CULTURAL & EXCURSION TOUR

KATHMANDU VALLEY
The Kathmandu Valley is indeed a unique type of valley, wearing an exotic setting. Twenty-five centuries back it stood as a titanic lake. It is completely surrounded by a tier of green mountain walls above which to the north tower the mighty snow-capped peaks during the winter. It consists of four major cities carrying great historic, artistic and cultural interest. They include Kathmandu, Patan, Bhadgaon and Kirtipur. Ironically speaking, Kathmandu Valley was an empire owning four petty kingdoms till 1769 A. D. The four kingdoms of Kantipur, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur and Kirtipur have today appeared as independent modern cities. The Valley with an approximate population of a million and a half (i.e. counting the Tibetans and the Indians as well) covers an area of 218 square miles and is situated at an elevation of 4,423 feet above the sea-level as part of the Shangrila. Kathmandu (Kantipur)-the Capital.

Sky Vairab Temple : Also referred to as the Blue Bhairab sometimes, it is a three-storied temple in the principal market called Indra Chowk. The divine image of the Sky Bhairab is displayed outside for a week-long period during the great festival of Indra Jatra. The celebration of Indra Jatra honors Indra-The King of Heaven & The God of Rain. The Newars call Him 'Aajudyo.'

Hanuman Gate : This falls to be the historic seat of the past royalty, particularly belonging to the Malla dynasty. The Durbar Square, which is itself the old Royal Palace Complex dedicated to the Malla monarchs, is today classified as a World Heritage Site of Culture. The age-old temples and palaces epitomize the religious and cultural life-style of the people. The interesting things to view include Taleju Temple built by late King Mahendra Malla in 1549 A.D., a gigantic stone figure exposing the fearful manifestation of the Black Vairab which the Hindus regard as the God of Destruction, the tall stone pillar on the plinth-top of which sits late King Pratap Malla with his two beloved queens on either sides plus an infant child in the middle, the colossal image of the White Vairab the lattice of which is removed for a week during the Kumari Yatra festival, the nine-storied Basantapur Palace (literally meaning the spring season palace), the Gigantic Bell and the Great Drums. The main golden-gate is guarded by the Monkey-God called Hanuman . He is the King of the Monkeys and a faithful servant to Lord Ram Chandra-the unanimous Hero of the ancient epic "Ramayan." Being guarded by a sole protector, the gate itself has come to be known as Hanuman Gate. With a commercial umbrella suspended above his head and wrapped in a scarlet cloak, he squats on a stone plinth to be respected by hundreds of Nepalese Hindus plus Indian Hindus. (He is actually blind-folded as he was a chaste bachelor and wishes not to come in vision of any female figures.)

Temple of Kumari (The Living Goddess): The temple and the holy quadrangle with a Buddhist stupa at the center form the residential quarters of the Chaste Virgin Living Goddess called KUMARI. The traditional building has profusely carved wooden balconies and window screens. The non-Buddhist and the non-Hindu visitors may enter the courtyard called the 'bahal' but may not proceed beyond upstairs. The KUMARI acknowledges their greetings from the central window of the balcony particularly saved for Her alone and snapshot is strictly prohibited.

Kastha Mandap : Located nearby the Temple of Kumari, this is a unique type of wooden temple also known as Maru Satal. It was built in 1596 A.D. by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla. They say the timber used for its relevant construction was sawed out of a single tree. It is also believed that the capital of Kathmandu derived its new name from this very 'Kastha Mandap.' Today it houses the Hindu God namely Gorakh-Nath.

Pashupati Nath Temple : It is a pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofings and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiba and is situated at the bank of the holy Bagmati River. One of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world, Pashupati Nath Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of Shibaratri. The minute religious town itself which houses the great temple is known as Debpatan and is situated 5 kilometers east of the capital city. Only Hindus are permitted to enter the main courtyard of the temple. Alien tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Guheshwori Temple : On a forested knoll further behind Pashupati Nath Temple to the eastern direction and also by the side of the bending or winding Bagmati River appears the gracious temple of Guheshwori sometimes known as Akash Yogini. It is another famous spot of Hindu pilgrimage. It houses the shrine of Goddess Parbati who is Lord Shiba's spouse. In this case also, only Hindus are authorized to enter the premises.

