Everything you need to know about Nepal
- Interesting facts.
- Unique Wildlife
- People
- Food and so on...
Map of Nepal
Flag of Nepal
World Heritage sites of Nepal.
THE KATHMANDU VALLEY:
In Kathmandu, the capital or in its suburbs, to cross a street is to travel across centuries. Shrines, temples, palaces, palace-squares, ageless sculptures and legends that are parts of every brick and stone and gilded masterpiece, make Kathmandu Valley a verifiable living museum.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Lies in the heart of the capital and is popularly known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace - the Gateway of Hanuman - an ancient seat of Nepalese Royalty. The Palace consists of the huge Royal square imposing a tremendous variety of the temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Most of the buildings were constructed from the 15 th – 18 th centuries. The Palace is named after the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman , and is painted completely red right next to the main entrance (the Golden Gate) of the Palace. He is regarded as the protector of the entire Durbar Square.
Patan Durbar Square
Situated on a little plateau across the river Bagmati river, Patan is only 7.8km south-east of Kathmandu city. This city is considered one of the oldest among the three cities of Kathmandu Valley.
The city was founded in 3 rd century by King Veera Dev and has the distinction of being the home of the finest Newari craft. The finest Hindu and Buddhist monuments are scattered around but the most important monuments are in the square or close by.
Other features like the Golden window, the royal bath of Sundaru Chowk, the Taleju Temple, and Keshab Narayan Chowk are worth visiting. The four stupas, located in the four cardinal directions, were errected by Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This is a unique city located east of Kathmandu at 1,400m above sea level. With an area of 5 sq. kms. this unique city is divided into 24 traditional localities. It was founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D.
Bhaktapur in supposed to have been built in the shape of a conch shell, a scared symbol of Lord Vishnu. The world Bhaktapur means The City of Devotees.
Bhaktapur; at one time an independent city, was ruled by the Malla Kings. They were very religious and gave importance to their artistic heritage which is evident throughout the city. Some of the significant momuments here are:
- The Lion Gate: Built by King Bupatindra Malla in 17 th century A.D.
- Golden Gate: The main entrance to the famous 55 Window Palace and Royal Taleju. Constructed in 1754 A.D.
- The statue of King Bupatindra Malla.
- 55 Window Palace: This architectural structure dominates the entire Bhadgaon Durbar Square. It is worth admiring.
- Vastala Temple.
- Pashupati Nath Temple.
- Nyatapole Temple.
- Bhairav Nath Temple.
Swayambhunath
A Buddhist stupa on a western hills of Kathmandu. The 2,500 year old monument is a holy site replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. Pilgrims and tourists pass to Swayambhumath's holy premises through a path of 365 steps.
Close to the stupa is the Dewa Dharma monastery, noted for bronaze icon of the Buddha and traditional Tibetan paintings.
Below are some important dates when pilgrims visit this holy site to take part in religious activities.
- Buddha Purnima, the birth of Lord Buddha – full moon day of Baisakh (April-May)
- Gunla, the holy Buddhist month, according to Newari calender (August – September)
- Kojagrath Purnima (September – October)
- Samyak Day of the Magh (January – February) every 12 years!
Boudha Nath Stupa
One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monument ever built in the Himalayan Kingdom it is 36m high. The stupa is unique with its three level, mandala style, platforms. The structural features of the stupa is somewhat similar to the Swayambhunath stupa. It was built around the 5 th century A.D.
What Mecca is to the Muslims, this Boudhanath Stupa is for Tibetan Buddhists. Every year thousands of pilgrims flock here from all over the Himalayan region.
During the Buddhist festivals, listed with Swayambhunath above, pilgrims gather to celebrate with great reverance to all Buddhist deities.
Pashupati Nath Temple
Pashupati Nath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is 6km. east of downtown Kathmandu. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty.
The two tier magnificient golden temple, with four triple silver doorways, is a unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South-Asia with hundreds of Shiva Lingam shrines and icons Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple is spread out over a large area.
The main entrance, for Hindu people only, is on the western side. Tourists may peak inside, or go on the other side of the river to have a glimpse of the temple complex from above. During the festival of Shivaratri (February – March) 10,000's of devotees and pligrims (many from India) visit this temple and make ceremonial fires.
Changu Narayan Temple
Situated on a small hillock overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this temple is 12km. east of Kathmandu. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works in metal and wood. This famous temple was built in the 3 rd century A.D. An inscription opposite the temple tells about a historic event which is the first epigraphic evidence of Nepali history. Some of the important sculptures here are:
- Viswo Roop – 8 th Century A.D.
- Vishnu Vikranta – 8 th Century A.D.
- Vishnu mounted in his vehicle Garuda – the mythical manbird.
- Nara Singh Vishnu in his half human and half lion form.
Lumbani, the birth place of Lord Buddha
Brief description:
Siddharta Gautama, the Lord Buddha, was born in 623 B.C. at the famous gardens of Lumbini, which soon became a place of pilgrimage. Among the pilgrims was the Indian Emperor Ashoka, who erected one of his commemorative pillars there. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature.
