AttractionsAttractions ininKathmanduKathmandu AND ITS SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT

A GUIDE BOOK

Ananda Kumar Maharjan Ammar Raj Guni Attractions in AND ITS SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT

A GUIDE BOOK

Ananda Kumar Maharjan Ammar Raj Guni Preface ......

Traveland Tourismhas been regarded as the world's biggest business and most fruitful industry in the world and many nations have made heavy investments in this sector. is an important tourist destination in the world tourism map with its vast potentials of natural attractions, socio-cultural values and archaeological heritages. Tourismhas wider implications encompassing not only economic benefits but also social and cultural benefits as well. It also encompasses environmental, educational and political significance.

Nepal offers tourists a breath-taking experience of nature and ever-present mountain scenery, including Everest, the world's highest peak. Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal has an incredibly rich cultural heritage, both built and living. This includes intriguing historic living cities, overflowing with monuments some of which are of great antiquity. It has many styles of traditional settlement, all set against some of the world's most dramatic mountain scenery. Festivals, often dating from pre-history, still abound and are filled with vitality and colour. The city is blessed by a pleasant year-round climate, affording stunning mountain views for much of the year. In addition to this the city is peopled by an unfailingly friendly population who are generally very happy to share their innate hospitality as well as their many customs and traditions with visitors. Kathmandu has an immense amount to offer both the general and special interest visitor and it developed as one of the world's most fashionable long haul exotic destinations.

This guidebook entitled "Attractions in Kathmandu and its Successful Management" focuses on the tourism attractions, accommodations, accessibility and amenities in Kathmandu city. It offers comprehensive information on the various touristic places in and aroung Kathmandu. This guidebook could be helpful to tourists or individuals who wants to know more about the people and places of Kathmandu and it’s culture, customs and tradtions. It also suggests various types of accomodiation, infrastructures and facilities available in Kathmandu. Effort has been made to explain and evaluate the necessary environment needed for the development of tourism in Kathmandu city. It also suggest measures and strategies to boost the tourism in Kathmandu. Painstaking efforts is undertaken to make the report more complete and informative.

Ananda Kumar Maharjan Ammar Raj Guni Kathmandu, 2005

ii Acknowledgement ......

This report could never have been completed without the invaluable co-operation and assistance of many individuals and organizations. I would like to record my heartily gratitude to all the people who helped me by providing their invaluable views and opinions, which formed an integral part of the study.

First and foremost, I wish to express my sincere and deep sense of gratitude to Professor Mr.Binay Shakya, for his constant guidance and supervision during the study. He has provided his precious time in the completion of the work. His wise counsel and guidance provided me the inspiration to go ahead with the work. I am greatly indebted to several travel and tourism organizations and associations whose valuable reports and publications have immensely helped in preparing this report.

I would like to extend my special gratitude to my friends Mr. Subhash Maharjan, Gyanu Raj Manandhar, Rajendral Dangol and Lokesh Manandhar for their caring, valuable advice and assistance through several phases. Similarly, I would like to express my sincere appreciation to "Ananda TypingInstitute and Computer Services" for their innovative and tireless work of typing, designing and arranging the complete research work.

Finally, I owe may thanks to my family - Asha Kaji Maharjan, Sumitra Maharjan, Ambika Maharjan, Ashlesha Maharjan - for their constant support and encouragement.

Ananda Kumar Maharjan Ammar Raj Guni

iii Contents ......

Preface ii Acknowledgement iii

Chapter 1: Introduction to Kathmandu City 1 1.1 Historical Background of Kathmandu 1 1.2 Kathmandu: An Introduction 2 1.3 at a glance 2

Chapter 2: Tourism Products and Infrastructure 4 2.1 Attractions in Kathmandu 4 2.2 Amenities in Kathmandu 31 2.3 Accessibility 34 2.4 Accommodation in Kathamdnu 35

Chapter 3: Contributions and Impacts of Tourism 37 3. I Contribution of Tourism 37 3.2 Impacts of Tourism 40

Chapter 4: Problems and Suggestions 44 4.1 Problems and Challenges 44 4.2 Strategies for Tourism Development in Kathmandu 45 4.3 Future of Kathmandu City 49

Chapter 5: Recommendations and Conclusions 50 5.1 Recommendations 50 5.2 Conclusions 53

References 54

iv ...... List of Tables ......

Table 1: Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu and their rates 36 Table 2: Tourist Arrival 1997 Vs 2001 38 Table 3: Foreign Currency Generation (US $ in million) 38 Table 4: Tourist Arrivals by Months 2002 Vs 2003 39

...... List of Figures ......

Figure 1: Tourist Arrival 1997 Vs 2001 38 Figure 2: Foreign Currency Generation (US $ in million) 38 Figure 3: Tourist Arrivals by Months 2002 Vs 2003 39 Figure 4: Direct Employment in Tourism Sector 1986-87 41 Figure 5: Indirect Employment in Tourism Sector 1986-87 41

...... List of Maps ......

Map 1: Map of Kathmandu 3 Map 2: Map of Kathmandu 5 Map 3: Map of 36

v HPE NRDCINT AHAD CITY KATHMANDU TO INTRODUCTION : 1 CHAPTER ...... and passed was Act Municipality ) AD resigned. (1950 representative 2007 all B.S. and of function movement not could democracy a it the J.B.Rana but Shamsher After Padma formed land of was Premiership the the board distributed During Municipality office . municipality city people time the first to rates the concession For in urbanization plots modern planned ) were 1993AD roads ( BS and 1990 Shamsher started of Bhim tremor was of destructive premiership the B.S.. After the 1988. on during B.S. ) Office on Adda Rana Municipality J.B. to Saphai changed ( was Unit it sanitation on city Later a 1976. as established was City Metropolitan Kathmandu of out Malla. 1596 Narashingha in Laxmi built was King It by of Palace. tree Dhoka made Hanuman single temple near the a pagoda meaning imposing Kastha-Mandap” an “ , south after Sanskrit named to in was wood hill city Kathmandu the that open said is cut It out. who flow Manjushree, to by lake of habitable water made the was was allow Kathmandu that to and said as is past Chovar) It the A.D. 723 in in Kamdev lake Gun king a by built was Kathmandu of city The KATHMANDU OF BACKGROUND HISTORICAL 1.1 ...... CHAPTER 1 1 ahad.Ktmnui eadda aLvn utrlMuseum” to Cultural Nepal. Living of visitors “a as by regarded appreciated is and Kathmandu highly crafts Kathmandu. historical are arts, and Kathmandu of monasteries field of temples, the monuments splendid in The world the in architecture. unique and Kathmandu valley. famous the is around mountains the on points visible several are from peaks Himalayan dazzling The ideal treks. offer mini for valley destinations the surrounding of towns and city villages a interesting and beautiful is Several deities, interest. cultural inspiring and artistic are historic inexhaustible and pagodas temples golden ancient sites, shrines, famous and of museum air open an is which valley K K ...... tmnui h aia ftekndmo ea,stae na in situated Nepal, of kingdom the of capital the is athmandu ahad City Kathmandu ahad City Kathmandu nrdcinto Introduction nrdcinto Introduction ......

...... 1 HPE NRDCINT AHAD CITY KATHMANDU TO INTRODUCTION : 1 CHAPTER ...... GLANCE A AT DISTRICT KATHMANDU 2.3 temple. Kali a is which valley, the of part Vishnu, sculptures, southwestern Lord the ancient of in deity great 1400-year-old Dakshinkali, ancient and some an to has has want which Kathmandu, may which of you north Bhaktapur, temples Budhanilkantha, near interesting edge the Some ChanguNarayan, on Kakani. are viewpoints and mountain Dhulikhel visit good Nagarkot, the are of valley Some the Bodhnath. interesting of of Also airport. site important the Buddhist most near Tibetan The Kathmandu Kathmandu. the of from side is distance east has walking the easy which on Pashupatinath, is , is It of temple leaving hill. site Hindu a after Buddhist of the top quieter on is much setting visit great to get a places can Besides main as valley. Thing the such the visit of viewpoints. to One in mountain places Kathmandu. places interesting and other the villages are visiting there stupas, Valley week Kathmandu temple, a the in spend city easily main the can visiting It scenery. great villages some traditional buildings, and interesting shrines, Tibet. temples, towards many going are they north Kathmandu the Throughout in one come and that India roads towards three and going are 1300m south There the of 2800m. to elevation to two an valley, 1500m at the from is into range 25km Kathmandu hills around south. and to is area Valley north surrounding Kathmandu from the The 20km Nepal. and east in to city west largest from the and capital the is Kathmandu INTRODUCTION AN CITY: KATHMANDU 1.2 the form to elected were members 18 and 2110. B.S. sectors on 18 Board into municipality divided was City Kathmandu aiue: Latitude Longitude: Capital: Country: nulTemperature: Annual e aiaincome: capita Per pop-density: Average area: up Built size: Household Average Household: Population: area: City Elevation: Kathmandu Nepal 27 07h 06sk ) 50.67sqkm ( ha 5067 30m 1350 85 0,6 Cnu 2001) (Census 701,962 ,1,912 1,716, Summer: Winter: 0 0 2 North 42' 845 ha 3844.56 0 East 20' 6 US$ 360 2 175.7per/ha 19 0 C-20 0 C-27 5.2 0 C 0 C iyra network: road City : Climate : average Rainfall humidity: annual the of Average rate: Growth Annual anRivers: Main Religion: English & Language: Principal Industries Cottage & Garments industry: Major ra Road: Urban Road: District Road: Feeder Highway: National id Buddhist & Hindu u-rpclco temperate cool Sub-tropical amt,Bsnmt & Bishnumati Bagmati, o rs,Handicrafts, Tourism, 367 mm 1306.75 273km 0.4km 9.7km ...... 1. km 219.5 eai Newari Nepali, 6% 17km 75% ...... 2 HPE NRDCINT AHAD CITY KATHMANDU TO INTRODUCTION : 1 CHAPTER ...... census) 1991 CBS (Source: A 1: MAP Primary: School: Secondary Lower School: Secondary Higher Colleges: Education Sites: Heritage World UNESCO subscribers: Internet ISP’s: of No Dhobikhola 236 a fKathmandu of Map 12 23 10,000 < 50 98 4 9 ainsprhsia bed hospital per patients 197 : Clinics Health Urban : home Nursing Hospitals: Services Health City. main the of West South km 5 about just is University Tribhuvan Pre-primary: 110 16 ...... 18 10

...... 3 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... of features salient the are taste architectures. of and refinement sculptures and arts, temples. motifs with Nepalese of endowed regularity are Kathmandu design, country The of year. the Simplicity the of throughout parts pleasing observed other a are many festivals has and of Kathmandu types attractions. different scenic and and weather cultural, in archaeological, rich art, is grandeur, scenic historical, and traditions, cultures vibrant history, ancient of blend a Kathmandu, and Entertainment Peter, Scenic, to Traditions, According Cultural, an are tourism, attractions. up attractions in Others tourism significance drawn of of has categories are Peter five which etc. The attractions attractions various event the one attractions, of the visit for built inventory products to attractions, of tourist types site of different like are choice There tourists the 99) determine 1994: attractions (Singh, which another. The product than product. rather tourism tourist destination the the is in tourism elements of part those crucial are and important most the of One KATHMANDU IN ATTRACTIONS 3.1 ...... CHAPTER 2 2 trcin,teptnilt ftuimi eyhg nKtmnucity. Kathmandu in high numerous very is such tourism of of potentiality the possession attractions, With Kathmandu. in main attractions the Natural are attractions. beauties archaeological varying and values possesses cultural attractions, world located. the are of attractions where country area Every the reach tourist means can a tourist to is a it basic as which factor by crucial very very a is destination. is Accessibility and certain And role in destinations. central things a certain plays see Accommodation and motivates visit which products to the is tourists It tourism. to basic very are these as T T ...... elcl,wt t trcin n mnte,i h otimportant most the is amenities, and attractions its with locale, he n Infrastructures and n Infrastructures and o rs Products Tourism ors Products Tourism ......

...... 4 3.1.1 Religious Sites in Kathmandu

(1) (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/Religious site) The best place to begin your sightseeing of Kathmandu valley is the Kathmandu Durbar. An entrance fee of Rs. 200 for foreign nationals and Rs. 25 for the SAARC countries is to be paid to get into Durbar Square. A very old Hindu text has described Kathmandu as the land of gods surrounded by beautiful mountains around. Some two hundred years ago a western Visitor wrote that there were as many temples as there were houses and many idols as there were people. In fact Kathmandu boasts one of the largest congregations of magnificent historical monuments and shrines ever built. Duly recognized as a world Heritage Site by UNESCO- this particular area best known as Kathmandu Durbar Square lies in the heart of this city. The Newars are regarded as the original inhabitants of this majestic valley, but their origins are shrouded in mystery. They speak Newari language and their physical features range from distinctively Mongoloid. Kathmandu Valley has long been a cultural and racial melting pot with people coming from both east and west. This fusion has resulted in the unique Newari culture that is responsible for the valley’s superb art and architecture. Locally also called as Palace Square-an ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. Some of the important monuments to be seen here are:

MAP 2: Map of Kathmandu Durbar Square Hanuman Dhoka (Attraction type: Town center/square/plaza/ Archi– tectural building) – Palace Complex consists of a huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of temples dedicated to different Hindu gods and goddess. Most of the buildings we see here date from 15th to 18th century. The entire Palace Complex here is named after a monkey god called Hanuman. One can see a huge stone statue of Hanuman painted all red right next to the main entrance ( the golden gate) of the palace. Hanuman here is regarded as a powerful protector of the entire Durbar Square. Kneeling in his usual posture on a pedestal, Hanuman is a hero from the Hindu epic Ramayana, who endows military success to his devotees - the reason why he has been placed there. The gate is

...... CHAPTER 2 : TOURISM PRODUCTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES 5 ...... guarded by two stone lions that are mounted by the god Shiva and his consort, Parvati. Immediately inside is the biggest of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace’s chowks (courtyards), Nasal Chowk. This is where the king’s coronation takes place and where various other festivities are held. Here we also find the entrance to the Tribhuvan Museum largely dedicated to the memory of the late king Tribhuvan. The Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, with its five

Kathmandu Valley circular roofs, whose entrance is limited only to priests, lies at the north-eastern corner of the Nasal chowk.

Basantapur Tower (Attraction type: Lookout) – There are four towers in the palace. Of these, Basantapur Tower, built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah around the Lohan Chowk, is the tallest. Mook Chowk is the courtyard dedicated to the goddess, Taleju Bhawani, and is used only for religious functions of the palace. Talejutemple, tallest of all structures built by king Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D.

Kumari Ghar (Attraction type: Religious site) – 17th century temple, an example of the highly developed Nepalese temple craft. Kathmandu Durbar Square It the house of the Royal Kumari acknowledged to be a Living Goddess. The building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. Two painted stone lions stand guard at the entrance. Visitors may enter the courtyard to see Kumari, but are forbidden to take photographs.

Shiva Parvati Temple House (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies on the left as one walks into the Durbar Square from Kumari Bahal. The celestial couple carved in wood look down into the street from the central window on the upper floor. They are overlooking the place, have a look where Shiva is holding his left hand! Again Kumari Ghar this Temple has fantastic carved windows and two lions guarding the entrance.

Maju Deval (Attraction type: Religious site) – This Temple is dedicated to Shiva and inside you will find a famous Lingam. The temple is set atop nine levels of plinth. The steps of this temple is a favourite place to sit and watch the daily life.. Both locals and tourists can be found reposing against the many levels of platforms watching the bustle of the crowd below or even enjoying a siesta.

Gadhi Baithak – stands out very conspicuously, or rather,

Shiva Parvati Temple House incongruously in the same square with its neoclassical European

...... CHAPTER 2 : TOURISM PRODUCTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES 6 ...... architecture. Built in the early years of the 20th century during the Rana period, its balcony overlooking the square is from where the king witness the pageantry of the Indra Jatra festival.

Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The Trailokya Mohan Temple was built in 1680 by Prithvibendra Malla. It is on the immediate left as one walks out of the Kumari

Trailokya Mohan Narayan Temple Bahal. It is built on a panoply of five plinths that narrow down at each upper level and above the shrine is a three-tiered roof. On the back you see a beautiful Garuda.

Bhagwati Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is the three- storied building next to the Gaddi Baithak. Built by King Jagat Jaya Malla in 1670 and originally dedicated to Lord Narayan.

The Big Bell (Attraction type: Lookout) – was erected by the son of Prithvi Narayan Shah, Rana Bahadur in 1797. The ringing of bell is said to drive away evil spirits, and is rung on occasion when ceremonies are held at Degu Taleju Temple. The Gaurda Vishnu Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – lies next to the Big Bell and after it comes the Saraswati Temple. Both were severely damaged in the Great Earthquare of 1934. Krishna Mandir is the next monument and was built in 1648 by King Pratap Malla in imitation of its more famous namesake in Patan. It has an octagonal- shaped construction with a three-tiered roof.

Pratap Dhvaja – King Pratap Malla’s statue called Prataf Dhvaja lies mounted on the high pillar on the outer courtyard. He sits with hands folded and surrounded by is two wives and five children Durbar Square facing the entrance of Hanuman Dhoka.

Seto Bhairab’s huge glided face lies hidden behind a latticed wooden screen. The screen is only opened for ten days once every year during the festival of Indra Jatra when devotees flock around the shower this image with rice and confetti of flower petals.

Jagannath temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – in the central part of the Durbar Square, exhibits a variety of erotic carvings on the struts supporting its canopies. Built in the 16th century, known for fascinating erotic figures carving the wooden struts eaves. Next

The Rat, Lord Ganesh’s bahan to it lies Gopinath Mandir, a temple honoring Lord Krishna.

