Kathmandu, Nepal - the heart of the Himalayas

In early 1850, visited the English explorer, Francis Egerton, Nepal and described the city of Kathmandu as he saw it then: "A picturesque, idyllic temple for research and a cluster of houses away eaved, richly decorated with wood carvings, are a close-up cute. The level is below a great river, on the other side of which stands the city, with its many Chinese temple in appearance, the work of brass, with which they are decorated in glittering sun. "

Kathmandubeen off limits to most foreigners for many years since then, and it was not until 1951 that the tourists were able to visit Nepal. In the small valley of Kathmandu and is surrounded by high mountains, is a medieval city of Kathmandu with great artistic and architectural traditions that have miraculously survived through the centuries.

The old city of Kathmandu is a masterpiece of urban planning created by Newar people.

Most of the traditional buildings are built of red brick and dark wood.Courtyards and plazas abound on all sides, so even if the roads are narrow and there are a lot of people a sense of space and harmony. The windows and doors of the traditional houses are decorated with elaborate carvings vary.

royal palace in Kathmandu is a massive structure, with thick mud walls, shady porches and 55 yards. E 'decorated with huge amounts of gilded copper.

The temples of Kathmandu are everywhere. small shrines are located inCorti (Chowk), squares and alleys, and are part of everyday life.

Dozens of Mandir (temple) are scattered around Durbar Square, including the pagoda Jagannath Mandir in the sixteenth century.

West of the city on a hill with splendid views of the city is the Buddhist stupa (structure similar to the sacred mound) called Swayambhu (or Swayambhunath). This is the oldest and most sacred Buddhist shrine in Kathmandu.

Atop the hill is a cube withfamous "Buddha's eyes" seen in all four directions, and the whole building is surmounted by a golden spire. Swayambhunath is sometimes referred to as the monkey temple because of the hundreds of monkeys that roam the temple is limited. Nepal's leading and most sacred Hindu temple Pashupatinath. E 'dramatic on the banks of the Bagmati river on the east side of Kathmandu. The temple is built like a pagoda, with some of the roofs covered with copper overlaidGold.

Pashupatinath is considered important Shiva (Pashupati) temple in the world and Hindu pilgrims come here from all over the world, even when viewed from any corner of Nepal and India. The temple complex is an incredible scene to see Ghats with pilgrims, half naked sadhus (holy men), ritual bathing in the river, and cremation.

Not far from Bodnath Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist monument outside Tibet. Bodnath is the largest stupa in Nepal, and isthe religious center for the large community of Tibetans in Nepal.

Kathmandu heritage is much more than its architecture. Visitors can enjoy the celebration, crafts and walks close to the foothills of the Himalayas. Kathmandu will be richly rewarded the visitor who is willing to stay for more than a day or two and those who try, the city and the culture a bit 'more and to meet and socialize with people to explore on site. With the changes of mass in Kathmandu with the start of mass productionTourism, democracy, globalization and new technologies, many traditions of life and many are lost in Kathmandu, particularly among the younger generation.

Modern Kathmandu has its share of problems such as poverty and pollution.

But the visitors to see and experience a city and a culture that is very different from the typical city in your country, nor is Kathmandu is a remarkable place and unforgettable in the heart of the Himalayas.