The trip to Sundarijal

Nepal is a beautiful country in the northern part of India. The official language is Nepali. However, you can communicate in English if you are thinking of taking a trip since most people dedicated to tourism know how to speak English. Sundarijal is a beautiful village in the country and one of the most visited areas in the country. It is a place where Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim cultures coexist. It has a tremendous Buddhist culture as it is full of beautiful temples. Sundarijal is a village in Gokarneshwor Municipality. It's located north of Kathmandu. The trip to Sundarijal offers a lot of adventure. This is an awesome place to spend a weekend with your family and friends.

About Sundarijal

Sundarijal, a small village, is one of the gateways into the Shivapuri National Park. The area is known for its stunning water. Sundarijal, one of Kathmandu's scenic hiking routes, can be done in just one day. This is a popular day trip for kids who want to picnic, swim, cycle, or hike. After an uphill climb, one can enjoy a stunning view of Kathmandu. Many small waterfalls will be found within the green hills as we hike. Sundarijal is translated as "beautiful waters," where you can find waterfalls, lush green forests, and endless trails for nature-lovers, mountain biking rides, and even canyoning. The dam was built there and has been a primary source of water supply to Kathmandu Valley. Sundarijal Hydropower and water supply stations also supply it. A river flows through this peaceful little village, rising in the peaks around us. When writing this article, the village appears to have been affected by the earthquakes. It is the entry point of rural, mountainous Nepal, where residents and trekkers share the same simple living conditions in rustic comfort. Forget long, warm showers for a while. Enjoy life in a protected environment - even if it hasn't been spared from pollution. Sundarijal provides water for Kathmandu Valley. After crossing Dhulikhel via Nagarkot, we can hike to Panauti from this spot. People use this route for hiking to Chispani. It's also the stopping point for those who descend from Langtang – Gosaikunda trekking. This place is famous for many reasons, including hiking, cycling, and pilgrimage. Every year, many devotees visit this spot, "Bol Bam," where they visit the waterfall flowing right beside the temple. They dip in the water from the hill to pray to Lord Shiva. Many people visit this area for picnics, and it is a place they can get refreshments near the city.

What to see or do around Sundarijal?

The Sundarijal is home to two of the most popular tourist activities, swimming, and canyoning. It is recommended to the canyon with an expert in Nepal, but it can be dangerous without one. There were deaths this year due to the strong current and high water flow in Sundarijal waterfalls. This post will show you the beauty of places in Sundarijal, Nepal.

Pashupatinath Temple

It is one of the Hindu s holiest places in Nepal and is a fascinating complex renowned for its monuments and the magnificent architecture of its pagodas. Pashupatinath Temple is a religious site that borders the sacred Bagmati River. It was built in honor of Pashupati, master of animals and incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. For many practitioners of Hinduism, it is one of the holiest temples in the country. Admire the statues, the holy places, and the rich decoration of the exteriors of the site, and mingle with the faithful and the monks. With many funeral ceremonies taking place here, you may spot cremations taking place by the river. Wander the complex to discover centuries-old temples and places of worship dedicated to Shiva. Access to the main temple is reserved for Hindus, but you can still appreciate the two-story pagoda temple's golden and silver doors, deities' carvings, and golden spire. Also, visit the temples of Vasuki and Brahma, which date back to the 9th century. Stop in front of the Dharamshala, a stone on which sacred oaths are taken. Watch pilgrims leave offerings at holy sites while amazingly dressed hermits and sadhus, and meditate outside temples. Access the ghats, these stone steps on the edge of the river where the inhabitants come to bathe and the women take to come and wash their clothes. You may be able to spot funeral pyres that families set up to perform religious rituals and prepare the deceased for open cremations. Many older Hindus come to the temple every year to spend the last weeks of their lives there. The river then cremates them. Do not miss the lively market square, located around the religious complex. Browse the stalls where peddlers are sure to offer you all types of items, from incense to rosaries to handmade icons of deities. Prayer times, early morning and evening, are the best times to visit the site, as it is closed for much of the afternoon. Temple authorities require visitors to dress appropriately for a religious site and refrain from taking photos of the ghats. The Kaiser Library has photographs of the garden in its original form and can show you the changes. The Garden of Dreams, located in the heart of Thamel's vibrant district, is just a 20-minute walk from Durbar Square. It can be reached by foot, taxi, or rickshaw. You can also take advantage of the Narayanhiti Palace Museum's proximity. There is an entry fee, and the garden is open every day from morning to late evening.