...... CHAPTER 2 : TOURISM PRODUCTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES 7 ...... Kal Bhairav (Attraction type: Religious site) – is one of the largest stone idol in Kathmandu representing the terrifying aspects of Shiva. Kal Bhairav is a massive relief in stone of a fierce-looking deity, painted in black and garlanded with skulls around neck, and bright red and yellow ornaments. Indrapur Temple lies immediately east of the Kal Bhairav and adjoining it is the Vishnu Temple. North of it is the Kakeshwar Temple built in 1681. Stone inscriptins in 15 languages, including English and French, can been seen outside the Living Goddess Kumari wall of the Hanuman Dhoka opposite the Vishnu Temple.

Kotilingeshwar Mahadev Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) – is a Shiva Temple built in the 1500s in the era of King Mahendra Malla. Set atop three levels of plinth, it is a square structure with a domed roof. Mahavishnu Temple stands on a set of four levels of plinth and has a two-tiered roof. Mahendrashwar Temple is another temple dedicated to Shiva. It has two levels of plinth and it topped by a golden umbrella.

The Ganesh shrine Ashok Binayak (Attraction type: Religious site) People waiting during Indrajatra festival – One of my favourites places on Durbar Square is the little Ganesh to see Kumari. temple on the corner of the . From the early morning an, devotees are coming to give some offerings to Ganesh, asking luck for a travel or a business. After giving a little offering to the god, they receive a little spot of red colour on their head, the Hindu Thikka. This magic place is absolutely worth to be visited very early in the morning.

Kasthamandap (Attraction type: Religious site) – The name means house of wood. The Kathmandu City derives its name from Kasthamandap. This Temple is supposed to be on of the oldest Kasthamandap remaining houses of Kathmandu. This unique wooden temple is also known as Maru Satal. It was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. They say the timber used for its relevant construction was sawed out f a single tree.

TalejuTemple (Attraction type: Religious site) – The grandest among all the temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square is Taleju Temple. Standing on a level of twelve plinth at a height exceeding 35 meters, this temple dominates the landscapes around Durbar Square. Built in 1564 by King Mahendra Malla. It is only opened to the public during the festival of Dashain.

...... CHAPTER 2 : TOURISM PRODUCTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES 8 ...... Nautale Durbar – Besides this other fascinating part of this palace complex is the towering Nautale Durbar overlooking the beautiful cityscape and the vast Basantapur square where Prithivi Narayan Shah built mansion to commemorate his victory in 1768 A.D. This building complex is known for the most intricately carved wooden doorways roof struts and massive lattice windows full of mythical figures.

(2) Swoyambhu Nath Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site) Svayambhunath is a hilltop temple complex situated on the northwestern boundary of Kathmandu, with panoramic views of the valley and city. Its main feature is a Buddhist stupa, the Maha Chaitya, reputed to be more than 2,000 years old. Located in a lovely little hill rock Swoyambhu Nath Stupa is one of the most fascinating architectural jewels of the world. This great Stoup is said to have been built around 250 B.C. It is indeed listed a World Heritage for Site to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout philosophy of Bajrayan in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha. Generally a holy memorial site Stoup represents a typical Buddhist architecture. Its main feature the white dome is identified with a spotless pure jewel of Nirvana and a thirteen tiered golden spire in conical shape surmounted on the dome. Underneath this towering structure are a pair of all seeing eyes of Buddha painted on all four sides of the Stupa. The Stupa of Swoyambhunath stands on a typically stylized lotus mandala base-a long time ago believed to have originated from a legendary lake of Kathmandu Valley. As the ancient legend goes Kathmandu Valley was a lake a long time ago. Right in the centre of this lake was a full blown lotus with the divine light a top. When Maha Manjushri a saint from China heard about this he came rushing all the way from China to the Valley. He cut through the southern wall hill of the valley with his divine sword. The cleft made by the sword immediately drained the entire lake water making the valley floor open for a close up view of the divine lotus light. This holy site in fact is the massive stupa complex ever built in Nepal. Hundreds of votive shrines and other historical monuments built in Swayambhu eyes and around this stupa speak a lot about the significance and antiquity of this famed stupa. It lies about 3k.m. west of down town Kathmandu. There are two different ways to reach for this site. One is from the west side which is relatively a short cut and another is from the east side where it leads to the main entrance with 360 steps leading all the way to the top, where the most venerated Swayambhu Stupa stands-commanding a magnificent view of Kathmandu Valley and the breathtaking panorama of the north eastern Himalayan range. Other important things to be seen here include a magnificent two tiered golden temple dedicated to Harati. She is the grand mother deity of children and small pox who was said to be the Ogress until Lord Buddha converted her to be the great caretaker of the children. Not to far from this temple is Dewa Dharma monastery-noted for a bronze icon of Buddha and traditional Swyambhunath Stupa

...... CHAPTER 2 : TOURISM PRODUCTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES 9 ...... Tibetan paintings . The huge gold plated vajra ‘ tha priestly symbol of Vajrayana Buddhism set on the Dharmadhatu mandala at the side of the stupa is worth a close look. Important days to visit this holy site: Buddha Purnima, , Kojagrath Purni and Samyak day. The entry fee for foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.

(3) Pasupatinath Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) Pasupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is pagoda style with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two tiered magnificent golden temple with four triple silver doorways is unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complex in South Asia with hundreds of Shiva lingams, shrines icons of various Hindu god and goddess insides. This temple site occupies an area of 281 hectares in total. The main entrance of this temple is in the western side facing a small street of Deopatan market. As non Hindus are not allowed to enter this temple courtyard. They are advised to go on the other side of the river in the East to have a glimpse of the temple complex. In the middle of the spring (Feb.- March) every year there occurs a festival called Shivaratri. The world Shivaratri means the holy night of Lord Shiva. On this day many devotees visit the Pashupati Nath temple and make the ceremonial fire. Most of the devotees spend the night offering prayers to Shiva. This festival attracts tens of thousand of pilgrims from India besides the locals. Historically pre-Christian era this temple seems to have its origin away back to the early Kirat period. Stone sculptures found in the vicinity support the antiquity of this place. This holy site is 6 km. east oil down town Kathmandu. Regular bus and taxi services are easily available from a city points. Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the festival of Shivaratri and Teej. The entry fee for Pasupatinath Temple foreign nationals is Rs. 50 per person.

(4) Guheshwori Temple (Attraction type: Religious site) Guheshwori Templelies 500 meters east of Pashupatinath across the Bagmati River. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva’s wife., Parbati. On a forested knoll, further behind Pashupati Temple to the eastern direction and also by the side of the bending or winding Bagmati River appears the gracious temple of Guheshwori sometimes known as Nairatma Yogini or Aksah Yogini. It is another famous spot of Hindu pilgrimage. In this case, also, only Hindus are authorized to enter the premises.

(5) Stupa (Attraction type: Religious site) Boudhanath is a colossal stupa north east of Pashupatinath and lies a further 2 km by road. One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, Boudhanath is an imposing structure standing some 36 meters. This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of South Asia. The Stupa stands on the massive Boudhanath Stupa

...... CHAPTER 2 : TOURISM PRODUCTS AND INFRASTRUCTURES 10 ...... n ea rf nteVle.I steeoesce oahrnso ohrlgosadattracts and religions both of adherents to sacred wood, therefore stone, is finest It the Valley. of the some in like exhibit craft figures buildings metal other has surrounding and and and courtyard Devi, temple Chinnamasta The The , in Garuda. Shiva, people. of Kileshwar and Newari of that art that indigenous as Newari the such of temples and of other years complex development many hundred Narayan cultural sixteen Changu the cover The chart grounds. artifacts effect temple and the carvings inside statues, inscription discovered associated century fifth pillar a on stone temple based Kathmandu, a His roof. in on temple temple ancient the main most support the to the as and described decoration with often as is elephants serve supported is which and roof brackets, The door. griffins, or the struts above horses, 24 tympanum by brass lions, a with as brass, in such carved richly animals door western of carvings of pairs have HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... e o oeg ainl sR.5 e person. per entry 50 The hymns. Rs. and gusto is chant great nationals instruments, foreign with musical play for observed dance, fee is they ceremony time special that a During . year and fervor twelve increase and Every the light night. deities, and Buddhist day Tibetan the lamp by worship butter frequented stupa. pilgrims popularly great the is this festival site built the Lhosar have rout, During to trade said visitors. Nepal-Tibet prince own ancient the his of removal than point in other entry and none an sin was As big it the palace find atone to royal to only order him. horror the In at great inside his looking father. to without spout but robe water father white his in dry obeyed shrouded Prince the person The the to behead the go and in night to And country. mid the son at in compound his with fall rain man commanded the ideal make he an could night spout of water sacrifice following royal the dry Dharma the only King of that front draught. him in virtues terrifying advised 32 under astrologer An was worried. Kathmandu very of was kingdom Deva the ago popular time very a long to legend According etc. Gompa Gelugpa Gompa, Kargyupa Gompa, Nyingmapa Gompa, Boudhanath hnuNarayan Changu rmaloe h iaaa einvsttesua oeo the of Chinya-Lama Some Gompa, stupa. Sakyapa the are visit Boudha region surrounding Himalayan gompas the over pilgrims all of thousands from of tens year Mecca every like and much Buddhists very Tibetan considered the is for been site have The to D. said A. is century stupa 5th This in whereas built top. hill floor the valley on stands the one on former lies the much and is stupa It Swoyambhu displaying. than finial bigger its like except much stupa very is Swoyambhunath stupa of great that this of feature basic The private houses. colourful family by surrounded Platforms style mandala level three irdmnsigpit,wt or nalfu ie.Tedoors The sides. four all on doors with a plinth, of diminishing three a centre tier on raised the structure in main the stands with courtyard, temple brickpaved storeyed two beautiful square the the on Situated hil, Hindus. to creation Vishnu, of or preserver Narayan, the level. is at sea above hilltop, metres a 1550 on of also altitude an is east- temple kms the Kathmandu, 13 from approximately north-east located courtyard, enclosed inside complex an temple Hindu ancient an with Narayan, Changu Narayan Changu (6) ( trcintp:Rlgossite) Religious type: Attraction ......

...... 11 ti tl n ftemi otso h hro etvlo nr ar,GiJtaadohrfestivals. other and Jatra Gai Jatra, Indra of festival chariot the of routes main the carvings. erotic of its one for still famous is is Dewal It Jaishi of Temple Shiva the Kasthmandap from minutes Five Rain. of honors Jatra God Indra the a of and for celebration Heaven outside The of Jatra. displayed King Indra is the of Bhairab festival principal Indra- Akash great the the the in during of temple period image three-storeyed -long divine week a The is Chowk. it Indra sometimes, called Bhairab Blue market the as to referred Also HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Dewal Jaishi (12) Temple Bhairab Akash (11) Temple Karunamaya (10) Temple much. it Bhadrakali visit (9) a to king wishes the he please if to elsewhere Thus built Hindu unknown. been any particularly has or reasons it contemporary for of be replica place it a this (may is visit Nepal it not A.D.The Although of Tihar. may king century of monarch) reigning 5th festival the the the worship, after in of right spot built place renowned was takes here statue surrounding celebration reclining The religious water. on The of float season sea. to seems the and represents pool pious actually Narayanthan. the as amidst pond known serpents also of bed is a locality in the enchanting lies So an He Narayan. is this Bishnu Shibapur, Lord Mt. of to foot dedicated the temple at Hindu just Valley the of suburbs northern the in Situated Buddhanilkantha (8) the include victims of general. poor practice The in Buddha. the sheep Lord and here of birds land scene birth fowls, uncommon the in an Buddhism be against totally not is would which ritual sacrifice A animal Saturdays. and Tuesdays by include attached pilgrimage worship religious for meaning days ‘Dachhinkali’ important termed is The she Kali. So of South ravine. suburbs solitary southernmost a the in in downward lies Furping beyond temple Valley, particular the This Goddess. Hindu bloodthirsty a is Kali person. venerated per 60 Dachhinkali most Rs. (7) three is the nationals foreign of for one fee entry as The Valley. year Kathmandu each the world in places the power around from pilgrims of thousands hstml sas nw sLmriTml n soeo h an“hka epe of temples “Shakta” main the of one is and Temple Lumarhi as city. known Kathmandu Bhadrakali. also Goddess of is temple the temple stands Gate This Shahid near Tundikhel, the of edge eastern the As ossadbs hp.Tecaitfsia fWieKrnmy-h Gdo ec”i annually is Valley. Mercy” Kathmandu of “God in residential Karunamaya-the White by celebrated of surrounded festival is Jan chariot temple The authentic called shops. bronze This busy tiered courtyard and A.D. two houses 1502 holy a in of a Malla consists Yakshta It King in Indra-Chowk. by located nearby built statues roof beauty and stupas artistic of considerable full is of which Bahal, pagoda Buddhist a is It ( trcintp:Rlgossite) Religious type: Attraction Atato ye eiiu site) Religious type: (Attraction ( trcintp:Rlgossite) Religious type: Attraction Atato ye eiiu site) Religious type: (Attraction Atato ye eiiu site) Religious type: (Attraction Atato ye eiiu site) Religious type: (Attraction ......

...... 12 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Bhagawati Naxal Maitidevi Ganesthan Saraswati Neel Temple Mahankala Temple Durga Nava Bhairab Pachali Temple Tindeval Mahadev Tripureshwar Temple Kalmochan Temple Narayan Adko Mandir Chandra Ram Temple Deval Jaisi – Stupa Kathesimbhu – Temple Narayan Ikha Temple Ugratara Temple Annapurna – Temple Krishna – Ajima Lunbun Lunchun are: Kathmandu – Temple around Macchendra situated Sweta temple religious other the of Some temples Other (15) Monastery Kopan (14) Monastery Kimdol (13) l iiigtemnsey h pcaua iwo l ahad,ie atpr a eclearly be can Kantipur, i.e. height. Kathmandu, for old Kimdol garlic of form even view and fetched the egg spectacular restricts fish, The meat, monastery. bahal tobacco, the The mild), visiting or elsewhere. all (strong shifted kind any eventually saffron of has liquors the of hood of consumption monk nunnery only here; Today practiced developed. is highly Buddhism robe whence of location from the be (Therbad) to Hinyan believed is the bahal Kimdol rooftops. holy and and terraces characters many Buddhism Tibetan flutter printed diagrams of with Prayer-flags aspects stupas, Kimdol around. numerous major scattered find citizens. chhortens we two that and Buddhist the form chaityas Apart of embracing (Therbad). Buddhist full Hinyan and a itself (Lamaism) sits Mahayan town including which small atop a famous hillock another is a is It resumes Hill Kimdol. Swayamvu to called adjacent monastery City Kathmandu Buddhist of 15 No. Ward within Situated udeso ok n uslv tti oatr,wihofr eiaincussyear courses meditation offers which monastery, this at live nuns round. and monks of Hundreds eiae otegdesDurga goddess the to Dedicated – eiae otegdGns,lctda Gairidhara at located Ganesh, god the to Dedicated – eiae otegdesSrsai oae tGairidhara at located Saraswati, goddess the to Dedicated – h mg fPcaisrone ytridents by surrounded Pachali of image The – ti eonzdb t he shikaras three its by recognized is It – eiae otegdesBhagawati goddess the to Dedicated – e pejme ewe ulig nAo Tole Ason in buildings between jammed Temple ryra h hiesi owr odr o h eyes the for wonders work to said shrine the at prayer A – hv epe ssonb h ulo h is e steps few first the on bull the by shown as Temple, Shiva – eiae otegdeso abundance of goddess the to Dedicated – ntesd fBgaiRvr nw sklohnTemple kalmochan as known River, Bagmati of side the On – h epeo ra Death Great of Temple The – ml w trypagoda storey two small A – hstml sntbefrtetn rtcsee nisroof its on scenes erotic tiny the for notable is temple This – ot fTaiiTole Thahiti of South n ftefu otpplrVsn Temple Vishnu popular most four the of One – ln h otaho Tripureshwar of footpath the Along – e pewt oramdVsn figure Vishnu armed four with Temple ati Temple Tantric Atato ye eiiu site) Religious type: (Attraction e peatat ohHnu n Buddhists and Hindus both attracts Temple Atato ye eiiu site) Religious type: (Attraction ......

...... 13 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... B.S. 2061 Magh since public general the for Premier from open by Kathmandu been of built has valley tower It whole tower. tall the the feet of of view 165 top panoramic a the a is fetches it One 1932. people, in local Thapa the Bhimsen to Tower Bhimsen as known Also Dharahara today’s (4) Ranas. of the foundation of the autocracy laying family for cruel the 51 replacing King 1950- virtually held of late system, solely revolution of is democratic Tribhuwan Historical King statue the Late fatherly middle. lead The the to in Shrestha. responsible high Lal appears Deb Ganga Shah and Bikram Mathema, Bir Tribhuwan Chand Bhakta Dharma Dashrath include Joshy, They Bhadrakali mercilessly shot. Raj and were were Shukra two who Stambha and leaders hung Bhimsen political were Two four between 1940. of in Durbar, martyred effigies Singha the to contains arch way memorial the temple.The on located is This Gate Memorial/Sahid Martyr’s (3) premises. very the in Television located the Rana all Station, the Radio are the The etc. of House), Government. Station, Lower residence majesty’s the private and His House of the Upper Building the as Secretariat (including stood Parliament the remains once style now It but neo-classical Minister. 1950 till Prime the Premiers Rana on Shamsher 5th Chandra built Maharaja the Excellency palace Rana- His by imposing S.J.B. built was grand It a compound. colossal is a by it surrounded Palace, Lion meaning Literally Durbar Singha (2) Palace. the the enter of situated to is corner Narayanhity, gotten called southern spout be the water to historic at famous west. has A facing privilege. permission of was Special days gate on south. premises main palace faces the King king, eventually late present of gate reign the main the of During the father Today compound. the colossal Dev, a Shah owns is Bikram and It one Bir resides. older Mahendra dynasty much Shah a the of of site Monarch a Himalayan on the built where Palace Royal current the is This Palace Royal Narayanhiti (1) : Monuments and Buildings Historical 3.1.2 Ranipokhari ( trcintp:Hsoia monument/lookout) Historical type: Attraction ( trcintp:Hsoi palace) Historic type: Attraction epysokdb h et fhssn h odi pndfor opened is pond of The day son. last the his at of only public death was the who wife by beloved shocked his sympathize deeply to Malla Pratap by built been iutdi between in Situated Ranipokhari (5) aeaybohr rssesvstRn ohr opyhmg to homage pay to Pokhari day. Rani that on visit Shiva sisters Lord or brothers any have ( trcintp:Hsoi home) Historic type: Attraction ( trcintp:mmra arch) memorial type: Attraction ( trcintp:Hsoia odrlgossite) pond/religious Historical type: Attraction an Park Ratna Tihar and -“ Jamal hiTika Bhai hshsoia odhas pond historical This ...... Toewodoesn’t who Those ”.

