Bengaluru Note: Direct flight from Kathmandu to Kuala Lumpur Osaka to be added soon Singapore Indian States neighboring Nepal Source: https://www.census2011.co.in/states.php; Nepal: Census 2011 - CBS Biratnagar Nepalgunj Road Customs Office Railway Station To New Delhi Nanpara Junction (1275 km) Railway Station Bahraich Railway Station To New Delhi (540 km) To Kolkata Port (576 km) To Kolkata Port To Mumbai (856 km) (2000 km) Index Country Border Major Road Source: Google Maps Benefits of investing in Nepal 1.
    [Show full text]
  • Nepali Times
    #404 13 - 19 June 2008 16 pages Rs 30 Weekly Internet Poll # 404 Q. What should be the priority for politicians now? Total votes: 4,516 Weekly Internet Poll # 405. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. How do you think the government handled the king’s departure from Narayanhiti? BILASH RAI/KIRAN PANDAY Home Same to same KUNDA DIXIT Minister Koirala. president’s post as not just integration of Maoist guerrillas The Maoists had shown ceremonial but a way to balance into the army should be on the ing Gyanendra may have flexibility this week by agreeing Maoist dominance of the basis of qualification as agreed in been a divisive force ever to a non-political president and a government. the peace accord. The Maoists K since he became king in simple majority to form and sack After the three-party task force want all their guerrillas to be 2001, but he was a unifying factor governments, but negotiations got failed to reach a deal, Prime integrated into the national army. in keeping the parties and Maoists stuck once more on the issue of Minister Koirala and Chairman A compromise can be reached together. With the monarchy gone, army integration and on who the Dahal met Thursday at Baluwatar under which some PLA are taken who will the parties now blame president should be. Both to give it another try. But by the into the army, when things go wrong? sticking points have to do with afternoon, all seven Maoist while the Two weeks after the the military: the army doesn’t ministers had handed their remainder are EDITORIAL declaration of the republic, the want to induct ex-guerrillas and resignations to Dahal.
    [Show full text]
  • Unctad-Icc Investment Guide to Nepal
    AN INVESTMENT GUIDE TO NEPAL Opportunities and conditions January 2003 UNITED NATIONS New York and Geneva, 2003 Three good reasons to invest in Nepal • Access to markets A smallish country of 24 million people, Nepal is situated between what are potentially the two largest markets in the world: China and India. A trade treaty with India guarantees duty-free access to most Nepali manufactures. While nothing similar exists with China, there are straws in the wind: an agreement to make the Chinese yuan convertible in Nepal and a memorandum of understanding making Nepal the first South Asian country to receive “approved destination” status from China. As a least developed country, Nepal is also eligible for the benefits of the Everything-But-Arms initiative of the European Union, offering its products preferential access to the European market. • Natural assets Tourism is the biggest business in the world and there is hardly a country that does not seek either tourists or investment in tourism. Uniquely, Nepal offers some of the most spectacular tourist attrac- tions in the world: 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountain peaks, including the top of the world, Mount Everest; an extraordinary range of climatic conditions ranging from the sub-arctic to the trop- ical and a corresponding range of flora and fauna, from the snow leopard to the rhino; a rich cultur- al heritage, from the birthplace of the Buddha through medieval Hindu temples to 60 spoken languages from several language families. Nepal also offers enormous potential for hydropower and a remarkable variety of agricultural products in the five climatic zones packed into a north–south breadth of 150–250 kilometres.