Bodnath

Join the faithful for their ritual march around one of the largest stupas in the world, spinning the prayer wheels you find on your way. Relish an atmosphere of well-being and spirituality at the foot of the great Buddhist stupa of Bodnath, also known as the Buddhanath. Walk with the pilgrims who circle the stupa and marvel at its majestic architecture. Explore the surrounding streets where you can see rosaries hanging from the windows of shops, monks strolling between the monasteries, and where the terraces on the roofs of the restaurants offer you a superb view of the district. Bodnath is one of the main holy places of Buddhism outside of Tibet. Its origins probably date back to the end of the 6th century. Many pilgrims visit the site daily for a ritual walk around the domed monument. Before joining them, linger in the brick square to appreciate this vast structure. Walk around the brick wall that encircles the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning the prayer wheels you will find in its niches. Listen to the heady chants accompanied by the koras and traditional music from nearby monasteries. Climb on the platforms of the stupa to enjoy a superb panorama of the square and the mountains on the horizon. Discover the craft shops set up in the colorful houses that line the alleys around you. You can buy traditional Tibetan objects there, such as rosaries, clothes, traditional medicine kits, or even souvenirs bearing the image of the Dalai Lama. Visit one of the monasteries to learn more about the life of a Tibetan monk. Gaze at the giant prayer wheel in the Tamang Gompa monastery. Bodnath is about eight kilometres from Kathmandu Durbar Square and can be reached by bus or taxi. Access to the district is chargeable; you can pay the amount requested at the various entrances to the square. The monument is fascinating at all times. However, we prefer a visit in the early morning to avoid the groups or at sunset when the lights and candles illuminate it.

Sundarijal Hydropower & Water Supply station:

Sundarijal Hydropower and Water Supply Station supply a significant percentage of Kathmandu's drinking water and electricity. There are many waterfalls surrounding it, beautiful jungle, and green rice terraces.
It is common to smoke Marijuana from your backyard and drink local wine made in Mulkharka by the Tamang community. Although it is legal here to smoke Marijuana in your home for medicinal purposes or occasionally for use, it is illegal to sell it on the black market.

Garden of Dreams is a place of immense.

Go for a charming walk in this beautiful historical garden amidst elegant pavilions, pergolas, ornamental fountains, and a bright green lawn. Enter the Garden of Dreams to discover a place of immense architectural beauty where serenity reigns. With its ponds, flowers, lawns, and fountains, this nearly century-old neo-classical garden is a true oasis of tranquility in the heart of Kathmandu.
Kaiser Sumsher, a former Nepalese marshal, once owned this peaceful enclave. Walk the paths lined with exotic plants and detour through the courtyards and pavilions. Admire the perfect arrangement of trees and shrubs. Marvel at the lotus pond and then step into the semi-circular Greek-style amphitheater. You can sit on the bleachers or broad steps covered with a grass carpet. You will notice the European influence in this garden through its verandas, railings, and pergolas. Meet on the terrace of the Basanta pavilion to enjoy tea at snack time or discover Nepalese cuisine. The Kaiser Café, a café-restaurant, is located here. This price includes the rental of mats to set up on the lawns. The garden may occasionally be closed to the public during private events. It also hosts classical and traditional music concerts and other public events.

Sundarijal: Swimming and canyoning

You can't resist jumping in the water once you reach the waterfall. You can go canyoning or swimming if you're an adventurer.

Shivapuri National Park

Shivapuri National Park encompasses a large portion of the Sundarijal. The tiny village serves as a gateway to the park. You will reach the national park border by hiking 45 minutes to 1 hour from Sundarijal. Here is also where you can start your journey to Chisapani and Nagarkot and further to Dhulikhel or Panauti.

