Bhaktapur, Nepal

Bhaktapur is an ancient Newar city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about 8 miles (13 km) from the capital city, Kathmandu. It is one of the three cities with Durbar (Palace) square comprising the UNESCO site (other two being Kathmandu and Patan).

Bhaktapur was the largest of the three Newar kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley and was the capital of Nepal during the great 'Malla Kingdom' until the second half of the 15th century. It has the best-preserved palace courtyards and old city center in Nepal and is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. This is supported by the restoration and preservation efforts of German-funded Bhaktapur Development Project (BDP).

As I have already written about the Kathmandu Valley here I haven't titled the post as UNESCO, but it is still such a great addition to my collection! The card was signed by Daisy, who also used a stamp depicting the third important Durbar square in Patan. So brilliant, thank you :)

Seto Bhairav, Kathmandu, Nepal

This impressive image is of the mask of Seto Bhairav (White Demon) in Kathmandu Durbar Square (which is part of Unesco but as I've posted about it already I'll just concetrate on this detail :)). It is one of the most important deities in Nepal, sacred to Hindus and Buddhists alike.

Bhairava is the terrifying aspect of Shiva, and this is one of the largest masks representing it - it is specially revealed during the Indra Jātrā religious street festival, which lasts for eight days from the 12th day of the bright fortnight to the 4th day of the dark fortnight of Yanlā, the eleventh month in the lunar Nepal Era calendar.  A pipe sticking out of the mouth of Sweta Bhairava dispenses alcohol and rice beer on different days.

How terribly interesting this sounds - big thanks to Krishna, also a great photographer!

UNESCO - Kathmandu Valley, Nepal

This fantastic view of Kathmandu Valley was sent to me some years ago by Ash while on his travels through Asia. I suppose this may and may not be an Unesco card, as it doesn't show the actual cultural sites which it is famous for...
But here is a recent postcard that I have received via vacation RR!

One of the aforementioned cultural sites is Swayambhunath Stupa, with Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on, and underneath a symbol of unity. It is the oldest Buddhist monument in the valley and a part of a religious ensemble. Many thanks to karas, and the stamp and cancellation are also great! (i've never received last postcard sent to me from nepal so this made me that extra bit happy..!)

Annapurna, Nepal

Annapurna is a 55-km-long massif in the Himalayas in north-central Nepal, its highest peak being Annapurna I (8091m) and including thirteen additional peaks over 7000 m. It is also home to world-famous trek The Annapurna Circuit whose total length varies between 160-230 km, its highest crossing being Thorung La (5416m).

Again thanks go to Ash, who made me really happy with these exotic views at the start of my postcrossing journey :)) I really envy him on such an incredible experience..!