TERHATHUM

Myanglum is the district headquarters of Terhathum district at a distance of 650 km from Kathmandu. The word Terhathum is constructed from thirteen (terha) and thum (castle or fort).
Sskaranti Bazaar is the main place of the eastern Terhathum. Located in a beautiful natural setting, the place is marked for beautiful view of the himalayas and Tmplejung district. There is a historically important place called Chuhandanda, 4 km east of the market place. In addition, Sankaranti Bazaar is an ideal place to observe various aspects of Limbu culture.
Hyatrung Waterfall, located between Eisibu and Samdu VDCs ofTerhathum district, is the highest waterfall of the country and is very beautiful. It is at the distance of one day's walk from Mayanglung Bazaar. Visitors have to find shelter with the local people or in small teashops. Marga Pokhari, situated at Hamrjung VDC of Terhathum district, is a natural pond surrounded by a lush green forest full of birds and wild flowers. It is one of the major attractions of the district. On the way to Taplejung is another popular rhododendron forest known by the name of the Milke Danda(2,905). Milke Danda provides a closer view of the Kanchanjunga and Kumbhakarna mountains and good view of sunrise and sunset when weather is clear. It is a trekking trail between Taplejung and Basantapur Bazaar.
Basantapur Bazaar is a beautiful hill touwnship in Terhathum district. The place stands as the starting point for trekking in Terhathum, Taplejung and Sankhuwasabha districts. All main tracks to the places are linked here so the place is of great importance for local people. The bazaar itself is located in a unique natural setting and is surrounded by a rhododendron forest. In addition, unobstructed view of the Himalayan peaks such as Makalu, Jannu and Kanchanjunga can be seen in clear days.

SUNSARI

Inaruwa is the district headquarters of Sunsari district at a distance of 500 kilometres from Kathmandu. It is a densly populated district with wide range of ethnic people.
Dharan is the focal point of this region, lying at the base of the evergreen Bijaypur Hills. An unusual feature of town life is the Union Jack that flies over one of the squat single-storey building. This is one of the British Army Gurkha recruiting centres in Nepal. Wiry teenagers from the hills continue a long and noble tradition, enlisting usually for life while older generation, now retired, make the long trek each month from the same hills to pick up their pensions. A tough physical examination limits the number of recruits but those who succeed are fitted out with new uniforms and flown abroad for 10 months' basic training, hereafter returning home for their first leave to a hero's welcome from their relatives and neighbours.
The new recruits walk through Dharan smiling proudly and browsing among he market stalls in the old town, where vendors peddle oranges, butter, and herbs. The orchards of the Vijaypur Hills are rich and productive, and surplus fruit is preserved in a recently established canning factory. Access is by bus from Biratnagar through Itahari.
Dharan is also the base for trekking the Makalu region. One of the toughest treks in the world takes you from Dharan through the subtropical floor of the Arun Vally and over the Shipton Pass to the slops of the three great peads of Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse.
Bijaypur is a flat Churiya hillock which uninterruptedly overlooking the flat green Tarai on its south. It lies at a distance of about 3 kilometers north-east of the main Dharan city. Clustered and enshrined with many important temples of the region such as Pindeshwori, Shiddhivinayak and Bhimesthan, Bijaypur is the most important pilgrimage sit in the region. Bijaypur is naturally adorned with typical geo-topography and has a congenial climatic condition. It is a historical township from where the rulers including the Sen Dynasty used to run administration. Bijaypur is equally holy place for mongols where shrine of Buda Subba exists. It takes 45 minutes on foot to reach Bijaypur from Dharan.