The Temple of Swayambhunath

The Swayambhunath Temple is a superb sacred place of Buddhism which houses golden statues, prayer wheels, Mani stones, and an impressive population of particularly mischievous monkeys.
An excursion to the heights of Swayambhunath Stupa is undoubtedly one of the fascinating experiences in Kathmandu. Carved icons, centuries-old statues, hundreds of butter lamps, and the sweet scent of incense lend a magical atmosphere to this ancient religious complex. Swayambhunath dates from the 5th century and is a sacred destination for Hindus and Buddhists. It is often nicknamed "monkey temple" because of the hordes of primates that live there. Approach the temple site via the east staircase. At the foot of the latter stand superb statues of Buddha. Join the faithful for the ascent of the 365 steps in a wooded environment. Once the ascent is complete, you will find yourself facing the vast white dome of the Swayambhunath stupa. Gaze up at its 13-story tower symbolizing the path to enlightenment and bearing Buddha's eyes painted on its four sides. Admire the holy sites dedicated to the five Dhyanis Buddhas and an imposing statue representing a lightning bolt, a significant symbol of Tibetan Buddhism. Walk around the stupa amid the crowd of worshipers as you spin the prayer wheels. A multitude of sacred monuments surrounds the stupa. Visit the Harati temple: from a terrace on its roof, you will enjoy a fantastic view of the Kathmandu valley. Watch worshipers pray in the Shree Karmaraja Mahavihar temple and spot the statues adorning the hilltop representing air, earth, sky, fire, and water. Swayambhunath is a ten-minute drive from the Thamel district and Durbar Square in Kathmandu. The temple is open daily, and admission is charged. You can also go through the second entrance to the temple's west side if you don't want to climb the stairs. The stupa must be circumnavigated clockwise.

Tibetan Buddhist monastery

Enter this Tibetan Buddhist monastery to visit meditation rooms, perform ritual walks around stupas, relax in lush gardens and enjoy exceptional views of the Kathmandu Valley. Kopan Monastery is a great place to meditate, hear the teachings from Tibetan monks and learn more about Buddhism. Participate in morning prayers known as puja and participate in classes or retreats. You can also appreciate the magnificence of stupas and visit sacred sites and temples. The monastery dominates a spectacular location at the foothills of the Himalayas. More than 300 people live there, including monks, lamas, teachers, and employees. Walk around the complex and take the time to savor its charm and the beauty of its architecture and environment. Take advantage of your visit to the main temple to admire the paintings of the four Dharma kings of Tibet. Gaze at the six-meter-tall statue of Lama Tsong Khapa, the teacher who founded the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism. Spin the prayer wheels as you go around the eight enlightenment stupas. Let yourself be charmed by the Tibetan architecture of the monastery's meditation rooms, where specific lessons are held daily. Listen to a morning puja at Lama Tsong Khapa Monastery and visit the tantric school where the monks study. On the top floor is a sacred place that houses the relics of a revered teacher. Spin the monastery's colossal prayer wheel and appreciate the paintings in the hall that houses it. Attend a daily Dharma discussion where topics unique to Buddhism are discussed. You can then settle down in the splendid gardens to relax, reflect and meditate. Savor the breathtaking panorama over the Kathmandu Valley and try to spot the Bodnath Stupa in the distance. The monastery is open daily but closed from mid-November to mid-December. Remember that this is a place of prayer, so you are expected to dress appropriately. In addition to the daily tours, many courses are offered, including a seven-day discovery of Buddhism. Retreats are also available but are reserved for practicing Buddhists. Check out the monastery's website to learn more about how to enjoy the complex and its community.

Local restaurants

If you come to the Sundarijal, you cannot miss out on the local flavor of the various cuisines you will find at the restaurants along your journey. Here you can taste a variety of food with unique ingredients. So, don't miss the local food of Sundarijal.

Things to know before you go

• Here is a small hydroelectric project that the public can view.
• The entrance to the falls is a minute walk uphill from the town.
• Foreign travelers require a ticket to enter the waterfall area and are sometimes required to show their passports.
• Travelers with small children may want to skip the hike, as it can be slippery and uneven.

How to get there?

Sundarijal can be reached by renting a taxi or private car. If you plan to hire a taxi or private car to travel to Kathmandu, we recommend that you do so in advance. It is, however, more costly than you might think. Sundarijal is accessible by taxi (the most costly option) or by bus from Kathmandu's Ratna Park bus stop. The trip can take up to an hour, depending on traffic conditions. You can rent a taxi or cab to get to Sundarijal.

Conclusion

Sundarijal is a famous beautiful destination for a trip from Kathmandu or a more extended regional stay. This is a great place to explore the trails and waterfalls of Shivapuri National Park. Sundarijal is also home to several beautiful temples: Sundarimai, Ganesh, and Krishna Mandirs. Also, many visitors come to Sundarijal to start longer treks around the rim of the Kathmandu Valley, independently or with a guide. If you are planning your holiday trip to Nepal and want to organize an unforgettable, unique trip with quality service and a guide, here you will find the best information about the trip to Sundarijal. Discover us!