The impressive Buddhist stupa at Baudhanath.
The impressive Buddhist stupa at Baudhanath. The origins of this massive structure are simply too ancient to date. It has been an important devotional centre for Tibetans since time immemorial.
A Hindu pays his final respects
A Hindu pays his final respects to the dead along the holy Bagmati river.
Sadhu (wandering holy men) celebrate the Night of Shiva (Shivaratri) in Kathmandu
March witnesses an astonishing gathering of ascetics and Sadhus (wandering holy men) from all over the sub-continent who travel to Kathmandu to celebrate the Night of Shiva (Shivaratri) held on the birthday of their patron deity.
Kumari, honoured by the people of Nepal as a living goddess.
A glimpse of the Kumari, honoured by the people of Nepal as a living goddess.
Patan’s Durbar square
Patan’s Durbar square. As a result of royal rivalry between competing branches of the Malla Dynasty, the Kathmandu Valley area…
Many gems are brought from India to Kathmandu where they are cut by expert jewellers.
Many gems are brought from India to Kathmandu where they are cut by expert jewellers.
Stunning monuments of Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur became Kathmandu’s most powerful rival, and its rulers built a stunning array of monuments to mark their strength….
Woman touches bindi next to deity in one of Bhaktapur’s inner courtyards.
Woman touches bindi next to deity in one of Bhaktapur’s inner courtyards.
A Sadhu, celebrate Shivaratri
A Sadhu, one of the many that come to Pashupatinath to celebrate Shivaratri every March.
Woman carries a heavy load
Such ancient towns as Bungamati, some 7km south of Patan, surrounded by fertile fields where the people have farmed for…
A Buddhist monk walks around the stupa at Baudhanath.
A Buddhist monk walks around the stupa at Baudhanath.
Sadhus who have come for the annual Shivaratri
Sadhus who have come for the annual Shivaratri celebrations.
The ghats along the holy Bagmati river where the deceased are cremated
The ghats along the holy Bagmati river where the deceased are cremated according to Hindu tradition.
Sadhu (wandering holy men) at (Shivaratri)
Sadhus are always recognisable by their orange clothing. They also often have long matted hair and wear large markings on their…
Bhaktapur preserved its historic appearance .
Of the three regal cities Bhaktapur has been the least affected by the 20th century, preserving its historic appearance .
This unique Buddha statue actually spurts water
This unique Buddha statue actually spurts water and stands at the entrance to the Hindu Pashupatinath temple.
The Secret Valleys of Kathmandu
Who said ‘keeping up with the Jones’ is a bad thing? In Nepal, the three-hundred-year-old rivalry between competing branches of the Malla Dynasty has given rise to three magnificent royal capitals: Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Concentrated in an area of 30 by 20 kilometres, there is a mind-boggling wealth of graceful palaces, monumental squares and lavishly decorated temples waiting to be discovered. ERIC WIELE and FLORIS LEEUWENBERG capture the magic of these three medieval gems and their environs at the foot of the Himalayas.