Nepal

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Surrounded by the highest mountains in the world is the fascinating world of Nepal, the Golden Kingdom of the Himalayas. Compared to the hubbub of the Nepal capital of Kathmandu, the lakes of the Pokhara Valley located two hundred kilometres to the west are tranquil and relaxing. The freshwater lakes, the Pokhari, also gave the region its name. The vast forest areas of Chitwan in the south of the country on the border with India provide a surprisingly diverse variety of flora and fauna and make its nickname of, The Heart of the Jungle, appropriate. Modern life is far more obvious in Kathmandu Valley than in the south of the country. But the region's rich historical heritage with its magnificent temples and palatial buildings is still a magnificent sight. The valley is like a huge treasure trove and it is where the cultural development of Nepal first began. Despite its slow development this land has preserved much of its fascinating mediaeval atmosphere. Lalitpur was once known as a centre of Buddhism with more than a hundred and fifty monasteries including the most famous main monastery, the so-called Golden Temple, the Kwa Bahal. With a population of around seventy-five thousand, Bhaktapur, once an independent royal city, is the third largest city in Kathmandu. Apart from the Swayambhunath Stupa, Bodhnath, otherwise known as, Tiny Tibet, is the most important Buddhist sanctuary and also the largest sacred building of its kind in Kathmandu Valley. Surrounded and protected by the highest mountains in the world in a truly magical setting where the Earth seems to touch the sky, the Golden Kingdom of the Himalayas lives on in perfect timeless beauty and majestic brilliance!

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. At the foot of the huge peaks of the Himalayas is Pokhara and it is from here that we begin our journey through Nepal. At one time this high valley contained seven fresh water lakes named Pokhari and they gave this holiday paradise its present day name. In the past, Pokhara was an important trading link between India and Tibet but the trading of salt and wool came to an end after Tibet closed its doors to the outside world. Its population is extremely tolerant and both the Buddhist and Hindu faiths coexist side by side. A safari by elephant is a real adventure as the mahuts skilfully lead the ambling giants through the bush. Travelling through the jungle on the back of an elephant offers good protection from rhinoceroses and other predators. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal. In the centre of the city is the ancient palace of Hanuman Dhoka. More than seven hundred thousand people live in the metropolis of Earth's most ancient kingdom. It was only a few decades ago that ancient Nepal opened up its borders. Until then, due to the command of the ruling Gurkha Dynasty, the `Home of the Divine' was totally isolated. Patan is Nepal's second largest city and has retained much of its original character due to its three hundred monasteries and temples. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu Valley and during the 15th century was the capital of one of three kingdoms. Two huge lions guard the entrance of the former royal palace that originated from a monastery complex. Bhaktapur is the third ancient regal city of the thirty kilometre long Kathmandu Valley that has always been a prosperous trading route between China, Tibet and India. Our journey through this fairytale land ends at the foot of the mighty Himalayas amidst a wonderful world in which the gods are still very much alive!

DVD. 7 Days. 52 Minutes. At the foot of the huge peaks of the Himalayas is Pokhara, and it is from here that we begin our journey through Nepal. In the past, Pokhara was an important trading link between India and Tibet but the trading of salt and wool came to an end after Tibet closed its doors to the outside world. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal, a country of snow-covered mountains inhabited by the gods. Kumari Chowk is the residence of the living goddess, Kumari, who is duly selected from childhood. She is not allowed to leave until puberty as her task is to affirm the king's power. Traditional ceremonies are celebrated throughout the year such as the Festival Of The Children that is a symbol of fertility and sexual purity. Patan is Nepal's second largest city and has retained much of its original character due to its three hundred monasteries and temples. It is also one of the oldest settlements in Kathmandu Valley and during the 15th century was the capital of one of three kingdoms. Bhaktapur is the third ancient regal city of the 30 kilometer long Kathmandu Valley that has always been a prosperous trading route between China, Tibet and India. Through the golden gate of Sundhoka is the old royal palace complex. The Torana above the gate is richly gilded and features the 10-armed goddess, Taleju, and her loyal guards. Located on a 1,400 meter high hill, Swayanbunath is a Buddhist monastery complex and one of the most interesting sights in Nepal. The country's oldest stupa dates back to the 5th century and is entered from an easterly direction up a staircase that contains 365 steps. Endless rows of prayer mills and religious images are the instruments of the people's deep faith. Hidden in a canyon and located on top of a mountain creek, Dakshinkali stands guard over the valley.This wonderful place is dedicated to the bloody goddess, Kali. The customs of the people in the `Kingdom On The Roof Of The World' may seem somewhat strange.But this land of jungle and eternal snow has developed according to its own rich traditions and beliefs. Like magic!