...... 14 soeo h motn ete osipdb h eaeebleigta aao Snake neck. or his Naga on garland that as believing Nagas Nepalese wears Shiva the lord by wishes.Great worshipped their God Snake fulfill deities the and snakes Naga, important protects shravan. of of the festival month of the the in one fortnight is bright is the Panchami of Naga day fifth etc. the on Mahabihar celebrated Kriti Shankar Bhagawati, around Bahal, Naxal and Durbar, Phohara Nandikeshar in Hall, situated NAFA Durbar, heritages Lal Palace, cultural Royal and mainly historical area Nagpokhari other Aishwarya Queen are the There Majesty Shah. Late Her Devi of Laxmi initiative Rajya the on park a as renovation gradually the importance after overall increased Its Ranipokhari. after importance perennial possessing significance HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... fax and area. telephone the international throughout the through available Or zones now bars. time and services other your restaurants in enjoying Thamel’s family of and while drinks tables friends video few the with on around up a new catch movie and Enjoy a old Watch Kathmandu. friends music. with of rock up Meet center latest pizza. the social or the oldies is to listening Thamel while night specialties By vegetarian and available. steak, dogs, readily hot are croissants, never fries, is and out burgers Nepali, Pizza, Chinese, Eating food. Thai, shops. German, Tibetan book Indian, and Austrian, Thamel’s Italian, in serve space Restaurants Thamel. frames of in inch problem window every a paradise. carved jam book-lover’s books a of is used to Thamel and fragments in. leads new browse with to Both road fun houses are the shops old antique right, and some the curio To Thamel’s shopping still visible. area. large are a surrounding There Kosh, the Sanchaya Bahal. in is Bhagwan activity it tourist to find frenzied Adjacent you’ll griffins. The Thamel, throughout stone arcade. towards lit by palace guarded brightly royal Bahal the remains from Thamel temple away but the small walking stance, This legends, well-known from its metal. in Apart gilded is night. in Durga the restored of figure been to last stone has The The and face Thamel. evil. respects in the of lane their embodiment a the pay into Mahisasur, to out over juts go Durga shrine is goddess Devotees bahal the shoots. of the green triumph Dasain, the fresh During celebrate and sisters”. paint “three It Kantipath. the red to as with enroute and popularly decorated is sights known Bahal of temples Thamel kaleidoscope The three Thamel. a of in area consists shrines Thamel main the three book are make jewelers, There who tailors, sounds. the others with and along do, dealers, they cassette But shops, survive. to imagine manage can’t another–one businesses one many against so up how bump houses guest Trekking, visitor. and the hotels overwhelm agencies, nearly travel and rafting, space boots, wall hiking of to inch antiques every from jam everything Signs uncountable. selling seems shops, of number The central. action is Thamel Thamel (1) : Center/Street/Neighborhood Town 3.1.3 from stretching at situated is Nagpokhari Nagpokhari (6) ( trcintp:Street/neighbourhood) type: Attraction Thamel ( trcintp:Hsoia odrlgossite) pond/religious Historical type: Attraction upto Naxal aiehrBahal. NaniKeshar tteesensd fthe of side eastern the at , apkaibasgetrlgosadhistorical and religious great bears Nagpokhari oa Palace Royal ...... ln h anroad main the along

...... 15 n ihihstelf fKn rbua,cifacieto h ieainsrgl gis the against struggle liberation the of architect Palace chief Dhoka Tribhuvan, Hanuman King in of located is life kings the beloved highlights Nepal‘s and of one to dedicated museum This iutda h oto hsgettwras eogn otesm period. same the to belonging also tower great this of foot the at situated HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Museum Tribhuvan (2) 4271478) (Phone: for cameras. video Rs.50/- for and Rs.100/- nationals Mondays and cameras SAARC Sundays, for for Rs.50/- except extra Rs.10/- daily, An fee nationalities. Open Entrance other Museum. 4.30pm. Patan to 9.00am the from as Holidays, Extraordinary style renovation and dynasties. for same ripe Shah is the and in the gardens old upgrading and in stands and Malla museum The Thakuri, coins. Century, clay Licchavi, include 18th display the the on till exhibits of 2nd reigns the from the spanning across coins Nepali right of collection rare a contains museum holidays. Museum government terracotta. and Tuesday of except collection everyday the open with is along museum 1934, The of Earthquake Great the , veritable of or relics a paintings and scroll cannons is Paubha leather It of and collection worth-seeing. rich medieval real statues, ancient, bronze are breathtaking from displays of storehouse etc. historical and statues, archaeological artifacts, Its arms, Nepal. of modern National collection the City, splendid Kathmandu a of Stupa. comprising west buildings has Swayambhunath kilometers three Museum half the the a and in by two housed Situated are close complex. kinds museum is all this of which artifacts Chhauni military and at secular located Religious, is Museum National The Museum National (1) Galleries Museums/Art 3.1.4 A.D. 1832 in Thapa Bhimsen Minister Prime by built important western tower the south 59.29m. of the as a At Some known TundikheL. area. this is of city Tundikhel periphery old of the the in end located of are side valley entire Kathmandu of one landmarks flanks field, green huge A meeting and Tundikhel eating (4) bargaining, for center thriving a is southeast the area at travelers. This is other itself Square. which Square, Durbar Basantapur cheap of of south very corner just and street shops this However, line Kathmandu. still in no houses area is guest Street lodging Freak main world, traveler’s the of budget capital the hippie longer the was Kathmandu when days the in Well-known Street Freak (3) deluxe antiques. restaurants, Tibetan expensive and find clothing, upscale imported you’ll main jewelry, avenue, Kathmandu’s selling is wide shops and and this Palace hotels, Lining Royal street. the hotel of and gates the shopping from south runs Marg Durbar Marg Durbar (2) osdi h aedaMmra uligo h ainlMsu tChui this Chhauni, at Museum National the of Building Memorial Mahendra the in Housed Dharahara ( trcintp:Hg re field) green Huge type: Attraction ( ( trcintp:Street/neighbourhood) type: Attraction trcintp:Street/neighbourhood) type: Attraction o hme Stambha). Bhimsen (or Atato ye itr uem r museum) Art museum; History type: (Attraction Atato type: (Attraction Sundhara-fountains pcat Museum) Specialty ihgle ae pusis spouts water golden with ...... ainlNumismatic National

...... 16 a ii h aedaMsu ihyu iktt h rbua uem Poe 4258034) (Phone: Museum. Tribhuvan You the to on 4.00pm. ticket to are your 9.15am with creations Museum from literary Mahendra holidays, the his and visit and Mondays can personal Sundays, stamps, and except coins, chamber daily, office gift, Open room, decoration, exhibition. cabinet medals, King‘s The sheds as Mahendra. vividly such King section belongings late this of complex, life Palace the Dhoka on Hanuman light historic the in attraction Another HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... 4263417) : (Phone 5.00pm to Tol. 9.00am Nhyokha from of holidays, manuscripts west and Tengal Sundays the at Saturdays, located and except (Nepalbhasa), daily A.D., Language Open 1242 Newari dated the and is Sanskrit palm-leaf collection an in 1,200 the are possess over in and and manuscript Kathmandu, books oldest of handwritten The part loose-leaf documents. old 7,000 the about of of fringe collection western exceptional the on located are archives The Archives Asa (7) furniture. of variety a stands, and mirror tables stands, lamp boxes, frames, jewelry photo can frame-styled You window community. traditional Newar of the collection among the find flourishes still woodcarving of tradition ancient Nepal’s Studio Woodcarving (6) 4411729) (Phone: Mandir. visitors. foreign Bal other named for palace, Rs.25/ Rs.75/- fee Rana Entrance and 5.00pm unrestored (SAARC) to old 9.00am - from fine holidays, a and Sundays in Saturdays, except Housed daily work. Open where at studios by seen also pieces are be art there can 150 and regularly, about artists held of are collection exhibitions a Art has artists. Naxal Nepalese at prominent (NAFA) Arts Fine of Association Nepal Gallery The Art Birendra National The (5) Museum History Natural (4) Museum 4258034) Mahendra (Phone: (3) allowed not are from Cameras holidays, Rs.250/-. and is Mondays fee Sundays, Entrance except 4.00pm. daily, to Open 9.15am museum. to the Cameras you inside Cameras. entitle Square. allowed Darbar tickets not Yours of temples aer 1768. the in over seat out Shah the look Narayan and Tower be Prithivi Basantapur to the by used climb Kathmandu Nolchhen, of as Kings Known Malla also the Palace, of Dhoka Hanuman members The family. and rulers royal Shah the other room. of of office portraits and and paintings, photographs, bedroom rare his displays galleries dioramas the including belongings, dresses, personal Tribhuvan‘s childhood King costumes, include Exhibits ceremonial 1951. in family Rana the of rule authoritarian n nadtoa s2/ o aea.(hn:4271899) (Phone: cameras. for children. Rs.20/ is Rs.20/- for fee additional particularly entrance an holidays. The museum, 5.00pm. and government the to - 10.00am at and from draw holidays, Saturdays and big Saturdays expect a except daily, pm, are Open crocodiles r:00 and till and birds am butterflies animals, animals, 10:00 Stuffed of from exhibits daily houses Open and Stupa plants. Swayambhunath behind is museum This Atato ye Archives) type: (Attraction Atato type: (Attraction Atato ye pcat shop) Specialty type: (Attraction Atato type: (Attraction pcat Museum) Specialty Atato ye r Gallery) Art type: (Attraction Museum) ......

...... 17 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... at situated is It well. as Sakwo goes goes citizens which local the of by name referred as old name the current The town Sanskrit. small peaceful a is This is, that trekker. trek (3) enthusiastic minor every a to walk, suggestive valley-rim is long vice-versa cave, The or rock Nagarkot Gokarna. to small past pleasant Sundarijal a a roads from is to quite It found. reservoir the be the along can Goddess) before ride great and off bike (the Mahadevi roughly forks of is image trail nearest century valley tinier the thirteenth the a A Helambu- where to here. to water form trek form drinking uphill popular supplies away walk the which kilometers hour reservoir for fifteen main point titanic is The starting This Sundarijal village. the reservoir. Ranas. Sherpa also -old the is year of and hundred time City a Bagmati the Kathmandu into holy during the Sundarijal built join at was eventually waterfalls reservoir the the streams cool over the flow Valley, the River of edge northeastern the At Sudarijal (2) starting the Jamacho Lhuti. when of day or summit merry Balaju the a to being is up It point hike season. Buddhists spring Tibetan the and of Buddhists day Nepalese full-moon many a on celebrated holiday-makers. is for the festival picnic-spot and annual enchanting Spouts Twenty-TwoThe an Water makes the itself pool, as downhill stands swimming and one uphill size compound major Olympic whole the the attractions, the Buddhanilkantha, all Lord Twenty-Two Among of the etc. image are ones replica an important the is the The Spouts, of This items. Water corner century. worthy northeast numerous the eighteenth in include Nagarjun mid premises Mount the Its of Valley. foot from the at fountains dating sitting features spout compound large Garden water interesting Balaju headed Kathmandu, crocodile of 22 North-west with kilometers five about Situated Garden Water Balaju (1) Kathmandu in Attractions Scenic 3.1.5 (Phone: 5.00pm to to 9.00am knowledge from impart holidays, to and so, Sundays 4411318) a more Saturdays, harbouring but museum except discovered a daily be like Open also to people. is waits It library knowledge. this of haven collection. this precious to your assets photographs Here framed are Exquisitely era. oldest people books. bygone eminent rare and and a of interesting finest of many interests the of discovery and of the pursuits in one ends priorities, search is the reflects library that This Nepal philosophy. in and astrology libraries as religion such hunting, topics end unrelated history, west covering the law, 45,000) opposite and (over and books, Thamel includes Marg, It Tridevi Palace. of Royal corner the the of on (1891-1964). building Rana palatial Bahadur a Jung Shumsher in Kaiser Located man, one of collection the houses library This Library Keshar (8) ( trcintp:frs/il/eiiu site) forest/field/Religious type: Attraction ( trcintp:wtral/oetntr reserve) waterfalls/forest/nature type: Attraction Atato ye Library) type: (Attraction ( trcintp:park/garden) type: Attraction Shankharpur ...... codn oclassical to according

...... 18 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... situated River. Stupa Boudhanath Bagmati the the of of east km banks 4 the is at pilgrimate Aunshi Gokarna the for site sacred The Gokarna (7) Valley. Kathmandu Himalaya, day, Nepal the Central clear of the a of panorama view on grand great a and a offers watching, providing meters 2,732 bird while of for height a area at fine is which a hilltop is the Budhanilkantha behind Hills Shivapuri The Reserve Wildlife Indian Shivapuri South (6) famous a Nagarjuna, caves, to two other are the slopes and eastern Buddha, the the on to and philosopher. and deer dedicated shrine harbors Buddhist is a also which is forest of hill the one the and of watching top for bird the levied for is On area fee pheasants. good nominal another a and is guarded This is inside. entrance entry The walls. by points accessible at barricaded above hill This 1952 Forest din Nagarjun established (5) school high boarding famous Garden’. ‘paradise only Fumpi. of sectors and settlement name healthy this one the call are the assumes Newars There of The own. bazaar. premises local its green the of The form tale apart interesting woods an pine with bears of abound also philosophy are authentic temple the whom cave to A of pertaining Bajra-Yogini of Bajrayan. both temple Tamangs Buddhist south-west Another the the the monasteries. is (Lamaism) and at sight Mahayan numerous situated important Newars with is dotted the is It village by the hillside. faith, mostly the by Buddhists Inhabited by Valley. setting the lovely a of amidst corner village popular a is This to dedicated Furping Temple (4) Yogini area. Vajra the surround the forestations is and fields hill in chlorophyll a Lovely Tibeto-Burmese deity. on Tantric dialect village powerful tonal another the special above a kilometers speak Two who nature. titled Newars be of to conch-shell. come natives the has it indigenous signifies why bonafide which reason ‘Shankha’, sheer the a be the of the to called shape in falls Nepal Tibet This the of of takes merchants Lhasa lucrative town the to whole by point The used exit Lhasa-Newa. much the was bet route to trekking This served days. and earlier valley the of corner northeastern the incsosfrlcl.Wti t ofnsaeamliueo pte eradbakbucks black and deer skills. spotted their of honing Nepali multitude a affluent also a and is are There confines open. the its in Gokarna Within roaming to locals. Close for Parbati. of spots of hectares carving picnic 260 8th-century the is Temple beautiful Mahadev Gokarna a the including and village cobras stone of bed a : ( ( trcintp:VlaeRlgossite) Village/Religious type: Attraction Balaju trcintp:pr/eiiu iegl course) site/golf park/religious type: Attraction n h odlaigto leading road the and ( trcintp:frs/auersrebr watching) reserve/bird forest/nature type: Attraction oan aae Temple Mahadev Gokarna ofcourse Golf ( trcintp:hl/idiersrebr watching) reserve/bird hill/wildlife type: Attraction Kakani hr eknsfn ilmt,expatriates diplomats, find weekends where and Shankharapur Trishuli oan Park, Gokarna saohrSiasrn yn on lying shrine Shiva another is hlesapitn forest pristine a shelters ...... n naie ythe by inhabited and nte favorite another

...... 19 ocr fmsca nacmaietwt uia ntuet.HsMjsyteKn graces King the Majesty His instruments. function. musical the with occasion accompaniment in this musician On of concert Palace. a as Dhoka known Hanuman function of religious court-yard a the day Govinda this at On held is Nepal. Shrawan in Basanta season spring the of advent the announces hes rudtect r ennmru edn rcsin.Srsaitmlsat temples Saraswati processions. wedding numerous seen spinning are and pencils, city Swayambhu books, the ink, Around pens, accordingly, worshipped wheels. are tools her all and sciences, HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... and feasts, and prayers friends. with and celebrated relatives is to Losar visits The Kathmandu. in occasion. Tibetan- occasion this this the on on all dances Boudhanath and by to songs observed folk impressively organize most They is populations. festival speaking This Year. New Tebetan the is Losar Losar worship Hindus religious day this On day. this on Pashupati temple Shiva of the temple by the held visit is to all coming of attraction greatest the but in dracaena, consecrated of for is visit suggests, of name places very the its become as festival far- The from crowds of Nepal. large honor and attracts India which Nepal in of both festival places celebrated Flung and famous most the is This : Shivaratri Maha Goddess day. this on students Saraswati honor to consecrated day the is : It Panchami Basant or Panchami Sri in Bathing of foods family. solstice. rich the with Summer in feasting and common and confluence is river Winter preparation the the special at especially of day, the this In division for prescribed the Uttarayan. is marks rivers the in of day journey commencement northward this the its belief announcing on means starts thus Nepalese day, It Makar this enters on Capricorn. sun year. by course the symbolized heavenly calendar when is its month which Nepali the zodiac the of the day of in first part month the that means any therefore, of Sankranti, Makar day first Capricorn. the signifies Sankranti A : Sankranti Maghe KATHMANDU OF FESTIVALS Traditions 3.1.6 lob hnigpaesadhms mn hmaealrenme fSdu n ascetics. and Sadhus of number large a are them Among hymns. and prayers chanting by also Pashupatinath yofrn lwr,grad,‘ garlands, flowers, offering by : Vre rte yPe aaDv srctdb h oa retadhmsaesn by sung are hymns and priest royal the by recited is Dev) Jaya Poet by written (Verses (February-March) odShiva Lord hie l vrteKndmaefle ihtecodo colcide n other and children school of crowd the with filled are Kingdom the over all shrines and elSaraswati Neel nKtmnu n est e udeso huado eotHindus devout of thousand of hundreds see to gets One Kathmandu. in ti bevdb ahn n odn farlgosfs.AlSiashrines Shiva All fast. religious a of holding and bathing by observed is It . (February) (January) tGiihr r ot iiigdrn h onn.SiPanchami Sri morning. the during visiting worth are Gairidhara at Saraswati Saraswati e patra bel egsoe h el fsec,ltes rsand arts letters, speech, of realm the over reigns h id ods flann,truhu Nepal. throughout learning, of Goddess Hindu the , (February) lae f‘e’frb,fut,cisads nand on so and coins fruits, rub), f ‘bet’ of (leaves ’ ...... Sherpas