Chitwan National Park
Brief description:
At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is one of the few undisturbed areas of the Terai region which formerly extended over the foothills of India and Nepal, with its very rich flora and fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros lives in the park, which is also among the last refuges for the Bengal tiger.
At the foot of the Himalayas, Chitwan is one of the few undisturbed areas of the Terai region which formerly extended over the foothills of India and Nepal, with its very rich flora and fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros lives in the park, which is also among the last refuges for the Bengal tiger.
"Chitwan National Park" was added to Unesco's World Heritage List in 1984. Chitwan is a rich natural area in the Terai, the subtropical southern part of Nepal. The park is inhabited by the rare Asiatic rhinoceros and Bengal Tiger. Besides these, there are many elephants, birds and butterflies
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Sagarmatha National Park
Area: 1148 sq. km.
Established: 1976
Established: 1976
LOCATION:
Sagarmatha National Park is located to the north-east of Kathmandu in the Kumbu region of Nepal. The park includes the highest peak in the world, Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest), and several other well-known peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kwangde, Kangtaiga and Gyachung Kang. The park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.
Sagarmatha National Park is located to the north-east of Kathmandu in the Kumbu region of Nepal. The park includes the highest peak in the world, Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest), and several other well-known peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Cho Oyu, Pumori, Ama Dablam, Thamserku, Kwangde, Kangtaiga and Gyachung Kang. The park was added to the list of World Heritage Sites in 1979.
FEATURES:
The mountains of Sagarmatha National Park are geologically young and broken up by deep gorges and glacial valleys. Vegetation includes pine and hemlock forests at lower altitudes, fir, juniper, birch and rhododendron woods, scrub and alpine plant communities, and bare rock and snow. The famed bloom of rhododendrons occurs during spring (April and May) although other flora is most colorful during the monsoon season (June to August).
Wild animals most likely to seen in the park are the Himalayan tahr, goral, serow and musk deer. The snow leopard and Himalayan black bear are present but rarely sighted. Other mammals rarely seen are the weasel, maren, Himalayan mouse hare (pika), jackal and langur monkey.
The park is populated by approximately 3,000 of the famed Sherpa people whose lives are interwoven with the teachings of Buddhism. The main settlements are Namche Bazar, Khumjung, Khunde, Thame, Thyangboche, Pangboche and Phortse. The economy of the Khumbu Sherpa community has traditionally been heavily based on trade and livestock herding. But with the arrival of international mountaineering expeditions since 1950 and the influx of foreign trekkers, today the Sherpa economy is becoming increasingly dependent of tourism.
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- There are around 45 airports in Nepal
- Only 40% of people have electricity in Nepal.
- Nepal can produce up to 83000 MW of electricity. But has produce only around 400MW.
‘Lets discover the hidden treasure of Nepal’
INTRODUCTION
A new concept, called eco-tourism, has emerged as a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people. The global tourism patterns have prompted adventure tourists and eco-tourists to visit new area and spend liberally to new destinations. Bandipur is one of the new emerging destinations of Nepal in the form of community-based tourism which reserves a splendid variety of natural and socio cultural diversity crammed in its small area.
Bandipur hill town is located in Bandipur VDC, Tanahun district, southern corner of Gandaki zone, which is surrounded in Mahabharat range. It is situated south of the Prithivi highway midway between Pokhara and Kathmandu. It is strategically located about 143 km west of Kathmandu and 74 km south east of Pokhara and 7 km of south above form Dumre Bazar of Prithivi highway.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
Bandipur is tourist paradise. This place offers varieties of attractions to the visitors.
• I t is a Nature gifted and nature paradise over looking the incredible expanse of Marshyandi river which cascades and takes a sharp turn eastward on its way to join the Trishuli river at Mug ling.
• Located in central areas of mixed canopy of pine and Sal forest and lush terraced fields
• It offers a breath-taking sweep of the Himalayan range from Lang tang in the east to Dhawalagiri in the west
• From nearby hilltops one can see as far as Manakamana and Gorkha to the east great Chitwan plains to the south.
• Surrounded in Mahabharat mountain range the view of Chimkeswari (one of the highest hills of Nepal) in the southeast and Mukundeshwari hill in the west of Bandipur equally contributes the beauty of Bandipur
• The view of glorious sunshine and sunset from Tundikhel and Gurungche hill makes a wonderful scene to tourists.
• Diversity of flora and fauna of Bandipur VDC offers more than 200 species of forest plants, 70 species of birds, 35 species of wild life.
• Siddha cave (probably the biggest cave in Asia) 18 feet width and 50 feet high situated north of Bandipur creates wonderful adventure. After entrance to huge and dark where numerous sub trails, gorge and holes created by waterfalls, rock cliffs carved in different magical figures, deep wide and long size of cave attracts the tourists. One can study stalagmite structure. It is said that this cavern has not been fully explored.
• Another mysterious cave called “Patalidwar” (a.k.a gateway to hell) which holds religious significance for the locals is waiting for tourists to explore the geological marvel.
• Similarly Rock climbing at very steeply slopes and high rocky steeps, delightful eco trekking routes and sight seeing by walks are other exciting adventures stored in Bandipur.