Swayamvu Shrine : This is believed to be 25 centuries old and stands as one of the world's oldest Buddhist Chaityas. The Great Stupa of Swayamvu is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal. It is indeed listed a World Heritage Site of Culture to prove that it serves as the nerve center of faithful worship for all the devout Buddhists of the universe. Swayamvu embraces the authentic philosophy of Bajrayan in particular and honors Lord Adi Buddha. It is dedicated to the self-originating flame God. The stupa which forms the salient structure is well composed of a solid hemisphere of terra-cotta bricks and soil supporting a cornice of copper and gilt. Painted on the four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, keeping an eternal watch on the Valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. It is some two miles west of Kathmandu City proper across the holy Bishnumati River. Situated on the top of a hillock, it is about 500 feet above the level of the Valley. The whole hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda temples possessing great dignity plus beauty. There also exist six big Buddhist monasteries in all-five Mahayan (Lamaist) and one Hinyan (Therbadist). On the hind hill is located another important Buddhist shrine; it is called Manjushree. This compassionate Chinese Buddha is the God of Knowledge.

Boudha-Nath Stupa : This is declared to stand as the largest Buddhist shrine of South Asia. The ancient colossal chhorten was built in the 6th century A.D. by King Man Deb belonging to the Lichhabi dynasty. It rests on a series of three terraces and from the bird's eye view it takes the relevant shape of a lotus flower which indeed remains a very holy object for the devout Buddhists of the entire world. The chhorten is surrounded by a circular market which forms a part of Tibet Town. In this case also the four pairs of the Buddha's eyes give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions, meaning to keep a diligent watch over the people and their commitments all day all night. The chhorten embraces the authentic philosophy of Mahayan the faith of which is known as Lamaism in Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet. It also proves a World Heritage Site.

Buddhanilkantha : Situated in the northern suburbs of the Valley just at the foot of Mt. Shibapuri, this is an enchanting Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu Narayan. So the locality is also known as Narayanthan. He lies in a bed of serpents amidst the pious pool and seems to float on water. The surrounding pond actually represents the sea. The reclining statue was built in the 5th century A.D. The season of religious celebration here takes place right after the festival of Tihar. Although it is a renowned spot of worship, the reigning king of Nepal (may it be contemporary or any Hindu monarch) may not visit this place for reasons particularly unknown. Thus to please the king a replica of it has been built elsewhere if he wishes to visit it much.

Dachhin-Kali: Kali is a bloodthirsty Hindu Goddess. This particular temple lies in the southernmost suburbs of the Valley, beyond Furping downward in a solitary ravine. So She is termed 'Dachhin-Kali' meaning South Kali. The important days for religious pilgrimage include Tuesdays and Saturdays. A ritual worship attached by animal sacrifice would not be an uncommon scene here the practice of which is totally against Buddhism in the birthland of Lord Buddha. The poor victims include the fowls, birds and sheep in general.

PATAN CITY
The ancient city is located on the southern bank of the holy Bagmati River and is approximately five kilometers south-east of the capital. The whole city is full of Buddhist monuments and Hindu temples with fine bronze gateways, marvelous statues, guardian deities and magnificent carvings including stone carving, metal carving and wood carving. Well noted for its gorgeous craftsmen and metal workers, it is often known as the city of superb artists. The majority of the citizens follow the Buddhist faith.

Durbar Square : This is the Royal Palace Complex built during the Malla period and stood as the capital part till the 17th century. Situated in the heart of the city, it constitutes the salient focus of an alien visitor's attraction. The square is built of ancient palaces, temples, shrines and statues noted for their exquisite carvings. We owe all these grandeurs to the sovereign Malla dynasty. The last of the Malla dynasty was late King Tej Narsingh Malla. There include three main courtyards, the first being the Keshab Narayan Chowk which we have gotten to enter through the Golden Gate and under the Golden Window; the second being the Taleju Vawani Chowk; and the third being the Sundari Chowk carrying the Royal Bath called Tushahity. The single stone pillar on which sits late King Yog Narendra Malla facing the Taleju Vawani Temple to the cardinal direction of east and the Gigantic Bell to its right are also worth mentioning. The Patan Durbar Square too forms a World Heritage Site.

