15^th January 2001

Kind attn : Mr. Ashok Lalla

From : Front Office

General Information:

Experience the glories of the land of Annapurna. Experience Nepal.

For over 2,000 years the name Annapurna has symbolised all that is glorious in Nepal. A name that celebrates Nepalese culture in its many forms. She is the Goddess of plenty. The name for a mighty cluster of peaks rising 26,000 feet above sea level. It is the birthplace of the Yartung Festival and sanctuary to one of the most fragile eco-systems in the world

L egend has it that a long, long time ago, Kathmandu Valley was a holy lake. In the middle of which blazed a sacred flame, dazzling with the divine light of ' Swayambhu ', or the self-born. To make it easier for pilgrims to worship, God Manjushri drained the lake waters by cleaving the surrounding rock wall with his Sword of Wisdom. Many centuries later, pilgrims in their thousands continue to come in worship.

Of 2000-year-old Buddhist stupas, ancient Hindu temples, and some of Nature's most awe-inspiring creations; the world's highest mountains; holy rivers born deep within the Himalayas; panoramas of rich colour that can only be created by a divine palette. Establishing base camp at a gracious sanctuary in the heart of the city. Pagoda-roofed like its much older neighbours, yet just as serene and timeless........ .....lies a Taj Hotel. The Hotel De L'Annapurna.

Cuisine :

Astamangal :- Nepalese Restaurant at the Hotel De L' Annapurna will be open between 6:30 pm and 10:00 pm for dinner and will serve a fixed Nepalese Vegetarian / Non Vegetarian Thali.

Ghar e Kebab : Indian speciality restaurant, serving the range of Tandoori and Mughlai preparations with live Indian Classical music recitals every evening. Open between 12:00 to 14:30 lunch & 19:00 to 22:30 dinner

Coffee Shop : For light meals and snacks served in an informal atmosphere. Open between 7:00 to 22:30.

Arniko Restaurant : Chinese typical oriental restaurant serving authentic Sichuan and Cantonese cuisines. Open between 12:00 to 14:30 lunch & 19:00 to 22:30 dinner

Juneli Bar : The poolside bar which serves an irresistible assortment of straight drinks, cocktails, light beverages in a cosy and intimate atmosphere, with light snacks to go alongwith. Open between 9:00 to 23:30.

The Cake Shop:

Fresh, bakery and confectionery products from the Hotel's own bakery. Open between 9:00 to 21:00.

Health Club Facilities :

Swimming Pool : 8:00 to 20:00, Billard : 12 noon to 20:00, Sauna : 7:00 to 20:00, Tennis : 7:00 to 20:00, Masseur service : 7:00 to 20:00 and Gulf can be arranged on advance request.

Transportation and charges :

Nature : Kathmandu

Name : Kathmandu

City : Kathmandu

Distance : 6 KMS

Car Pick Up (Non a/c) : INR. 325 / US $ 15.00 (One Way i.e. Hotel-Airport /

Airport to Hotel)

A/C car Pick up : INR. 450 / US $ 18.00

Courtesy Pick Up : N/A

Maruti / Esteem Pick Up : N/A

(Late Night after 9:00 pm) : 20% Extra Charge

Average Temperature and Rainfall in Kathmandu

Locations and Attractions :

Kathmandu Valley :

Locations

Pashupati Nath Temple (Shiva Temple) -

Machchhendranath - Indra Chowk and Asan

Akash Bhairav Temple - Indra Chowk

Hanumandhoka (Durbar Square) - Kathmandu

Budhanilkantha ( Lord Vishnu) - Shivapuri hill

Balaju Water Garden - Balaju

Swayambhunath - Kathmandu

National Museum - Kathmandu

Bouddhnath - Bauddha

Kirtipur - Kirtipur

Dakshinkali - Dakshinkali

Patan Durbar Square - Patan, Mangal Bazzar

Krishna Mandir (Temple)

Mahaboudha

Golden Temple

Kumbheshwor

Jagatnarayan Temple

Machhendranath and Minnath Temple

Patan Industrial Estate

Godavari

phulchowki

The Zoo

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

The National Art Gallery

Nyatapola Temple

Bhairavnath Temple

Dattatraya Temple

Surya Vinayak

Changu Narayan

Nagarkot

Places Outside Kathmandu :

Pokhara Valley

Kakani

Gosainkunda

Dhulikhel

Panauti

Namo Buddha

Timal Narayan

Palanchowk Bhagawati

Charikot

Helambu

Gorkha

Festivals :

Red Machchhendranath Rath Jatra : May-June

Gaijatra (Cow Festival) : July - August

Krishnastami : July - August

Indrajatra : August - September

Dashain or Durga Puja : September - October

Tihar (Deepawali) : October-November

Maha Shivaratri : February

Godejatra : March-April

Kathmandu Valley

The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,663m above sea level and covers in area of sq. miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu valley , the home and the ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the valley and the creators of the splendid civilization of its three cities - Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur . The skillfully built temples and palaces delicately -engraved stone and metal images, carved wooden columns and pillars, and the history laden shrines testimony to the Newar's artistic achievements.