...... 20 Geet goes Lord HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... town. During cemented the in of festival. chariots pile this in watch large dragged to a are assemble goddesses of Valley other hole the and of centre and Bhadrakaii town Bhairav, the bamboos week other by in the from supported rest some crowds pole, to large tree-trunk the made A shorn for be thick, rocks. operation, must a exciting ropes, an pole, heavy is ceremonial by This a pulled of ‘lingo’, length. attraction the main in The of feet erection eighty serpent. of the death is the after festival festival the the the festival in meaning This festival Jatra Kathmandu. year of Bisket of east New as on day important known kilometers is most first fourteen The located the City, Nepal. Bhaktapur i.e., for at Calendar, holiday held solar is official Valley Nepalese observed an official April, is of day the middle This of the same day Baisakh. in the first fails the in always as which Calendar Day, Nepal Year Lunar throughout New ,religious’ is exception traditional An the round sequence. follow festivals Nepalese The : Year and New pomp or much Barsha so Nava with observed Autumn. not and in is observed worshipped festival is is this which Bhagawati one But goddess the occasion as her. this grandeur to On made the are of Chaitra. eighth sacrifices of the the animal on month in observed year-once the is a former of twice The half observed (Sept-Oct.). is bright Ashwin it in Nepal once In and Chaitra people. of Nepalese month of festival great a is Dashain : chariots. Dashain portable Chaite their in brought are the deities at The time day A Ason. the during at present. place is celebration takes King Horse main Bhairav the Majesty and day. His Kankeshwari main which Bhadrakali, the in Lumadi, time of of this meeting afternoon at the presented are in Tundikhel shows acrobatic and at race Army Nepalese Tundikhel. Royal in the time by this organised at is propitiated household called also Every is is ‘Gurumumpa’ festival chariots. called This portable demon of A in side gods area the cultural time. their of Its this in idols at The procession feasting celebration. a Chaitra days. in its several the taken of for are of sides it localities half celebrate two many who dark has Kathmandu the festival of of Newars The the fourteenth involves April). on-the or held March is in horse (sometime of festival the or Ghodejatra the preceding the night : of the Ghodejatra on region Terai pole the the in of gaity burning and the moon. with joy full terminated most Phalgun is with festival observed The is festival country. This Endowment Religious Government beside the Office. streamers of arrangement (Guthi) colourful the with by chir Basantapur Phalgun at as is palace known of colour royal pole moon old of wooden the full festival of The the sticking before other. the each just by at days heralded throwing eight always colour for in observed indulge townsmen is time It which during colour. of festival the is Holi Poornima Phagu or Holi (March-April) (March-April) Pahachare. : (March-April) h te seto h etvli rvddb h function the by provided is festival the of aspect other The Arl1 r14th) or 13 (April ......

...... 21 h n ftedyh sdagdt ie ntegenressmoiigtediigaa of away driving the symbolizing reeds green the on river At locality. a the locality. to from the dragged demon is in figure the he grotesque begging a day goes like the demon looks of of symbolic he cross-roads end till This main colour the of the Karna. kinds all Ghanta all at in demon painted erected the and is is representing propitiated person reeds A are green spirits day. of the evil in made other town effigy and the An demon a day. Karna, this Ghanta on exercised Valley. the of people the by HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... visit People demon a gimmick. God. of their snake masks for day wearing with the persons people also which is the in This Kathmandu entertain in spells. dance protective as Gunialakhe morning of the beginning in the houses the all of doorposts the over the of worship the to devoted is This : Panchami Naga ‘ as known also is Karna Ghanta : at Karna held Ghanta fair great a is There Asia. of Light district, day. the Rupandehi in this Buddha, the Lord on devotees of in the and place Lumbini by enlightened birth including offered the was is country is he which worship the when and born, throughout sung was shrines are Buddha Buddhist prayers when leading (Salvation). day Nirvana the got is the he It day. of when blessed moon thrice and full a enlightenment the is of on It attainment falls birth, which the day of commemorate This death to the celebrated Nepalese. is the Baisakh for of day month great a is Jayanti Buddha : Jayanti Buddha and sweetmeats of gifts with her them. present Thankot alive from near are are blessing Matatirtha mothers at receive mothers whose mothers whose ones dead Those fortunate their The to piety. ablutions filial offer village. and of bathe out to persons one’s go towards by dead regards already performed proper individually of expression is the It with Day mother. Mother’s the as observed is day This Day the Mother’s of or city. image Aunsi of the Matatirtha part receiving old the for in ready and dragging made wheels for is large and foliage four occasion on green this supported on with wood divinity covered the of spire chariot actually huge tall is A a who carrying Kathmandu. Patan), in in bazaar old divinity the same of be the (to Machchhendranath of (Seto) form White Lokeshwara (Rato) Padmapani the Red of honor the in from held distinguished festival chariot four-day a is This Machchhendranath Seto of Festival atm Buddha Gautama Jn -July) (June fl ondyo April/May) of day moon (full (July-August) hs emnn hiei iutda aaaa nKlTl ntemiddle the in Tole Kel in Janabahal at situated is shrine permanent whose , h one rahro udim oeta 50Yasago. Years 2500 than more Buddhism, of preacher founder the , Gathyamuga Nagas (April) h iiesret.Pcue fteNg r stuck are Naga the of Pictures serpents. divine the , .Ti etvli ei fteble ndemonolatry in belief the of relic a is festival This ’. (March-April) Nagpokhari, ...... eiae oNg,the Naga, to dedicated

...... 22 riat r ipae nmnseisadhueod nti occasion. this on of households collections Traditional and priests. monasteries begging in the displayed to are occasion this artifacts on offered are grains food Mainly HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... at celebrated month, holy Buddhist Newar A Gunla them. from return delectable in and blessings sweetmeat Gokarna. of receive at gifts and fathers with drink dead him and present their food alive of are honor fathers in whose ceremony ones fortunate shraddha already The are perform fathers and whose one’s bathe Those towards piety. to filial regards go of proper out dead of persons expression by performed the individually with is Day It Father’s father. the as observed is day This Day: Father’s or Aunsi Gokarna Buddhist the are today monastic gift Since the of monks. the receivers to the laity Nepal, the in the by extinct made priests, are long gifts been which has in Buddhism festival Buddhist a is This Dan: Pancha humor life. fling political of and magazines social and Nepalese festival the newspapers old on the Centres, of satire Cultural spirit and by The week. adapted a to increasingly for visitors being painting the of is to collection gates and their sculptures many open good bronze monasteries of their Buddhist season view the a unfolds All actually activities. Poornima cultural Janai and from religious beginning entertainment week the The to town public. the the of or of scenes ascetic improvise sociopolitical an mimics current of as the Groups on up members. enactments family dressed the satirical dead also short their of to are objective have streets Some same who the the family, achieving smoothly. the for in heaven of fool to parade a members travel the cow to help year, a cows that that of within belief attire died the the from spring in custom up This dressed town. boys teen-aged festival this In : Gaijatra special a prepare Nepalese wrist The his in in year. tied whole thread the of for ‘ string called mark a dish protective gets a Everyone as of Brahmans thread. take people the sacred people from day of their this change groups on and that different is bath by celebration ritual of manner a considered mode different accepted is widely in observed, most celebrated the is However, festival is Nepal. this and when Nepal day over the ail Shrawan, sacred of month the of full-moon The Bandhan) (Rokshya Poornima Janai rdtoa otm oet ah at bathe to come costume traditional e o hi eln oes ste r h rdtoa elr fteNpls villagers. Nepalese the of healers traditional the are they as powers, healing their for beg of temple Gosainkunda (August) aicokBhagavati Kaiinchowk Kwati (July-August) Shakyas n a loseapgatyo the of pageantry a see also can One . (July-August) ,(ie potdbas nti a.Ti a sas edsce o bathing for sacred held also is day This day. this on beans) sprouted (mixed ’, n the and Vajracharyas tegdesa aicok nDlh ititweete oto go they where district Dolkha in Kalinchowk) at goddess (the (August-September) Kumbheshwor h obgigam otehueo hi clients. their of house the to aims begging go who , (July-August) Swayambhunath, tPtn hs hnrsas ii the visit also Jhankris These Patan. at Jhankris wthdcos tie ntheir in attired doctors) (witch Kathmandu......

...... 23 r lv r enwaigrdgret naibeaddce nalsrso eer on jewelry of sorts all in decked and invariable garments days. red two wearing these seen are alive are n i riprt h oe ok a aecmitddrn h atya.O hsday this ancestral the On from lineage year. their in past descent of the purity during of notion committed have for may rivers the folks in worship bath women women ritual the taking by impurity body or the sin cleaning to any devoted the mainly all is Teej Panchami to of to The worship go day offer and evening. the and life Pashupati On husbands’ their of of shrine Nepal. longevity the of the visit for folks hours women twenty-four for for fasting fast observe religious women observing of days the are HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Dashain of chariots chariot-pulling. the of of dragging start the the before commences just also Kumari week Kumari The Goddess Living and week. Bhairav this during life into the of like standard dance the religious representing of masks pole wooden wooden large and tall lndra a morning same The putting lndra and incense route. burning has Kathmandu death the of which limits along in town family lamps the the round of go members year begins, one festival within this place foci when taken several night are the There On Kathmandu. festival. in this festivity cultural of and religious of week a heralds Indrajatra Indrajatra: or Teej Panchani: Rishi and Teej te eaie h a locm ose hi lsig h rs hoso h barley the of of shoots day the fresh receive On The time. this blessing. at their practice seek of to day ‘ come concluding as the also known On may who ninth. the relatives Dhoka of Hanuman other morning the the the is and called time day main festival this eighth the at the the of scale of One large night a the household. in on every sacrifice Palace in animal and the posts witnesses military that at goddess centres temples, days the nine at the thousands During in killed days. the on nine planted for are nurtured seeds Barley Bhavani and household time. this every at in goddess day the worship first nine to first shrine The a days. up a ten sets of as also goddess total house Dashain the a their worship lasts cherish festival to Nepalese whole devoted The The ideal are put days well. also warm. dressing is too and climate nor well The eating cold for too fields. time being of the neither carpet by it green psychologically time, a induced this and also sky at is blue mood after of season change autumn The off it. turn with bring to supposed is festival ti rl h ainlfsia fNpl vr ea ssirdb h rset ftejythis joy the of prospects the by stirred is Nepai Every Nepal. of festival national the truly is It h igo osi rce nfoto h aua hk aae odnsaue of statutes Wooden Palace. Dhoka Hanuman the of front in erected is gods of king the , Haritalika tika swrhpe n fee o fbodsciie ufle,gasadcikn are chickens and goats Buffaloes, sacrifice. blood of lot a offered and worshipped is (September-October) Jamara rmterMjsisteKn n h Queen. the and King the Majesties their from (August-September) r logvnt er aiyfatn n esigo ussi common a is guests of feasting and feasting Family wear. to given also are ’ sprl oe’ etvl hs w asflo ncoesceso and succession close in follow days two These festival. women’s a purely is ee Rishis seven Tika eiah aia ah,Bhairav Lakhe, Majipat Devinach, h leso h aiygv iat hi uirmmesadto and members junior their to tika give family the of elders the , (August-September) nrmnsec fahg sei rdto fHnus n a and of tradition ascetic high a of reminiscence in Bhairav nKtmnu i aet h igcmst a oaeto homage pay to comes King the Majesty His Kathmandu. in iaaDashami Vijaya r u ndslyi h l aar eea rusof groups Several bazaar. old the in display on put are ug Bhavani Durga odShiva Lord epeg oNryniyRylPlc to Palace Royal Narayanhity to go people and n e ies aiettos Each manifestations. diverse her and Rishis n i consort his and hkuadMhki Nach Mahakaii and Bhakku l oe hs husbands whose women All ...... Parbati ae nthe in later

...... Ganesh, 24 Durga come itr hwterafcintwrsterbohr ihtepromneo uaadfeed and to puja life long a brother’s of their for performance pray the They with food. brothers delectable with their them towards affection their show sisters h aiyi eungvste odadcs samr fgoodwill. of mark a as cash and food them prosperity. gives and life return long in with household family each blessing The and dancing and singing door to door visiting of day the On burnt. are lamps of myriad wealth, of goddess e erDy o a e ifrn eaiclue rse,msc ac tBasantapur, at dance music, dresses, culture, the Newari On play different Women calendar. Dhoka. see Newari Hanuman can of you founder Day, Year Shakwa, New Shankadhar to dedicated community, Newar of of rows day with the town on entire the duskbreak of the most illumination at the the lamps Perhaps by flickering presented days. tiny different is on festival cow this the of and worship sight dog by the endearing marked crow, is the and mind as days the five such glow for animals to lasts different festivity continues to The weather also. genial festival a this of during Nepalese turn the the of by on helped mood festival earlier The HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... world. next the relations dead in their merit that this occasion so of Pashupati that fruit of for the of forest water reap prescribed Kailash sacred may in route the seeds’ the in of dip traverse variety holy hundred and a ‘a Pashupati take scattering oil they to morrow an obeisance the burn pay In and Bagmati, before night. night the whole the the from for god temple the Pashupati to at lamp throng Nepal over ail from Pilgrims Chaturdashi: Bala of departure the of fortnight a after just comes lights Year): of New festival (Newari The Da Nhoo and Puja Laxmi Tihar, ah Dance Lakhe Laxmi (November-December) swrhpe teeyhueodadi si e ecm that welcome her in is it and household every at worshipped is , ‘Bhailo’ ena eti ie fteya uigcelebrations during year the anniversaries. of and times certain be can at monks seen by dancing monasteries masked the Tibetan Bouddhanath among of well, As festival. Indrajatra during Bhairav the Lakhe, like dance religious of groups Several background, ‘ Tantric the particular a in with and dances masked classical with of dancing, exponents Newars main The the are myth. Valley and Kathmandu the religion of on mainly based been dance has classical then Since shaken. violently was earch planet ieiesfo ui hc smrl eprl nHindu In temporal. merely its mythology, is derives which dance music nature from in liveliness temporal and spatial Both DANCE acn,adwe edne i ‘ his danced he when and dancing, ntetiddy n e ly‘es’o h orhday fourth the on ‘Deusi’ play men and day, third the on Mha-puja odShiva Lord and eaiNwYa a sclbae ythe by celebrated is day Year New Newari , am Puja Laxmi hkuadMhki Nach Mahakaii and Bhakku ah ah,‘aaaimse dance.’ masked ‘Mahakali nach’, Lakhe sthe is nteeeigo hsdy the day, this of evening the In . (October-November) Natraj Yama adbNritya Tandab ...... Dashain On h id o fdeath. of god Hindu the , h urm igof king supreme the , h atday last the eiah Majipat Devinach, rmtescene. the from oeit life into come ,tewhole the ’,

...... Bhaitika 25 , h yso uda h one fBdhs.Sm xmlso h tp tl farchitecture of etc. style stupa Stupa the Bouddhnath of stupa, examples represent Some eyes Swayambhunath The are eyes. Buddhism. of of The pairs founder with the top. painted Buddha, are the of base eyes at square the crowned the base is of and sides square top, four the a The towards parasol. with narrowed a rings by stones circular thirteen or of bricks series a earth, supports top of square mound hemispherical solid a is as known is which HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... life: Night Kathmandu in Entertainment 3.1.8 : Style Shikhara : Style Stupa : Kathmandu: Style of Pagoda designs architectural famous the of some sculpture. about and facts arts inspired such the with is are endowed Kathmandu is Here Kathmandu of culture. big architecture and 2,500 and religion over Buddhist art are and The There Hindu valley. by shrines. small For and city. the temples the in of in city monuments temple the and a as temples is known building also other is every valley can streets, this You reason the architecture. this in and statues arts and Nepali temples of many storehouse so the find is Nepal of city capital the Kathmandu, Handicrafts and architecture Arts, 3.1.7 tl.Sm ftepgd tl epe r hnuNryn ahptpt,Taleju, Pashupatipath, Narayan, Changu are pagoda the temples in style made etc. temples pagoda Nyatapola many the Kasthamandap, so latticed of having generally country Some are only windows the The style. is spires. Nepal by carved. off with doors topped plated the is or and roof tiles with temple topped pagoda either A are gilt. roofs the copper The of struts. caves wide wooden with carved structure by multi-roofed supported to roof refers architecture of style pagoda The world. hwvdo ftelts olwo eess hr’ loavdotetra h Kathmandu the at theater video Many a Thamel. also There’s around House.. releases. restaurants you’re Guest Hollywood If the latest 9pm. check the until Kathmandu, of open videos in stay show night tourists to video the good catering experience a In shops also to many music. is dying since This Nepali city. shopping the traditional your over do for all to temples listen time small night, at perform at often bands streets impromptu the evenings, wander you As Kathmandu. temple Vatsala Kathmandu. the in Patan, temple of in Gorakhnath temple examples the Narayan known The and Jagat better Bhaktapur origin. and Other in temple in Patan. Mahabouddha of Indian the Mandir are actually Krishana style is is this style design this architectural of This example top. famous bell-shaped of consists section h otitrsigatrdr ciiyi ipywneigtesreso old of streets the wandering simply is activity after-dark interesting most The nte motn tl facietr fNpli ersne yteStupa the by represented is Nepal of architecture of style important Another h aoasyetml sNplsuiu rhtcua otiuint the to contribution architectural unique Nepal’s is temple style pagoda The Chaitya hsi alprmdlsrcue thsete ieo iescin.Tefinal The sections. nine or five either has It structure. pyramidal tall a is This lo h tp tl facietr sBdhs ncnet Stupa A concept. in Buddhist is architecture of style stupa The also......