Krishna Temple: Built in the 16th century by late King Siddhi Narsingh Malla, this temple is made of pure stone. It is a marvelous structure constructed completely out of stone, except for the few pinnacles or the spires adjusted out of metal. The carvings on its friezes depict battle scenes from the ancient Hindu epics of South Asia, the Ramayan and the Maha-Varat in particular. Opposite remains the single stone pillar with a Garud sitting on, paying decent homage to Lord Krishna.

BHADGAON (BHAKTAPUR)
Bhaktapur Bhadgaon, also known as Bhaktapur, stood the capital of Nepal Valley once during the olden days. And today it is a treasure home of medieval arts and architectures. According to a legend this city was founded in 889 A.D. by late King Anand Deb who belonged to the famous Lichhabi dynasty. The whole city takes the relevant shape of a 'Khat-Kon' or David's Star. Bhaktapur signifies the "City of Devotees", with the sole majority of Hindus. The urban sector covers an area of 4 square miles. Pottery plus weaving form its traditional industries. They make the best yogurt of the kingdom; so it is known as 'juju dhou' or 'king curd.' Nowadays numerous cottage factories produce masks and wooden handicrafts as well. Bhaktapur is 13 kilometers direct east of Kathmandu and is accessible by public taxi vehicles including the bus, mini-bus, trolley-bus, cab and auto-rickshaw.

Durbar Square : The main square of the city which used to be the capital part of old Bhadgaon kingdom contains numerous temples and monuments of wonderful nature. The first striking city mark would be the 55 Windowed Palace built by late King Vupatindra Malla with which the three remaining kingdoms of Kantipur, Lalitpur and Kirtipur envied a lot. This jealousy often lead to some political strife as well. During the Malla era Bhaktapur and Lalitpur particularly appeared as tough competitors. The 55 Windowed Palace is a unique type of structure, so it is the only kind in all modern Nepal without a single imitation or duplication or replica appearing elsewhere. The first ten windows decently face west, thirty-five face south and the remaining ten face east. The Golden Gate, the Gigantic Bell, the Stone Pillar of late Vupatindra Malla and the Chayslin Mandap (Octoganal Pagoda) look gorgeous. The National Art Gallery although closed on Tuesdays expose a large and detailed collection of marvelous stone-crafts and scroll-paintings. Entering through the Golden Gate and behind the 55 Windowed Palace, we come across Taleju Vawani Temple and the Royal Bath. Very obviously every city has a Taleju Vawani Temple as She is believed to be the Protectoress of the city by the orthodox Hindus. The Royal Bath yet looks glamoros with the image of the Serpent God in the middle of the sanatorium although the water-spout has completely dried up. Late King Ranjit Malla was the last of the Malla dynasty to take a holy bath. The 17th century also saw the downfall of the Malla monarchy. The Durbar Square is indeed a World Heritage Site. Adjacent to the Durbar Square is a famous market plaza called Toumadhi Square. This is a big junction where the chariot festival starts during the religious season. It is here that the striking landmark of the country stands tall and majestic. The Nyata-Poul Temple facing the cardinal direction of south is a Hindu pagoda, dedicated to Goddess Siddhi Luxmi. Built by late King Vupatindra Malla it is not only the tallest temple of the city, of the district, of the valley but of the entire nation. It is about 190 feet above the city's ground level. According to the local language, "Nyata-Poul" signifies five-roofed. You can't miss this from your aircraft window. Constructed out of pure terra-cota bricks and super-fine wooden materials, it owns a strong foundation. A dreadful earthquake shook Nepal in 1934. All the surrounding houses and minor shrines collapsed while this remained intact. To the right the Vairab Temple looks magnificent. It faces the cardinal direction of west and is a center for animal sacrifices.

Datta-Traya Square: Further to the north-east of Toumadhi Square is another interesting locality caled Datta-Traya Square. In fact this is the second important urban spot of Bhadgaon. The Datta-Traya Temple also built by late King Vupatindra Malla in the 17th century is a famous pagoda carrying an amusing history. This is a wooden temple facing west; it is believed that the timber used for its relevant construction was sawed out of a single tree. So you can imagine how big the tree must have been. The square has been nomenclatured from the name of the Deity itself. The three-storied temple is dedicated to the three-headed Deity of the orthodox Hindus. It symbolizes the divine triad, a mere combination of Brahma (the Creator), Bishnu (the Preserver) and Maheshwor (the Destroyer). The square as a whole can be regarded as a marvelous gallery of intricate wood carvings. One can smell environments of medieval period around the square. In the periphery of the temple, you can also see monasteries, Vimsen Temple and a platform. There are a couple of handicraft quarters around where watching the skills of the carvers is a sheer joy. The Pujari-Math Temple has the renowned Peacock Window in the laneside facing the cardinal direction of east. It is a pure wooden structure, a master-piece indeed. Apart from these, there exist two special museums-the Metal Craft Museum and the Wood Craft Museum.

