Old temples
scattered in the Kathmandu Valley, and seven of them have been included in the
UNESCO world heritage list. Despite
sitting in the poor countries of Nepal, this valley has long been a tourist
destination for those seeking spiritual enlightenment. Trinity explore its.
Executive summary by darmansjah
Mountain climbing
and trekking is the purpose of the majority of travelers to Nepal. Naturally,
because this country is crossed by a series of the Himalayas, including Everest
and the seven highest peaks in the world. For
the adventurous, Nepal is the place to carve a record in the race to reach the
sky.
But what about
the fact I am lazy and not 'kid mountain' answer is cultural tour in Kathmandu
Valley. Valley
of almost equal Singapore has seven sites included in the UNESCO list of World
Heritage. Compared
to climb to the tops of the mountains that drain thousands of dollars, this
valley offers tours travel costs are much more affordable.
Newly formed on
May 28, 2008. Nepal is one of the
country's youngest republic. Country's
flag was not rectangular, but two overlapping triangles. Before
the status of republic, Nepal was a kingdom led by the Shah dynasty since 1768.
Mass
killings of all members of the royal family in 2001 to end the monarchy system.
Nepal's capital,
Kathmandu, is also located in Kathmandu Valley and is in height 1,400 meters. Once
landed at Tribhuvan International Airport, I felt grateful that his condition
is worse than Soekarno Hatta. Nuance Tribhuvan really 'old-fashioned'.
Brick
wall, yellow tile and immigration rickety wooden table.
Worn
it more
complete impression when I
ride an old car brand
maruti Suzuki mini-sized
and rust outside
the airport. Taxi This brings me to the Old
Town area of
Thamel, like Khaosan Raod in Bangkok.
The difference is more chaotic Thamel. Rickshaws,
cars, motorcycles and a man meets a narrow road, while hundreds
of hotels, restaurants, shops,
internet cafes and
travel agencies lined up on both sides of the road. This is where the tourists spilling out to look for lodging, fill the stomach, also partying..
Since the 1960s,
Kathmandu has become a favorite castaways looking for spiritual enlightenment. Not
surprisingly, foreign tourists currently
divided into two groups:
the hippies and tie-dye-clad
gangs mountain of
cargo pants.
When walking down
the street in Thamel, I found the real face of Nepal are similar to those of
Java with a sweet unique crossbreed including India and China, two countries
flanking Nepal.
The food in my
prime Nepal consists of rice, dhal, curried lamb, sauteed vegetables, chutney
and compositions similar to Indian food. 'Everest',
a local beer brand is very popular, featuring images Tenzing Norgay, one of the
first to conquer Everest with New Zealand-born adventurer. Edmund Hillary.
After lunch and
received his change damaged, smell, and no clear picture and number, I walked
for 20 minutes to Durbar Square, the famous tourist sites in the Old Town. 'Durbar' means 'palace'. Complexes
listed in Unesco's list of World Heritage is home to the kings Kathmandu since
the 17th century.
Although foreign tourists must pay admission, but complex is not fenced. Which makes me surprised, complex predominantly colored brick building was very crowded and chaotic! Milling people and vehicles, shops foreign tourists currently divided into two groups: the hippies and tie-dye-clad gangs mountain of cargo pants. indifferent display merchandise on the walls of temples, cows roam at will and leave dirt in the streets, and hundreds of birds perched everywhere. The landscape is much different from the Unesco sites in general.
Browsing starts
at Maju Deval, Lord Shiva temple Nine storey high built in 1690. The
roof is presenting erotic sculptures, natural phenomenon in Nepal temples. After
the stairs were occupied and laid a lot of people, I landed on the top floor
which is the best location for people-watching. All
activities around Durbar Square pins.
Behind Maju Deval
there is the oldest building in the Durbar, Kathsamandap, which was built in
the century 'to-12. The name 'Kathmandu'
is taken from the name of this landmark. 'Kathsamandap'
means 'wooden pavilion' and this temple was built of wood from a tree only. The
roof is lined with statues of Ganesha perched three on each side of the
building. Interior
is quiet once a gathering place for residents before the religious celebration,
but now has changed the function so space cult Gorakhnat, a spiritual teacher.
In the north
there Kathsamandap Ashok Binayak temple which is the worship of Ganesha, the
elephant-headed god depicted. Although
small in size, but the temple is the most visited, because Ganesha is believed
to dispel misfortune. Quite a
lot of foreign tourists who come pray there. Apparently
they are required to invoke the tour leader's safety before trekking into the
Himalayas.