DVD. Nature Parks On the Indian border, in the south of Nepal, is the country's oldest animal reserve, the Royal Chitwan Park. Along with the extremely rare Indian rhinoceros, around 400 animals live within the confines of this fascinating nature reserve. One of the park's fertile valleys is crossed by the rivers Rapti, Reu and Narayani. Due to monsoons, the rivers frequently change course and constantly transform the appearance of the landscape. The rivers are home to a large assortment of fish. Even the rare Ganges Dolphin, that is threatened by extinction, has found sanctuary in their waters. An area of 932 km? is encircled by the impressive profile of the mighty and majestic Himalayan Mountains and in 1973, the Royal Chitwan was officially designated as a national park. Today, it is one of the country's most important tourist destinations. More than 70 percent of the park is covered by forests of Sal trees, the remainder being divided between river valleys, woodland and tall elephant grass. With its 800 metre high hills, the park accommodates more than 40 species of mammals, around 550 varieties of birds and 70 species of butterflies. The subtropical climate also supports the growth of numerous exotic plants, the magnificent blossoms of which are often obscured by dense undergrowth. The name `Chitwan' means `Heart of the Jungle', a name that could not better describe the large variety of fauna and flora to be found in the park. A slow drive on bumpy, natural roads travels past the tall trees of the jungle. From the tops of the trees there is the screaming of monkeys, as well as a confusing cacophony of birdcall. The park is a paradise for birds and among the 450 species that live here, there are rare hornbills, cranes, peacocks and birds of prey such as falcons, hawks and white-tailed eagles. The Royal Chitwan National Park was once the hunting ground of kings and noblemen. Today, it is the most treasured nature reserve in Asia and a final refuge for numerous animals threatened by extinction.

DVD. Passport to Adventure In the southwestern region of Nepal there are no high mountain peaks to scale, just pristine rural villages and tribal cultures living undisturbed by tourism. This is the "not so famous" side of Nepal. The Bardia Reserve is one of the last remaining habitats for the nearly extinct Bengal Tiger. Host Julie Conover boards an elephant to search for the elusive cats and spends the night at the rustic Tiger Tops tented camp overlooking the river where she rafts the next morning. In the country's capital, Kathmandu, Hindu and Buddhist temples are still the center of life. Cycling through stunning rural scenery and the ancient town squares of the Kathmandu Valley, reveals more on the intriguing culture that makes Nepal a true adventure travel destination.

DVD. Passport to Adventure Kathmandu is probably the world's first real adventure travel destination. It has changed considerably since the 1950's, (as every place does when tourism thrives), but in many ways, it hasn't changed at all. Nepal offers a wealth of exotic culture, spectacular landscapes, and miles of terrain for trekking. Starting out in the vibrant capital of Kathmandu, host Julie Conover takes a breathtaking flight over Mt. Everest, then heads to Pokhara, to explore this romantic lakeside village and begin a trek into the foothills of the Annapurna range.