...... 26 e rnsbfr orodri evd osa nteabec fttlyNpl experience, evening. Nepali enjoy an totally ro of such time ambience enough for the you recommended in gives are soak That To dishes served. so. Nepali is or order half your a before and drinks hour few an a for dinner run before and performed pm usually accompaniment are 7:00 These at musical dances. beginning classical with and folk present troupes Nepali Restaurants of Dance variety Dohari a dinnertime. perform Lok during The programs trouble. cultural much Nepali taking without traditions cultural varied HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... one- of operating plenty casinos famous are The are: them. there Nepal tackle to in And want rummy. that those and for machines) flush, (slot bandits pontoon, armed casinos four baccarat, the in blackjack, operated roulette, Games stakes. are Yeti, big of Nepal & players provide to Yak Casino also beverages and Hotel. plaza, and , coaches snacks Everest Crowne shuttle on-the-house the their Soaltee in and hotels i.e. select Regency from Kathmandu, Hyatt transportation complimentary Hotel, of offers Nepal casinos Radisson hotels The Casino Annapurna, . 5-star 1' luck. day the de a their hours of Hotel try 24 all open to stay in wanting which located Kathmandu just around are casinos those people 4 with with of favor chain and find a gambling still operates casinos for Nepal’s penchant but now a changed with has That Singapore. and Suez the Casino: Restaurants: Dohari Shows/Lok Cultural Pubs: rns oeo h neetn asadpb are: pubs world and top with bars par interesting at the stand of Nepal of Some beers brands. master the Miguel, international San celebrated and Tuborg, with Carlsberg, collaboration like brewers technical combination and a waters from Resulting Himalayan in good. Nepal’s be produced to of happens liquor beer Rum. manufactured hard Khukuri locally and among hand for Vodka other Ruslan best the Opt Whisky, On Bagpiper The gullet. Gin, locally. the Snowland Brandy, formulated and Himalayan been palate are concoctions Nepal have cosmopolitan the of to that variety a both few you strong a offer Nepali to too including try sure bit are to barmen a temptation The is punches. be and it may cocktails that There warned establishments. stand punches these but in drinks,including liquor of found Most range be wide hits. A Western can Thamel. present cocktails, of and area and tourist past the of around and renditions in present located who are bands local live feature these usadbr rudKtmnuofralvl topeei h aehus oeof Some hours. late the in atmosphere lively a offer Kathmandu around bars and Pubs sdt eatm hnKtmnuwsfmu o aigteol aiobetween casino only the having for famous was Kathmandu when time a be to Used oia T aoeBar Karoke Pubs & Bars Pubs & Bars Pubs Pubs & & Pubs Bars Bars & Bars Pubs & Bars KTV Holiday Underground Jerry’s & Tom Pubs & Club Tunnel Bars The Doodle Rum Pub. Maya Bar Cocktail Maya Café Orleans Bar/New Note Blue hsi n a ogtatseo Nepal’s of taste a get to way one is This ......

...... 27 etuat.Teeae oee,afwta aegzl suflUd og nyon only ) songs Urdu (soulful gazals have that few “gazal” repertoire. strictly a their not are however, hence, are, and, perform songs singers There Hindi where and restaurants. ) Nepali popular well generally as are cuisine songs The Continental live. and Chinese offer which (but restaurants sdi eiiu okhp h otr lyi on nteKtmnuVle.Bakterracotta Black Valley. pottery. Kathmandu folk the of in found variety is another clay is pottery The objects chilims-small workship. and religious vases, in flowers used such bowls, purposes, washing utilitarian lamps, for pitchers, is water potteryware jars, revealed Nepalese container as of have Most found. pieces Valley ben few have a Kathmandu potery although glazed the unglazed, of terracotta in ususally are sites They potteryware. various ancient of on specimens Excavation surfaces. unglazed on HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Metal: & Bronze Pottery: and Ceramics Interest Special 3.1.9 Gazals Resturants: Dance and Disco ic,Fr ic,Cu ltnm t.Smlry hr r ifrn ac etuat around restaurants Royal dance Dynasty, different Club are Galaxy, there Disco, Similarly, etc. Babylon Kathmandu. Platinum, are Club Kathmandu Disco, in Fire theque Disco, Disco famous the of r oeti a.Tegle aeo hkau,tegle idw fPtndra and durbar Patan of windows golden these. of the examples Bhaktapur, pillars best of the stone gate are monolithic Dhoka golden tall Hanuman the The by way. Many supported this applied. cities is done three gold copper are the then The of and Valley. shape statues Kathmandu required royal the the the repousse into of are tympanums, hammer size palaces Nepalese by life royal beaten the are three are sheets casting There the brass in with works. and Jamuna copper Along and and A.D. Ganga brass centuries of beaten 3rd images hammer and - 2nd repousse the in that process to experts wax In back lost metal. the dated in from made work be statues art copper can beautiful are produced there Nepal valley metal Kathmandu beginning and the the of woodcarvings, From temples old. masks, look plus to antiques made all of work reproductions with along antiques, original aioTr yt eec,Buh,Ktmnu e:4482517 Tel: Kathmandu, Boudha, Regency, 4421288 Tel: Hyatt Kathmandu, – , Hotel, Radisson – 4780925 Tel: Kathmandu, Baneshwor, 4225550 Tel: New Kathmandu, Tara Everest, Marg, Casino Hotel Durbar – 4228650 Yeti, Tel: & Kathmandu, Yak Marg, Hotel Rad Durbar – L’Annapurna, Casino de Hotel – 4280588 Tel: Everest Kathmandu, Casino Tahachal, Plaza, Crowne Soaltee Royale – Casino Anna Casino Nepal Casino : oua ptfrNplsdnn u stegzlrsarns hs r Indian-style are These restaurants. gazal the is out dining Nepalis for spot popular A ea,seilyKtmnui n‘ldi’ ae o hpes ihreliable with shoppers, for Cave’ ‘Aladdin’s an is Kathmandu specially Nepal, r-itrcpteyo ea ossso e,bono lc shades black or brown red, of consists Nepal of pottery Pre-historic ifrn ic hqe r prtn nKtmnu Some Kathmandu. in operating are theques disco Different ......

...... 28 efud swl hr r oendsgs n fcus hyalcm ndfeetqualities, different in come all knot. they 100 course to of can knot and and 60 after designs, from sought modern ranging are are carpets there or well rugs As dye wool, found. vegetable Tibetan be but or dyes, Zealand Swiss New reliable The with with woven Tibet. mostly are and and designs, Nepal Tibetan from old carpets of old copies selling carpets, stores modern antique are there Bouddhanath and Marg lymssicuigtemsestrigalm fca noabatflmse alhanging. wall masked beautiful a into and clay paper the of see lump to a place the turning is masters Thimi the and value, including art masks masks or clay wooden antique an old have many and see old can quite are you which Bouddhanath At community. Newar major the every from almost gardeners on Nepal in performed like since are occasion, ever dances religious fighting Masked been itself. have creation who mythology of Hindu beginning in the forces opposing radical two the are they HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Carpets: Woollen Tibetan paper): (Lokta paper Handmade Masks Stones: Precious Semi Jewelry: Gold eas lwr n evsit h ae n r aigwlppr,lm hdsadother and shades lamp wallpapers, making pressing are now and are paper entrepreneurs items. the designer enterprising into More leaves Valley. easily yet. and very Kathmandu as flowers seen the cultivated be petals, can been of produciton not paper edges Handmade has the it papier Lokta. on wild; is toys, bark grows and the still for dolls name paper common kites, Nepali The of making material in and raw used mandalas The horoscopes, is writing painting. in paper material, writing Nepali and origin. envelopes calendars, in mache, ancient is paper This hr r edsoswihsl ed o eelr,uigcrl me,truieadsilver and turquoise amber, coral, yourself. using design jewellery, to with Thamel, for loose handmade In or beads all techniques. up, sell old are made which age works shops these art bead reflects real price are The their there coral. course from or carved and ring technology carved a traditional Ganesh wear multiarmed a some of and statue pendant coral, as in use Nepal of crystal.Hindus and quartz coral, of shops jewelry and metal delight. antique, shopper’s a the is earrings, among Bhaktapur rings, Hunting and ornaments, Patan belts. Kathmandu, the even jewelry, of stones the and HImalayan amulets, necklaces, the the and gold decorate the turuoise with and Along amber rings. toe coral, and earrings, finger crowns, jewelry- anklets, abundant armlets, with adorned necklaces, the richly with iconography, traditions Hindu these and of the Buddhist goddesses iconography in of and Buddhist role gods craftsmen significant and a HIndu Newar plays Jewelry both The customers, with all their beautiful. adorned - for is boxes made are amulet what they created about which valley view from Kathmandu materials impassioned even culture’s - a stones reveal its of patterns glistering the contours, : h osaeo h n ad h eoso h te,rpeetn odadevil; and good representing other, the on demons the hand, one the on are gods The eer scoeyascae ihacluesashtciel,wt t sensuous its with ideals, aesthetic culture’s a with associated closely is Jewelry ajta nr ar,Pcaihia Jatra, Pachalibhairab Jatra, Indra Gaijatra, h ritcfnseo ea sas eni eipeiu tnslike stones precious semi in seen also is Nepal of finesse artistic The h ae iea ole apt r on pet.I Durbar In aplenty. found are carpets woollen Tibetan famed The h eaeehnmd ae scle “ called is paper handmade Nepalese The t.adtednesaemostly are dancers the and etc...... acokagaz kancho

...... 29 ” ad hhi sdfrsapnn h hkr,adteohrcle hka sfrsrkn a striking for the is is chakmak a one called knives: other tiny the fire. and two make khukuri, the are to the near flintstone scabbard sharpening blade for the it’s used in on is notch khukuri whih a karda the have with should together khukuri Sheathed authentic An handle. home. back take to souvenir otmo hi ofsrt,asmo ftetnrccult. tantric the of the symbol at a carvings struts, erotic have roof number temples their a These of of Ramayana,. of bottom carvings story intricate the are including carvings There birds and beautiful cornices. animals have and of They lintels door-frames, monasteries. and and pillars temples their Nepalese on of designs, beauty various windows the lattice to of and fake added windows one, have unparalleled struts, the the meaning Jhya, Besides Desemaru the carving. window, peacock for the used material common most the col n anescnb iie,adtm a esetlann,lseigadwthn the watching and Thangka listening valley, learning, spent Kathmandu be Throughout work. can their life. time at and of artists visited, wheel be depict can the painters mostly and and thangkas Buddha schools Tamang of the while life canvas, the have whole thangkas mandalas, the Newar The dominating of Thangka. gods types Tamang two the Buddhist The and gods, Thangka layman. Newari a the to aid are uncovered, visual painted the inch a thangka describe as an to worked used also without was which Nepal philosophy painted in tantric painting rooms complicated Thangka whole themes. secular with and religious valley, both Kathmandu showing the in found are HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Khukuri: Woodcarving: Thangkas: Textiles: atre,cluflcto aesue o asfrmn n lue n hwsfrwomen, for shawls and blouses and men, for intricately caps knitted, called the for woven, are used textile are panels cotton Nepal cotton visible in extracted, colourful and Textiles remarkable patterned, been most have textiles. The centuries braide. of or multitude for plaited a which crocheted, into materials wooven of and wealth twisted a spun, been has there altitudes and evr ihn w icstesm.TeLmu n aso h i-onan r famous are mid-mountains the of Rais and Limbus cloth. Dhaka The their same. for the pieces two no with weaver, ahiasal r ndmn nTko e ok ai,Lno etc. London Paris, York, New Tokyo, in demand in Cashmere, are designs. and shawls colours Pashmina local in jumpers handknitted some and Cashmere, from cardigans hles oe n ltn,yksi o he,sdl asadstraps. and bags saddle shoes, for skin yak cloting, and ropes shelters, n rope. and the Nepal coloured jude most and raw The spun and areas. hand goods mountain Jute wool, dyes. the sheep’s natural in from coloured use woven multi is in with ago; apron still years front are 2,000 woollen rugs items Sherpa and trading attractive blankets for clothing, used woven were now that and blankets woollen Nepalese rainproof into Dhaka-cloth jute a aeil o etlsaeaudn nNpl n ihtecnrsigclimates contrasting the with and Nepal, in abundant are textiles for materials Raw hkrs uvdselkie sdb h ukaslir,aepriual popular a particularly are soldiers, Gurkha the by used knives steel curved Khukuris, anigi h ohro l om fat alpitns rso n ua paintings mural and frescos paintings, Wall art. of forms all of mother the is Painting ssl otemlsi h ea hr ti ahn pnadmd nosc cloth sack into made and spun machine is it where Terai the in mills the to sold is nteanl fteatadacietrltesrso ea odhsbeen has wood Nepal of treasures architectural and art the of annals the In oeycto,wt eyfe ein eymc pt h individual the to up much very design, free very a with cotton, lovely A . ahiashawls Pashmina r motn xotiesfrNplt ni n agaeh Within Bangladesh. and India to Nepal for items export important are Silk and sas sdi h ahiaadsl obndshawls. combined silk and pashmina the in used also is lambswool hwsaeeeyhr,pu upr and jumpers plus everywhere, are shawls ...... he’ wool Sheep’s a hair Yak smd into made is a made was ...... 30 fAcaooy ainlAcieBidn,Rmhhpt,Ktmnu(e :215358). Kathmandu.(Tel Carrying . department path, Ramshah duty the Building, of from Archive their certificate free National special to Archaeology, quantity requires souvenirs of antiques prescribe export of can the export Visitors The in prohibited. countries. dutiable with strictly respective in are bring ammunition liquor may and and tourist ,arms tobacco A narcotics entry. as free such permitted , are goods effects Personal entry. the at arrival oohrinternationals. other to HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Banks: Police: Tourist Tax: Airport Formalities: Customs Exchange: Foreign etc. agents. insurance institutes, financial companies, tourism. transport of and commission or elements middlemen hotels, or basic agencies agents, travel the government, the of include by These provided one transportation. services and accommodation is facilities attractions, amenity the to So, other added any facilities tourism. to are added to Amenities services rise of elements gives The centre. elements tourist three the to aid necessary a are Facilities KATHMANDU IN AMENITIES 3.2 urnyo nU dollars. Nepali in US either in product or their price currency shops currency. restaurants, of hotels, mode agencies, acceptable trekking are most and who the travel is Most agencies dollar travel US exchange. and foreign hotels process to restaurants, authorized too, many authorized several are are there There banks, etc. these counters. Bank Besides exchange areas. Everest and foreign city main bank, Industrial the Himalayan in Nepal available Bank, is Bank, facilities Nepal-Bangladesh ATM Kumari Bank, Bank Bank, Nabil Nepal Investment Bank, Nepal, Nepal Bank Commercial Kathmandu, Chartered Standard of Bank, Bank of banks Banijya Ltd., popular Rastriya the of Nepal Some – facilities. ATM are cards, debit Kathmandu cards, 2 credit banking, offered mobile have banking, banks the days of 365 offers also banks between Some holidays. open other are P Kathmandu 2.30 in to banks M. the A. of 10:00 Most Kathmandu. in counters exchange foreign eae otuit.OecncnatteNplTuimBad hiuiadp(e:256909) (Tel: police. Tourist Bhrikutimandap of Board, Tourism services Nepal the the avail contact to can One tourists. to related lpms ertie o hnigbc h oa urnyt oeg pndeparture. upon foreign to currency local the back changing for Encashment retained airport accepted. be are the MasterCard must at and slip counter Visa exchange Express, obtained foreign American be like the cards to at Credit money are arrival. upon exchange transaction also can such Visitors from . receipts retained and The dealers. exchange foreign authorized ea ataBn,CnrlBn fNpl a rne fiilatoiaint many to authorization official granted has Nepal, of Bank Central Bank, Rastra Nepal s 0 e esnfrdptr oSACcutisadR.10 fordeprature 1000 Rs. and countries SAARC to deprture for person per 600 Rs. pca nto h ea oiecle ors oiedaswt problems with deals Police Tourist called Police Nepal the of unit special A .fo ody oFias hyaecoe nStras udy and Sundays Saturdays, on closed are They Fridays. to Mondays from M. . oeg urnisms eecagdol hog h ak or banks the through only exchanged be must currencies Foreign l agg utb elrdadcerdtruhtecso on custom the through cleared and declared be must baggage All ...... akn.Most banking. 7 x 4