As a socio cultural diversity, Bandipur is an ancient Newari mountain town, untouched by modernization and local with an abundance of ancient houses, temples of great significance and architecture. This medieval era town boasts festival all year round, besides a plethora of cultural offerings, Neighboring Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, Chetri, Damai and Sarki villages all contribute the cultural diversity of region.
On the basis of tourist views they liked the popular trend of home stay at villages with good culture and hospitality of Bandipur, various folklore and tribal dances as “Ghatu Nach”“Rodhi”,“Chudka”, “Balun”,“Maruni” etc. Virtually, one who reaches Bandipur once never forgets to visit twice and thrice because of its heavenly peculiarities Thus, these all sums of specialties really remain as a treasure for us to discover the hidden treasure of the earth.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the Huge potential of tourism is in Bandipur, The concept of CBT cannot be found in application/practice due to various factors. Thus the main objective of this program is to promote eco tourism in Bandipur through both Domestic and International tourists.
PROGRAMS
*Green trekking with trek competition
*Sight seeing and Himalayas view
*Briefing and orientation by tourism experts
*Typical and Exotic cultural dances, songs and foods
*Fire camps
*Homes stay in typical home with hospitality
*Cave exploration with experienced nature guides/geologists
*Rock climbing, cycling
*Interaction with local culture, society and organizations
*Historical and ancient Newari civilization
*Temples/religious heritage visits
*Wildlife, bird watching and vegetation
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
The itinerary given in this page may or may not be adopted; it depends upon visitor’s choice so we are waiting your response and fully welcomes you to take participation on it. The whole responsibility is taken by Bandipur development Committee. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and other various tour organizations have supported this program
COSTS AND CONDITIONS
For all the activities and services mentioned above in this 3 days package tour and for lodging in paying guesthouse in single/double sharing basis with all meals are provided by organizers.
A new concept, called eco-tourism, has emerged as a responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment and sustains the well being of local people. The global tourism patterns have prompted adventure tourists and eco-tourists to visit new area and spend liberally to new destinations. Bandipur is one of the new emerging destinations of Nepal in the form of community-based tourism which reserves a splendid variety of natural and socio cultural diversity crammed in its small area.
Bandipur hill town is located in Bandipur VDC, Tanahun district, southern corner of Gandaki zone, which is surrounded in Mahabharat range. It is situated south of the Prithivi highway midway between Pokhara and Kathmandu. It is strategically located about 143 km west of Kathmandu and 74 km south east of Pokhara and 7 km of south above form Dumre Bazar of Prithivi highway.
SPECIAL ATTRACTIONS:
Bandipur is tourist paradise. This place offers varieties of attractions to the visitors.
• I t is a Nature gifted and nature paradise over looking the incredible expanse of Marshyandi river which cascades and takes a sharp turn eastward on its way to join the Trishuli river at Mug ling.
• Located in central areas of mixed canopy of pine and Sal forest and lush terraced fields
• It offers a breath-taking sweep of the Himalayan range from Lang tang in the east to Dhawalagiri in the west
• From nearby hilltops one can see as far as Manakamana and Gorkha to the east great Chitwan plains to the south.
• Surrounded in Mahabharat mountain range the view of Chimkeswari (one of the highest hills of Nepal) in the southeast and Mukundeshwari hill in the west of Bandipur equally contributes the beauty of Bandipur
• The view of glorious sunshine and sunset from Tundikhel and Gurungche hill makes a wonderful scene to tourists.
• Diversity of flora and fauna of Bandipur VDC offers more than 200 species of forest plants, 70 species of birds, 35 species of wild life.
• Siddha cave (probably the biggest cave in Asia) 18 feet width and 50 feet high situated north of Bandipur creates wonderful adventure. After entrance to huge and dark where numerous sub trails, gorge and holes created by waterfalls, rock cliffs carved in different magical figures, deep wide and long size of cave attracts the tourists. One can study stalagmite structure. It is said that this cavern has not been fully explored.
• Another mysterious cave called “Patalidwar” (a.k.a gateway to hell) which holds religious significance for the locals is waiting for tourists to explore the geological marvel.
• Similarly Rock climbing at very steeply slopes and high rocky steeps, delightful eco trekking routes and sight seeing by walks are other exciting adventures stored in Bandipur.
As a socio cultural diversity, Bandipur is an ancient Newari mountain town, untouched by modernization and local with an abundance of ancient houses, temples of great significance and architecture. This medieval era town boasts festival all year round, besides a plethora of cultural offerings, Neighboring Magar, Gurung, Brahmin, Chetri, Damai and Sarki villages all contribute the cultural diversity of region.
On the basis of tourist views they liked the popular trend of home stay at villages with good culture and hospitality of Bandipur, various folklore and tribal dances as “Ghatu Nach”“Rodhi”,“Chudka”, “Balun”,“Maruni” etc. Virtually, one who reaches Bandipur once never forgets to visit twice and thrice because of its heavenly peculiarities Thus, these all sums of specialties really remain as a treasure for us to discover the hidden treasure of the earth.
OBJECTIVE
Despite the Huge potential of tourism is in Bandipur, The concept of CBT cannot be found in application/practice due to various factors. Thus the main objective of this program is to promote eco tourism in Bandipur through both Domestic and International tourists.