VHS. Mystic Fire Video Journey to Nepal and explore the ancient cultures still thriving in the Himalayan kingdom - a unique mixture of Hinduism from India and Buddhism from Tibet. The film shows sacred art and religious rituals of the Nepalese; meditation training for young Tibetan monks; beliefs in local spirits, mountain gods and folk figures in daily Sherpa life in the Everest region. The narrative, written by Buddhist scholar John Reynolds, explains how lamas have taken over the shaman's role as psychic healer and guide of souls, and how Tantra is an essential part of daily life, harmonizing the relationship between man, woman, nature and a higher spiritual reality. A film by Sheldon Rochlin, Mike Spera and Loren Standlee. 60 minutes. c2002

Questar Video. Some of the most magnificent scenery on earth is featured in this travelogue, which takes the viewer to the northern Indian state of Kashmir as well as to the nation of Nepal. Nestled in the Himalayas, these once forbidden lands are now accessible to travelers, though this video notes they "can be seen as a tourist, but to experience them, one must be an explorer." The route followed by travelers in this tape takes them from the elaborate houseboats of Kashmir's Dal Lake to the ruggedly forbidding terrain at the base of Mount Everest. Much of the itinerary, including grueling mountainous treks that can last for nine days, isn't for the faint of heart, not to mention those with an aversion to high altitudes. But the stunning sights of the towering Himalayas and the instant immersion into both Hindu and Buddhist cultures encountered on the way make for a trip like no other on earth. Highlights of this video include a visit to a monastery where the Tibetan culture flourishes inside Nepal, and the sights in and around the unique city of Katmandu, where painted eyes of the Buddha look out from the towers of stupas. This is an entertaining look at a remote part of the world as it opens its arms to Western tourists.--Robert J. McNamara. 60 minutes.

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. With its three ancient Nepalese royal cities, Kathmandu Valley at the foot of the mighty Himalayas contains some of the most precious treasures in Asia along with a truly unique and mediaeval atmosphere. However, the beauty of this country and its historic buildings have for many years been out of the reach of most foreigners. And even today Nepal is full of mystique. Kathmandu became increasingly important during the reign of the Malla sovereigns who created one of the city's main landmarks, Durbar Square. The Taleju Temple is located in the heart of the Durbar district. It is believed that in the tenth century King Gunakamadeva The Second founded the town. He moved his residence from PATAN to today?s Kathmandu. However, little of the architecture of that time has survived to the present day. The heart of Durbar Square, the richly decorated and spacious Hanuman Dhoka Palace, dates back much earlier. Not only because of its famous carved peacock windows but also due to its museum, Bhaktapur is the centre of traditional Nepalese wood carving. Compared to other royal cities in Patan and Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is the most original and is without a doubt the most historically authentic. The city owes its remarkable buildings and renovations to comprehensive donations from several countries. Only essential work and modernization were undertaken and they eventually contributed to an improvement in the daily life of the local population. According to legend the founding of Patan, with a population of over a hundred thousand the second largest royal city in Nepal, dates back to Pre-Christian times. As opposed to the Malla cities of Khatmandu and Bhaktapur that were mainly influenced by the Hindu religion, Patan was for many years a major Buddhist city. It is believed that it was founded in the third century B.C. by the famous Buddhist emperor, Ashoka, who visited the town while on a pilgrimage from Northern India. Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patana are the three legendary royal cities of Nepal that still possess a mysterious and ancient power and continue to be the sacred sanctuary of Himalayan art.

DVD. On Tour. 26 Minutes. Beneath the Earth's tallest mountain peaks is the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal. Pokhar is located in the centre of Nepal and captivates by its tranquil calm.Its inhabitants are extremely tolerant and here both the Buddhist and Hindu faiths exist side by side. The Phewa Lake contains many fish and is also a holiday paradise.Whether Mount Everest or Annapurna, the Himalayas fascinate all who see them. Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, is a one thousand year old city steeped in religion, mystique and tradition, a vibrant yet reflective `home of the gods' and everywhere there are temples, pagodas and shrines. The city of Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century A.D.and contains 12 Hindu monasteries.It was featured in Bertolucci's film, `Little Buddha.' Patan is a city of great beauty and is like a living museum of art and where the octagonal pavilion of Chyasilin Deval is dedicated to Krishna and the meditational atmosphere is augmented by wisps of smoke that rise dreamily above sacred images. Changu Narayan is one of the most important Hindu sanctuaries in Kathmandu Valley and is dedicated to the god, Vishnu.Of particular interest is the captivating Aruda Narayana Temple with its painted wooden sculptures, many shrines and heavily gilded roof. The journey comes to an end at the foot of the Himalayas in an enchanting world in which the gods are very much revered and very much alive!