SOLUKHUMBU

Salleri is the district headquarter of Solukhumbu district at a distance of 550 km from Kathmandu. Home to the world famous Sherpas and the highest peak in the world, the Everest, Solukhumbu offers a combination of natural beauty, culture and the environment are as timeless as the mighty Himalayas.
Sagarmatha National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site. It is one of the few places on earth that has such biological diversity and the youngest mountain system in the world. The area is home for a variety of wildlife such as the Red Panda, Snow leopard, Musk Deer, Himalayan House Hare and over 118 species of bird including the Blood Pheasant and the Impeyan Pheasant.
Thuptenchholing Monastry lies in Beni and is about 5 hours away from the Phaplu aerodrome. It is popular as a centre of religious tourism and its reputation has further been boosted by the fame of Thulsuk Rinpoche. The smells of pine and the sight of the monastery give off a sense of serenity and peace. The area is further enhanced by the variety of flowers and plant life like buki, Rhododendron and Pine.
Namche Bazaar, situated on the lap of Khumbu Himal region, is the homeland of the mountaineering tribe Sherpas. This place is well facilitated with comfortable hotels, restaurants, bars and communication centres. One can visit to numerous peaks and lakes in the area. However, all of Khumbu region is without roads; one must undertake all travels and exploration on foot. Quick access is via the Lukla airstrip from where the park of Namche Bazaar is a two-day walk. Alternative approaches are from the Jiri in the southwest and through Arun Valley. Best time to visit is November or from march to May when days are warm and clear. However, night temperatures can reach to zero. Travelers should come with camping, food and fuel support to be able to move freely although room and board are available in most villages. To enjoy the visit thoroughly it is best to arrange services of guides and porters with government registered companies in Kathmandu.

SHINDHUPALCHOK

Chautara is the district headquarter of Sindhupalchok district at a distance of 90 km. from Kathmandu. Lying in the lap of Jugal himal, it is believed to be named after two hills "Sindhu" and "Palchok". The Sherpa villages of Helambu due north of Kathmandu valley presents an easy gateway. This area because of its low elevation and the sherpa villages make it an interesting 6 days loop. Starting with a shot drive from Kathmandu to Sundarijal the trail to Helambu climbs on to the Shivapuri ridge from where there are sweeping views of the central Himalayas. Rivers and mountainous valleys are another attraction of this trek. This trip involves moderate hiking and reaches a height of 3500m.
Tatopani is a famous place with hot springs. It is believed that many skin problems are cured by bathing in these hot springs as well as it also relives pain of various body parts. Hot springs are well managed by local people with shops that provide drinks, towels, bathing suits etc.

SANKHUWASABHA

Khadbari is the district headquarter of Sankhuwasabha district at a distance of 720 km from Kathmandu. Gupteshwor Mahadev is one of a good attractions of Sankhiwasabha. It is a shrine of Lord Shiva inside a natural cave. The gate to the cave is small but is wide enough for a person to get inside and it can accommodate 200 people at a time. There is a phallic symbol of great god Shiva inside the cave. The phallus is continually showered with milky-water from an under like image of a cow just above of it.
Sabha Pokhari is a natural lake of religious significance. Hindu mythology has it that a wise ascetic 'Byasa' (writer of VEDAS, holy scriptures of Hindu) once organized a gathering of all 88 thousand sages, saint and ascetics, and delivered a speech on how human beings can acquire peace in life time and attain heaven after death. Situated north of Tumlingtar in Sankhuwasabha district by the eastern bank of Arun River, the temple of Manakamana Devi, enshrines the ancient stone images of Manakamana Devi, Mava Durga Bhagawati, Lord Mahadev, Lord Ganesh (son of Shiva and Parbati) along with manymore images. Makalu-Barun National Park on the west, the Nepal-China border on the north and the Saune Danda to the south. This is the only protected area in Nepal with a strict natural reserve. There are 75 varieties of orchids, 67 species of valuable aromatic plants, 25 of Nepal's 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 species of bamboo, and 15 oaks including Arkhoulo, 86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose.
Over 400 species of berds have been sighted in the Makalu-Barun area, including two species never before seen in Nepal. The spotted wildlife includes the endangered red panda, musk deer, Himalayan black deer, clouded leopard and possibly the snow leopard, in addition to more substantial populations of ghoral, Himalayan tarh, wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan marmot and weasel, common langur monkey and the serow.