Not far from the
Kumari Bahal temple there, the house was occupied by the sacred feminine. She's
chosen people as the Goddess Kumari, the reincarnation of a Hindu goddess head.
The
selection process was not easy, because the candidate must meet many
requirements: minimum age of four years, has not experienced foreign
tourists currently divided into
two groups: the
hippies and tie-dye-clad gangs mountain of cargo
pants., and has 32 dedicated physical signs,
including eye color, shape of the teeth, to the kind of sound. Once
elected, he and his family had lived in the Kumari Bahal and in charge of
religious events.
The center of the
Durbar Square is actually the Hanuman Dhoka, a former palace built by King
Mella in the 17th century. Different
from traditional architectural sites in the vicinity,
Hanuman Dhoka modern style. Gates
are guarded by statues of Hanuman, the white monkey guards Rama in the epic
Ramayana.
Still in one complex, there Tribhuvan Museum displaying items from the Tribhuban empire (1911-1955) and two offspring, namely Mahendra (1995-1972) and Birendra (1972-2001). The majority of the collection is a tribute to the king's memorabilia, including clothes, photographs, coins, to birds and aquarium. There is no documentation about the massacre of the royal family. It seems that the people of Nepal would rather bury the dark tragedy.
There are many
other interesting temples in Durbar Square complex, such as Jagannath,
Mahendreswara, Kotilingeswara Mahadev and Trailokya Mohan Narayan. After
a day of diving tour of the temple, I was enjoying an afternoon with sipping
coffee and watching the sun set from the roof of a restaurant. The
combination of mountains surrounding the Durbar Square, hundreds of birds
flying over the dozens of temples, and the cold weather, make the sunset look
serene.
You people of Indonesia? That statue of Garuda, the State symbol you! Said a tour guide yagn busy offering his services. Right in the middle of Patan Durbar Square, the statue of Garuda edged metal and crystal sitting on top of the pole.
Patan Durbar
Square is a complex of palaces in the city of Patan, about seven kilometers
south of Thamel. The site is also
listed on the Unesco list of elite. While
the name of Patan is the oldest city in Kahtmandu Valley formed in 570 BC. Durbar
in this city is smaller and quieter, but save more effigies per kilometer.
Architecture
buildings in Patan Durbar Square Newari style with wood and terracotta color
dominance. When
walking around, it's easy to see the Sadhu, dreadlocked holy men and orange
robes. Although
the status of a saint, the man is more commercial than celebrities. You have to
pay $ 5 for a one-time portrait with him.
The most
important site in the Patan Durbar Square is Krishna Mandir, octagonal shaped
temple built in the 16th century by King Siddhi Narsingh Malla. Interestingly,
due to the influence of India, Shikara style architecture. This
three-tiered temple wall showing relief of Krishna in the epic Mahabharata war.
Other Unesco member sites I visited was Swayambhunath. If most populated temple gods and goddesses, 16 centuries-old Buddhist temple is actually inhabited by a herd of monkeys. No one dared to disturb, because they are considered sacred. According to local mythology, in iadalah incarnation of primate lice Mansjusri, Bodhisattva of wisdom. Maybe because it was born from the womb of wisdom, the monkeys here are not aggressive like in Sangeh, Bali, so I can leisurely stroll.
Swyambhunath located
atop Hill 365 and connected by stairs. Lined
the route stupas and a small white dome repose. Each
side displays a Buddhist stupa Eye, symbol divine eye can see in every
perspective. Colorful
little flags that stretched in all directions around the temple constitute ornament for followers of Tibetan Buddhism
prayer. Once
again I was surprised at how apathetic traders put things on the walls stupa.
Swayambhunath Stupa featuring gold-plated dome
that supposedly weighing up to 20 pounds! All around there
are temples and stupas are routine
in pilgrimage by
Buddhists and Hindus.
From here I can see
Kathmandu Valley with
houses painted colors.
Saturated with
the temple, I drove 32km to Nagarkot, a vantage point to watch the snow slopes
of the Himalayas, or even Everest if the weather is sunny and cloud-free sky. From
the parking area, I was walking through the woods towards the Viewing tower. Although
Nagarkot only 2099 meters in altitude, the air is cold and the wind
successfully makes the body shiver. But
the suffering was paid by the beautiful panorama in front of eyes: green hills,
terraced rice fields with yellow rice, and mountains layered and colored shades
of blue. It was spectacular!
