The mention of Chobhar goes back to the ancient legends that tell of the time when all of Kathmandu Valley was a lake surrounded by a lake. It is said that Manjushree, a divine saint from China, came upon this lake eons ago and saw a huge lotus emanating bright light at the centre. So he cut a deep gorge in the wall of the lake and let the water out in order to observe and worship the lotus. The bed of the lake became Kathmandu Valley and the place where he cut the lake is said to be Chobhar. As of today, Chobhar gorge is the only water outlet of the valley through which the Bagmati River Flows out of Kathmandu.
Manjushree Gorge
The ravine of Manjushree gorge is called Chobhar gorge. According to legends, this gorge was struck by Manjushree, who traveled to Nepal to Offer prayers to the Swayambu Flame and Gujeswari. It is said that Manjushree walked along the peaks around the lake three times and with his mighty sword struck the deep cleft in the southern hills to drain the water from the valley. A steel suspension bridge built in 1903 A.D. connects the two sides of the gorge. The bridge offers the views of the Jal Binayak shrine, Manjushree gorge and the nearby Chobhar cave.
Jal Binayak
Jal Binayak is the popular temple of Lord Ganesh.Also known as Koyena Ganesh, the lies near the chobhar gorge. The main shrine at Jal Binayak is a massive limestone rock covered with metal sheet. It extends outside the temple at the back, a small part in front resembling the tusk of Ganesh. Devotees apparently built the temple to shelter this object of devotion. Devotees seek and pray for physical and moral strength to the Ganesh at Jal Binayak. Groups of the local Newar devotees are often seen making pilgrimage to Jal Binayak dressed in both clothes and jewelries with offerings like flower, eggs, vermilion powders and incense.
Adinath Temple
Adinath Temple is dedicated to Adinath Lokeswor, Buddhist deity also known as Rato Machhendranath. The path to the Adinath Temple on Chobhar hill starts near the back of the Bagmati River at the base of the hill. From the available Licchavi Chaityas the site is believed to be very old but authentic records could be found only from 15th century A.D. onwards. The present temple was erected during the reign of King Sri Nivas Malla in the 17th century A.D. festival of Dashain that falls in October is a good time to visit the temple, when it is thronged by devotees it remain here fasting for five consecutive days and nights. Sunrise view from here is spectacular during fall, winter and spring, and one may even be able to get a glimpse of Everest on clear days.
Manjushree Cave
Manjushree Cave lies just right of Manjushree Gorge. There are several entrances to the cave. The cave length of the cave exceeds more than 3250 meter, one of the popular longest cave in South Asia. This cave is also known as Chakhunti Bakhunti or the Cave of pigeons and sparrows, Chakra Tirtha Paramhamsa Gufa or Chobar Gufa for various legendary reasons. The cave was an important meditation site for Buddhist monks in the ancient times and many Tibetan monks have even mentioned the cave in their autobiography. This cave has many routes and interconnected with each other, visitors shouldn’t feel any trouble inside the cave. And visitors also can see bats and binds if different sizes of ponds inside the cave. Anyone can feel the real adventure tour inside the cave. The group has opened six different routes for visitors with all required facilities. It is compulsion that one can visit the cave in group escorted by local guides.
People and Culture
The settlements around Chobhar are dominated by Newars. These settlements have maintained the unique example of Newari life and culture. Newars are the oldest indigenous of Kathmandu valley. They live mostly in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Kritipur. Newars have their own castes and sub-castes, customs, traditions, languages and script. They are also known for their many festivals to commemorate a large pantheon of deities. Festivals and fairs to them are expressions of surplus and exchange. The newars also engage in artisan and business vocations. An exclusive feature of the Newar custom is the custom is the custom of Guthi or trust organization through which various community and social works are carried out. Newari language is Tibeto-Burman with rich literacy tradition.
Access and Accommodation
Chobhar is located in Kritpur municipality. Standard to moderate places are available for food and accommodation facilities in Chobhar and the surrounding areas. Lodges, guest houses, resorts, hotels and even paying guest home-stays are available for tourist facilities. Buses and microbuses to Chobhar can be found leaving from the city bus stop. It is also possible to hire a vehicle to visit the area. While the historical kritipur town is near for an experience of the legacy passed on by the valley’s forefather, a hike into the rural settlements like Panga, Taudaha, Machhegaon, Nagaon and Bhajangal will give a peek into the rural country life in the outskirts of the valley.