PROGRAMS
*Green trekking with trek competition
*Sight seeing and Himalayas view
*Briefing and orientation by tourism experts
*Typical and Exotic cultural dances, songs and foods
*Fire camps
*Homes stay in typical home with hospitality
*Cave exploration with experienced nature guides/geologists
*Rock climbing, cycling
*Interaction with local culture, society and organizations
*Historical and ancient Newari civilization
*Temples/religious heritage visits
*Wildlife, bird watching and vegetation
WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW
The itinerary given in this page may or may not be adopted; it depends upon visitor’s choice so we are waiting your response and fully welcomes you to take participation on it. The whole responsibility is taken by Bandipur development Committee. Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and other various tour organizations have supported this program
COSTS AND CONDITIONS
For all the activities and services mentioned above in this 3 days package tour and for lodging in paying guesthouse in single/double sharing basis with all meals are provided by organizers.
Hidden Treasures Discovered in Mustang
Lying on the Tibet-Nepal border, the region of Upper Mustang is a restricted area of Nepalhidden treasures. The shepherd had apparently discovered the caves quite by chance some decades ago when he took shelter from a rainstorm. At the time he didn’t grasp the significance of his discovery, but later mentioned it in passing to some scientists working in the area, setting the wheels in motion for one of the most exciting discoveries ever made in this remote and mysterious region of Nepal. which only a limited number of outsiders are permitted access to each year. In 2007 a team led by a local shepherd, and including seasoned mountaineer Pete Athans and US Himalayan expert Broughton Coburn, reached the caves and had some time to explore its ancient
As reported by National Geographic, the team discovered ancient Buddhist shrines in the network of caves. These had been intricately decorated with painted murals, the most outstanding of which is a 55-panel mural detailing events in Buddha’s life. In 2008 another expedition was undertaken and this time several human skeletons were found, which are believed to be at least 600-years old, as well as reams of manuscripts, some of which contained small paintings referred to as ‘illuminations’. Experts agree that these sacred treasures have significant similarities to descriptions said to be found in the so-called ‘hidden valleys’ of Buddhists, referred to as ‘Shambala’, which was the inspiration for the fictional Shangri-La of the 1930s novel ‘Lost Horizon’ by British writer James Hilton.Sadly, over the centuries looters and souvenir hunters have damaged some of the ancient texts and even some of the cave walls. Nevertheless, researchers have retrieved valuable ancient manuscripts which have been remarkably preserved by the cool, arid climate of the region. These reveal a wealth of religious writings from Buddhism, as well as from Bön, which was an earlier faith of native Tibetans before converting to Buddhism. The writings suggest that Bön may have continued as the primary belief system of the people in the Mustang area for more than a century after the eighth century conversion of Tibet to Buddhism. While no-one knows for sure why these historical religious treasures were hidden in the caves, the general consensus among experts is that the kings of Mustang may have hidden the Bön sacred texts rather than to destroy them, as a sign of respect. Ongoing research will no doubt bring to light more interesting facts about this remote region of Nepal and the people who lived there.
Meaning of "NEPAL"
Abbreviation itself is a big world but it is often used in place of phrases and whole words. It shrinks to a short and normalized form with small or capital letters. The 12-letter word reducing to a single letter reminds us a situation of double coincidence in Gulliver's Travels. The situation was twofold in the sense that to improve the language of the country the puny Lilliputian professors who were discussing to cut polysyllables down to one syllable was encountered by Gulliver twelve times their height. Going back to the main point the moment the letter is relieved of the context it is free to stand for any word of the English dictionary and beyond provided the word begins with the particular letter.
The need for two or more abbreviations put forth the question to use or not to use a period in between them. In the geometry of Euclid (600 BC) we find the letter Q.E.D. (Quad Erat Demonstradum- meaning which was to be proved appended to a theorem. Since then variation in use of periods in typeface and in the capitalization of letters is frequent and widespread as we find MPH, Mph, mph, m.p.h to mean miles per hour. These days the short method is being made shorter with no period intervening between two letters. A run of words is replaced by a word of abbreviations. United Nations Education Science Cultural Organization shrinks to UNESCO etc. The most recent and widespread one is www standing for World Wide Web.
A coin is used as money while it is also a metal alloy. The face value of a coin is generally greater than its intrinsic value. But opposite is true in the case of a letter which as an abbreviation speaks more than merely as a symbol representing a speech sound. A world of abbreviation may be a short name of a project, a Programme, an association, an organization etc. behind which lies the real fact that matters. The name as a veiled face is toe is uncovered to find out whether the face is an index of the mind.
In this light NEPAL as a word of abbreviations stands for innumerable facts of ideas for each letter in a short form of any word it begins with. In the midst of numerous meaningful and not meaningful alternatives we locate one which is the outcome of political experiences for the independent existence of NEPAL. Prithivi Narayan Shah, who united all the so-called states into one to form NEPAL rightly declared a powerful postulate 'Nepal-yam between two boulders' symbolically represented by the first letter N.NEPAL retained its independence even in the period of colonization, did not take part in the conflict of the two, followed the principles of Panchasheel and even proposed itself a Zone-of-Peace which was incidentally supported by many but ignored by the next door neighbor and even sent her sons in UN peace keeping role. All these contribute to interpret the intrinsic meaning of the world NRPAL as Nepal Emphasizes Peace Among Leaders in the local, national and international spheres.