Pasupatinath Temple : Situated 5kms. East of Kathmandu , the temple of Lord Shiva , Pasupatinath with two tiered golden roofs and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus . Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple and the activities performed in the temple , visitors can clearly see the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river . The temple was listed in the UNESCO World heritage Monument List in 1979.

Swayambhunath : This is one of the World's most glorious Buddhist's Chaityas . It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all-seeing eyes of the Lord Buddha. It is 3kms. West of the Kathmandu city is situated on a hillock about 77m. above the level of the Kathmandu valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley . This stupa is oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Bouddhnath Stupa :

The Stupa of Bouddnath lies 8 km east Kathmandu. This colossal and ancient Stupa is one of the biggest in the world.

Patan Durbar Square :

The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temple and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in the city for today's visitors.

Patan Durbar Square : Situated in the hart of the city, constitutes the focus of visitors' attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carving. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks or courtyard, the centre Mul Chok, Sundari Chowk and Keshar Narayan Chown. The Sundari Chowk holds in its centre a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage monument list in 1979.

Machchendranath Temple : The temple of Sweta Machchendranath is situated in Machchendra Bhal between Indra chowk and Asan. It is Pagoda of considerable artistic beaut. The deity is also called Janmadyo or Machchendra.

Bhaktapur

Bhaktapur Darbar Square : The Golden Gate is the entrance to the main courtyard so the Palace of 55 windows. Built by King Ranjit Malla, the gate is one of the most beautiful and richly carved specimens of its kind in the entire world. This gate is embellished with deities and monsters eight marvelous intricacy. The Palace of 55Windows was built in 1700AD. Among the brick walls in their gracious setting and sculptural design, is a balcony of 55 windows. The balcony is masterpiece of woodcarving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi which is also located in the Durbar square is full of intricate carvings. This temple also sets of beautiful example of Shikharal style architecture in Nepal . There is bronze bell on the terrace of the temple which is also known as the "Bell of Barking Dogs ". This colossal bell, placed in 1737 AD, was rung to the signal curfew during those days.

The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces like the Lion Gate, the statue of King Bhupantindra Malla , the picture gallery, the Batsala temple, etc. A magnificent statue of King BhupantintraMalla in the act of worship is placed on the column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. As per Bhaktapur Municipality form 1 jan. 2001, entrance fees has been increased to Rs. 750 per person for foreigners and Rs. 50 per person for SAARC nationals is charged . Children under 12 years of age will not be charged.

Kirtipur :

It is a small town, eight km. South-west of Kathmandu on the top of a hill. Tribhuvan University is located at the foot of the hill. This historic town has many things to offer like old shrines and temples, oldhouses, the people typically dressed in old traditional costumes, people working on ancient loom etc.

Dhulikhel :

This ancient town is situated 30 km east of Kathmandu on the side of the Arniko Rajmarga (Kathmandu-Kodari Highway). The Newar town of Dhulikhel offer a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views. Once on important link in the ancient trade route to Tibet, Dhulikhel has a glorious past which can be seen in the lovely buildings and intricate wood carving in the shop-lined streets and temples. Pleasant climate (even during summer) is big attraction at Dhulikhel.

Places Outside Kathmandu :

Pokhara Valley

Pokhara , an enchanting city nestled in the tranquil valley (827m), is the starting point for the many of Nepal's most popular trekking and rafting destinations. The serenity of Phewa Lake and the magnificence of the fish-tail summit of Machchhapuchhre (6,977m)rising behind it create an ambience of piece and magic.

Lumbini :

Lumbini, the birth place of Siddhartha Gautam, the Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened one, is the pilgrimage destination of world' millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Ashoka's comme-morative pillar is listed as world heritage Site by UNESCO. The main attraction at the Lumbini remain the Sacred Garden sppread over 8sq km and possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Standing to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monument of Nepal, the Ashokan Pillar. The pillar was erected by Emperor Ashoka in 249 bc to commemorate his pilgrimage to the sacred site.

Chitwan :

Chitwan is one of the finest national parks in Asia. Renowned for its dense concentration of wildlife and top class tourist lodges, which provide the opportunity to see animals in their nature habitat.