    [Show full text]
  • Nepali Times
    #48 22 - 28 June 2001 20 pages Rs 20 GO, MANGO ! 10,11,12 Under My Hat Mental Clinic EXCLUSIVE 1 June 15:00 Prince Gyanendra leaves Chitwan for Sharpening knives Pokhara by helicopter. He had arrived a week Parliament begins its budget session from earlier for a field inspection of King Mahendra Monday and King Gyanendra will address a joint sitting of both Houses soon after. There Trust for Nature Conservation (KMTNC) is a lot of business to catch up with: elect a activities. From Pokhara he was to fly to the third of the Upper House, approve the foothills Mt Manaslu to inaugurate micro- 4 DAYS, 3 KINGS budget, pass critical bills including one to set hydro plants and inspect projects. up an anti-Maoist paramilitary force. The 16:00 Nepali Times has pieced together this chronology of four days in June based king’s choice of four new Upper House MPs will be analysed for any hints of dramatic After having a late lunch with his parents on exclusive interviews with high-level sources, eyewitnesses and testimonies change in palace policy. Political parties are Crown Prince Dipendra drives to the National already sharpening their knives to resume Sports Council’s complex in Satdobato to included in the probe panel report. their harassment of Prime Minister Girija check out preparations for the forthcoming can’t stand straight. His brother and cousins GRAPHIC: BILASH RAI Koirala. This time, they are expected to national games. He stops at the swimming take him to his room. Dipendra talks about focus on his perceived mishandling of the 6 post-royal massacre scenario.
    [Show full text]
  • "Tourist" Places: the Cultural Politics of Narrating Space in Thamel
    HIMALAYA, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies Volume 37 Number 1 Article 10 June 2017 Of "Tourist" Places: The Cultural Politics of Narrating Space in Thamel Benjamin Linder University of Illinois at Chicago, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/himalaya Recommended Citation Linder, Benjamin. 2017. Of "Tourist" Places: The Cultural Politics of Narrating Space in Thamel. HIMALAYA 37(1). Available at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/himalaya/vol37/iss1/10 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. This Research Article is brought to you for free and open access by the DigitalCommons@Macalester College at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in HIMALAYA, the Journal of the Association for Nepal and Himalayan Studies by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Of "Tourist" Places: The Cultural Politics of Narrating Space in Thamel Acknowledgements The author wishes to thank the Fulbright Program for funding this research. He is also thankful to Andrew Nelson for initiating the conference panel that led to this special issue, and to Mark Liechty for his continued support of this research project. Furthermore, the author is grateful to Heather Hindman, Bryony Whitmarsh, Andrew Nelson, and the anonymous peer reviewers for strengthening this article with their extensive comments on earlier drafts. Nevertheless,
    [Show full text]
  • Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Department of Roads (DOR) Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA)
    Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Department of Roads (DOR) Kathmandu Valley Development Authority (KVDA) FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NEPAL THE PROJECT ON URBAN TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT FOR KATHMANDU VALLEY FINAL REPORT VOLUME I PRESENT CONDITIONS MAY 2017 JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA) EIGHT-JAPAN ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS INC. NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD. EI TAMANO CONSULTANTS CO., LTD. JR 17- 068 The Project on Urban Transport Improvement for Kathmandu Valley in Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal Final Report May 2017 Volume 1 PRESENT CONDITIONS Table of Contents List of Figures List of Tables Abbreviations Synopsis Executive Summary TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Background of the Study ................................................................................................ 1-1 1.2 Outline of the Study ....................................................................................................... 1-1 1.3 Project Area ................................................................................................................... 1-1 1.4 Organizational Arrangements ........................................................................................ 1-2 CHAPTER 2 OVERVIEW OF KATHMANDU VALLEY ......................... 2-1 2.1 Natural Condition ........................................................................................................... 2-1 2.1.1 Topography and Climate ........................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Data Collection Survey on Traffic Improvement in Kathmandu Valley
    THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NEPAL MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL PLANNING, WORKS AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT OF ROADS DATA COLLECTION SURVEY ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT IN KATHMANDU VALLEY FINAL REPORT OCTOBER 2012 JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA) NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD. EIGHT-JAPAN ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS INC. EI JR 12-193 THE FEDERAL DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF NEPAL MINISTRY OF PHYSICAL PLANNING, WORKS AND TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT OF ROADS DATA COLLECTION SURVEY ON TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENT IN KATHMANDU VALLEY FINAL REPORT OCTOBER 2012 JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY (JICA) NIPPON KOEI CO., LTD. EIGHT-JAPAN ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS INC. EI JR 12-193 COMPOSITION OF THE REPORT - EXECTIVE SUMMARY - PHOTOGRAPH - LOCATION MAP - MAIN REPORT - APPENDIX CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE (as of October. 2011) (1) Nepal Rupee vs. Japanese Yen NPR 1= JPY 0.996 (2) US Dollar vs. Japanese Yen USD 1= JPY 76.63 Final Report Data Collection Survey on Traffic Improvement in Kathmandu Valley EXECUTIVE SUMMARY CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Outline of the Survey The objectives of the Survey are to collect traffic data and to identify main transport problems and issues in the Kathmandu Valley. The cooperating agencies are the Department of Roads (hereinafter referred to as “DOR”), Ministry of Physical Planning, Works and Transport Management (hereinafter referred to as MOPPWTM”), and other relevant organizations. 1.2 Target Area and Terms of Reference The target area is the Kathmandu Valley, which constitutes three districts including five municipalities. The terms of reference of the Survey are as follows: (1) Review of the Existing Information, Studies, Plans, and Projects; (2) Basic Data Collection of Urban Planning; (3) Traffic Survey and Road Inventory Survey; (4) Future Traffic Demand Forecast (Target Year: 2022); (5) Identification of Major Traffic Related Issues/Problems in the Kathmandu Valley; and (6) Counterpart Training in Japan.