Historical significance behind the design of Nepal flag
In the ancient War of Kurukshetra, described in the Hindu epic of Mahabharata dating back to some 800 BC, there is mentioned that Yalambar, the first King of Nepal took part part in this great war. There is no mention of its flag, but there is a national flag of the Kirati people which, as some claim, represented Nepal in this great war. It is also claimed, the Kirat flag served as a model for the Nepali flag and some are suggesting it should be adopted as the new national flag for Nepal.
The origin of the unique double triangle of Kirat flag symbolizes the Kirat and Nepal during vedic age(1500BC - 600BC). That's how the Nepal flag is believed to have derive from as some scholars have uncovered the secret now.
Here's the brief insight into Kirat flag. There are three significant meanings in the Kirat flag.
- Color: The saffron yellow (golden yellow) represents that sun will never set in Kiratdesa (Nepal). That Kiratdesa viz Nepal will last as long as the sun. The golden yellow also represents the Mongolian people who are "gold-like" in appearance with this phrase "Kairatam vesam asthaya kancana-druma-sannibham" "Taking up a Kirata resemblance, like unto a tree of gold" (IV,35,2)
- Shape: The unique double triangle of Kirat flag symbolizes the Kiratas and Kiratdesa (Nepal) during Vedic age which is over 5000+ years ago. The double triangle also represents the Himalayas which was a homeland of Kiratas (Mongolian people). The border of the flag is in red. The red border symbolizes the brotherhood among the Mongolian. It also symbolizes Kiratas as brave and resilient.
- Symbol: Finally the center of the flag is encircle with bow & arrow. The circle represents the universe, both external and internal. The inner circle represents the Mother earth. The outer circle represents the sky or the Father sky. This symbolizes the Kirat as being harmony with nature which is their aspect of their culture & religion. The circle is white symbolizing the purity of their culture & religion. The bow & arrow symbolizes Kiratas as warriors.
Source: Courtesy: New Spotlight & NTY 2011
Nepalese Flag Meaning:
The crimson/red color is a traditional Nepalese color and the blue outlined edge represents the country's peaceful nature. The two triangular portions of the Nepalese flag represent the Himalayan Mountains and the two main religions of the nation - which are Buddhism and Hinduism. The moon and sun originally represented the royal family and the prime minister's family, the Rana family. They also represent the country's desire to live as long as the sun and moon.
The crimson/red color is a traditional Nepalese color and the blue outlined edge represents the country's peaceful nature. The two triangular portions of the Nepalese flag represent the Himalayan Mountains and the two main religions of the nation - which are Buddhism and Hinduism. The moon and sun originally represented the royal family and the prime minister's family, the Rana family. They also represent the country's desire to live as long as the sun and moon.
Nepalese Flag History:
The current Nepalese flag was adopted on December 12, 1962. The individual flags that make up the national flag had been used during the past two centuries and the double flag has been in use since the 19th century.
The current Nepalese flag was adopted on December 12, 1962. The individual flags that make up the national flag had been used during the past two centuries and the double flag has been in use since the 19th century.
The flag of Nepal is the only non-rectangular national flag in the world. It's believed the flag originated in the late 19th century from two triangular flags that were placed one above the other.
The Ancient Period
THE MYTHOLOGICAL PERIOD
According to Hindu belief , the history of the development of Nepalese civilization and culture can be traced back to the Age of truth. King Manu, who is said to be the first King of the world ruled Nepal in the Age of Truth (Satya Yuga) and Nepal was known as the Land of Truth (Satyawati). It was called the land of solitary meditation and penance (Tapovan) in the Silver Age (Treta Yuga). Similarly, Nepal was known as the ladder of slavation (Muktisopan) in the Copper Age (Dwapar Yuga); and it is known as 'Nepal' in the Iron Age, i.e., the present age of science and technology (Kali Yuga). The kings of the Solar dynasty ruled Nepal in the Age of Truth. They contributed much to the development of the Nepalese civilization and culture. The fact that we still follow the Solar Calendar in celebrating festivals and ceremonies testifies to the rule of the Solar Dynasty kings in our country.
The country, full of great forests, was the chosen place for sages like Kanwa, Biswamitra, Agastya, Valmiki, Yajnavalkya and others. King Dushyanta of India married Shakuntala, the adopted daughter of Kanwa Rishi of Nepal. Their son Bharat ruled over here. Then Nepal was called Mahabharat, and the surrounding territories under the souverainty of King Bharat was called Bharat (now the other name of India).
The Mahabharat range stands to corroborate this belief of King Bharat's supremacy. There are several references in the religious books of Hindus about Nepal. Janak, the king of Janakpur was known widely for the administration of justice. Some people believe that the Ramayan was composed at the bank of the Saptagandaki. Veda Vyasa was born here. The Vyas Cave at Damauli (Vyasangar) signifies this belief. Similarly, Biratnagar, the kingdom of King Birat is also mentioned in the Mahabharata. All these references show that Nepal had developed long before Manjushri visited the Kathmandu Valley. It is mentioned in Swayambhu Puran that Manjushri came from China and managed to drain away the water of a big lake called Nagadaha and peopled the valley. He established a town called Manjupattan and installed Dharmakar, its king.