RASUWA

Dhunche is the district headquarter of Rasuwa district at a distance of 115 km. from kathmandu. Rasuwa is one of the nearest trekking destinations from Kathmandu and has an unparalleled combination of natural beauty and cultural riches.
Previously, a restricted area near the Tibetan border, the unexplored regions of the Langtang National Park has recently been developed into the Tamang Heritage Trail. The people in these places are mostly of Tamang and Tibetan origin, whose culture goes back to hundreds of years. The craftsmanship, dress, traditionally built stone houses and the beautifully carved wooden porches reflect the solitude and the serenity of the Himalayan scenery. Langtang has over 70 glaciers; the Langtang and Ganesh Himal mountain ranges and high altitude lakes including Gosainkunda, Parvatikunda, Bhairavkunda, Dudhkunda etc., this region also comprises rich Tamang art and culture at Gutlang and Goljung, ancient Buddhist monasteries such as Kyangin and Singgompa, Tatopani and the historic fort of Rasuwagashi in the Sino-Nepal border.
Goljung-Gutlang-Chilime-Thuman-Briddim area, a recently identified Tamang and Tibetan art and cultural heritage trek route is one of the most accessible of the trekking regions in Nepal. Briddim is a small yet beautiful village where villagers offer a unique accommodation opportunity. One can stay in their beautiful homes a their guests and discover the culture of this area. At Tatopani, which literally means 'hot water', one can clean spiritually in natural hot springs with bathing ares in the lap of the mountains. Locals believe that the water has a healing quality that eases away your aches and pains. Gosainkunda is famous for its scenic beauty and religious value. Gosainkunda, the holy cave is situated at an altitude of 4,360 m. above the sea level. There are a number of other beautiful lakes near by; they are Saraswoti Kunda, Bhairav Kunda, Ganesh Kunda, etc. The approach to Gosainkunda is through Dunche which is 132 km. northwest of Kathmandu.
this trek starts from Dhunche, and on to Sing Gompa, Gosainkunda and the Helambu Sherpa villages. Melamche, Tarkegyang and Shermathang are the most beautiful villages on the trek. There are magnificent views of Ganesh Himal, Langtang and other Himalayan peaks. Gosainkunda itself is a holy lake, where people from many lands, including the shamans, make a pilgrimage during the full moon of August.

OKHALDHUNGA

Okhaldhunga is the district headquarter of Okhaldhunga district at a distance of 500 km from Kathmandu. West of Okhaldunga district, at Ragini VDC Chandistha Gupha (cave) is regarded as a mysterious place of religious significance. Hot wind blows all the time in this approximately 90 m. long cave and nearly 30 m. of the interior can be approached with the assistance of artificial lighting.
Chandi Devi is one of the various forms of goddess Durga (the goddess of power). It is equally worshipped by Hindus as well as Buddhist in the area. It is an example of the assimilation of Tibeo-Burman and Indo-Aryan religion. This sect is more influenced by Tantric traditions and is observed mostly in the various places of the district.
Situated in Jantarkhani VDC, ToluGumba ia a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, especially Sherpa people, the monastery, standing in a very beautiful and attractive place, enshrines brass, wooden and concrete image of Lord Buddha and is a place worth visiting.

NUWAKOT

Bisur is the district headquarter of Nuwakot district at a distance of 75 km. from Kathmandu. It has historically important places such as the Nuwakot Palace located in the village of Nuwakot, and Devighat. It is one of the richest districts in culture, history and nature. Nuwakot among nine Kots (Belkot, Dhuwakot, Dhaibungkot, Pyaskot, Bhairamkot, Malakot, Simalkot, Sallyankot and Kalikakot) lying from north-west of Kathmandu. The name of the district is derived from the common name of all nine (Navakot). Two holy rivers Trishuli and Tadi make the district cultivating. Culturally and historically rich district Nuwakot was formerly the capital of Nepal for Twenty five years (1808-1825 B.S.). Rangamahal, Garad Ghar, Topkhana, Barudkhana are famous places to visit. Trishuli and Devighat hydropower stations can be observed in the place.