...... 31 no oe rnfr M oe rnfrec ihisbace oae ttevrosparts various the at located valley. branches the its of with etc. Transfer Money Transfer, IME Money Union pcaiigi a,emi n ertra evcscnb on rudKtmnu h call The Kathmandu. around found 4360000). (Tel be Me Ask can is services Most Kathmandu secretarial world. in center and the to e-mail connect fax, Enterprises and facility. in STD in and specializing Dialing) Trunk hop Standard (International just ISTD the then have reading here” also signboard cybercafes available a in find facility internet you Internet If and and internet. e-mail cable “e-mail also of and facilities lease-line internet, internet the dial-up wireless access enjoy connection, can You city. can Kathmandu around You cybercafes various services. are distance There internet Kathmandu. long and provide also email centers and communication are calls private service and telegraph Hotels and Kathmandu. telex in internet, available e-mail, fax, Telephone, systems. telecommunication ofr htyu ud a ai ies.T aeaqaiysriei srcmeddto recommended is it agencies. service travel quality registered a government the have To through license. only programs to valid sightseeing advisable a is the it has arrange clients, guide serve to your allowed the that not for are confirm languages guides international unlicensed other As speak tourists. can of who convenience guides have also agencies many however, r:BrHsia,Tahn optl eiaeHsia,O optl ainlHsia,etc. Hospital, National Hospital, Om Hospital, MediCare The Hospital, hospitals Teaching the overseas. of Hospital, Some from Valley. Bir Kathmandu imported in are: available those are including clinics private medicines, and hospitals of general kinds major all sell Kathmandu of shops HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Magazines: And Newspapers Services: Veterinary Stores: Drug And Hospitals Guides: Licensed Communications: etc. Cargo Air Swift Channel, Cargo Service., movers, Parcel and United UPS packers Worldwide, Atlas Express TNT Express, Federal International, DHL are Couriers: and Cargo Services: Postal Transfer: Money esaesadmgznsi n okhpi ahad.Temjrnwppr nKathmandu in newspapers major The Kathmandu. in bookshop any in magazines and newspapers ea r neivbycepcmae oters fteworld. the of of rates rest postal the The to counters. postal compared airport cheap and unbelievably Basantapur are Thamel, Nepal at service and mail Express GPO 1700hrs. at and to available postcards hrs. 900 is stamps, Friday provide to and Monday available 1600hrs. is to restante Post 700hrs. aerograms. from open are counters The Friday. to ahad aly oeo hmae ainlPtPlcii,KMAia rs,Veterinary Trust, Animal KTM etc. Polyclinic, Club Pet Kennel National Everest Mount are: Hospital, them of Some Valley. Kathmandu h eta otOfc oae erDahr oe soe rmMonday from open is Tower Dharhara near located Office Post Central The l h rvlaece fKtmnuhv iesdEgihsekn guides, English-speaking licensed have Kathmandu of agencies travel the All oe a ercie rmayhr ntewrdtruhWestern through world the in anywhere from received be can Money ahad swl once oms onre ftewrdvasatellite via world the of countries most to connected well is Kathmandu h oresadcern n owrigaet prtn nKathmandu in operating agents forwarding and clearing and couriers The o l eeiaynesteeaeecletvtrnr optl nthe in hospitals veterinary excellent are there needs veterinary all For h optl,du oss ipnaisadpharmaceutical and dispensaries houses, drug hospitals, The n a aiygtallaigntoa n international and national leading all get easily can One ......

...... 32 n aho a efudi F ltigSoe tto,My,JmlBza,Vsr,Gossip, etc. Vastra, Fashion Bazaar, Together Jamal Store, Benetton Maya, Station, Fashion, Store, New Clothing Authentic UFO A.N.F. clothing in Grocer,Appare, arrivals found Gemini new be House, The can Fresh etc. fashion Moon, store, and Blue Departmental Akuj, Grihini Shop, Salesways, Bazaar, Floor Kasthamandap First The Town, China Bluebell Shop, Store, n’ Park Supermarket, Departmental Namaste BishalBazaar, Dynasty, Bluebird La Store, Supermarket, Department Central Bhatbhateni Fashionwear, are: Kathmandu in stores comdto,arie,tae gnis rkigaece,rfigaece n oon. so hotel and agencies like rafting infrastructure agencies, trekking service agencies, and travel airlines, security accommodation, facilities, health sewage water, transportation, drinking gas, system, electricity, like infrastructures to access has Kathmandu these, Beside etc. Gallery fibers Wild Gallery, art Gajendra Gallery, and Village Art Ragini Gallery, Art Siddhartha t.JiNpladKmr lososnwrlae nls movies. english releases new shows also Kumari and Nepal Cinema, Jai Guna movies, etc. Barahi Pictures, Narayan Asta Hall, Gopi-Krishna-Radha Cinema, Kumari HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... Galleries: Art Cinemas: Library: centers: Shopping and Stores Department Television: Stations: Radio/F.M. postcards. and maps, books, language in available are are there comics these, novels, Besides guidebooks, town. and bookshops. the meditation, various and in yoga available books, cooking, of travel, collection on rich Books a has Kathmandu Besides Footsteps, The etc. Rocks, Infotiser The (Women magazine), Nation- (youngsters Nari Wave magazine), The (Interior-magazine), (women Space Spotlight, VOW magazine) magazine), The (Business Times, Boss major Nepali The The Herald, Himal, weeklyYoung Nepali. Samaya, Himalayan - Nepal-weekly, The (Daily) are English, Kantipur magazines (Daily)- (Daily)-Nepali, Post Gorkhapatra Kathmandu (Daily)-English, The Times (Daily)-English, Nep.al Rising The are: aiu al ewr r prtn nKtmnusc sSaeTm ewr,SyCable, Sky Network, channels. Time international Space the as broadcast such They 1. Kathmandu etc. Nepal in and operating Nepal are Channel network Channel, Cable Image Television, Various Kantipur are Kathmandu in channels TV etr WNLbay lineFacieetc. Francaise Alliance Library, AWON Center, a nKtmnu oeo h aosF ttosi ahad r atprF,K.A.T.H FM, etc. Kantipur Ratiocity are , F.M. Kathmandu Metro F.M., in a Sagarmatha stations hours HBC, FM 24 Radio F.M. famous operating Hits the are F.M., stations of F.M. Various Some P.M. Kathmandu. 8 in and day A.M. 8 between bulletins daily news English Radio broadcast entertainment. P.M. FM for are 11 programs to other A.M. and 6:00 music pop from broadcasts day also a program in session three through transmissions wave medium oeo h irre nKtmnuae ehrLbay rts oni,American Council, British Library, Keshar are: Kathmandu in libraries the of Some oeo h ol ls ieatete nKtmnuaeJiNplCinema, Nepal Jai are Kathmandu in theatres cinema class world the of Some ea eeiinadNpl2Mtoaetentoa eeiin h rvt Nepali private The television. national the are Metro 2 Nepal and television Nepal oeo h r alr nKtmnuaePr alr,KlnaPcueFraming, Picture Kalinta Gallery, Park are Kathmandu in gallery art the of Some ai ea racssdfeetporm nbt hr aeand wave short both in programs different broadcasts Nepal Radio h o uemresaddepartmental and supermarkets top The ......

...... 33 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... approximate. only are hours flying ALL : are Kathmandu /to from operating Airlines International Other 1958. Nepal Royal July The 1st Kathmandu. on Corporation from established Airlines to/ was Flights Nepal (RNAC) with Royal Corporation Nepal The of Ainlines country. carrier flag the national is of the Airport airport is International (RNAC) Tribhuwan international helps The which only time. world and short the a one in within the system distances transport long of reach to means people efficient the and modern the is transport : Air Air transport. by Kathmandu of to means Access normal the by inaccessible tourism. for are pre-condition locations necessary the the is if Transportation watch to importance would or type little see whatever to of of attractions Tourist feel be experience. to and visit, understand to or realise possibility can to tourist the events, a t the which related by is means Accessibility the destination. is the It reach tourism. of component important another is Accessibility ACCESSIBILITY 3.3 aa iwy RDoa42 hrs 4.25 hrs 3.00 hrs 13.00 Sharja Via hrs Amsterdam 2.45 hrs 4.30 hrs hrs 1.00 hrs HV 1.00 4.15 Bangkok Dhoha TG QR Calcutta Patna, Singapore hrs Karachi 1.00 Dhabi Abu 3Z , SQ Calcutta Delhi, PK Transavia hrs Paro 7.50 GF hrs 1.05 International IC Thai Munich KB hrs 1.10 Airways Qatar NA Airlines Singapore Airlines hrs Pakistan 9.30 Air Necon Airlines Vienna Indian Lhasa Air Gulf OS Dhaka Air Druk SZ Condor BS Moscow Airlines West South China Airlines SU Bangladesh Biman 4.30hrs Airlines hrs Austrin 4.50 Airlines hrs Russain 12.00 Aeroflot 11.00hrs hrs 7.20 hrs 2.20 Singapore Shanghai hrs 5 London 10.00hrs 4.11hrs hrs Paris 1.15 Osaka hrs Mumbai 1.00 . hrs Hongkong 2.5 Frankfurt Dubai Delhi Calcutta Bangkok RNAC ......

...... 34 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... are and etc. pubs resorts, restaurants, hotels, inns, of tents, agglomeration shops. an house, souvenir is tea today house, Thamel A Kathmandu. local apartments, budgets. in house, houses, available of guest guest kinds lodges, all paying motels, for houses, hotels, Kathmandu are as rented around there such and accommodation as in of Kathmandu lodges variety in and wide tourist hotels accommodation hundred important comfortable a an of of than be dearth facilities more itself no the can is Without Accommodation There movement. possible. destination. tourist is the tourism in no role accommodation active an plays Accommodation KATHMANDU IN ACCOMMODATION 3.4 are services their but coaches tourist routes. and few the day a of are only time alternative to distance, limited the comfortable on most depending Kathmandu. The widely in driver. vary can transportation the and shops of fares rental fixed mode bicycle no of another have plenty are Rickshaws are There Cycle-rickshaws bicycle. Kathmandu. a on around of is One all Kathmandu NewRoad. around and get Thamel to around way found best be For Tempo. can the Safa vehicle, shops electric rental pollution-free motorcycle are inclined, buses so the those with together seat the operating by in Also fares Kathmandu. time in on long available also a are take therefore, vehicle is, and private Chauffeur-driven around overcrowded advisable. getting public be for more arrangement using to private tend own with your they valley. Making problem that destination. Kathmandu their is only reaching the tempo The safa in available. and meters buses also mini fare are buses, with rickshaws well- taxi and pretty are is bicycles Valley There Motorcycles, The transport. public time-consuming. or by difficult connected so not is Kathmandu around Travelling : Kathmandu Around Getting carnet. entering international tourist an the overland posses Nagarin must The Mahendra border. vehicles their China (6) with Nepal- and Kingdom the Dhangadi the Kodariin (5) (7) Nepa;gunj and (2) (4) border (1)Kakarbhitta than Bhairahawa Nepal-India other , points entry Belhiya other no (3) use Birgunj must land by Nepal entering visitors : All Land by Kathmandu to Access Air charter Karnali and destinations. regular Airways, domestic provide Mankamana popular Airways , to and services Gorkha Airlines Skyline , Air, Shangrila Air Air, such airlines Necon lumbani domestic Service, Air, other RA, Cosmic Dhangadi, Beside Mahendranagar, Air, Darchula. Kolti, Buddha and , , as Baitadi Jumla , Sanphebagar , , Rolpa Tikapur , , RA Silgadi . ,Shurket Rumjatar, Tumlingtar, Nepal Chaurijari , of Lamidada . interior , , the Lukla in Phaplu, service ,Bhjpur, air Rajbiraj Bhadrapur, of Taplejung, network to extensive flies an has (RA) Airlines Nepal Royal : Airlines Domestic ......

...... 35 HPE ORS RDCSADINFRASTRUCTURES AND PRODUCTS TOURISM : 2 CHAPTER ...... etc. Kitchen Oriental Wimpys, Delicatessen, The Bi- Wunjula, Caroline, Breakfast, Baithak, Quarter, Chez Mike’s Latin Him-Thai, The Kitchen, Cross Tamura, LaSoon, Chulo, Fresco, The Nepali Inn, Dhokaima, Al Gourmet, Vienna Vaishali, Delicias Bhanchha Old won, Town, Kabab, Griha, China Bhojan E Rui, Tian Doodle, Ghar Shan, Tansen, Rum Tien Chimney, Cafe, Cafe, Bakery Northfield The The Mitra, Nanglo, Cafe Some Ghar, are Kathmandu. in restaurants available available top are places Nepali are the eating Indian, most and of restaurants Tibetan, and of Japenese, varieties around it wide Chinese, eat A name Thai, to Newari. you and get Mexican, world, can Italian, you the Russian, what around Continental, at cuisines here: surprised Therefore popular be world. will the the You of Of delight. part this Kathmandu. a of is capital Kathmandu cuisine in the out is Kathmandu eating that said been often has Kathmandu: It in Places Eating and Dining Business MarcoPolo etc. House Singi, Guest Hotel Kathmandu Retreat, Court, The Business Gazabko Hotel, Hotel, Garden Hotel, Shankar Nirvana Utse, Vajra, Woodland, Hotel Hotel, Hotel, Dwarika Malla Hotel, Summit Shangri- & Himalaya, Ambassador, Yak Hotel Hotel Hotel L’Annapurna, Hotel, Sherpa, de Hotel La Regency, Hotel Hyatt Plaza, Hotel, Crowne Radisson Soaltee Everest, : Hotel Yeti, are Kathmandu of hotels top The 1. Table in given is Kathmandu in hotels of statistics The Kathmandu: in Hotels AL 1: TABLE aeoisHtlCutRo on vrg igeRo Rate Room Single Average Count Room Count Hotel Categories o-tr8 34U 20.16 $ US 1334 81 Non-star tr2 8 S$15.05 $ US 27.08 $ US 55.00 $ US 105.55 $ US 143.57 $ US 581 834 686 819 1334 20 23 12 9 7 Star 1 Star 2 Star 3 Star 4 Star 5 oe comdto nKtmnuaeterrates their are Kathmandu in accommodation Hotel A 2: MAP a fKtmnuValley Kathmandu of Map ......

...... 36 Contributions and Impacts of Tourism CHAPTER ...... 33 ......

N epal, the mystical Himalayan mountain kingdom has held a very powerful appeal as a tourist destination. Tourism in Nepal plays an important role in the economy of the country. It has been identified as an important source of foreign exchange earning, as an industry creating employment opportunities generating economic growth of the country, development of trade, socio-cultural development, regional development and international understanding. On the other hand, Tourism has exerted new pressures on scarce resources, particularly forests, thus affecting wildlife habitats and pollution. Local culture is fast disappearing with days and demonstration of foreign culture is dominating rather than local ones.

4.1 CONTRIBUTION OF TOURISM

Tourism in Nepal contributes 3.5% to GDP and 15% of total foreign exchange earnings of the country. It also gave direct or indirect employment to 257,000 people in 1998. The average length of stay was 10.8 days and average expenditure/tourist/day was US$44.2 in 1998.

Toestablish tourism and culture sector as one of the important sectors of the national economy, the Ninth Plan had targeted the development of forward and backward linkages, and conservation of existing and proposed World Heritage Sites and their promotion as tourist destinations. Similarly, it had targeted to tie up conservation of the national heritages to income earning opportunities and their institutionalization through community management. Effective marketing of Nepal in the international arena to establish it into a major tourist destination, development of traditional arts into an industry to create new employment opportunities, increase in income and foreign currency earning, and to channel the benefits accrued from the tourism sector to the rural areas were the major targets of the Ninth Plan. Against the target of 10 percent growth in tourist arrivals and 20 percent growth in foreign currency earning during the plan period, the achievement has been as follows:

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 37 ...... TABLE 2: Tourist Arrival 1997 Vs 2001 Achievemement in % Year Target Achievement Compared to Compared to Target previous year 1997 420,000 421,857 101.4 7.2 1998 462,000 463,684 101.4 9.9 1999 508,200 491,504 96.7 6.0 2000 559,020 463,646 82.9 -5.7 2001 614,922 361,237 58.74 -22.1 Total 2,564,142 2,201,928 85.9

Source: The Tenth Plan, Nepal Planning Commission, HMG/Nepal

TABLE 3: Foreign Currency Generation (US $ in million) Achievemement in % Year Target Achievement Compared to Compared to Target previous year 1997 213 115.9 54.4 -0.6 1998 255.6 152.5 59.7 31.6 1999 306.7 168.1 54.8 10.2 2000 368.1 166.8 45.3 -0.7 2001 441.6 140.2 31.74 -15.9 Total 1585 745.3 47.0

Source: The Tenth Plan, Nepal Planning Commission, HMG/Nepal

FIGURE 1: Tourist Arrival 1997 Vs 2001

FIGURE 2: Foreign Currency Generation (US $ in million)

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 38 ...... The average day of tourist stay in Nepal, during the Ninth Plan period, was targeted at 13 days, however, in the first three years of the plan period the figure was 10.49, 10.76 and 12.28 days respectively . The average stay-day declined to 11.88 and 11.93 respectively. During the last two years of the plan period. Likewise, per day income from a tourist was expected to be US$ 60; however, in 2001 the figure was only US$ 39.6. Similarly, in 2002/03, the Ninth Plan targeted to provide direct employment to 111,329. The achievement, at the end of 2001, however, is only 80,000 employments. Contribution of this sector in the total foreign currency earnings and Gross Domestic Product has been 12 percent and 3.1 percent respectively.

The total tourist arrival during 2002 was 275,469 and it was 338,132 during 2003. The number of tourists visiting Nepal, from mid-December 2001 to mid-December 2002 declined by 23.7 percent. The number of tourists visiting Nepal from mid-December 2002 to mid-December 2003, however, increased by 21.5 percent. Average duration of stay per tourist has also increased from 7.92 to 9.5 days during the review period. 18 In terms of purpose of visit, most tourists came for recreation, trekking and mountaineering. In period of mid-December 2002 and mid- December 2003, 40.0 percent of the tourist arrival was for recreation, 21.5 percent for trekking and mountaineering, 6.2 percent for trade, 6.5 percent for official visit, 4.5 percent for pilgrimage and 21.3 percent for miscellaneous purposes.