Nearby Places to visit
Kirtipur
Kirtipur, situated on a hillock (1418 m), is one of the oldest settlements in the Kathmandu valley. Like a museum, the town depicts the typical Newari architecture and culture of old Kathmandu. According to historical accounts, the town was founded by King Siva Deva (1099-1126AD). However, it is believed that the town has existed from the time of Gopalvansa (rule of the Gopalas). The settlements are adorned with several religious temples and Shrines. The Bagh bhairav, Layaku and Uma-mayaheshwor are hindu sites, while the Chilanco complex is a Buddhist site housing the residence of Bajracharayas and Shakyas, the Buddhist community of Kirtipur. Sri kirti vihara, a buddhist monastery built in 1973 AD, lies in Kirtipur. The area is unique for science and natural beauty. On a clear weather one can see the panorama of the Himalayan range.
Panga
Panga is a typical Newari village where the first ever socio-anthropological research in Nepal was cinducted in 1956-1959 A.D. Panga is also famous for its monuments & religious activities. There are two main temples, one of Narayan and another of Vishnu Devi. M ore than 95% of the dwellers in Panga are farmers by tradition known as Maharjan and Dangol. They are equally known for their skilled carpentry. The village lies in between Kritipur and Chobhar, and is easily accessible by road from both places.
Taudaha
Taudha is believed to be one of the oldest lakes of Kathmandu valley. It is believed to be the home of Karkotak nag (The Serpent King). According to legends, when the primordial lake of Kathmandu valley was drained by Manjushree, he saw all the serpents including Karkotak nag flowing out. Therefore to stop them from leaving the valley, Manjushree is believed to have built this lake. It is said that during drought in the valley, Buddhist priests offered prayers to the serpent king in the lake who sent forth rain the valley. The lake covers an area of 43,030sq.m and is presently 20m deep at the deepest point. Halting place for migratory birds, this is also a good bird watching site.
Machhegaon
Machhegaon situated on the northern slope of Chandragiri range, one of the six hills around kathmandu Valley. One can spend a day or two at Machhegoan exploring the surroundings and hiking up to chandragiri and Champadevi Hills. Champadevi, (2,273m.) is the highest peak in the area. On clear days, one can also see the panorama of Himalayan of Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Mt.Everest from Champadevi. Machhegaon is accessible by road and public transportation to the area is easily available. Food and accommodation facilities are also available at the local farm houses with prior information.
Nagaon & Bhajangal
Nagaon is another Newari village toward the south of Kritipur. Like Panga this village is inhabited by Newars who still live by their old traditions. Majority of people here are farmers by tradition also known for their tailoring skills. The village of Bhajangal lies on southeast of kritipur. The name is derived from the cremation site that is regarded holy and mystical.
Manjushree Gorge
The ravine of Manjushree gorge is called Chobhar gorge. According to legends, this gorge was struck by Manjushree, who traveled to Nepal to Offer prayers to the Swayambu Flame and Gujeswari. It is said that Manjushree walked along the peaks around the lake three times and with his mighty sword struck the deep cleft in the southern hills to drain the water from the valley. A steel suspension bridge built in 1903 A.D. connects the two sides of the gorge. The bridge offers the views of the Jal Binayak shrine, Manjushree gorge and the nearby Chobhar cave.
Jal Binayak
Jal Binayak is the popular temple of Lord Ganesh.Also known as Koyena Ganesh, the lies near the chobhar gorge. The main shrine at Jal Binayak is a massive limestone rock covered with metal sheet. It extends outside the temple at the back, a small part in front resembling the tusk of Ganesh. Devotees apparently built the temple to shelter this object of devotion. Devotees seek and pray for physical and moral strength to the Ganesh at Jal Binayak. Groups of the local Newar devotees are often seen making pilgrimage to Jal Binayak dressed in both clothes and jewelries with offerings like flower, eggs, vermilion powders and incense.
Adinath Temple
Adinath Temple is dedicated to Adinath Lokeswor, Buddhist deity also known as Rato Machhendranath. The path to the Adinath Temple on Chobhar hill starts near the back of the Bagmati River at the base of the hill. From the available Licchavi Chaityas the site is believed to be very old but authentic records could be found only from 15th century A.D. onwards. The present temple was erected during the reign of King Sri Nivas Malla in the 17th century A.D. festival of Dashain that falls in October is a good time to visit the temple, when it is thronged by devotees it remain here fasting for five consecutive days and nights. Sunrise view from here is spectacular during fall, winter and spring, and one may even be able to get a glimpse of Everest on clear days.