MORANG

Biratnagar is the district headquarters of Morang district at a distance of 530 kilometers from Kathmandu. Morang is home to Biratnagar, the 2nd largest city in Nepal after Kathmandu.The name Morang came into use again after the Shah Kings divided the country into administrative districts and Morang was named after the old Morang Kingdom. Most of the land is taken up by rice and jute cultivation, though areas of Sal forest emain along the northern part of the district where the plains meet the hills.
The Morang plains are one of the most culturally diverse regions in Nepal. Biratnagar is called an industrial zone as some of the largest industries are situated in the place. One can make trips to Dharan and Barahashetra making Biratnagar the base. The place is easily accessible as it is linked with Kathmandu both by air and by land. To the west are green paddies, jute fields, flood plains and marshes. On the Indian border, the massive Kosi Dam impounds the Sun Kosi River, which is fed by the Tamar River from the slopes of Kanchenjunga and the Arun River from the snows of Makalu.
Koshi dam is one of Nepal's major hydroelectric projects. Besides controlling unpredictable floods and generaing much of the country's energy, it created new wetlands that formed the Kosi Tappu Wildlife Reserve. One can see few remaining herds of wild water buffaloes and thousands of migratory birds.

MANANG

Chame is the district headquarter of Manang district at a distance of 245 k,. from Kathmandu. However it is still not connected with any roadways yet although a road is under construction. Manang lies about 50 km. due north of pokhara across the Annapurna range. One fascinating aspect of viewing mountains is their changing mood with the interplay of light. Another interesting phenomenon about mountains is the transformation in their shape and personality when viewed from different directions. It the Annapurna range presents itself as a dramatic wall of rock and ice and the limit of the northern horizon at Pokhara, the same mountain range is transformed into a massive hump of white mass as seen toward the south from Manang and the individual peaks take on an entirely different character. Manang is rich with Marsyangdi River and a trek along its long course enables one to witness the various stages in the journey of a Himalayan river. Manang at an altitude of 3505 m is the largest village of Nyeshang with over 300 houses. Other villages are Braga, Pisang, Ngawal, and Pisang are older settlements while Ghyaru is an offshoot of Ngawal and Tanki is an extended village of Manang. Khabgsar in a western side valley may have originally started as a monastic community

LALITPUR

Lalitpur is the district headquarter of Lalitpur district at a distance of 5 km. from Kathmandu. Malla kings ruled, lived and worshipped in Lalitpur. The Patan Durbar Square is a study of the various style of architecture that have made their homes in this courtyard. If there were any truth in the story that King Ashoka erected the four stupas next to the palace, it would make Patan the oldest existing Buddhist city. There is little demarcation, with the traffic flowing from the streets of Kathmandu across the Bagmati Bridge into the industrial areas of Patan. But once you step into Darbar Square, you move into another world.
The Royal Palace is made up of three choks (courtyards). The gate to the oldest, Mul Chok, is guarded by twostone lions. To th south of Mul Chok lies Sundari Chok and a recessed bath called Tusha Hiti. Stone Nagas, the delicately carved figures that adorn the side of the bath are stunning in their detail and in quality of their craftsmanship. Originally, eight miniature statues of the Ashta Matrikas earth mother goddesses, Bhairava and Nagas (serpants) were varved; some are missing today. Finally, a gilded stone spout feeds water into the bath.
One of the most beautiful temples in the country and generally regarded as a masterpiece of architecture, the Krishna Mandir is built entirely of limestone and is the legacy of the King Siddhi Narsimha Malla, who regned for 41 years in the 17th century. In 1682, the king's son, ShriNivasa Malla, restored the undated Bhimsen temple after it was damaged by fire. Since then it has been restored once more, following the 1934 earthquake.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah swept into the Valley in 1768 to oust the Mallas, the 14th century Royal Palace was badly damaged. However, its ornate gates, delicately-carved struts, statues, open courtyards and many rooms, conference halls, sleeping Chambers, kitchens and so forth recall the glory of Malla architectural splendour.