Changu (Champak) Narayan : This is the oldest Hindu temple of the Valley built atop a hill village called Changu. Dedicated to Lord Champak Narayan, it is declared to have been built by late King Hari Barma in 323 A.D. who also virtually belonged to the Lichhabi dynasty. The two-roofed pagoda temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. To the ethnic Newars it is known as 'Sako Changu.' And the most authentic inscription located in the precinct of Champak Narayan is dated 464 A.D., accredited to King Man Deb.

BEYOND THE VALLEY

Kakani : Situated at an elevation of 6,500 feet above the sea-level and 25 kilometers away from Kathmandu City is hilly Kakani, famous for plenty of terraced fields. Short treks are made possible. The fabulous holiday area of Kakani features enchanting attractions ranging from the beautiful alpine scenery to the magnificent Himalayan panorama, especially of the Ganesh Himal.

Nagarkot : This is a lovely hill-station lying at an elevation of 7,133 feet above the sea-level and is not more than 32 kilometers direct east of Kathmandu City. It is a year round holiday resort rich in chlorophyll forestations. As an evergreen area, the pines appear spectacularly beautiful. The panorama of the major peaks belonging to the eastern Himalayas including Mt. Sagarmatha (Everest) can be viewed from here weather permitting. The resort stands best at sun-rise plus sun-set.

Dhulikhel : This is an ancient hill town which is known as 'Dhoukhyo' to the indigenous Newars. It is situated 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu City on the side of the Arniko Highway leading to the Tibetan border. From here one can own a complete panoramic view of the snowy flanks ranging from east to west.

Namo Buddha : Situated on a hill just above Panaouti valley is an authentic Buddhist shrine which the indigenous Newars call "Namra Bhagwan." The name of the religious hamlet itself is also Namra. It requires an easy cruise by automobile or a good trek to get here. Lord Buddha is auspiciously commemorated here by an ancient stone slab and a Stupa (Chaitya to the Nepalese Buddhists and Chhorten to the Tibetan Buddhists) with the angular eyes of the Enlightened One. The pious forestation is believed to be the exact location where late King Mahasatwa (one of the past Buddha incarnations) sacrificed his own flesh for the sake of a dying tigress and her hungry cubs. The Stupa is highly worshipped by Nepalese Buddhists and Tibetan Buddhists. This serene wood proves to be an ideal spot for sentimental meditation.

Gorkha : Situated on a western hill overlooking the snow-clad peaks belonging to the Great Himalayan Ranges, Gorkha was the former capital of the un-united west Nepal before or till the 17th century. It houses two attractive Hindu temples of Lord Gorakhnath and Goddess Kali. It is the birth-place of late King Prithbi Narayan Shah-the sole Propounder of Modern Nepal. It is to be well acknowledged that late King Prithbi Narayan Shah was the last monarch of Gorkha and the first monarch of new Nepal. An optional tour to Mankamana consuming in fact a trek of 4 hours is suggestive because it turns out to be very interesting and enjoyable. The world famous Gorkha mercenaries hail from this district pertaining to Gandaki Zone of Mid-Western Development Region.

Janakpur : This is a religious city in south Nepal famous as the birth-place of Sita who is the divine consort of Lord Ram Chandra and the unanimous heroine of the great Hindu epic "Ramayan." A marble temple popularly known as Noulakh Mandir is dedicated to Sita (sometimes Janaki). In ancient days Janakpur was ruled by late King Janak. Being the daughter of Janak, She has eventually come to be called Janaki-a feminine gender usage of the oriental term. Religious festivals, pilgrimages, comely fairs and other merry festivities are held here especially during two great occasions which include Bibaha Panchami and Ram Nabami. Janakpur is linked with Kathmandu by air plus road. A 45 kilometer railway brings you to Janakpur from Jaynagar, another town of Indian nature in the scorching plains of the Terai. This is the only train route existing in all the kingdom of Nepal.