Manjushree Cave
Manjushree Cave lies just right of Manjushree Gorge. There are several entrances to the cave. The cave length of the cave exceeds more than 3250 meter, one of the popular longest cave in South Asia. This cave is also known as Chakhunti Bakhunti or the Cave of pigeons and sparrows, Chakra Tirtha Paramhamsa Gufa or Chobar Gufa for various legendary reasons. The cave was an important meditation site for Buddhist monks in the ancient times and many Tibetan monks have even mentioned the cave in their autobiography. This cave has many routes and interconnected with each other, visitors shouldn’t feel any trouble inside the cave. And visitors also can see bats and binds if different sizes of ponds inside the cave. Anyone can feel the real adventure tour inside the cave. The group has opened six different routes for visitors with all required facilities. It is compulsion that one can visit the cave in group escorted by local guides.
People and Culture
The settlements around Chobhar are dominated by Newars. These settlements have maintained the unique example of Newari life and culture. Newars are the oldest indigenous of Kathmandu valley. They live mostly in Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur and Kritipur. Newars have their own castes and sub-castes, customs, traditions, languages and script. They are also known for their many festivals to commemorate a large pantheon of deities. Festivals and fairs to them are expressions of surplus and exchange. The newars also engage in artisan and business vocations. An exclusive feature of the Newar custom is the custom is the custom of Guthi or trust organization through which various community and social works are carried out. Newari language is Tibeto-Burman with rich literacy tradition.
Access and Accommodation
Chobhar is located in Kritpur municipality. Standard to moderate places are available for food and accommodation facilities in Chobhar and the surrounding areas. Lodges, guest houses, resorts, hotels and even paying guest home-stays are available for tourist facilities. Buses and microbuses to Chobhar can be found leaving from the city bus stop. It is also possible to hire a vehicle to visit the area. While the historical kritipur town is near for an experience of the legacy passed on by the valley’s forefather, a hike into the rural settlements like Panga, Taudaha, Machhegaon, Nagaon and Bhajangal will give a peek into the rural country life in the outskirts of the valley.
Nearby Places to visit
Kirtipur
Kirtipur, situated on a hillock (1418 m), is one of the oldest settlements in the Kathmandu valley. Like a museum, the town depicts the typical Newari architecture and culture of old Kathmandu. According to historical accounts, the town was founded by King Siva Deva (1099-1126AD). However, it is believed that the town has existed from the time of Gopalvansa (rule of the Gopalas). The settlements are adorned with several religious temples and Shrines. The Bagh bhairav, Layaku and Uma-mayaheshwor are hindu sites, while the Chilanco complex is a Buddhist site housing the residence of Bajracharayas and Shakyas, the Buddhist community of Kirtipur. Sri kirti vihara, a buddhist monastery built in 1973 AD, lies in Kirtipur. The area is unique for science and natural beauty. On a clear weather one can see the panorama of the Himalayan range.
Panga
Panga is a typical Newari village where the first ever socio-anthropological research in Nepal was cinducted in 1956-1959 A.D. Panga is also famous for its monuments & religious activities. There are two main temples, one of Narayan and another of Vishnu Devi. M ore than 95% of the dwellers in Panga are farmers by tradition known as Maharjan and Dangol. They are equally known for their skilled carpentry. The village lies in between Kritipur and Chobhar, and is easily accessible by road from both places.
Taudaha
Taudha is believed to be one of the oldest lakes of Kathmandu valley. It is believed to be the home of Karkotak nag (The Serpent King). According to legends, when the primordial lake of Kathmandu valley was drained by Manjushree, he saw all the serpents including Karkotak nag flowing out. Therefore to stop them from leaving the valley, Manjushree is believed to have built this lake. It is said that during drought in the valley, Buddhist priests offered prayers to the serpent king in the lake who sent forth rain the valley. The lake covers an area of 43,030sq.m and is presently 20m deep at the deepest point. Halting place for migratory birds, this is also a good bird watching site.
Machhegaon
Machhegaon situated on the northern slope of Chandragiri range, one of the six hills around kathmandu Valley. One can spend a day or two at Machhegoan exploring the surroundings and hiking up to chandragiri and Champadevi Hills. Champadevi, (2,273m.) is the highest peak in the area. On clear days, one can also see the panorama of Himalayan of Himalayan ranges from Annapurna to Mt.Everest from Champadevi. Machhegaon is accessible by road and public transportation to the area is easily available. Food and accommodation facilities are also available at the local farm houses with prior information.
Nagaon & Bhajangal
Nagaon is another Newari village toward the south of Kritipur. Like Panga this village is inhabited by Newars who still live by their old traditions. Majority of people here are farmers by tradition also known for their tailoring skills. The village of Bhajangal lies on southeast of kritipur. The name is derived from the cremation site that is regarded holy and mystical.