KAVREPALANCHOK

Dhulikhel is the district headquarter of Kavrepalanchok district at a distance of 35 km. from Kathmandu. Dhulikhel, an ancient town is on the side of the Araniko Rajmarga at an altitude of 1550 m. which commands a prominent location on top of a high hill. There are several sights worth seeing in Dhulikhel.
One of the most fascinating Newar towns in the area, Panauti stands at the confluence of two rivers south of Banepa in a small valley surrounded by mountains. It is 100 km. from Kathmandu at an altitude of 1,768 m. People say that Panauti is located on a single Stone Base. There used to be a king's palace in the main village square and the town is noted for two fine examples of Malla temple architecture - a three-storeyed 16th-century Indreshwar Mahadev temple and a Narayan shrine, both of which have been restored.
There is a famous temple of goddess Bhagawati known as Palanchok Bhagawati 50 km. east of Kathmandu. It is believed that the statue of the Palanchok Bhagawati statues in the Kathmandu valley. It was first built by King Mandev and has been renovated four times after it was first built on 500 AD. Devotees believe that the goddess fulfils their wishes. This temple region is also well known for sight-seeing around Panchkhal Valley and Himalayan Region.
Namobuddha is an important destination for Buddhist pilgrims. Road to this place passes through some typical villages such as Kavre and Phulbari before reaching the Buddhist monastery at Namo Buddha. On the hill above Namo Buddha is a famous stone tablet depicting a Buddha (There have been many before the historical Buddah) feeding himself to a starving tigress and her cubs, a famous Buddhist tale expressing the great compassion of the Buddha.

KATHMANDU

The Kathmandu Valley has an exotic setting. It is surrounded by a tier of green mountain wall above, which tower mighty snow-capped peaks. It consists of three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. The kathmandu Valley covers an area of 656 sq. km. It is situated 1348 m. above sea level. The ancient Swasthani scriptures tell of Lord Shiva, supreme among Hindu gods, who came down to the Kathmandu valley to escape boredom. He came as a tourist, if that is the appropriate word, but he was neither among the first nor the last of the gods to visit the Valley. Visitors have come to Nepal since times forgotten. And though the cuntry is much different today than it was in ancient times, it has not diminished in charm; the increase in the number of visitors over the years is a living proof. Those who come to the Valley today will appreciate a lot more than Lord Shiva did in his tour. The architecture started here by the Lichhavi and Malla kings is one such example. Much of the greenery that Lord Shiva saw is gone, but the forests surrounding Pashupati, where he stayed, are still intact. The seven World Heritage Sites in th Kathmandu Valley designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)are the highlights of the Valley.

JHAPA

Chandrahadhi is the district headquarters of Jhapa district at a distance of 610 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is the easternmost district of Nepal connected with West Bengal state of India.
Damak is a small municipality town in Jhapa district. It is located at the either side of the East-west Highway. Inhabited mostly by the peoples of Indo-Aryab and Burman origin, Damak serves as the major trade center in the district. People from the northern mountain district come here to sell their goods such as seasonal fruits, herbs, hand woven woolen carpets etc in the weekly bazaar on Wednesdays. Some very interesting places with the attraction of culture and sightseeing in inner Jhapa and Morang can also be approached conveniently from Damak. Damak itself is situated in a beautiful setting. Tea gardens here are worth seeing too.
Bhadrepur, once inhabited by the indigenous tribes as Rajbanshi, Satar, Santhal, Dhimal and Meche, the place has now people of almost all the races and casts of Nepal. Thus the place offers a good opportunity for a cultural tour.
Birtamod is a fast growing township on the cross roads of East-West Highway and Bhadrapur-Taplejung road situated 16 km west of Kakarbhitta, the only entry point in Easter Nepal. The bus journey to Ilam, Phidim and Taplejung begins from here; buses are available only until 2pm at an interval of two hours.
Kakarbhitta, a boarder township, is the entry point in the Eastern Nepal. The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation operates an information centre here and the visitors entering Nepal from this point can obtain trekking permits for Easter region.

