Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties, which lead to a colorful, mixed history. Kathmandu Valley being the heart of Nepal is a natural basin of patchwork of terraced fields and sacred temple towns that showcase the glory of the ancient architects and artisans of Nepal. The whole valley is a living museum of Nepali culture and history and seven of them being listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. The seven include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.
Trip Highlights
Package Cost: USD 499
Duration: 5 Days
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1- Arrival KATHMANDU (1300m/4265ft)
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport where you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and check in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this historic and vibrant city. Meals: Welcome Dinner
Day 2- Kathmandu Valley City Tour
After breakfast we depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.” We visit Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life, an area filled with old temples and historical significance with old glorious Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar; home to the Living Goddess. Afterwards we visit Swayambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, which is majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley. We proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. Later we visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist Stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for righteous behavior of mankind and for human prosperity. Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 – Patan and Bhaktapur City Tour
We check out from the hotel after breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Patan, the city of Fine Arts. We visit Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), etc. We also visit the Tibetan Handicraft Centre where we can see the art of making carpets by the Tibetan refugees. Afterwards we head for one and half hour scenic drive to Nagarkot and enroute we stop at Bhaktapur, the “City of Devotees”. The tour begins in Bhaktapur with a visit to Durbar Square, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows to see Lion’s Gate, The Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal, Bhairab Temple and the Pottery Centre. In the later afternoon, we drive back to Kathmandu and stay overnight at Hotel. Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 – NAGARKOT (2175m/7136ft)
After breakfast, we drive to Nagarkot village (2175m) is set on a ridge, just 32km from Kathmandu ( Takes one and half an hour), facing one of the broadest possible views of the Himalaya. We wake up early in the morning for the sunrise and the mountain panorama from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga in the east, via Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa and Gauri Shanker. This place exists only because of the views and there is not much to the village except a small hilltop Mahakali Temple. Meals: Breakfast
Day 5- Back KATHMANDU
After breakfast embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu and check in to the hotel. In the afternoon you are free to explore Kathmandu by your own or stroll around the market buying gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones. This evening we enjoy dinner accompanied by a cultural program in a traditional Nepali restaurant. Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Cost Includes
Cost Excludes
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to us at Alpine Club of Himalaya. We have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary, when deemed necessary or when we have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and such, can contribute to changes in the itinerary when traveling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, we kindly request that you offer your full cooperation to the trusted leader of the group appointed by Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, we assure you that we will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Please contact us to customize this tour.
Congratulation!