Friday, August 7, 2009

Sankhu & Bajrayogini Old Tibetan Trade Route

Friday, August 7, 2009
The route to Sankhu follows the old Tibetan trade route past Boudhnath. After Boudhnath the road to Sundarijal turns off to the north east and the road to Sankhu continues to the east.
Gokarna Safari Park ( 10Km)
Continuing east of Boudhnath from Kathmandu, the entrance to the former Royal Game Reserve or Kings Forest is off the Sankhu road. A deep park was created here alate in the 19th century and the wallled reserve has spotted birds.
This is one of the few woodlands left on the valleyh floor and used to be a great spot for picnics amd a bot pf ga,e-spotting. Unforntunately it has been closed and golf course and resort are being developed in the open part of the reseve closet to the road. The golf course should have been completed by now but entry may be only for golf club members.
Sankhu (20Km)
Sankhu was once an important post on the trading route betwen Katmandu and Lhasa, and although the town's great days are over, you can still see many signs of its former prosperity. The town was first settled in the LIcchavi era and there are many old homes decorated with fine woodcarving. Although many traditional aspects of Newari life continue in the town, the most persuasive reason to visit this place is the beautiful Bajra yogini Temple complex, an easy walk or bicycle ride about 2km north of town.
Getting There & Away
Buses to Sankhu leave from the ity bus station and Sat Dobato near Lalitpur. They take about 1:30 hours and Rs. 26 . It is easy to reach Sankhu by bike. The road is sealed and flat (with a few minor exceptions), and basically follows the Manohara River. Its's an attractive and interesting ride takin about 1.5 hours byond Boudhnath. Rather than back track all the way, in the dry seson at least it is possible to cross the Manohara and climb to the fascinatin Changu Narayan Temple. ;

0 comments:

Post a Comment

 
◄Design by Pocket