Two people missing after landslide hits tourist bus in Nepal
Two people are missing after a landslide struck a tourist bus on a highway in Nepal, according to authorities. The bus was traveling between the capital Kathmandu and Pokhara when the incident occurred.
Rescue teams are searching for the missing individuals, while other passengers have been rescued and taken to safety. The landslide was triggered by heavy rainfall in the region.
Local officials stated that the bus was hit by boulders and debris from the hillside. The road has been cleared for traffic, but search operations continue.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ancient history as a vital hub on the trans-Himalayan trade routes. Founded around the 2nd century AD, the city flourished under the Malla and later Shah dynasties, becoming a center for art, architecture, and religion. It is famous for its seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, which showcase its unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a picturesque city in central Nepal, renowned for its stunning views of the Annapurna mountain range and serene lakes like Phewa Tal. Historically, it served as a key trading hub on the ancient route between Tibet and India, and it later became a popular destination for trekkers and spiritual seekers. Today, it is known as the gateway to the Annapurna Circuit and offers a blend of natural beauty, adventure sports, and cultural heritage.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a historic city nestled in the Kathmandu Valley, serving as a cultural and religious crossroads for centuries. Its history dates back to ancient times, with the city’s founding traditionally attributed to the Licchavi king Gunakamadeva in the 8th century, and it later became a key hub on the trans-Himalayan trade route. Renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu showcases a rich blend of Hindu and Buddhist traditions.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a picturesque city in central Nepal, renowned for its stunning views of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges, as well as the serene Phewa Lake. Historically, it served as a vital trade route between India and Tibet, and its development accelerated after the 1960s when it became a popular destination for Western trekkers and hippies. Today, Pokhara is a major tourism hub, offering adventure activities like paragliding and trekking, while retaining its natural beauty and cultural charm.
Durbar Square
Durbar Square is a historic plaza found in several cities in Nepal, most famously in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These squares served as the royal palaces and centers of political and religious life for the ancient Malla and later Shah kingdoms, featuring exquisite Newari architecture, temples, and courtyards. Many of these UNESCO World Heritage sites were heavily damaged in the 2015 earthquake but are undergoing restoration to preserve their cultural significance.
Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley, a region rich in history and culture. Its history dates back over 2,000 years, and it was once a prosperous city-state on the ancient trade route between India and Tibet. The city is renowned for its stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple, which reflect its deep religious and architectural heritage.
Pokhara
Pokhara is a scenic city in central Nepal, renowned as a gateway to the Annapurna mountain range and a hub for adventure tourism. Historically, it was a vital stop on the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, and in the 18th century, it became part of the unified Kingdom of Nepal under Prithvi Narayan Shah. Today, it is famous for its tranquil Phewa Lake, the World Peace Pagoda, and its role as a base for trekkers and paragliders.
Durbar Square
Durbar Square is a historic public square in several cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, most notably in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These squares were the royal palaces and centers of political and religious life for the Malla and Shah kings, featuring stunning Newari architecture with intricately carved temples, pagodas, and palaces dating from the 12th to the 18th centuries. Although many structures were damaged in the 2015 earthquake, they remain UNESCO World Heritage Sites and key symbols of Nepal’s cultural heritage.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient Buddhist temple complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. According to legend, it was built over 2,500 years ago by King Manadeva, making it one of the oldest religious sites in the country. The stupa is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus, and its iconic white dome and golden spire symbolize the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. Its exact origins are uncertain, but the temple’s history dates back to at least 400 CE, with the current structure rebuilt in the 17th century after being damaged by termites. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it serves as a major pilgrimage destination and the site of important cremation rituals for Hindus.
Phewa Tal
Phewa Tal, also known as Phewa Lake, is a stunning freshwater lake located in Pokhara, Nepal, famous for its reflection of the Annapurna and Machhapuchhre mountain ranges. Historically, the lake has been a vital resource for the local community, supporting fishing, irrigation, and tourism, while the nearby Barahi Temple, situated on an island in the lake, holds deep religious significance for Hindus. Today, it remains a central attraction for visitors, offering boating, scenic views, and a gateway to nearby trekking routes.
Annapurna Circuit
The Annapurna Circuit is a renowned trekking route in Nepal that encircles the Annapurna Massif, offering diverse landscapes from subtropical forests to high-altitude deserts. Established in the 1970s, it gained popularity as one of the world’s classic treks, but the route was altered by the construction of roads in recent decades. Despite changes, it remains a iconic journey, passing through traditional villages like Manang and crossing the challenging Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters.
Bhaktapur
Bhaktapur is an ancient city in Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and rich Newar culture. Founded in the 12th century, it served as the capital of the Malla kingdom and flourished as a center of art and trade. Today, its Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases intricate palaces, temples, and pagodas that reflect its glorious past.