DVD. Cosmos Global Documentaries. 52 Minutes. Kathmandu, the Valley of the Gods - even today the region's numerous temples, sanctuaries and shrines reflect the deeply held religious belief of the Nepalese people. For many centuries Kathmandu Valley, a fertile plain situated between Tibet and India, was an important junction for various trading and pilgrimage routes. For almost six hundred years the Malla Dynasty influenced the history of Nepal prior to the time when the Gorkha prince, Prithvis Narayan Shah, successfully conquered Kathmandu in 1768 followed by the additional royal cities of Bhaktapur and Patan. According to legend the foundation stone of Patan, formerly Lalitpur, was laid in 233 B.C. by the North Indian king, Ashoka, and his daughter, Carumati . Situated west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath is one of the country's most important Buddhist sanctuaries. It is believed that sacred rituals were carried out there in prehistoric times. The oldest inscription discovered dates back to the 5th century and it refers to the founding of a monastery. A few kilometres east of Kathmandu is Pashupatinath the most important and most visited Hindu sanctuary in Nepal that also attracts pilgrims from India. Pashupatinath was first mentioned in 365 A.D. and according to legend King Haridattavarmas had the first Hindu sanctuary built there. It is now a popular pilgrimage destination. On the shores of the Bagmati River are a number of traditional cremation sites known as `Ghats'. In the Hindu religion the soul of the deceased can only be released if the corpse is cremated. Cows are also revered as holy thus they are permitted to roam around freely within the temple district of Pashupatinath. A little further upstream and the faithful use the waters of the Bagmati for ritual cleansing. The river therefore functions both as a final resting place for the dead as well as being a place of ritual for the living. Hinduism is the result of a long process of development that continues to the present day. Numerous fascinating temples, sanctuaries and shrines testify to the deep significance of the sincerely-felt religious belief of the people of Nepal in the legendary "Valley Of The Gods".

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Kathmandu, a metropolis in the heart of the kingdom of Nepal, a land of snow-white mountains and home of the gods. For many centuries this was the centre of Buddhist power and culture and it is here that the largest number of temples is found, dedicated to numerous deities. In the heart of the city is Durbar Square in which the country's royalty resided until 1908 and where the most important festivals take place. Jagannath is one of the oldest temples on the square and the original building dates back to 1560, as does the adjacent Taleju Temple. The Shiva-Parvati Temple was built in the early years of the Shah Dynasty. Its five-sectioned portal-like frame features text that is believed to be ancient Nepalese writing. Kumari Chowk is the residence of the living goddess, Kumari. For this role a young girl is duly selected and is disallowed from leaving the palace until puberty. Her task is to affirm the king his power. Over the years the city has grown so much that Kathmandu is only separated from Patan by the sacred Bagmati River. The majority of the population is Hindu but Buddhists frequently use the Hindu sanctuaries. Here, religious coexistence is a reality. The customs of the people in this `Kingdom on the Roof of the World' may seem strange to those from beyond its borders. But this land of both jungle and everlasting snow has developed according to its own rich traditions and beliefs.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion, a metropolis in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal, a country of snow-covered mountains inhabited by the gods. Kumari Chowk is the residence of the living goddess, Kumari. For this role a young girl is duly selected and is disallowed from leaving the palace until puberty. Her task is it to affirm the power of the king. Age old traditions are celebrated throughout the year such as the Festival Of The Children that symbolises fertility and sexuality. Patan is Nepal's second largest city and has retained much of its original character due to its three hundred monasteries and temples. This beautiful former centre of one of the earliest three kingdoms contains the Hindu Kumbeshwara Pagoda one of the country's oldest buildings dedicated to the god, Shiva. The tower-like Mahabuddha Temple is adorned with several terracotta figures and ornaments and is different to conventional Nepalese architecture. In earlier times the Kwa Bahal Monastery was the administrative centre of trade in Tibet. Its shining gilded copper plates soon gave it the name, The Golden Temple. Changu Narayan, the gem of Nepal, designated as a World Heritage Site by Unesco, is the oldest sanctuary in Kathmandu Valley. Situated 1,450 metres on a mountain north of Bhaktapur it is home to many skilful artists and wood carvers. Hidden in a canyon and located next to a mountain creek is the Dakshinkali Temple. Each year this sanctuary is visited by more than four hundred thousand pilgrims. This place of worship is dedicated to one of the mightiest goddesses of this region, the Southern Kali. The customs of the people in the Kingdom On The Roof Of The World may seem somewhat strange but this land of jungle and eternal snow has developed according to its own rich traditions and beliefs. Pure magic!