ILAM

Ilam is the district headquarters of Ilam district at a distance of 675 kilometers from Kathmandu. It is also called the place of sunrise because geographically it is the first place in Nepal to touch the sun rays of dawn. The name Ilam is derived from a Limbu language meaning "li" means twisted and "Lam" means Road. Ilam was one of the ten self ruling states of Limbuwan before the unification of Nepal; its ruler King Hangshu Phuba Lingdom of Lingdom dynasty was ruling Ilam as a comfederate state of Limbuwan until 1813 AD. Ilam was the last of ten Kingdoms of Limbuwan to join the union of Nepal.
Ilam is today one of the most developed places in Nepal. Its tea ILAM TEA is very famous and exported to many parts of Europe. The main source of income in this district is tea, cardamom, milk, ginger and potato.
Two kilometers rive towards north of Ilam takes oneto Mai Pokhari lake, situated at an altitude of 2500meters. It is situated at peaceful lace surrounded by rhododendron bushes amidst lush green forest. Lake captivates the sight sees with jade clean water and multi-colour fishes flashing brilliantly. Small thatched huts of sages, temple of house lord Shiva, Mai temple, SatyaDhuni guest house and Sanskrit School are situated nearby. Occasions like Hari Bodhini Ekadashi see busy human activities in this otherwise peaceful and secluded place. In addition of the places described above there are many other smaller but attractive ponds and lakes in Ilam.
Situated at an altitude of 1677 meters, Shree Antu Danda isan ideal place for viewing sunrise and sunset. Forest and the ponds of the area are very attractive. This also offers the panoramic view of the Mt. Everest and Kanchanjangha of Nepal, and Darjeeling, Khersang and Mirik of India. Because of its topography and scenic beauty it is compared with Darjeeling.
Ilam is the core area for tea plantation. In spite of granule tea, Ilam produces best quality tealeaves. There are more than a score of tea-estates, big and small, of great economic values that add impressive beauty to the place.

GORKHA

Gorkha bazaar is the district headquarter of Gorkha district at a distance of 143 km. from Kathmandu and 115 km. Pokhara. A 25 km connecting road off the main highway of Pokhara and Kathmandu brings you to Gorkha. Nepal was divided into small states 240 years ago, and Gorkha was one of them. King Prithvi Narayan shah, the founder of 'Shah Dynasty', unified Nepal into one kingdom. His Gorkha palace resides on top of a hill at an altitude of 1000 m. Gorkha is also the home of Gurkhas- the legendary brave warriors who fought with knives against guns.
King Prithvi Narayan Shah's old palace still stands on a mountain ridge overlooking this ancient capital, from which the Gorkha soldiers derive their name. From the bus stop, the road passes by the town's Tundikhel and an army camp. A group of temples stands by the pond-like Rani Pokhari and a stone statue of Prithvi Narayan Shah honours Prithvi Narayan Shah's ancestor. He travelled to Kathmandu and returned with Newar craftsmen, who were responsible for most of Gorkha's ancient buildings, which are conspicuously Newari in style. Tallo Durbar, a structure built in the 18th century, stands close to the town centre. It is believed to be the original site of the Gorkha palace, before the Shahs came to rule there. The palace on the ridge above the town is Upallo Darbar, the home of the Shah Kings. Its unmistakable prominence was both strategic and a sign of dominance. To reach Upallo Durbar, climb a long flight of some 1700 stone stairs leading off the main road. The climb takes about 30-40 minutes but it is well worth the effort. Directly ahead, magnificent mountains stand out in the centre of an east-west span Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu and Ganesh Himal, while behind in the south are the Mahabharat Hills. Ram Shah built the first palace in the 1600s. It has since been renovated and much has been added to its sprawling intersections.

