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IntroductionNepal possesses the scenic frontiers, well nestled in the laps of the Himalayas. Apart from the breathtaking views of the great Himalayan ranges, the small yet important country id famous for its Shiva temples, Buddhist monasteries and some of the best walking trails on earth. It's a kind of dream, which lingers for long in your memory. The natural beauty and the enchanting landscapes in Nepal leave the tourists spellbound while their tour to Nepal. The ideal time to visit Nepal is between October-November when the surroundings in Nepal are in full bloom with verdant greenery and pleasant climate.
The pilgrims coming here to visit the holy Pashupatinath Shiva temple always throng Kathmandu. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, the city of Kathmandu is washed by the gushing Bagmati river whose Ghats (banks) are known for performing the cremation rituals. Kathmandu is also renowned for the Buddhist temple - Swayanbhunath or the 'Monkey Temple'. To have the panoramic views of the snow caped Dhaulagiri ranges and Mt. Everest peak or have a stroll amidst the rhododendron forests, you can visit Daman situated 2322m (7616ft) above sea level.
The religious satiation for the Hindus lies in visiting the southern end of the Kathmandu Valley where stands the temple of Dakshinkali dedicated to the six-armed goddess Kali, Shiva's consort in her most sanguinary incarnation. One more important pilgrimage in Nepal is Janakpur believed to be the birthplace of Sita (Wife of Rama in Ramayana). The nature lovers can discover a relaxing refuge in the Chitwan National Park and Nagarjuna Forest Reserve meant for the conservation of wildlife - elephant, rhinoceros, tiger, leopard and deer.
Pokhra is known for its mesmerising beauty and the historical and architectural buildings that captivate your attention. Patan - the second largest city after Kathmandu along the banks of Bagmati River displays the Newari architecture in its beautifully sculpted temples. The medieval city Bhaktapur has the buildings, which have the glorified architecture dating back to 17th century. Bhaktapur features Nyatapola, the highest temple in the valley. The Til Mahadev Narayan in the city is an important pilgrimage destination. The Potters' Square is a place where millions of clay pots are made daily and sold in wholesale. The temples, monasteries and craft museums are other important tourist places in Bhaktapur.
For the adventure buffs and sport lovers there is enough scope for rafting and kayaking on the Trisuli River near Kathmandu and the Sun Kosi in Dolalghat. The most thrilling treks include the Karnali (a two-day trek from Surkhet) and the Tamur (a three-day trek from Dobhan in eastern Nepal). The mountain biking in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara and safari in the Terai region are also equally adventurous to satisfy your spirit. You can also attend a range of language, spiritual, medicinal and yoga courses available in Kathmandu and other places in Nepal at various temples and monasteries.
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