Travel Information for Foreign Tourists

Kathmandu, also popularly known as Kantipur, is the capital city of Federal Republic of Nepal. The city is part of a big valley surrounded by small mountains and hills. Kathmandu along with her sister cities Patan (Lalitpur) and Bhaktapur is rich in ancient architecture, arts, cultures and tradition. Other places of interest are Dhulikhel, Bungmati, Khokna, and Kirtipur. All these cities can be reached by car easily.
There is a possibility of short one-two days trekking tours around Kathmandu as well and can be arranged upon request of the POLYCHAR 19 participants.
A list of Travel Agents working in collaboration with POLYCHAR 19 office will be made available soon.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath temple is one of the most important shrines which the Hindus from all over the word are supposed to visit at least one in their life. Several hundred thousands of devotees pay homage to this temple every year. The main temple of Lord Shiva in Pashupatinath area is open only to Hindus. The open crematorium at the banks of Bagmati river is exceptionally remarkable attractions which many tourists from abroad would like see. The entry fee of Rs. 500.00 is charged for visitors in Pashupatinath area.

Swayambhunath Temple

Swayambhunath temple, also popularly called as Monkey Temple, is situated on a beautiful hill on the western part of the main city of Kathmandu. It is a Buddhist temple, but one can see the harmony among Buddhist and Hindu devotees meet in Soyambhunath where both the kinds of temples. The entry fee is Rs. 100.00

Boudha (Boudhanath)

Buddhanath stupa located on the eastern side of Kathmandu close to Pashupatinath is the largest Buddhist Stupa in the world. Boudhnath is the religious centre for Nepal's considerable population of tibetans and here are a number of thriving monasteries. The entry fee for Bodhanath is Rs. 100.00

Budhanilkanth

Budhanilkanth is a Hindu temple. 5 m long legendary image of Lord Vishnu carved in stone depicting sleeping Narayan. The temple is close to the conference centre and can be reached on foot.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

As the most impressive destinations for the tourists from outside world, Kathmandu's old town, the Durbar Square, offers very rich variety of ancient wood carving, stone sculptures and unparallel architectures. The Kasthamandapa, a wooden building, from which the name Kathmandu originates is located in the Durbar Square. The entry fee is Rs. 200.00
There are some interesting museums in this area. Kumari Ghar, where Living Goddess Kumari has her residence is also here.

Kumari (Living Goddess)

Not only is Kathmandu valley home for countless Gods, Goddess, Deities, Bodhisattvas, Avatars and Manifestations which are worshipped and revered as statues, image painting and symbols but also has a real Living Goddess in Nepal known as a Kumari Devi.
Kumari Devi is a young girl who lives in the building known as the Kumari Bahal, right beside Kathmandu Durbar Square.
The most spectacular of the occasions in which Kumari Devi participates in a formal ceremony is Indra-Jatra Festival (falling in September) when She also offers audience to President of Republic of Nepal.
Other places of interest in Kathmandu are Narayanhity Royal Palace (presently a museum), Famous tourist centre Thamel, Asan Tole, Thahity, Sun Dhara and Jhonse.

About 15 km far from Kathmandu is very beautiful old city of Bhaktapur. This city offers a unique flavour of ancient architecture blended with marvellous arts and traditions. Nagarkot is another destination which many tourists from abroad would love to make a stay at least for a night. Nagarkot is also famous as a station for a godly view of white Himalyan range. Many tourists take opportunity to stay at Nagarkot tonight and view sun shine from there over the Himalayas.

More information and ideas about attractions in and around Kathmandu can be obtained using the links: http://wikitravel.org/en/Kathmandu, http://www.welcomenepal.com/, http://wikitravel.org/en/Nagarkot, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagarkot

Climate of Kathmandu during POLYCHAR 19

During the period of POLYCHAR 19, Kathmandu will have pleasant mild weather. The temperature will be around 25°C and the air is relatively dry. It is expected that the snow caped mountains that can be viewed from the hills in and around Kathmandu will furnish their perfect beauty during this period. The period is also suited for trekking in the mountains.

How much money do I need in Kathmandu?

Nepal is relatively inexpensive country. The costs for accommodation per night in a moderate hotel or guest house will range from 20 to 60 Euros. Less and more expensive hotels are, of course, available. Restaurants of all sorts are found in Kathmandu and the food (with drinks) will cost in the range 5:00 to 20:00 Euro depending on what and where we eat. For shopping, one can spend as much as we wish. However, standard souvenirs for family, friends and other may be bought with 30:00 to 300:00 Euros.
This information is meant only for orienting our delegates and has no guaranty.