    [Show full text]
  • 1032 16 - 22 October 2020 16-22October #1032 B Perhaps Becausetheydonot Complain Aboutthegovernment, and Crumblinginfrastructure
    www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com #1032 16 - 22 October 2020 32 pages Rs 50 SAFE and HEALTHY DASAIN From all of us here at Himalmedia, we wish readers and partners a safe and healthy Dasain. At a time of unprecedented upheaval caused by this pandemic, our minds must turn to the most vulnerable in our society. Let us bring out the best in us as Nepalis to be kind, compassionate and to help each other to get over this crisis. This week, Nepali Times is bringing out this Dasain Special Edition in both print and ePaper. We hope this compilation of our most read articles of the past seven months will be relevant and interesting to you. With all of your support, we hope to restart the weekly print edition soon every Friday. The Nepali Times editorial team is taking a Dasain break, so there will be no ePaper on 23 October. However, the paper will have daily online coverage throughout the holidays on www.nepalitimes.com Himalmedia KUNDA DIXIT implement policies that would pandemic response, stays put. outwit SARS-CoV-2. Politics The Chair of the Covid-19 Crisis is business as usual in many Management Committee is countries, including Nepal. The stripped of his defence minister pandemic has actually created a portfolio, but is still calling the Upended Dasain ‘buffer’ for the Oli administration, shots at the PMO, despite exposes masking failures in performance of cronies involved in importing and delivery that were evident medical equipment and test kits. even before Covid-19. All three new ministers esides language and shared expect anything from it.
    [Show full text]
  • Gan. Atantra Sma-Rak (Republic Memorial)
    THE POLITICS OF MEMORY | 171 - GAN. ATANTRA SMARAK (REPUBLIC MEMORIAL): THE POLITICS OF MEMORY Bryony Whitmarsh The damage caused to the perimeter wall of the Narayanhiti Palace compound by the 2015 earthquakes revealed the construction site of the Gaõatantra Smàrak (republic memorial), to anyone walking past its north east corner (Image 1).1 These glimpses, snatched between strands of barbed wire, are representative of the lack of public visibility this project had throughout its design and construction.2 The design competition for a memorial “to symbolize [the] people’s victory over the autocratic monarchy system in Nepal” was launched in 2009 with initial fanfare by the (then Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist [CPN-M] led) government. In April 2009 five shortlisted design teams were invited to give presentations to a jury. The winning design was that proposed by Abhishek Bajracharya and Shekhar Dongol of John Sanday Associates. Since 2012 construction and design has continued under successive coalition governments, concealed behind the walls of the palace compound. The Gaõatantra Smàrak was due to be 1 The earthquakes that struck on April 25 and May 12, 2015 caused around 9,000 deaths and around half a million families in the central region of the country lost their homes. Buildings and infrastructure across Kathmandu was destroyed. 2 Writing about local memorialization projects in Nepal, Simon Robins (2013, 2014) states that there are no official memorial projects in progress, despite the fact the Gaõatantra Smàrak was already under construction. (Robins worked in the field and headquarters of the International Committee of the Red Cross [ICRC]).
    [Show full text]