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Rising to a height of 1,300 metres, Kathmandu Valley lies at the foot of the Himalayas in the centre of the kingdom of Nepal, a city of temples and gods that was founded in the 10th century by King Gunakamadeva. For those of the Hindu faith, the temple area of Pashupatinath is the most holy place in Nepal and is an ancient place of worship for the god, Shiva. Established in the 12th century, Bhaktapur, the "City Of The Devoted", was until the end of the 15th century the capital of Kathmandu Valley. Located on a hill 3 kilometres to the west of Kathmandu is the valley's main landmark, the Holy Stupa of Swayambhunath. This large temple complex with its famous eyes serves as a reminder that due to the fact that Buddha was born in this country 2, 500 years ago, Nepal is the true centre of Buddhism. Changu Narayan is the oldest sanctuary in Kathmandu Valley and is dedicated to the god Vishnu. It has been designated by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The location of this holy sanctuary is ideal as its temple area is situated on the summit of a mountain ridge that provides an excellent view of the entire valley. Kathmandu Valley is Nepal's treasure house, along with all of its wonderful medieval Himalayan art and culture.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Located between China and India, Kathmandu is a metropolis in the heart of the kingdom of Nepal, a land of snow-white mountains and home of the gods. It was only a few decades ago that ancient Nepal opened its borders. Until then, due to the command of the ruling Gurkha Dynasty the `Home of the Divine' was totally isolated. In the heart of the city is Durbar Square in which the country's royalty resided until 1908 and also where the region's most important festivals take place. The Shiva Parvati Temple dates back to the early years of the Shah Dynasty and its five sectioned, portal-like frame contains inscriptions that are thought to be the oldest in the Nepalese language. The large Jagannath Temple is dedicated to the god, Krishna, and to fend off the prudish Goddess of Lightning sexual images adorn the edge of the roof. Built above an impressive array of steps the mighty Talejk Temple overshadows each of the other temples. The architecture of this `mountain temple' emphasises the unique importance of the goddess Shiva. Kumari Chowk is the residence of the living goddess Kumari. For this role a young girl is duly selected and is disallowed from leaving the palace until puberty, her task being to affirm the king his power. The customs of the people in this `Kingdom on the Roof of the World' may seem strange to those from beyond its borders but this land of both jungle and everlasting snow has developed according to its own rich traditions and beliefs.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Twenty-six kilometres south east of Kathmandu is the Banepa Valley, a captivating place that allures with its beautiful landscape and village sanctuaries. Legend has it that a terrible demon, Chanda, once ruled over the valley. The local people pleaded with Parvati, the daughter of the Himalayas, to free them from the monster. Parvati overpowered the demon and was given the name, Chadeshvari, Mistress of the Chanda. Thus she became one of the maternal Newar deities. Eight kilometres south of Banepa and located between two rivers is the Newar settlement of Panauti. It is the most important historic village in the Valley. In the 13th century Paunauti was the capital of the autonomous kingdom of Banepa and the village has retained its historic authenticity. The village is full of rural calm. Only in September is the idyll disturbed by the `Carriage Festival'. The shops contain all essential household goods. The transport of both goods and humans is usually done by lorry. They ply their way up and down relentlessly along the demanding terrain. The daily market also contains a good selection of products where fresh fruit and vegetables are in abundance. Life in Nepal is dominated by religion. It is a combination of magical, mystical and spiritual ideas that are closely interwoven. Buddhists and Hindus share many of the sanctuaries as they are very tolerant and not divided as in other religions. Each year the fascinating Banepa Valley set amid the Himalayas allures thousands of visitors with its impressive mountain landscape, ancient culture and the deep mystical religious faith of its people that is still very much alive today.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Around fifteen kilometres east of Kathmandu is Bhaktapur, the smallest yet most beautiful of the three Newar cities. The famous and historic palace district features several artistically decorated shrines and temples and each day Durbar Square is full of local people as well as visitors from all over the world. It is believed that the religious heart of the Durbar area was founded in the 15th century. Entry to the sacred temple is restricted to those of the Hindu faith. Over the centuries further buildings were added around the legendary main temple of the royal palace that surrounds Durbar Square. With the construction of the first citadel, in 1453 King Yaksha Malla laid the foundations of a new and important dynasty in Nepal. But the magic of Bhaktapur does not only lie within its architecture but also in its unique mediaeval atmosphere, an atmosphere frozen by time itself.