You are most welcome  to join  our  above tours by our  own vehicle & well experienced  city guide.  Above tours can  be arranged for half day up to 7 days. We will surely  make  your trip  memorable.

POKHARA
The Pokhara Valley stands one of the most picturesque sites of Nepal. Some believe it to be the Nepalese Paradise in the ecological sense. The perpetual beauty of the valley is enhanced by its three renowned lakes including Fewa, Begnas and Rupa which own their natural resource in the glacial sector of the Annapurna Range of the Supreme Himalayas. The Annapurna Range is virtually the abode of five major peaks, namely Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV and Annapurna South. The scenic beauty of the tall water-fall also makes our trip more enchanting; it is called Devis Fall. The mighty deep gorge of the Seti River, the Mahendra Cave, the K.I. Singh Bridge, The Mahendra Bridge, the Tibetan Settlement are too seeing worthwhile. Pokhara Valley owns the second biggest woolen industry of Nepal; most of the rugs are woven in Tibetan design. The valley is also abound of Buddhist monasteries and Hindu temples. One interesting shrine is the 'Barahai' belonging to a blood-thirsty Hindu Goddess. It is located in a solitary island within the Fewa Lake where animal slaughters are not uncommon scenes as part of the religious ritual called 'Puja.' Pokhara is a major point which forks out to many different trekking destinations. A fabulos mountain flight in viewing the western Himalayan Ranges of Nepal also starts from here and ends here; it is an hourly air trip handled by the domestic arilines. The striking landmark is none other than Mt. Machhapuchhre (the metaphorical usage of Fish-Tail) though located at a far distance direct to the magnetic north. Pokhara is situated a little over 200 kilometers west of the capital city and is connected by air as well as by surface route. It also proves a via-point in plying to Baglung, Shyangja and Tansen. There are many panoramic and interesting places to pay decent visits outside the Kathmandu Valley. Most of them can easily be reached from Kathmandu by surface-route or air-route. Others we are afraid you must follow up the trek-route which is often lead through sloppy rough trail.

Fewa Tal (Lake): The lake in the immediate vicinity of the city is the Fewa Tal with an island temple dedicated to Goddess Barahi in the middle. With its serene water reflecting the Annapurna Range and nicely reserved woods on the adjoining southern slope, this legendary second largest lake of the kingdom is indeed a source of attraction for the visiting tourist. This lake can also be enjoyed by swimming and boating.

Begnas Tal & Rupa Tal (Lake): These twin lakes lie to the north-east of Pokhara Valley about 15 kilometers away from the airport. The road to Beganas follows Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway (the Prithbi Highway to some) as far as Sisuwa near the police check post and branches off the road towards north. It is possible to fetch a bus-ride to the damside of Begnas from the city. A small hill called Pachbhaiya which separates the two lakes can be reached in 30 minutes on foot from the Begnas bus stop. From a convenient point on this hill one can overlook the twin lakes on either side. These two lakes provide an opportunity for angling, canoeing, sun-bathing and bird-watching.

Mountains : The moment you step into any part of Pokhara the first thing that takes you to a spontaneous delight is the gorgeous view of the gigantic mountains.

Pokhara is, in fact, the first and foremost convenient point for mountain-oriented sightseeing. Mt. Annapurna, literally meaning the Goddess of Abundant Harvest, lies at a horizontal distance of 40 kilometers from the valley of Pokhara which remains at an elevation of just 900 meters above the mean sea-level. Here is a clear clue for the identification of mountain peaks visible from Pokhara. At the extreme left isolated from the massif is visible the peak of Mt. Dhoulagiri (8,167 m.). In order to have a clearer view of this peak, however, it is advised to proceed to the south-east direction of the valley past the airport. On the extreme left of the massif, the bumpy peak in the foreground is Annapurna South (7,219 m.). A little beyond the South Peak in the background lies Annapurna I (8,091 m.). The most imposing pyramidal peak in almost central fore-ground is Mt. Machhapuchhre (Fish-Tail 6,997 m.). Slightly east and back of this peak lies Annapurna III which almost looks like the back of a camel.

