Swyambhu/Patan/ Pashupati/Bouddha Tour

Additional Information

Swyambunath Stupa

Swyambhu is 3 km away from the West of Kathmandu. The ancient tale has it that thousands of years ago Swayambhunath was an island. Later a stupa was built. King Manadeva contributed to the making of the stupa in 460. After the invasions by the Mughals, it was distorted and had to undergo renovation in the 14th century. King Pratap Malla in the 17th century further enhanced the architecture. And also added a stairway to get to the stupa. At present, the stupa is a solid hemisphere of brick and clay, supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. And has Lord Buddha’s eyes adorned on all four sides of the spire base? Further, Buddhists regard it as the holiest place. Swayambhunath also offers a majestic view of the entire Kathmandu valley.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan is bounded by 4 stupas built by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BC as recorded in history. As, Patan is also called Lalitpur. There are several legends attached to the origin of the term, Lalitpur. One such legend says that in ancient times Kathmandu was engulfed with severe drought and three people were assigned to summon God Red Machhendranath from Kamaru Kamachhya, a place in Assam, India, into the valley for rainfalls. Among the three people, one was a farmer named Lalit who was believed to have contributed more. When the rain finally poured into the valley, people as a sign of gratitude Sanskritized the valley after his name and the term ‘pur’ meaning township, and was finally named Lalitpur. Similarly, Another tale boasts that the valley was named after king Yalamber.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Built in the 1st or 2nd century and later renovated by Malla kings, the site itself is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.

The largest temple complex in Nepal, it stretches on both sides of the Bagmati River which is considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda-style temple has a gilded roof, and four sides covered in silver, and wood carvings of the finest quality. Further, Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath.

Boudhanath Stupa

Bouddhanath stupa is an ancient stupa regarded as one of the world’s biggest stupas and has been built on a stepped octagonal base and inset with alcoves representing Buddha and his teachings. After the Chinese invasion in 1959, Tibetans in thousands came to this famous Buddhist Chaitya and energized the stupa. The stupa is surrounded by various temples or ‘gompas’.

The atmosphere of the whole place lightens up with zest as the fragrance of incense drifts through the air. The chanting of monks and the creaking of prayer wheels can be heard while strolling around the base. It is one of the prime sites for pilgrims and tourists in the country.