After that, the history of Nepal was more or less limited to the history of the Kathmandu Valley. Since then, Nepal has been ruled by the kings of various dynasties - the Ahirs or Gopala, the Kiratas, the Lichchhavis, the Mallas and the Shahs.
ETYMOLOGY OF THE WORD 'NEPAL'
The word 'Nepal' has significantly been used as the name of our country. There are various opinions about it :
1. Long, long ago, the kings of the Gopala dynasty ruled over it. They were called 'Nepa', so, after the name of the dynasty who ruled over it, the country was named as 'Nepal'.
2. A sage called 'Ne' lived in penance on the confluence of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. He was the sole advisor of the king. So, the word 'Nepal' was derived from the name of the sage 'Ne'.
3. 'Nepal' might also be derived from 'Newar', one of the ancient tribes living in Kathmandu valley.
4. In the Gandaki Mahatmya, it is mentioned that a king called 'Nepa' ruled over it. He conquered many kingdoms and established Shanker as his deity. He founded a country and called it 'Nepal', after his own name.
5. In the Tibetan language 'Ne' means 'home' and 'pal' means 'wool'. Sheep were reared in Kathmandu valley and much wool was produced. So, it was called the home of wool, i.e., Ne Pal.
6. In the Newari language 'Ne' means 'centre' and 'pa' means 'country'. So, 'Ne pa' means a country situated at the centre. Nepal is situated in between the two great countries, China and India. So, it was called a central country, i.e., Nepal.
7. In the Limbu dialect 'Ne' means 'plain area'. Kathmandu valley is a plain, so it was called 'Nepal'.
8. In the dialect of the Lepchas, 'Ne' means 'holy' and 'pal' means 'cave'. As it is a holy place - the centre of pilgrimage of Hindus and Buddhists, it was called a holy cave or Nepal.
9. In the language of the Tibeto-Burma people, 'Ne' means 'cattle' and 'pa' means 'people'. Kathmandu valley had a good grassland for cattle and the main occupation of the people was to rear animals. So, it was called the land of the people who reared animals, i.e., Nepal.
10. Thomas Young and Geroge Griharson, the two famous historians gave thier opinion that both the terms 'Nepal' and 'Newar' might be derived from the same root 'Nyarva'. In this way, Nyarva was turned into Newar and then to Nepal.
11. Kiratas, the earliest known inhabitants of this country, had a clan called 'Nepar' living in Kathmandu valley. So, Nepal might also be derived from Nepar.
SOURCES OF THE HISTORY OF NEPAL
There are no reliable written documents on the history of ancient Nepal. The people of that time had no historical sense. There had been the rise and fall of different dynasties all the time. The mode of administration, way of life, culture and civilization kept on changing from time to time. However, there are varieties of historical monuments, coins, temples, images of Gods and Goddesses, works of art, inscriptions, etc. which throw light on our past. They help us to draw the history of our country.
a. Chronicles: Chronicles (Bamsawalis) are one of the main historical sources which throw light on ancient Nepal. The chronicles mostly complied by Brahmins and Bajracharyas, deal with religious works of kings. Most of the available chronicles were written in or about 1800 A.D.
The latest one was written by a Buddhist Monk of Patan during the regin of Rana Bahadur Shah. It was translated into English by Daniel Wright. A short history of the king, some important events related to the king, are mentioned inthis chronicle. But it does not contain anything about the culture, civilization and the life of the people.
b. Colophons : Colophons are the hand-written books (manuscripts) of ancient times. At the end of their manuscripts different writers have mentioned their names, the names of contemporary kings, and some of the main event. These have been of great to write our history.
c. Ancient Religious Texts : Great religious texts of the Hindus like the Puranas, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, etc. also help us to collect the historical facts of ancient Nepal. The marriage of Sita, the daughter of King Janak of Janakpur with Prince Ram of Ayodhya helped to exchange the culture of Nepal with India. The Kings of Nepal had participated in the great war of Mahabharata. The king of Nepal also took part in the Swayambara ceremony of Damayanti. Similarly, the king of Nepal offered gold, diamonds, herbs, animals and beautiful girls as gifts to King Yudhisthira of India in his Coronation Ceremony. Such accounts and other references have contributed much to the writing of the history of ancient Nepal.
d. Stone and Copper Inscriptions : Stone and Copper inscriptions of ancient times can also be a considerable help to write our history. The inscription written on stones and copper are found from the 5th century A.D. to 8th century A.D. in Sanskrit. The Lichchhavi inscriptions at the temple of Changunarayan and those of Lazimpat are such inscriptions. but the inscriptions after the rule of the Lichchhavi King Siva Deva are yet to be found. However, from the 14th century onward, from the rule of Malla King, Jaysthiti Malla, there are sufficient inscriptions in various places on the basis of which it is possible to write the history of ancient Nepal.