TABLE 4: Tourist Arrivals by Months 2002 Vs 2003 Month 2002 2003 % change January 17176 21215 23.5 February 20668 24349 17.8 March 28815 27737 -3.9 April 21253 25851 21.6 May 19887 22704 14.2 June 17218 20351 18.2 July 16621 22661 36.3 August 21093 27568 30.7 September 23752 28724 20.9 October 35272 45459 28.9 November 28723 38398 33.7 December 24990 33115 32.5 Total 275468 338132 22.4 Source: Immigration Office, TIA

FIGURE 3: Tourist Arrivals by Months 2002 Vs 2003

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 39 ...... In terms of origin, it is estimated that 31.9 percent came from Western Europe, 7.7 percent from North America, 3.1 percent from Australia and the Pacific, 1.9 percent from Eastern Europe, 1.0 percent from Central and South America, and 0.4 percent from Africa during the period between mid-December 2002 and mid-December 2003. Tourists from Asia shared 54.0 percent including 24 .0 percent from India alone.

There are a total of 108 Star category hotels in the Kingdom, 4 of them added during mid- December, 2002 through mid-December 2003. Nonstar hotels totaled 858 including 19 added during this period. Number of beds in the Star-level hotels increased by 2.4 percent and by 1.5 percent in non-star hotels. The total number of beds in the star and non-star level have reached 10,535 beds and 27,735 beds respectively. There was 2.4 percent increase in the number of hotels and the number of beds increased by 1.7 percent during the review period.

The year 2004 has been a year with ups and downs for Nepal. The first eight months of 2004 showed a continuous growth in visitors’ arriving to Nepal. The first quarter in particular grew by 50% where as the second quarter went up by 25%. Nevertheless, visitors arriving to Nepal by air in 2004 reached a total figure of 288,356, showing an increase by 9% compared to last year, 2003. Year 2005 is expected to perform easy double-digit growth in the light of increasing travellers confidence to Nepal and increasing air links and subsequently bolstered promotional effort in the major tourism generating countries with special regional tourism promotion campaigns.

4.2 IMPACTS OF TOURISM

Tourism has been regarded as a smokeless industry and the most fruitful industry in the world. No coin has a single face. Tourismhave both positive and negative impacts . “Tourismis a goose that lays golden eggs, but it can also foul its nest.” (Gurung and DeCoursey 1994), a phrase widely used to explain the present state of tourism in Nepal. “The Himalaya are the highest rubbish dumping sites on the earth,” “Trekkingis wrecking,” and “Good-by to Shangri-La,” are some of the examples of catchy headlines that have appeared in national and international media which have linked tourism to pollution and deforestation problems in Kathmandu and valleys, the Everest, Langtang, Chitwan and Annapurna regions. Tourismis the largest industry in the world and is of economic importance to developing countries in providing employment opportunities, increased quality of life, education opportunities, improvements in infrastructure and promote development and economic growth (Khan 1997:989). However, in recent years, tourism’s contribution to environmental the improvement of living conditions, employment generation for less educated and less-skilled people, has been recognized. The positive and negative aspects of tourism is given below:

Positive Impacts: Economy: The role of tourism as an important source of foreign exchange has been well established the world over. “Tourism has reshaped the economy of some of the countries like Japan, Hong Kong, Spain, Italy, Mauritius, Yugoslavia, France and so on” (Negi, 1990: 80). “Newly

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 40 ...... emerging countries in such areas as the Caribean depend heavilyon tourists income, which often represents the major part of the gross domestic product (GDP). Even developed nations like canada, which derived over 11% of its gross domestic product from international visitors in the year 1989 rely heavilyon the income from tourism” (Bhatia, 1994: 448-449). Earnings from tourism in Nepal, in terms of Convertible Foreign Exchange as well as in Nepalese Rupees has increased tremendously. Compared to FY2001/02, foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector in FY2002/03 increased by 35.7 percent totaling Rs 11.75 billion. This sector earned about Rs. 7.17 billion in the first 6 months of FY2003/04. In terms of foreign exchange earned from the commodity export, earnings of this sector in the said period of FY2003/04 accounts to 27.3 percent. Its ratio to total earnings from commodity export and services combined is 18.0 percent. In the total foreign exchange earnings, its share is 9.1 percent. All the three ratios were in the higher side compared to those of FY2001/02.

Employment: The travel and tourist industry is labour intensive service industry and provides a lot of employment to the people of different levels. “Tourism as a source of employment is particularly important for areas with no alternative sources of employment, as is often in case in non-industrial areas deficient in natural resources other than scenic attractions and climate” (Medik, 1972: 18). Tourism provides employment to a large number of people directly as well as indirectly and it creates a wide range of jobs which extends from the unskilled to the highly specialised. With the rise in tourism, employment level has rised. Experience tells that one hotel bed means employment for one additional person. “The National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) of India had estimated that in 1975 about 9,33,000 persons were employed in tourism industry in India.” (Bhatia, 1993:300). “It has been estimated that about 7% of the working force is employed in tourism in Britain” (Negi, 1990: 77). According to the International Hotels Association 11,194,418 people are employed in Hotel business only in the world, in 1994 (WTO, 1996: 13). In Nepal, also, tourism is proving to be a major generator of employment opportunities. As an employment provider, the role of tourism sector in Nepal is much more significant. According to a survey conducted by Nepal Rastra Bank (1989: 202-242) 8438 people were directly employed in the tourism sector in the fiscal year 1986/87, including 70.10% in Hotels followed by travel agencies (18.3%) and trekking agencies (11.6%). Among the total number of employees, 8309 were Nepalese and the rest 129 were foreigners. In the same way the number of indirect employment was 2852, in the year 1986/87.

FIGURE 4: Direct Employment in FIGURE 5: Indirect Employment in Tourism Sector 1986-87 Tourism Sector 1986-87

4

96

Source:Nepal Rastra Bank (1989) "Income and Employment Source:Nepal Rastra Bank (1989) "Income and Employment Generation from Tourism in Nepal" Generation from Tourism in Nepal"

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 41 ...... Besides, a number of young people are getting employment in mountaineering expedition jobs also. “It is estimated that about 1,40,000 people are getting employment in different sectors of tourism i.e., Hotels, Airlines, TravelAgencies, TrekkingAgencies, Mountaineering etc. in Nepal.” (Aajako Samacharpatra 2053.12.21). It clearly shows the role of tourism in generating more employment in Nepal where alternative opportunities are relatively limited.

Development of trade: Another significant benefit from the travel and tourism industry to the national economy is that it provides impetus to the development of trade. Development of tourism creates demand for different goods and services which will help to promote domestic as well as international trade. Tourism promotes sales of handicrafts, curios, souvenir, textiles, carpets and other products. “According to the study, made in Europe, it is estimated that tourists reserve about 33% of their money for on the spot purchases of national products (Negi, 1990: 86). On the other hand, the goods sold to the tourists is also a part of export trade and the seller does not have to pay for transportation and insurance. Touristin Nepal are found to purchase mainly handicraft items including carpets and have made these items popular in the international arena. The export of carpet has increased significantly from Rs. 7.9 million in 1974/75 to 8875.5 million in 1996/97, recording the highest level of export amounting to Rs. 9594.2 million in the year 1992/93. Similarly the export of handicraft also has increased from Rs. 17.5 million in 1974/75 to Rs. 129.0 million in 1996/97. In terms of percentage share, the share of carpet and handicrafts to total export trade of Nepal, contributes more than 50% since the year 1987/88, recording the highest share of 65.5% in 1990/91. Thus, tourism industry has generated significant indirect benefits through the growth of industrial sector and export trade.

Socio-cultural development: The benefit of tourism cannot be evaulated in terms of economic benefit only, but I has non-economic or social benefits also like socio-cultural, educational, political significance as well. Tourismhas helped people to be conscious about our culture thus, reviving the centuries old culture. We are able to spread our culture far and wide through exchange. It also aids and motivates the preservation cultural heritage. society has benefited from tourism in many ways. It has helped increase the education level in the valley. Social status is increasing along with the tourism. Flow of information is helping us to leave malpractices and take good ones. Revival of culture, conciousness for environment has increased.

Technology: with the increase in tourism, kathmandu has been adopting the new technologies that arrives with the tourists, helping the valley to stay in touch with the technical demand and development of the world.

Infrastructure development: Development and improvement of infrastructure is another important benefit. The benefits from infrastructure investments, justified primarily for tourism - airports, roads, water supply and other public utilities – may be widely shared by the other sectors of the economy. In addition to development of new infrastructure, the improvements in the existing infrastructure which are undertaken in order to attract tourists is also crucial importance. These improvement may confer benefits upon the resident population by providing them with amenities which, hitherto, they had enjoyed.

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 42 ...... Regional development: Tourismis also an instrument in developing economically backward regions of a country. Tourist expenditure is of special significance in marginal areas, which are relatively isolated, economically underdeveloped, and have unemployment problems. In Nepal, many destinations lacking behind in development and transportation facilities like Annapurna areas, Namche, Lukla, Langtang etc. have become economically better off through tourism. Remote and rather inaccessible areas like Kanchanjunga, Makalu-Barun, Upper Gorkha, Dolpa, Jumla and such other places could be developed from tourism point of view.

International Understanding: Tourism can be a vehicle for international understanding and keeping peace in the world by way of bringing diverse people face to face. It has been cited as a major contributor to international goodwill and as a prime means of developing social and cultural understanding among all peoples of the world. People belonging to different countries, practising different lifestyles and speaking different languages, come together to make friends. Tourism has greatly enriched and promoted friendship and goodwill.

Negative Impacts: Tourismhas created new demands for goods and services, and this has exerted new pressures on scarce resources, particularly forests, thus affecting wildlife habitats and pollution. Linked to this, tourism is a symbol of the affluent western life-style and consumerism. The demand of foreign life-styles for market goods is much higher than that of the native population, the majority of whom consist of subsistence agro-pastoralists. The accumulation of plastics, bottles, tin foils, cans and so on along Nepal’s trekking routes reflects this. It has been suggested that recreation and tourism activities in mountain environments are surpassing the resource extraction industry as the single largest threat to the conservation of mountain ecosystems (Denniston, 1995). The impacts of trekking include the excessive widening of trails, soil erosion, soil compaction, and the loss of vegetation (Ceballos-Lascuráin, 1996). Despite the often small scale of trekking impacts, they can take on a greater significance in mountain ecosystems because the areas are often unique and contain rare species and are of high aesthetic value (Monz, 2000). Furthermore, the growing orientation of local population towards the western life style and socio-cultural delinquency including increased use of drugs and a growth in criminal activities, have all been linked to a shift from traditional values induced by the advent of tourism, along with other modernization programmes. With the introduction of tourism, valley has seen drastic adoption of foreign culture. Local culture is fast disappearing with days and demonstration of foreign culture is dominating rather than local ones. There has been serious effects on the food and drinks, dress, habits and lifestyles of the people of Kathmandu.

...... CHAPTER 3 : CONTRIBUTIONS AND IMPACTS OF TOURISM 43 ...... Problems and Suggestions CHAPTER ...... 44 ......

N epal, the living historical museum of the world, is one of the important tourist destination in the world. With the possession of numerous attractions the potentiality of tourism is very high in Nepal. However, the potentiality so far does not seem to have been exploited properly. It's true potentiality can be realised only by proper planning and implementation, appropriate marketing, infrastructures development, new product development and conservation of existing products. There should be institutional coordination and involvement of local communities in sustainable tourism development

5.1 PROBLEMS AND CHALLENGES

Tourismindustry in Kathmandu has been affected by the number of reasons. Some of them are: The pace of steady growth has been broken by the uninterrupted disturbances caused by the frequent Bandhs (strikes), demonstrations and the nation-wide imposition of emergency. Vulnerability of tourism in Nepal due to external factors and international media publicity of internal insurgency. The web sites of embassies of several tourist-generating countries have posted warnings about Maoist insurgency in Nepal. Watching the security condition of Nepal, various countries have issued the travel advisories to their respective nationals not to visit the country which is also posing the major threat. Terrorism is developing fast in our country. With the war going on with the rebels, security in Nepal is considered low creating the problem for industry. The hair raising tales of bombing, kidnapping, extortion, murdering etc are fast reaching to the ears of perspective tourists thus leading to cancel their reservations and the number of tourist police allocated is not enough. Report issued by various international agencies on human right condition and press freedom is posing a threat to the industry as perspective tourists from major countries don’t will to place such like this with such conditions. Lack of proper planning and development of new and existing tourism products, and tourism limited to certain areas of the valley only.

...... CHAPTER 4 : PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS 44 ...... Lack of conservation and development of required infrastructures. Due to lack of financial resources, the conservation, preservation and campaigning of living heritage like cultural, historical and memorial sites have been inadequate. Similarly, due to lack of adequate quality upgradation of the heritage sites and violation of standard practice in the renovation works of areas and monuments enlisted in the World Heritage Site, they have reached at endangered level for being de-listed from the World Heritage Site lists. Tourism development and its expansion have been challenged by unmanaged urbanization, environmental degradation and pollution. Pollution is the major problem of Kathamandu valley. Pollution is to that level that is considered dangerous by the WHO. One of the major constraints facing tourist industry in Kathmandu valley was failure of the municipal government in disposing solid waste which blamed the central government for having failed to provide it with a dumping site. Such a failure in the peak tourist season could hurt arrival of tourists in the future and act as a potential health hazard to the locals. There is an absence of analysis and estimation of the portion of the revenue generated from the tourism sector that stays inside the country, status of the development of the cost-based quality tourism, direct and indirect employment, use of established infrastructure, and necessity of investment. Availability of air seats have been constrained due to the termination of Europe sector flights by Royal and reduction in the number of scheduled flight by international airlines and the failure of the Nepal’s private sector airlines to operate international flights. Lack of Involvement of local communities in managing the heritage sites and making such management self-reliant. Lack of co-ordination in programs and actions between private sector and government and within the private sector despite the establishment of Nepal Tourism Board. Lack of appropriate marketing strategy have resulted in limited growth. Kathmandu is not positioned properly. Nepal had done very little in identifying target market. Tourismindustry is largely affected by the political instability and recent declaration of state of emergency. Lack of proper information system has also constrained tourism development.

5.2 STRATEGIES FOR TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN KATHMANDU

Development of the tourism sector assists the overall development of the national economy and generates foreign currency; it also helps in the economic development of the hilly region that has low agricultural productivity and creates employment in the region. The quality of civil aviation is equally important when considering the development of the tourism sector. Similarly, culture is the treasure of the country and its development and conservation will promote the fame and identity of the country; at the same time, it also helps in the overall social development of the country and the development of the tourism sector. Some of the suggestions for sustainable tourism development in Kathmandu are given below:

...... CHAPTER 4 : PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS 45 ...... Proper TourismPlanning and Implementation: Careful planning and implementation is required in order to achieve overall objectives of the tourism development. There should be comprehensive planning regarding tourist infrastructure, management of tourist attractions and facilities and accommodation and transport services, marketing and promotion, upgrading and improving a destination’s attractiveness. Institutional coordination and community involvement in the entire process of tourism planning and development is crucial.

Product Development: Visitors wants to experience new things. New products and packages should be identified and developed. There are various unexploited places in Kathmandu which could be developed as new products. Local communities should be involved in identifying new products. Similarly the existing products should be upgraded, improved and conserved. The monuments in perils should be renovated as fast as possible before they vanish in the mud. Proper planning should be done for the conservation and preservation of historical, cultural, religious and archaeological heritages and enhancing their practical utilization. The new destinations can be promoted as village tourism, pilgrimage tourism, sports tourism, adventure tourism etc.

Infrastructure Development and Improving Service and Quality: Improvement in facilities and services to visitors is needed. Uncertainty of air seat capacity, especially of Royal Nepal Airlines (RNAC), is the major constraint for tourism development. RNAC should increase its air seat capacity and private airlines should be allowed to operate immediately even in those routes where RNAC operates. Besides, RNAC should make its flights regular and reliable. The airport and airlines service with necessary infrastructure should be developed to ensure domestic and international travel. Private sector should be involved in airport construction, operation and long-distance airlines service. The government should give due attention in to developing and improving road transportation.

Environmental Protection: One of the man problems faced by Nepalese tourism is the deteriorating conditions of the environment To implement priority programs such as environmental protection, garbage management, alternative energy, employment generation and awareness raising activities, coordination among the governmental, non-governmental and private sector should be enhanced. Special monitoring should be done to check pollution in protected areas like trekking, mountaineering and other environment-sensitive areas. For this, solid waste situation in Kathmandu must be improved. Pollution should be controlled by enforcing standards to vehicles, industries and other sources of pollution at the valley level in Kathmandu. Environment awareness should be created by making people aware of the effects of tourism. Providing tourists with information on scarcity of natural resources can also do this. Similarly Environmental Graphic Designing (EGD) should be done with a professional Nepali look.

Institutional Co-ordination and Regulation: As tourism industry is fragmented with many players, problems have arisen because of conflicting interests. There should be

...... CHAPTER 4 : PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS 46 ...... adequate co-ordination in programs and actions between private sector and government. Everyone should take responsibility for achieving sustainable development. Local bodies’ involvement should be emphasized in developing new tourist spots. Under the initiative of the NTB, and the participation of the private sector, publicity and promotion works should be done. Tomake the tourist’s travel safe and well-managed, various government recognized agencies like travel and trekking should be encouraged to coordinate travel programmes.

Human Resource Development: Efficient and professional management is an obvious prerequisite of successful tourism development. In planning for human resources development, programmes should be established to screen and train prospective employees so that they could acquire both attitudinal as well as technical skills. In order to increase quality and standard in tourism service, tourism manpower training programs should be conducted regularly. Private sectors should also be mobilized to carry out the training activities in an integrated manner. Higher educational institution and regional mountaineering academy should be established in tourism sector to improve tourism education. Local manpower should be encouraged to be involved in the tourism industry and business to the extend possible.

Protection, Promotion and Management of Cultural, Religious, Archaeological, and Natural Heritages: Positive attitude of people towards cultured tourism should be promoted to support tourism service.. Archaeological survey, exploration, protection, and excavation of the areas of national importance should be carried out. Cultural uniqueness and religious tradition that supports tourism sector should be protected and conserved. There should be mandatory implementation of guidelines for the protection of the areas under world heritage and of archaeological importance. There should be active participation of the local, non-governmental and private sector in the protection and promotion of the heritages to make such activities self-reliant and income generating. For the Study, protection and promotion of literature, arts and culture, there should be legal protection and recognition of works of various literatures, writers, musicians, artists etc and encouragement to new talents.

Empowerment of Local Communities: Tourism should be initiated with the help of broad based community input. Community-based participation is key to sustainable tourism development Local people need to be informed and consulted on key issues at all stages in their development and involved in decision-making about project design and implementation. This leads to greater efficiency, effectiveness, self-reliance, coverage, sustainability and equity. It provides opportunities for local people to become educated about the purpose and benefits of the development, increasing their support. Work actively with indigenous leaders, women and minority groups to insure that indigenous cultures and communities are depicted accurately and with respect. Strengthen, nurture and encourage the community’s ability to maintain and use traditional skills. Education and training programs to improve and manage heritage and natural resources should be established. Financial incentives for local businesses should be provided to enter tourism.

...... CHAPTER 4 : PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS 47 ...... Improve Information and Communication System: Technology is becoming embedded in all sorts of products and services. Different information technologies have now offered many opportunities for improving the delivery of different services. In tourism, what is being sold and distributed is primarily information about various facilities to be used. Internet has brought a big change in the methods of sales and marketing of different tourism products, reservation systems in airlines, hotels etc. Therefore, for the tourism development, new technologies like on-line reservation systems in hotels, airlines and travel agencies, touch-screen information kiosks, interactive TV’s virtual tour etc. should be developed and promoted. Newer techniques of data processing, transmission of data and telecommunication such as satellite television, cable television networks, videotext, internet should be developed to accelerate tourism.

Promoting Eco-tourism: The keys to making tourism manageable and beneficial to local communities, while linking it to the overall social and environmental development of the region, include: providing training opportunities; promoting alternative energy sources and fuel efficient devices; Charging entry fees to international trekkers; etc. Bio-diversity conservation and proper waste management systems should be developed. A natural and cultural museum should be built to promote local culture and tradition simultaneously training the local people in order to produce local arts and crafts so that non-lodge owners can also benefit from tourism. Basic infrastructure such as drinking water, trails and bridges, schools and health care systems and camping facilities will be improved so that it will not only benefit tourists but also local people. Most importantly emphasis should be given. Emphasis should placed on developing a grassroots approach to sustainable tourism programmes, which can assist in environmental protection while addressing the local need for social, cultural and economic development through the careful selection of programmes, people’s participation, institutionalization of local bodies, and more importantly, by sensitizing the local people.

Marketing and Promotion: Tourism being a high publicity product and a highly competitive industry, it should be marketed properly. The true potentialities of Kathmandu can be realised only by proper marketing strategies. Overall, word of mouth and personal recommendations from friends are the main sources of information. We must continue to promote such visitors. Tourism marketing should be done jointly by the government and the private sector to promote destination, promote products and to counter poor or bad publicity abroad. Publicity should be made at international level through different popular international travel trade magazines, journals, and various other media in major originating markets. Target markets and segments should be identified on the basis of continuous market analysis. Destination Kathmandu should be branded and strongly positioned in the international market. There is a need to create and consistently apply a branded approach to destination marketing. Destination marketing website needs to developed. Prioritisation should be made on the basis of our product strength, market trend and need and strategies of other competitors. Pricing of tourism products also needs proper study and analysis. Also, promotional packages. Proper budgeting and resource allocation and continuous monitoring and feedback are also necessary to realise defined targets.

...... CHAPTER 4 : PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS 48 ...... 5.3 FUTURE OF KATHMANDU CITY

Every moment is a new experience in Kathmandu. The city has something to offer for everyone and has held a very powerful appeal as a tourist destination. Kathmandu can offer an abundance of products which will attract both general and special interest holiday-makers. Even more powerfully, once people have visited Kathmandu, a high percentage of these visitors wish to return again and again. At present Kathmandu’s image as a holiday destination is under pressure due to violence and political unrest and from competition due to better resourced marketing of other destinations. Influencing the image of Kathmandu through more effective marketing is therefore critical. Kathmandu possess a number of unique selling proposition. It must be distinguished from other exotic destinations in order to stand out on a very competitive market place. Therefore, the consistent use of brand and marketing message is necessary. By concentrating on Kathmandu’s inherent product strengths, unique culture, climate, history, natural environment and friendly peoples, the city should be repositioned as a varied and multifaceted destination, with world class cultural tourism and special interest tourism products, in addition to pilgrimage, meetings, incentives, conventions and events (MICE), business and sports tourism.

For the future development of Kathmandu as “must see” destination, the diverse products of Kathmandu should be clustered and separate marketing strategy should be developed for each cluster. The varied products of Kathmandu can be clustered into (I) Culture, traditions and people cluster, (ii) Cities and leisure cluster, (iii) Outdoors and adventure cluster, (iv) Religion and pilgrimage cluster and (v) nature and wildlife cluster. And Special interest marketing should be introduced targeting meetings, conventions, incentives and events, niche products and sports tourism. Therefore, for the sustained tourism development in Kathmandu, there is a need to expand marketing activities, expand the menu of potential destinations, upgrade and develop the existing products, improve infrastructures, and overall institutional coordination and empowerment of local communities is essential.

...... CHAPTER 4 : PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS 49 ...... Recommendations and Conclusions CHAPTER ...... 55 ......

KK athmandu should be positioned as a varied and multi-faceted destination, by concentrating on it's inherent product strengths, unique culture, traditions, climate, history, natural environment and friendly peoples. A significant increase in marketing effort is needed to promote Kathmandu as one of the world's leading "must see" destination and increase its economic contribution to the economy. A strong Kathmandu tourism brand needs to be developed and consistent use of message, slogans and brand is necessary.

6.1 RECOMMENDATIONS

Since tourism is a rapidly growing phenomenon worldwide, the tourism industry has become a powerful engine for economic development and a major foreign exchange generator. In today’s globalised marketplace, strategic planning are becoming key elements of tourism policy. In this fourth stage destinations must think strategically; policy must be designed to position the destination to attract identified markets, create value through innovation, encourage partnerships between stakeholders and coordinate actions and initiatives. The new age of tourism needs five areas of tourism planning: (a) Tourism Product amd Supply Factor, (b) Environment Factor, (c) Human Resource Development, (d) Competitiveness, Quality and Efficiency, and (e) Marketing, Information and Communication Strategy. Strategic management and planning needs to be applied. It includes environmental scanning (both external and internal), strategy formulation (strategic or long-range planning), strategy implementation, and evaluation and control. The strategic management emphasizes the monitoring and evaluating of external opportunities and threats in the light of a corporation’s strengths and weaknesses. For the sustained development of tourism industry in Kathmandu, following recommendations are given on the basis of this study:

(a) TourismProducts and Supply Factor: We should focus on the quantitative expansion of the tourism industry through the development as well as management of potential tourism resources in a manner that generates the extreme benefits; Standardisation of tourism products is needed in order to attract quality tourists. Visitors want to experience new

...... CHAPTER 5 : RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 50 ...... things and new products. New products/ packages should be explored and developed. Existing products should be upgraded. The government should give significant emphasis to approach more international airlines to come to Nepal or fly via Nepal. An alternative international airport should be developed in the Terai region at a location which will be technically and economically sound and viable from market perspectives. Improvement in facilities and services to visitors at TIA is needed. The government should give due attention to developing and improving road transportation. For access to new areas, roads should be constructed in strategic ways, regular maintenance of roads is also necessary at least in the tourist frequented areas. A proportion of tourism revenue may be allocated for this purpose. There is a significant need to improve the process and service of immigration and customs in Nepal and the government must extend immediate attention to improve the situation. We should focus on setting up preventive measures and assistance facilities for the safety, security and sanitation to tourists. The measures should cover the accessibility of tourists to countries’ diplomatic and consular representatives as well as repatriation of tourists. Safety, security and sanitation are the key factors for the tourists to make a decision to travel or not to travel to any destination.

(b) Environment Factor: We need to focus on environment issues especially pollution in Kathmandu Valley, major trekking routes and touristic places. Solid waste situation in Kathmandu must be improved. Pollution should be controlled by enforcing standards to vehicles, industries and other sources of pollution at the valley level in Kathmandu. Necessary attention is required to maintain hygiene standard in the country. Adequate monitoring should be done to ensure adherence to appropriate hygiene standards in the areas of food and drinks, drinking water etc. We need to develop as well as promote sustainable tourism with the least environmental, natural, social and cultural impact, so as to preserve the existing national resources for the benefits of later generations. We should give emphasis to the empowerment of local administration organization in managing tourism products, such as environmental protection, reducing adverse social impacts, and conservation of the cultural heritage of people in their areas. Similarly Environmental Graphic Designing (EGD) should be done with a professinal Nepali look. There should be consistent use of colors, signs, logo, typography, designs for the arrows, signs, maps, traffic signs, dustbins, boards etc. in every corner of the city with a Nepali touch. The shops, houses, hotels, traffic islands, offices should also be designed consistently to make the city look clean and attractive.

(c) Human Resource Development: Human resources development is especially important in tourism because service activity depending in large part for it success on the quality of personnel working in tourism. Persons working in the many aspects of tourism must be properly trained. The general public and people living in tourism areas must be educated about tourism. Even the tourists themselves must be informed about their destination- its geography, history, cultural patterns and society- and encouraged to respect it. Tourism education and training institutions should play the catalyst and coordinating roles with all stakeholders in each region or destinations.

...... CHAPTER 5 : RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 51 ...... (d) Competitiveness, Quality and Efficiency: Tourismpolicy and planning need strategic thinking by differentiated tourism products and to compete with the other regions by improving the quality of tourism products and the efficiency of the tourism operation. In terms of the diversity in cultures, economy, and natural resources of the nations in the Asian region, we must take advantages of these diversities to create the complementary advantages across the region. This leads to position its tourism destination according to its diversity of each nation. In terms of competition among nations in the region, each nation has to compete in the light of competitive differentiation, service quality, and productivity. It is clear that to compete and survive in the current global environment, we must understand the rules and scope of competition, the competitors involved. To improve the competitiveness of Kathmandu tourism industry, we have to identify specific target market we want to serve and to create more value added product and service to satisfy our customers. Market segmentation, target market and product positioning; quality and efficiency; and human resources development are the key strategies for the competition within the Asian region.

(e) Marketing, Information and Communication Strategy: We should use Kathmandu’s uniqueness as the country’s selling point while establishing a brand image for each region and push them to be developed accordingly; The products should be presented from different points of view in order to meet the tourists’ demands. Many holidaymakers are already accustomed to arranging their trips online. 727 million of people worldwide have access to internet and are increasingly using this medium for booking travel. Therefore, more and more destinations’ website needs to be developed and internet marketing should be done efficiently. information should be provided to tourists before and after they arrive at their destinations. Various types of information should be available - the general geographical, historical and cultural background of the area; the attractions facilities and services (and their costs) that are available; transportation schedules; location of shopping, medical and postal facilities, consulates, embassies and religious institutions; and other specific information. The press, and particularly the specialized travel press and other media, including modern means of electronic communication, should issue honest and balanced information on events and situations that could influence the flow of tourists; they should also provide accurate and reliable information to the consumers of tourism services; the new communication and electronic commerce technologies should also be developed and used for this purpose. Marketing and tourist information units should be established in this organization too. Emphasis should be given for the development of an integrated management of information, public relations and customer relations through the use of information technology.

...... CHAPTER 5 : RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 52 ...... 6.3 CONCLUSIONS

Every moment is a new experience in Kathmandu. Kathmandu possess a number of tourism attractions for both general and speical interest tourist. However, Kathmandu has not been able to manage and market tourism on a sound and professional basis. Lack of institutional co- ordination among the government and the private sector is well pronounced. One of the major problems to tourism like growing environmental problems and poor preservation and development of touristic resources have not been addressed. Unless Nepal addresses these issues, sustained development of tourism will not be possible. Tourism is a highly competitive industry and every country is trying to develop it. So, Nepal must overcome its problems on a systematic and time bound basis and develop industry on professional lines. Some sections of the industry has started to professionalise by initiating links with international chains or providing management contracts or hiring qualified experts from international arena. These are noteworthy but not adequate. The study has clearly shown the paucity of marketing efforts of Nepal. In this respect Nepal must make efforts to market Nepal’s advantages and differentiate it among other tourism spots as per the needs and potentials of the market. Nepal can be the “Tourism Capital of Asia” if it’s tourism products are managed properly and strategic planning should be done for the sustained tourism development. Strategic policy must be designed to position the destination to attract identified markets, create value through innovation, encourage partnerships between stakeholders and coordinate actions and initiatives. To promote Kathmandu as “Must see” destination, there should be proper tourism planning and management regarding Tourism product and supply factor, Environment factor, Human Resource Development, Competitiveness, Quality and Efficiency, and Marketing, Information and Communication Strategy. Tourismpolicy and planning need strategic thinking by differentiated tourism products and to compete with the other regions by improving the quality of tourism products and the efficiency of the tourism operation. In today’s competitive world, tourism in Kathmandu cannot be developed unless aggressive marketing and promotion is done with the assurance of safety and security. The image of Kathmandu as “the living historical museum of the world” can be sustained only if we could conserve and improve the conditions of our historical temples, monuments, archaeological sites and cultural heritage.

...... CHAPTER 5 : RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS 53 ...... References ......

Banskota, K., Sharma, B., Neupane, I. & Gyawali, P. (1995) A Rapid Assessment of the Quality Tourism Project. Kathmandu: CREST. Bhatia, A.K., (2001) International Tourism Management, New Delhi: Sterling Pulbishers Private Limited; 2001 Ee Alwis, R., (1997) Issues in and prospects for development of tourism in Nepal - An agenda for action. Kathmandu: UNDP. Central Bureau of Statistics, HMG/Nepal (2003), Statistical Year Book of Nepal, 2003 Kathmandu. Department of Tourism, HMG/Nepal (2003). Nepal Tourism Master Plan. Kathmandu. Department of Tourism, HMG/Nepal (1996) Nepal: A Visitor’s Guide. Kathmandu. Department of Tourism, HMG/Nepal (1996) Nepal For All Seasons. Kathmandu. Department of Tourism, HMG/Nepal (1962-1998) Nepal Tourism Statistics (Various Issues) Kathmandu. Department of Tourism, HMG/Nepal (1997) The Festivals of Nepal. Kathmandu. Dowman, K. and Bubriski, K. (1995) Power Places of Kathmandu. Hindu and Buddhist Holy Sites in the Sacred Valley of Nepal. London: Thames & Hudson. FNCCI (1996), Directory of Tourism, Kathmandu HMG/Nepal (1995), Tourism Policy, 1995 HMG/Nepal, Ministry of Finance, Economic Survey, 2003-4, Kathmandu National Planning Commission, HMG/Nepal The Ninth Plan Kathmandu. National Planning Commission, HMG/Nepal (2003). The Tenth Plan (Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper) 2002–2007. Kathmandu. Nepal Rastra Bank. (1989). Income and Employment Generation from Tourismin Nepal. Kathmandu. Nepal, S.K. (1997) Sustainable Tourism,Protected Areas, and Livelihood Needs of Local Communities in Developing Countries. International Journal of Sustainable Development & World Pradhan, Kamal Maiya (1997) Planning Tourism in Nepal Vikas, New Delhi Pradhanang, Surenddra Bhakta (2000) Tourists’ Consumption Patterns and its Economic Impact in Nepal Adroit Publishing, Delhi

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...... REFERENCES 55 ...... ABOUT THE AUTHOR ABOUT THE AUTHER

Mr.Ammar Raj Guni, born Mr. Ananda Kr. Maharjan on october14th 1979 and born on 11th March, 1983, associated with the guiding He has BBS degree in profession has been working Tourism Marketing. He has from a long years. His inherent interest on keen interest on Tourism promotion, tourism promotion specially tour and marketing and exploring new destinations. trekking sector has taken him various Apart from these, He has been working as a destination and taught him priceless lessons Creative Visualizer in a well-known designing in relations to trekking and tour of Nepal. and print production house. Thus he has good layout and pre-press knowledge. And Mr.Guni, a man with the Buddhism religion he is wizard at web-page designing and font interests, has traveled to the various parts of development. He is also interested in Kathmandu District to write this guide book. Environmental Graphic Designing. Not only the geography of the trekking spots has been made to cover relevant aspect of Born on Kathmandu, he has travelled almost trekking including notes on significant all the parts of Kathmandu and has explored sightseeing spots, flora and fauna of the areas the touristic places that can be promoted as concerned. prime destinations.

I am of the conviction that the book shall be This guidebook can be helpful to anyone who widely accepted and shall prove extremely wish to travel and visit Kathmandu and know useful for all kinds of travelers who seek to its culture, customs and traditions. The discover Kathmandu valley. The guidebook guidebook focuses on the tourism also suggest measures and strategies to boost attractions, accommodations, accessibility the tourism in Kathmandu. and amenities of Kathmandu city.