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Bhaktapur, situated at an altitude of 1401 meters, is a home of medieval
art and architecture. The urban city covers an area of 4 square miles. Shaped like a conch
shell, Bhaktapur means "the city of devotees". Pottery and weaving are its
traditional industries. The city lies about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu and can be
reached by public transport and by trolley buses. The major sightseeing places in
Bhaktapur include:
Durbar Square:
The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural
showpieces like: the Lion Gate, a Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, a Picture Gallery, the
Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Batsala Temple, the Bell of Barking Dogs, and a
replica of Pashupatinath Temple.
The Lion Gate which was built during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla
is adorned with stone figures of Hanuman, Ghairav, and Narasingh Narayan. A statue of the
Malla King in the act of worship is placed on a column facing the palace. Of the many
statues in Nepal, this is considered to be the most magnificent. The Golden Gate is the
entrance to the main courtyard and the Palace of 55 Windows. It was built by King Ranjit
Malla and is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind showing the
Goddess Kali and Garuda, the winged carrier of Lord Vishnu. This gate is embellished with
monsters of marvelous intricacy.
Nayatpola Temple:
This five story pagoda was built in 1702 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands on a
five story terraced platform. On each of the terraces squats pairs of figures: two famous
wrestlers, two elephants, two lions, two griffins, and Baghini and Singhini, the tiger and
the lion goddesses. Each pair of figures is considered ten times stronger than the ones
immediately below, while the lowest pair, the two strong men, Jaya Malla and Phatta Malla,
were reputedly ten times stronger than any other men. This is one of the tallest pagodas
and is famous for its massive structure and subtle workmanship.
Bhairavnath Temple:
This temple was first built as a one-story pagoda during the reign of King Jagat Jyoti
Malla, and later changed into a three story temple in 1718 A.D. by King Bhupatindra Malla.
The temple is noted for its artistic grandeur. It is dedicated to Lord Bhairav, the god of
Terror.
Dattatraya Temple:
This temple is said to have been built from he trunk of a single tree. It was built in
1427 A.D. during the reign of King Yakchhya Malla and was repaired in 1458 A.D. by King
Bishwor Malla.
Pujari Math:
Near the Dattarraya temple is a monastery with carved peacock windows. This monastery was
built by King Yakchhya Malla.
Surya Vinayak: This is a shrine of Ganesh, the elephant-headed God, situated in the beautiful surroundings of Bhadgaon, placed in a sylvan setting to catch the first rays of the rising sun. The view of the city of Bhaktapur is seen from here with snow-capped peaks in the background. Nestled in a thick forest, it is a good picnic spot flanked by many attractive landscapes.
Changu Narayan:
Located at the end of a long ridge, which runs well into the Valley, this temple is said
to have been build in 323 A.D. by King Hari Dutta Varma. The temple is richly decorated
with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the Valley. Situated
about 153 meters above the level of Kathmandu Valley, it affords a beautiful view of the
surrounding countryside. An all-weather motorable road connects it with Bhaktapur city.
Nagarkot:
Nagarkot is a popular tourist resort. It is located 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu at an
altitude of 2175 meters above sea-level. A panorama of the major peaks of the eastern
Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), can be seen from here. Himalayan
peaks like Manaslu (8463), Ganesh Himal (7111), Langan (7246), Choba Bhamre (6016),
Gaurishanker (7134), and Number (6957) are also clearly seen from Nagarkot. A motorable
road links Nagarkot with Bhaktapur.
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:
Royal Nepalese Embassy
12A Kensington Palace Gardens
London
W8 4QU
Tel: 0171-229-1594
Fax: 0171-792-9861
E-Mail: 101642.43@compuserve.com
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