DVD. Vista Point. 26 Minutes. Bhaktapur, also known as `the city of the pious' is the third of the ancient royal cities in the thirty kilometre long Kathmandu Valley in the Kingdom of Nepal and also a Unesco World Heritage Sight. On both sides of Durbar Square are many precious art treasures but the city is also fully-functional and a `car free' open air museum! The medieval city derived from a fortress complex and was later transformed into a palace area. At the western end of Durbar Square is Dvarikanath Mandir, a replica of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Today a huge pair of lions flank the entrance to the National Art Gallery and there are images of Hanuman and Narasimha. Vatsala Devi Mandir is a temple with a square, three-tiered base. This sacred building has a corridor set around a central Shikhara tower and its stairway is flanked by elephants and two fantastic horses. The number of the city's small temples, shrines and dwellings of the gods is many and complex and they can be found at each crossroads and in every courtyard and doorway. Bhaktapur has also been immortalized in the movie, Little Buddha. For those interested in culture the Kingdom of Nepal is a dream destination and Bhaktapur is a truly atmospheric journey into a rich and golden past.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. Kathmandu Valley is rich in both cultural and historic monuments. In the north of Pashupati a huge stupa rises up from the city of Bodnath that is also referred to as Little Tibet, an important centre of Buddhism. Forty metres high, the proud and unique Stupa of Bodnath rises up into the sky and thus represents the largest single religious building in Kathmandu Valley. The prayer mills at the base of the stupa turn almost incessantly. Even now the city is home to one of the most important religious representatives of Buddhism: after the Dalai Lama and the Panchen Lama, the Chini Lama of Bodnath is one of the most influential religious leaders in Tibet. On each of the four sides of the tower the eyes of the omnipotent all-seeing Buddha gaze down onto the believers below. His eyes are a peculiarity of Nepal. As a symbol of fire the tower is in stark contrast to the hemisphere below that symbolizes the element of water.

DVD. Global Treasures. 10 Minutes. The Changu Narayan Temple is located around five kilometres north of Bhaktapur in Nepal. The sanctuary is situated on a one thousand four hundred and fifty metre high mountain and is one of seven cultural heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley. The journey to the Hindu temple complex travels up several steps and through a small picturesque Nepalese village of Naray?n. The origins of this Hindu temple date back to the fourth century A.D. and a stone inscription on a garuda column indicates the remarkable age of this cult site. The sanctuary and main temple are dedicated to the Hindu god, Vishnu, who appears as Narayana, the Creator of a New Age. In recent years the temple has become increasingly tranquil as the number of pilgrims is declining and they are gradually being replaced by tourists. Today Changu Narayan is a kind of sleeping beauty that awaits the moment when both the temple and village will awake once more.