 Beyond the urban milieu of the three ancient cities of the Kathmandu Valley, there's a wealth of culture and nature waiting to the discovered. Ensconced amidst the lush greenery are magnificent monuments that are specimens of artistic workmanship. The villages and small towns dotting the landscape provide charming glimpses of rural life. The Kathmandu Valley is not very big (about 20 by 25 km), and an explorer can combine a number of locations in a leisurely day trip. Given below are some destinations to make your day:
Dhapakhel
About 12 km southeast of downtown Kathmandu, a medieval village drones on in blissful oblivion like it has for centuries. Far removed from the urban bustle, Dhapakhel (Dhapakhyo) invites all those who seek peace and quiet and a fascinating scenery to go with it. Besides being a pristine nature sanctuary, the village is a popular pilgrimage spot as well. Its religious significance comes from Nagdaha, meaning serpent pond, which is situated here. This sacred pond attracts many devotees, especially during the festival of Nag Panchami (August 16). On this day, pilgrims throng the site to worship the divine serpents which dwell in the pond. The holy serpents are revered as protectors of the Valley and as rain-givers.
As far as scenery is concerned, there are few places in the Valley that come even close. You could get lost in the lush greenery all around; and the snow-covered Himalaya levitating in the skyline behind the Mahabharat hills makes for an enchanting sight. There are few tourists here (or local visitors for that matter) because of its total seclusion.
The road to Dhapakhel branches off from the Ring Road at Sat Dobato. From here it is a pleasant countryside drive with rice fields to the left and right. You meet farmers toiling in their fields and children grazing animals on the meadows. So, if you are looking for a real getaway, hire a car or grab a mountain bike and head for one of Kathmandu's best kept secrets.
Ichangu
Ichangu Narayan is situated to the west of Kathmandu behind the Swayambhu stupa. It is one of the four main shrines of the Hindu deity Narayan that stand at the four corners of the Valley and protect its inhabitants. Hidden in the hills at a distance of about 11 km from downtown Kathmandu, the village of Ichangu offers a bit of religion, a bit of history and a lot of hiking.
To get there, follow the dirt road across the Ring Road from the Swayambhu bus stop. After passing a limestone quarry, the road turns into a trail leading you through scattered villages. Ichangu is reached after an exhilarating one-hour walk.
The temple of Ichangu Narayan (meaning Narayan of the west) is a two-roofed pagoda that dates to the fifth century. The shrine attracts many pilgrims, especially on the full moon day of August 26. This is "visit the Narayans day" when devotees make pilgrimages to all the four Narayan temples in the Valley. Even if you cannot make it on this special occasion, you should visit Ichangu to experience a part of Kathmandu that few tourists get to see.
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