On the last day,
I use a rickshaw around town Kathmandu. The town is very
quaint and chaotic streets. Do
not expect to see a Japanese racing car or SUV made in America. There is only a mini
sedan or pickup shabby. The majority of
the buildings looked patched embroidery and dirty. Power
lines dangling wires groped wildly. Trash and dust flying. But all this seems
understandable. Referring
to the list of GDP per capita in 2011 alerts IMF, Nepal is the second poorest
country in Asia after Afghanistan.
Getting There
Flights from
Jakarta to Kathmandu served among others by Singapore Airlines (U.S. $ 880),
Thai Airways (U.S. $ 807), and China Southern Airlines (U.S. $ 1,000) all price
pp in May. Rickshaws
and taxis are two popular means of transportation to get around town and to
reach World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO
When To Go
January to March is the coldest period in Kathmandu where temperatures can reach zero degrees Celsius. While the April to June are the hottest moments as well as the best season for hiking. It is advisable to avoid the rainy season that lasts from June to September.
January to March is the coldest period in Kathmandu where temperatures can reach zero degrees Celsius. While the April to June are the hottest moments as well as the best season for hiking. It is advisable to avoid the rainy season that lasts from June to September.
Where To Stay
For those of you who are looking for an affordable cost. Hotel Silver Home is an ideal option. This inn offers a wireless internet connection and a restaurant (Thamel.Kathmandu. T.977.1.426 2986 hotelsilverhome.com, ranging from U.S. $ 2) for lodging middle class Kathmandu Guest House, including the oldest, but cukkup popular among travelers. This simple property shaded rooms were spacious and clean (Thamel.Kathmandu. T. 977 1470 0632, www.ktmgh.com, start from IUS $ 10). For premium class accommodation, five-star hotel Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is located about 10 km from the city center presents the architecture building. Newari and 280 rooms, plus public facilities such a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center (Taragon, Boudha, Kathmandu, T. 977 1449 1234, Kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com, mains from U.S. $ 1k65).
For those of you who are looking for an affordable cost. Hotel Silver Home is an ideal option. This inn offers a wireless internet connection and a restaurant (Thamel.Kathmandu. T.977.1.426 2986 hotelsilverhome.com, ranging from U.S. $ 2) for lodging middle class Kathmandu Guest House, including the oldest, but cukkup popular among travelers. This simple property shaded rooms were spacious and clean (Thamel.Kathmandu. T. 977 1470 0632, www.ktmgh.com, start from IUS $ 10). For premium class accommodation, five-star hotel Hyatt Regency Kathmandu is located about 10 km from the city center presents the architecture building. Newari and 280 rooms, plus public facilities such a swimming pool, spa, and fitness center (Taragon, Boudha, Kathmandu, T. 977 1449 1234, Kathmandu.regency.hyatt.com, mains from U.S. $ 1k65).
What To Do
It takes thousands of dollars to climb the Himalayas. If you do not have much money and physically capable, the best option is a cultural tour activities in Kathmandu Valley, the valley which saves seven Unesco World Heritage sites. Some must-see landmark temples in Old Town. Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath atop Syambhunath Hill, which offers panoramic views and Nagarkot Himalaya and Everest. Indonesian Citizens can visit the facility via Nepal on arrival (VOA). Make sure you bring a pen to fill out immigration forms, passport size 4x6 centimeters, and the exact amount of U.S. $ 25 to pay a visit visa valid for 15 days or $ 40 for a 30-day visit. Admission to the Durbar Square is valid only for one day. If you would like to visit it again and again, sign up at the manager's office, located in the south of Basantapur Square, with your passport and a passport photo in order to get a free visitor pass for valid visa.
It takes thousands of dollars to climb the Himalayas. If you do not have much money and physically capable, the best option is a cultural tour activities in Kathmandu Valley, the valley which saves seven Unesco World Heritage sites. Some must-see landmark temples in Old Town. Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath atop Syambhunath Hill, which offers panoramic views and Nagarkot Himalaya and Everest. Indonesian Citizens can visit the facility via Nepal on arrival (VOA). Make sure you bring a pen to fill out immigration forms, passport size 4x6 centimeters, and the exact amount of U.S. $ 25 to pay a visit visa valid for 15 days or $ 40 for a 30-day visit. Admission to the Durbar Square is valid only for one day. If you would like to visit it again and again, sign up at the manager's office, located in the south of Basantapur Square, with your passport and a passport photo in order to get a free visitor pass for valid visa.
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