LUMBINI : Lumbini is known the world over as the birthplace of Lord Buddha, Lumbini is a small township 284 kms from the capital, Kathmandu. The monuments, which throw light on Lumbini as the Buddhists religious site, was excavated and found in 1896. Since then the site is being thronged by god - fearing Buddhist population form far and wide. The monuments are scattered around various local sites as cited below:

Tilaurakot : It is an archaeological site which is 27 km west from Lumbini, the place evokes the ancient palace of King Suddhodan, Prince Siddhartha's father, and the gate of the palace from which the prince fled the palace. A must for archeology and history buffs.

Niglihawa : To the north west of Tilaurakot the town environs sites that date back to 3rd century BC. Apart from Ashoka pillars, one can also see Pali language inscription ordered by Emperor Ashoka.

Sagarhawa : To the North- west of Niglihawa is a forest called as Sagarhawa. It environs water tanks excavated in 1896.

Arorakot : A place, which was in fact, is a walled city Arorakot is the Buddha's natal town. Remains of a moat and brick fortification can still be seen.

Gotihawa : It environs yet another Ashoka pillars, a huge stupa and Mauryan bricks. It is also associated with Kanakmiani Buddha and Krakuchanda Buddha.

Gosaikund : Gasaikund Lake is believed to have been created by Lord Shiva, when he thrust his trident into a mountain to draw water so that he could cool himself after swallowing poison that burned his throat. There is a large rock at the center of the lake, which is said to be the remains of a Shiva shrine.

Gosaikund (altitude 4,380 m) is situated to the north of Kathmandu on the Langtang trekking trail. The holy lake is a two-day trek from Dhunche (1,950 m) which is reached over an adventurous 118-km mountain road from Kathmandu via Trishuli Bazzar.Devotees gather here in hordes on the full moon day of August to take holy dips in the water. Small hotels and pilgrim shelters are available.

Manakamana : The temple of Manakamana lies a top a 1,302 m hill .The deity is one of the manifestations of the Hindu Goddess Bhagwati who is believed to have the power to fulfill wishes. It is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in Nepal.

Manakamana is situated 125 km to the west of Kathmandu. It is a steep three-hour hike to the hilltop from Abu Khaireni on the Kathmandu - Gorkha highway. Or you can take the cable car at Cheres, 104 km from Kathmandu on the highway to Pokhara.Package tours is available and you can be back the same day. There are hotels at Manakamana if you want to stay the night.

MUKTINATH : Muktinath is held sacred by both Hindus and Buddhists.The main shrine is a pagoda-shaped temple dedicated to Lord Bishnu.Set into the wall around it are 108 water spouts from which pour holy water. The Jwala Mai temple nearby contains a spring and an eternal flame fed by natural gas spewing out of the ground.

Muktinath (altitude 3,800 m) is situated in north central Nepal on the northern arc of the Annapurna Circuit trekking trail. It is a six-hour walk from Jomsom airport (2,713m). Helicopter services are also available. There are pilgrim rest houses, lodges and restaurants at Ranipauwa nearby.

RIDI : Ridi is second only to the Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu in holiness. The Rikheswar Narayan Mandir situated here is the local version of the Pashupatinath temple with its auspicious cremation ghats.

Ridi is situated at the confluence of two rivers - the Kali Gandaki and the Ridi Khola - in mid west Nepal.Devotees from Nepal as well as India throng here on Makar Sankranti for a ritual dip in the water. A 50 - km dirt road links Ridi with the hill resort town of Tansen, where accommodation is available.