Outside The Valley

Gorkha:
The old kingdoms of the present Shah dynasty is a beautiful natural hill region with the Gorkha Durbar and the temples of Gorakhnath and Kali a top hill. The famous pilgrimage spot Manakamana lies south-east from Gorkha.

Chitwan:
Chitwan has one of the most attractive national park located at southern central Nepal. The main attraction of this place is the Royal Chitwan National Park which is one of the largest forest regions in Asia teeming with wild life such as the rare great one horned rhinoceros, several species of deer, sloth bear, leopard, wild boar, fresh water dolphin, crocodile, more than 350 species of birds and the elusive Royal Bengal Tiger. It is just five-hour drive from Kathmandu.

Muktinath:
The renown temple of God Muktinath is situated in the district of Mustang and is 3749 m on a high mountain ridge. It is about 18 kilometers north-east of Jomsom. While going to the holy place of Muktinath the trail starts from the picturesque valley of Pokhara. All along the trail from Pokhara to Jomsom, the natural panorama is very impressive. The whole area opens out in all its serenity, grandeur and color, set admist all splendors of snow-capped peaks of Machhapuchre, Annapurna, Dhaulagiri, Nilgiri etc. The landscape is arid and rocky from Jomsom with patches of green cultivation. Muktinath is equally visited both by Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims. It is a revered pilgrimage spot nestled in the arid Himalaya Canyons. The shrine of Muktinath is venerated and worshipped by Tibetans as well and they have constructed some Gompas or monasteries near the shrines.

Manakamana:
This is also the famous pilgrimage spot of Nepal. It is very near from Gorkha. Every Nepali is very ambitious to make a pilgrimage trip to Manakamana. It lies south east from Gorkha Cable Car to this sacred place is started from the Kurin tar and it takes 8 minutes to reach.

Lumbini:
Lumbini is a small town in the southern terai plains of Nepal where Lord Gautam Buddha was born 2500 years ago. The ruins of the old city can still be seen. Lumbini has since been a holy ground for Buddhist all over the world. The restored garden and surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the ancient Stupas and Monasteries. A large stone pillar erected by the Indian emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an inscription about the birth of the Buddha. Besides, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the village life of southern Nepal.

Janakpur:
Janakpur is the capital of the ancient state of Mithila and the Janaki Temple, located in the center of the city, is well known in the Hindu Kingdom. Sita the wife of the legendary hero Ram was born in Janakpur. Throughout the year, many pilgrims come to pay their respects to Ram and Sita who are the main religious attractions in Janakpur. The city is thronged by worshippers and visitors alike especially during the festival of Bibah Panchami. This annual festival is celebrated on the occasion of Ram and Sita's marriage and their wedding ceremony is enacted throughout the week. During this period, the city is enlivened by the wedding festivities.

Nepalgunj:
Nepalgunj is an industrial and trading center 199 km east of Dhangadhi. The Jai Bageswari temple marks the town center. It is the gateway to Royal Bardia National Park (95 km, three hours by car). After the safari, you should drive to Chisapani to view the 500-m long, single-tower bridge over the Karnali. Nepalgunj is the hub of air routes in western Nepal. (Temperature 5-44 degrees Celsius.)

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