Kirtipur Chobhar day sightseeing tour

Tour Overview

Kirtipur Chobhar day sightseeing tour, The Kirtipur is situated on a hillock (1,418 m.) 5 km southwest of the city of Kathmandu. It is one of the oldest settlements in the Kathmandu valley. As a museum, the town depicts the typical Newari architecture and culture of old Kathmandu. According to historical accounts, the town was founded by King Siva Deva (1099-1126 A.D.) However, it is believed that the town has been excited from the time of Gopalvansa. Commanding a panoramic – not to mention strategic – view of the valley, the well-preserved old town is vehicle-free and great for a morning or afternoon’s wandering. It also conceals, deep within its miniature maze of brick and stone streets, one of the best Newari restaurants in the valley. Established as a western outpost of Patan in the twelfth century, Kirtipur had gained nominal independence by the time Prithvi Narayan Shah began his final conquest of the Kathmandu Valley in 1767. The Gorkha king considered the town to be the military linchpin of the valley and made its capture his first priority. It is one of the most famous and religious places to visit. Anyone who admires a location with rich history, good food, and interesting structures will love it for sure. The settlements are adorned with several religious temples and shrines. The Bagh Bhairav, Layaku, and Uma Maheshwar are Hindu sites, while the Chilanco complex is a Buddhist site housing the residence of Bajracharyas and Shakyas, the Buddhist community of Kirtipur. Kirtipur is a town rich in history, nature, and culture that’s only 30 minutes from Kathmandu and offers an insight into the real Nepal. Traditional Newari architecture is nestled between colorful new buildings

Kirtipur Chobhar day sightseeing tour-Chobhar Gorge.

The Ancient legends that tell of the time when all of Kathmandu valley was a Lake surrounded by hills, It is said the Manjushree, a divine saint from China, come upon this lake eons ago and saw a huge lotus emanating bright light at the center. So he cut a deep gorge in the wall of the lake and let the water out in order to observe and worship the lotus. The bed of the Lake became Kathmandu valley, and the place where he cut the lake is said to be Chobhar. As of today, the Chobhar gorge is the only water outlet of the valley through which the Bagmati River flows out of Kathmandu. The word Chobhar has been derived from the Newari word Chobaha which means” Upper Bahal”. This “upper bahal” is located on the Chobhar hill dedicated to Adinath Lokeshwor. Another popular religious site in the area is Jal Binayak, a Hindu deity. The Chobhar gorge is also connected with Hindu Legends. According to one Legend, the gorge was cut by Lord Krishna with his Sudarshan Chakra during the Dwapar era to drain out water to start life in the valley

Manjshree Gorge

The ravine of Manjushree gorge is also called Chobhar gorge> According to Legends, this gorge was struck by Manjushree, Who traveled to Nepal to offer prayers to the Swayambhu Flame and Goddess Gujeswari. It is said that Manjushree walked along the peaks around the lake three times and with his mighty sword struck a deep cleft in the southern hills to drain the suspension bridge built-in to connect the two sides of the gorge. The bridge offers views of the Jal Binayak shrine, Hanjushree gorge, and the nearby Chobhar cave.

Jal Binayak

Jal Binayak is a popular temple of Lord Ganesh, Also known as Koyena Ganesh, the temple lies near the Chobhar gorge the main shrine at Jal Binayak is a massive limestone rock covered with a metal sheet. It extends outside the temple at the back a small part in front resembling the tusk of Ganesh, Devotees apparently built the temple to shelter this object of devotion, and Devotees seek and pray for physical and moral strength to the Ganesh at Jal Binayak. Groups of the local Newar devotees are often seen making a pilgrimage to Jal Binayak dressed in best clothes and Jewelry with offerings like flowers, eggs, vermilion powders, and incense.

Manjushree Park

Manjushree Park is situated next to Chobhar Gorge in southern Kirtipur. It is named in honor of Manjushree, the enlightened being who created the Kathmandu Valley when he carved out Chobhar Gorge.

Taudaha Lake

In addition to being an area of natural beauty, Taudaha Lake has a history steeped in legend. It’s believed the entire Kathmandu Valley was covered in water until Manjushree cut the gorge at Chobhar to drain it. Now, this lake is all that’s left. Birds from Siberia migrate to the lake in winter. There are a number of other bird species that can be observed around the lake making it a lovely spot for some birdwatching. Visitors can also take a stroll along the lakeshore and feed the giant carp that live there. Taudaha is the only natural lake in the Kathmandu Valley and its name comes from the Newari word Ta: Dahan which means “great lake”. It’s roughly 500m at the widest point and about 20m deep. The park is a lovely natural oasis to escape the city. Just a 30-minute drive from Kathmandu, visitors can find a peaceful spot to sit in the park or walk down the stairs to watch the water rushing through

Adinath Temple

Adinath Temple is dedicated to Adinath Lokeswor, a Buddhist deity also known as Rato Machhendranath. The path to the Adinath Temple on Chobhar hill starts near the back of the Bagmati River at the base of the hill. From the available Licchavi Chaityas, the site is believed to be very old but authentic records could be found only from the 15th century A.D. onward. The present temple was erected during the reign of King Sri Nivas Malla in the 17th century A.D. Festival of Dashain that falls in October is a good time to visit the temple, when it is thronged by devotees who remain here fasting for five consecutive days and nights. Sunrise view from here is spectacular during fall, winter, and spring and one may even be able to get a glimpse of Everest on clear days.

Chobhar Cave

The cave of Chobhar lies right at the Chobhar gorge. There are several entrances to the cave. The total length of the cave exceeds more than a Kilometer, Making it one of the longest caves in Nepal. This cave is also known as Chakhunti Bhakhunti or the cave of pigeons and sparrows, Chakra Tirtha Paramansa Gufa, or Chobhar Gufa for various legendary reasons. The cave was an important meditation site for Buddhist monks in the old times and many Tibetan monks have even mentioned the cave in their autobiography. It is recommended that one visit the cave in a group escorted by local guides all over the year. The caves are often infiltrated by water due to fluctuating levels of the nearby Bagmati River. Thus, visitors are strongly advised not to visit inside the caves without being accompanied by competent professional guides who have a compass and other equipment required for cave exploration. Maximum safety precautions are advised. No snakes have been sighted in these Chobhar caves but many bats have been sighted. Measuring a minimum of 1250 meters, Chobhar caves are the largest in Asia. Cross country, the caves are a brief fifteen-minute walk from ancient Chobhar Hill Village.

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