DHANUSHA

Janakpur is the district headquarter of Dhanusha district at a distance of 380 km. from Kathmandu. Janakpur in the heartland of ancient Mithila, reputed to have been once a large well planned city and centre of learning. It is credited to be the Ramayan epic.
Janaki temple, dedicated to Sita, is one of the most famous temples in the Terai belt. Janaki temple is the heart of the town and was built by the queen of Tikamagadh (Bundelkhand) in 1910. This elaborate temple of marble that forms the focus of Hindu devotees however is a specimen of 17th century Mughal architecture. Janaki is another name of Sita, the consort of Ram (the epic hero of Ramayan). King Janak, who was renowned for his wisdom, was Sita's father. His palace was located here and it is after him that this place came to be known as Janakpur. There are a number of places, ponds and temples in Janakpur that reflects the events taken place during the Ramayan age. The images worked out on marble are worth seeing. The local people prefer calling it 'Naulakha' for its construction at the time. The other places of attraction in the periphery of Janaki temple are Ram Mandir, Ganga Saga etc.
Dhanushadham is a histoical and religious site dating back to the time of the great Hindu epic Ramayan. It clearly reflects the long history of Nepali art and architecture.
Previously known as Janak Sarobar, the holy pond of Parashuramkunda holds a historical as well as cultural significance. It is believed to be the pond where Maharishi Parashuram bathed to quell his anger after his confrontation with Ram over the breaking of the sacred bow of Lord Shiva. The pond is picturesque, with lotus flowers floating on it and lush trees on the southern banks. The pond of Mithileshwar Nikas VDC is 4 km. west of Dhanushadham.

DHANKUTA

Situated 56 km north of Dharan, Dhankuta is a beautiful town popularly called he queen of the hills because of its scenic beauty. Dhankuta is famous for its orange groves and leafy scenery punctuated by many mountains streams. It is also the base for trekking in the Kanchenjunga region. Astride the Sikkim border with eastern Nepal, Kanchenjunga is the world's third-highest mountain.
Hile is situated about 13 km north of Dhankuta Bazar and the place is famous for its the panoramic view of Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), Makalu, Lotshe, Kumbhakarna etc.
Bhedetar, a small hill station, is situated 16 km north of Dharan over a flat hillock at an altitude of 1430 m. above the sea level. The place is famous for its suitably cool weather. The panoramic view of the Himalayas, the plain of Tarai, the Saptakoshi River and Dharan Bazar can be seen from a tall point Charlse Point which is named after Prince Charlse of the United Kingdom when he visited the place. The famous temple of goddess Pathibhara stands 3 km west of the place. The temple can be accessed only on foot.
Rajarani, a beautiful valley, is situated 16 km east of Bhedetar in Rajarani VDC. The place is believed tobe the capital of Limbu Kingdom in the past. There are two plains, which were once ponds called Raja and Rani. The place has congenial climate and offers spectacular views of the Terai in the south and majestic Himalayan peaks in the north.
Sinduwa is a small but beautiful establishment with surprising scenic beauty situated at east of Hile bazaar. Himalayan ranges are seen in the north and a lush green forest beautifies the surrounding area.

CHITWAN

Bharatpur is the district headquarter of Chitwan district at a distance of 150 km. from Kathmandu. Chitwan is one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai' region, which formerly extended over the foothills of Nepal. The Chitwan National Park has been enlisted in Natural World Heritage Site. It is rich in flora and fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinoceros inhabit in the park, which is also one of the last refugees for the Bengal tigers.
The highlight for most visitors to the Terai is a visit to Chitwan National Park and Parsa Wildlife Reserve, recreated out of the once-fertile rice and wheat fields that swiftly covered the Rapti Valley after the fall from power of the Rana dynasty in the 1950s. Park, covering 932 sq. km., was the first of Nepal's extensive network of wildlife sanctuaries. The valley is bed of the Narayani River. Rapti River and other strams and feeders join Narayani to become the second-largest tributary of the sacred Ganges that flows approximately 200 km. to the south.
Before the park's creation in 1973, Nepal's population explosion had pushed migrants down from the hills, forcing the indigenous Tharu tribes into this area, which was formerly reserved as royal hunting grounds. Using slash and burn technique, they opened up the forests and planted rice and grain. Concerned with the destruction of its traditional hunting grounds, Nepal's former royal family planned new strategies for the protection of its wildlife. The twin towns of Bharatpur and Narayanghat are the nearest urban centres to Chitwan. Bharatpur's role in the lowland infrastructure is as an airfield for what the domestic air carrier rashly promises are he daily flights to Kathmandu. Narayanghat, lying on the banks Narayani, and known as the gateway to Chitwan, is in fact the major junction on the east-west highway, with a supra climbing up through the hills along the east bank of the Narayani to Mugling, the main junction town between Kathmandu and Pokhara on the Prithvi Highway. It is also a vital administrative and commrcial centre of the Terai and indeed the ethnic capital of the indigenous people of this region, the Tharus. Bustling Narayanghat with sizable industries and flourishing markets is also something of a pilgrimage spot. Each year, during Maghe Sankranti (middle of January), tens of thousands flock to the nearby village of Devghat where devotees immerse themselves at the confluence of the Kali Gandaki with the water of the Trisuli-Marsyangdi.