e. Ancient Buildings, Temples and Stupas : Ancient buildings, temples, stupas, statues and wooden and metal images are other reliable sources of the history of Nepal. They provide clear evidence of the excellence of the Nepalese arts and sculptures. They also tell us the names of artists and sculptors, and their patrons. The most important temples are of Changunarayan, Pashupatinath, Hanuman Dhoka. Krishna Mandir of Patan, the Nyatapol (five - storey) of Bhaktapur, Swayambhunath, Baudhnath, Mahabaudha, etc. These temples and the statues of the Malla kings are of great historical value.
f. Ancient Coins : Different kinds of coins on which names of the sun, the moon, horses, bulls, etc., are imprinted, have been found in different places. These coins throw light on the character, work, period of rule, tastes and religious temperament of the kings of that time.
g. Foreign Accounts : This history of Nepal has also come to light from the writings and accounts of foreigners and foreign travellers. It is mentioned in Arthasastra of Kautilya that Nepalese woollen blankets were of great demand in the Indian markets. Similarly, the Rajtarangini of Kalhan speaks about the Nepalese war. Again, the collective writings of the Chinese kings of the 'Ming' dynasty, the accounts of the Chinese travellers like Hieun Tseng, and the writings of Indian and European historians throw much light on the history of Nepal.
h. Archaelogical Findings : Ancient vessels, coins, utensils, images and stone-taps have been discovered from recent excavation works at Tilaurakot, Lumbini, Bishalnagar, Lazimpat and Ratna Park. They also are of great historical value. It is expected that new archaeological evidence will be discovered from time to time that will tell us more about our history.
THE LEGENDARY PERIOD
There is no definite historical proof of this period. On the basis of legends, chronologies and folk-lores, a history is drawn on supposition. So, this period is called legendary period.
1. The Kathmandu Valley Kathmandu Valley consisted of a big lake called 'Nagadaha'. The lake was surrounded by hills on all sides and there was nothing but water in it. In ancient times, a sage called Bipaswi Buddha settled on Nagarjun hill, in the north - west corner of Nagadaha. On the full moon day of Chaitra, he sowed a lotus seed in the middle of the lake through divine inspiration.
After six months on the full moon day of Aswin, a lotus flower grew out of the seed and the image of Swayambhu appeared there throwing bright rays of light. Later on, Bishwabhu Buddha came with his disciples and settled on Fulchoki hill. He worshipped Lord Swayambhu with a hundred thousand flowers and taught his disciples how to drain out the water of the lake and went back.
2. Manjushri Bodhisattwa It is mentioned in the Swayambhu Puran that Manjushri came from China to worship the glowing flame of Lord Swayambhu. From the top of Mandapgiri (Nagarkot) he saw the flames constantly emanating from Swayambhu. Then he thought to drain out the water of Nagadaha. Placing his two Shaktis (powers) - 'Mokshyada' on Fulchoki and 'Barada' on Katwaldaha, he cut down the hill between them with his sword and let the water go out of it. A beautiful valley with good soil appeared and he asked his disciples to settle there. Then he worshipped Swayambhu and Guheswari. He made Dharmakar, one of his disciples, the ruler of the valley. He also founded a beautiful city and named it Manjupattan. Then, leaving his disciples, he went back to his country.
3. Krakuchanda Buddha Krakuchanda came from Kshamavati and lived in the forest near Guheswari along with his disciples. The forest was a beautiful place to live in. It was called Mrigasthali as the Gods and Goddesses visited this place in the form of deer to see Lord Swayambhu and Guheswari. It was also called Slesmantak because the Slesman tree grew there. Lord Shiva used to wander about this forest in the guise of a Kirat. A stone image of Lord Shiva is still found there which is known as Kirateswar.
King Dharmakar had no issue. So Dharmapal, one of the disciples of Krakuchanda succeeded him. Karkuchanda found that there was a scarcity of water in the valley. So, he prayed to Goddess Guheswari for it. The Goddess listened to his prayer and generated the river Bagmati from the north of Shivapur hill.
This place is now called Bagdwar, the source of the Bagmati river. Sudhanwa was another king, the descendant of Dharmapal. It is said that Sudhanwa participated in the Swayambara ceremony of Sita at Janakpur. During the ceremony he was killed by Kushadhoj, the brother of King Janak. Now Kushadhoj came to reign in Nepal. His descendants ruled over Nepal for many centuries.
4. Prachanda Dev At the end of the Dwapar Yuga, Kanakmuni Buddha from Shobhavati and Kashyap Buddha from Varanasi came to Nepal on a pilgrimage tour. When Kanakmuni went back to Gaud, he sent Prachanda Dev, the king of Gaud (Bengal) to Nepal to worship Swayambhu and Guheswari. He also advised the king to become the disciple of Gunakar, one of the disciples of Manjushri, Prachanda Dev, thus came to Nepal and became a monk. He was later known as 'Shantishri'. He covered the flaming image of Swayambhu and erected a stupa over it. He also made five penance groves, viz. Agnipur, Shantipur, Vayupur, Nagpur and Basupur.