Between Annapurna III (7,556 m.) and the nest mountain with a characteristic rocky right flank which is Annapurna II (7,937 m.) lies Annapurna IV (7,535 m.). Separated from the main massif of the Annapurna, one mighty mountain appears on the right; Lamjung Himal (6,983 m.). Finally in the east Manaslu and Himalchuli can be well spotted. For a long panoramic view of the mountains from Dhoulagiri in the west to Ganesh Himal in the distant east, you can drive as far as Titunga behind the Institute of Forestry, Ram Bazaar in the south-eastern part of the Pokhara Valley. This view point can also be approached from Pokhara airport by heading south-east parallel to the narrow gorge of the Seti River and finally crossing the river over a natural stone bridge called Dhungesanghu on the left side of the Mahat Gaunda village.

Mahendra Cave : It is another interesting natural site across the Seti River past Batulechour village in the north of Pokhara Valley. It is one of the few stalagmite-stalactite caves found in Nepal. The cave has not yet been fully explored and it conceals more than the present first galleries. A flashlight is worthwhile to explore the interior.

Sarangkot : Bindabasini Temple along a ridge road to Sarangkot. Annapurna range and overlook the valley of Pokhara to enjoy the eye fast of the east. A view tower has been built on the top of Sarangkot hill at an elevation of 1,600 meters.

LUMBINI
Lumbini is the sound birth-place of Lord Siddhartha Goutam Buddha-the Apostle of Compassion & Non-Violence. He is not only the Light of Asia but the Messenger of Universal Peace as well. The auspicious garden of Lumbini is situated amidst the newly established town of Siddharthanagar in the hot Terai plains of west Nepal. The broken Ashokan pillar, holy remnants of an old Buddhist monastery, divine images of the Buddha's mother Great Maya Debi, etc. are still well preserved here. Extensive excavation task is being carried out with promising effects. It is accessible by air from the capital city to Bhairawa whence you can continue proceeding by a motor-car.

The Buddhist Temple: The monastery of the Buddhist temple is built inside the surrounding complex of Lumbini in the manner of modern Buddhist shrines in Nepal. The prayer-hall contains a big image of Lord Shakyamuni Buddha in the medieval style. Colorful artistic murals decorate the large walls.

The Ashokan Pillar: Discovered by the now famous German archaeologist Dr. Fuhrer, the pillar is the first epigraphic evidence relating to the life history of Lord Buddha and is also the most visible land-mark of the auspicious garden. The historic importance of the pillar is evidenced by the inscription engraved on the pillar (in Brahmi characters). It is said that the Hindu Indian Emperor Ashok-the Great, who got converted, visited the site in the twentieth year of his accession to the throne and as a homage to the pure birth-place erected the pillar. The inscription on the pillar roughly translates as : "King Piyadesi the beloved of the Gods, having been anointed 20 years, came himself and worshipped saying--Here Buddha Sakyamuni was born. He caused to make a stone (capital) representing a horse and he caused (this) stone pillar to be erected. Because here the worshipful one was born the village of Lumbini has been made free of taxes and recipient of wealth."

Image of Maha Maya Debi : In additional to the Ashokan Pillar, the other shrine of importance is the bas-relief image of Maha Maya Debi-the Queen of King Suddhodan. Enshrined in a small pagoda-like structure, the image shows Maya-Debi, the mother of Crown Prince Siddhartha Goutam. She is seen supporting herself by holding on with her right hand to a branch of a Sal tree, with the newly born infant Buddha standing upright on a lotus pedestal on an oval halo. Two other celestial figures are depicted in an act of pouring holy water and lotuses bestowed from heaven. Earlier the image was placed in the famous white temple of Maya Debi besides the pillar-now totally dismantled to make way for the excavations which revealed the Sanctum Sanctorum, the exact spot where Our Lord was born.

Kapilbastu: Located some 27 kilometers west of Lumbini lies the ruins of the historic town of "Kapilbastu". Believed to be the capital of Shakya republic where the Lord lived and enjoyed his life until his thirtieth year, Kapilbastu has been identified with Tilourakot by the archaeologists. Also, the place is believed to have been associated with different important episodes. There are ruins and mounds of old stupas and monasteries made of kiln-burnt bricks and clay-mortar. The remains are surrounded by a moat and the walls of the city are made of bricks. In fact, the ruins of the ancient city of Kapilbastu are in such a grand scale that it could easily be visualized as a high seat of authentic culture.