BHOJPUR

Bhojpur is the district headquarter of Bhojpur district. Bhajpur is very famous for khukuri (legendary Gurkha knife) made by local people. Balankha is one of the growing towns in the southwest area of Bhojpur. Another town Ghoretar, southeast of Bhojpur, has been a center point of trade, education and administration for a long time. It is famous as Hatuwa Gadi "a powerful fort of Kirat king Sunahang" in Kirat history. The most distinctive thing about Balankha is its famous Chhongkha Chandi celebration. It is the Kirat Rai festival when Rais go to 'Chandi Than' at Dammarkhu village of Khotang (across the river Buwa Khola), pray for good harvest and rain. Then they flock back to open space of Chandi Bazaar, there they dance and celebrate with great joy.
Hatuwagadhi is a significant historical place of Bhajpur district. The place is situated at Ranibas VDC, 30 km south of the district headquarter. Bhojpur Bazaar is located at an altitude of about 6,000 ft. above the mean sea level. Importance of Hatuwagadhi is due to the fact that the place was the capital of a Kirant state, Majh Kirant before the unification of Nepal by Shah Kings. The ruins of the place were the capital, and forts can still be seen there. These ruins have greater archeological, architectural and historical significance. Besides, the place is adorned with a unique lands ape and nature that make the place all time attractive. Panoramic views of Himalayas, green hills, rivers, deep gorges and valleys are regular scenes. It is thrilling experience to see such things from a place in such a low altitude. The other thing that adds to its attraction is the unique culture of the people inhabiting the place and the vicinity.
Situated in Bhojpur district, Golma Raja is famous for its unique natural setting. There is myth associated with the place. The myth has it that the whole marriage processing of king Golma disappeared when it reached this place in the ancient time. The images in the stone cliff very similar to that of the procession can still be seen.

BHAKTAPUR

Bhaktapur bazaar is the district headquarter of Bhaktapur district at a distance of 16 km. from Kathmandu. It is probably the most visited of the three historic cities, nicely compact and only a brief walk from Nyatapola, the tallest and most popular of Nepal's pagoda temples. Like Kirtipur, Bhaktapur is a medieval town locked in centuries old beliefs and traditions. But, unlike Kirtipur, the town is economically robust; walking its streets you find artisans at work, craftsmen producing their wares and modern facilities.
Also known as Bhadgaon, city of devotees, the name of the ancient city indicates its religious antecedents. Bhadgaon reached the principle of its glory during the Malla era and Bhaktapur has maintained its individuality mainly by virtue of its self-sufficiency and isolation from Kathmandu. Field still encircle the town, cultivated by Bhaktapur's farmers, working since centuries. The town grows its own crops. The women wear the distinctive black patasi bordered with a bright red strip. the town's Dabar Square is usually overrun with tourists, who sometimes stand there stunned, not only by the incredible, dimensions of the Nyatapola Temple but also by the nonstop hurley-burly of hawkers, pedestrians and children who occupy the place by day and seemingly by night. Most seek sanctuary in a tearoom, where a good hour can be spent sipping the piquant local tea and studying the erotica in the area.
The next most prominent part of the square is the awsome Nyatapola Temple, Nepal's tallest ancient structure, built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It stands in five tiers and is balanced by the five foundation platforms that stand at the base. From as far back as you can stand, it looks like a fretted pyramid climbing up to the clouds, reaching a height of more that 30 m. Its inspiration is said to have been a form of appeasement to the terrifying menace of Bhairav, who stands in another temple. There seems to be more than just fancy to this tale.