The last king of Kushadhoj's dynasty died childless. So, Prachanda Dev's son Shakti Dev came from Gaud and made one of his relatives Gunakama Dev, the king of Nepal. It is said that there had been a great famine in Nepal during the region of Gunakama Dev. Then Shantishri (Prachanda Dev) with the help of the Nagas, got rid of the famine when they received plenty of rainfall. The last king of this dyansty was Simhaketu. During his region Nepal was quite developed in all aspects. Nepal had trade relations with India, Tibet and Sri Lanka. After Simhaketu, there was a long succession of kings. Dharmadutta came from south India, who peopled the country with the four castes of Hindus i.e., Brahman, Kshetriya, Vaishya and Sudra. It is also said that he built the temple of Pashupatinath.
5. The Gopal Dynasty There was a great earthquake and, as a result of earthquake, the temple of Pashupatinath and toppled down and debris had covered the flaming image. Then, Danasur (a demon) again filled the valley with water. So, Lord Krishna came to Nepal, killed Dansasur and married his daughter. He also drained out the water through the gorge of Chobar, and peopled the valley. A large number of cowherds had come along with Lord Krishna and they settled in Nepal.
Nemuni, who according to a legend, is considered to be the patron saint of Nepal, used to perform religious ceremonies at Teku, the confluence of the Bagmati and Bishnumati rivers. He selected a pious cowherd, Bhuktaman to be the first king in the line of the gopal (cowherd) dynasty. The Gopal dynasty ruled for 621 years. Yakshya Gupta was the last king of this dynasty. In course of time, pastoral disputes arose and this dynasty was replaced by the 'Ahirs' or 'Abhirs'. Ahir was another cowherd and shepherd race from India. Three kings of this dynasty ruled over Nepal. They were Badasimha, Jaymati Simha and Bhuban Simha. The Gopal and Ahir dynasties are supposed to be the beginning of the historical dynasty in Nepal. Bhuban Simha was defeated by Yalamber, the chief of the Kiratas, who invaded Nepal from the east and became the first Kirat king of Nepal.
Nepal: Chronology of Important Events
| Period | Description |
| ca. 563 B.C. | Buddha born in Lumbini |
| ca. A.D.400-750 | Licchavi kingdom in power in Kathmandu |
| 1100-1484 | Khasa Mall kings rule in western Nepal |
| 1200-16 | Arimalla, first monarch of the Malla Dynasty, rules in Kathmandu Valley. |
| 1312 | Khasa King Ripumalla leads raid in Kathmandu Valley |
| 1345-46 | Sultan Shams ud-din Ilyas of Bengal leads raid in Kathmandu Valley. |
| 1382-95 | Jayasthitimalla rules as king of united Malla kingdom in Kathmandu Valley. |
| 1428-82 | Yakshamalla reigns - height of united Malla kingdom. |
| 1484 | Malla kingdom divided; three kingdoms of Kathmandu, Bhadgaon, and Patan established. |
| 1559 | Gorkha kindgom established by Dravya Shah. |
| 1606-33 | Ram Shah of Gorkha reigns; Gorkha kindgom experiences first expansion. |
| 1743 | Prithvi Narayan Shah ascends to throne of Gorkha. |
| 1768-90 | Gorkha conquers Kathmandu and Patan, Bhadgaon, eastern Nepal, and western Nepal. |
| 1775 | Prithvi Narayan Shah dies, first king of united Nepal. |
| 1814-1816 | The Anglo-Nepalese War and the resulting Treaty of Sagauli reduces the territory of Nepal. |
| 1846 | Jang Bahadur Rana takes over as prime minister and establishes hereditary Rana rule. |
| 1946 | The Nepali Congress Party is founded. |
| 1947 | The United States establishes diplomatic relations with Nepal. |
| 1948 |
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| 1951 |
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| 1952 |
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| 1953 | Koirala is recalled as prime minister. |
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| 1980 | In national referendum people vote for continuance of the panchayat form of government and against the reintroduction of political parties. |
| 1982 | B.P. Koirala, Nepali Congress Party leader dies. |
| 1983 | Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa is defeated in the Rastriya Panchayat and is replaced by Lokendra Bahadur Chand. |
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| 1989 | Failure to renegotiate trade and transit treaties with India disrupts economy. |
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| 1995 | The minority goverment of CPN-UML loses power in a parliamentary vote of no-confidence. A coalition government of Nepali Congress, RPP and Sadhvabana is formed. |
| 1997 | The NC-RPP coalition government loses power resulting in a UML-RPP coalition. This government itself loses power six months later to another NC-RPP coalition. Ganesh Man Singh, who led the 1990 democracy movement dies. |
| 1999 | The third general elections after restoration of democracy results in Nepali Congress coming back to power with an absolute majority in the House. Krishna P. Bhattarai becomes Prime Minister for the second time. |
It is said that there are more festivals in Nepal than there are days in the year. Most Nepali festivals are celebrated in homes and there is often little to see or photograph. Festivals complicate treks, however, because government offices remain close and porters leave to their home to enjoy the fetes.
Festivals are scheduled in accordance with the Nepali calendar and the phase of the moon, so they can very over a period of almost a month with respect to the Gregorian (western) calendar. Nepali months overlap Western months. The annual festival cycle, according to the Nepali year, is as follow:
