Traveller's Guide

Places to see - day Tripper

DHAPAKHYO
About 12 km southeast downtown Kathmandu, a medieval village drones on in blissful oblivion like it has for centuries. Far removed from the urban bustle, Dhapakhyo (Dhapakhel) invites all those who seek peace and quiet and a bit of scenery to go with it. The village is a popular pilgrimage spot as well, besides being a pristine nature sanctuary. It religious significance comes from Naghada, literally serpent pond, which is situated here.

The sacred pool attracts many devotees, especially during the festival of Nag Panchami (August 19th). On this day, pilgrims throng the site to worship the divine serpents which dwell in the pond. The holy serpents are revered as protectors of the valley and as rain givers.

As far as scenery is concerned, there as few places in the valley that even come close. You could get lost in the lush greenery all around; and the snow covered Himalaya leviating in the skyline behind the Mahabharat hills makes for an enchanting sight. There are few tourists here (or local visitors for that matter) because of its total seclusion.

The road to Dhapakhyo branches off from the Ring Road at Sat Dobato. From here it's a pleasent countryside drive with rice fields to the left and right. You meet farmers toiling in their fields and the children grazing animals on the meadows. So, if you are looking for a read gateway, hire a cab or grab a mountain bike and head for one of Kathmandu's best kept secrets.

***

ICHANGU
Ichanhu Narayan is situated to the west of Kathmandu behind the Swayambhu stupa. It is one of the four main shrines of the Hindu God Narayan that stand at the four corners of the valley and provide protection to its inhabitants. Hidden in the hills at a distance of about 11km from downtown Kathmandu, the village of Inchangu offers a bit of religion, a bit of history and a lot of hiking.

To get there, follow the dirt road accross the Ring Road from the Swayambhu bus stop. After passing a limestone quarry, the road turns into a trail leading you through scattered villages. Inchangu is reached after an exhilarating one hour walk.

The temple of Inchangu Narayan (meaning Narayan of the East) is a two roofed pagoda that dates back to the fifth century. The shrine attracts many pilgrims, especially on the full moon day of August. This is "visit the Narayan day" when devotees make pilgrimages to all the four Narayan temples in the valley.

Even if you cannot make it on this special occassion, you should visit Inchangu to experience a part of Kathmandu that few tourists get to see.

***

GENERAL INFORMATION

1. Visa can be obtained from the Royal Nepalese Embassy, Mon-Fri 1000-1200 hrs. Visas can also be obtained on arrival in Kathmandu at Tribhuvan International Airport.

2.Once the Visa is granted it has to be used within six months from the date of issue. It is valid for 30 days for single entry & double entry and 60 days for multiple entry, from the date of entry into Nepal.

3.Once the visa is issued it cannot be amended or revalidated. Visa fees are 20 pound per person for single entry for 30 days and 30 pound per person for double entry for 30 days and 45 pound per person for multiple entry for 60 days. Minimum time required for processing visa is 24 hrs. Application by post takes two to three weeks.

4. One passport size photo required along with visa form.

5. Personal cheques and credit cards are not accepted, only British Postal Order/Sterling Pound Draft and S.A.E for U.K. and International coupon for other countries for return of passport(s).

For further queries, please contact:

Useful Telephone Numbers

Royal Nepalese Embassy - 0171-229-6231,
                        Visa Section - 0171-229-1594
                                     Fax - 0171-792-9861

Royal Nepal Airlines - 0171-494-0974
                 Reservation - 0171-287-4949

Cargo Service                 - 0171-384-3359
Travel Services              - 0171-757-2757
Travellers Cheque        - 0171-757-2022
Health & Immunisation - 0171-637-9899
Travel Insurance            - 0171-757-2102
Car Hire                          - 0171-757-2000

Airports :
      London City Airport - 0171-474-5555
      London Gatwick      - 01293-535353
      London Heathrow    - 0181-759-4321
      London Luton           - 01582-405-100
      London Stansted      - 01279-680-500
      Manchester               - 0161-489-3000
      Birmingham               - 0121-767-5511

Emergency - 999
International Code for Nepal - 00-977-1

THE VISIT NEPAL YEAR
A world of it’s own

For further Information on the following ,

Trekking, Mountaineering, River Rafting, Jungle Safari, Accomodation,
Air Ticketing, National Park, Wildlife Reserve......

Foreign Investment

Tourism Sector, and others.......

PLEASE CONTACT :
                        Dhruba K.C
                        Department of Tourism, Nepal
                        Public Relation Function, UK
                        41 Nightingale Road
                        London, NW10 4RG
                        Tel :- 0181-965-6042
                        Fax :- 0181-357-2552/0181-961-6344