Culturally Kathmandu with Mountain Vistas

Full day sightseeing of Kathmandu’s most iconic and ancient UNESCO world heritage sites

Kathmandu Durbar Square is spread around the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom and surrounded with spectacular architecture that vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. It held palaces of kings in the past and surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and many famous temples.

Swoyambhunath Stupa, is one of the holiest, oldest Buddhist stupas in Nepal overlooking and giving a panoramic view of the city. It has numerous shrines, temples, deities and monasteries on its premises standing out as a hallmark of faith and harmony among Buddhists and Hindus.  

Patan Durbar Square is full of ancient palaces, temples, and shrines noted for their exquisite carvings, extravagant wooden and stone work. One can rummage for treasures and souvenirs in the various shops around the square. The main attractions here are the ancient Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Mahaboudha Stupa, The museum etc..

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we head to Bouddhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Changunarayan Temple for sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites

 Bouddhanath, built in the 14th century is the world’s largest stupa and the holiest Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu with rich Buddhist symbolism, architecture and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. It remains an important place of pilgrimage and meditation for Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis. 

Pashupatinath Temple, the largest temple complex in Nepal is one of the four most important religious sites for devotees of God Shiva. Built in the 5th century and later renovated, its  main pagoda style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver and exquisite wood carvings.

Changu Narayan is said to be the oldest temple in the valley, built in 323 AD.  The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings, and its position above the Kathmandu Valley affords a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside.

After sightseeing, we begin our hike to Telkot (1.5 hrs) with beautiful views of terraced rice fields, mountains, local settlements and sights of them engaged in local activities like making local drinks, farming, cattle rearing etc.. Finally, we drive (20 mins) to Nagarkot and evening sightseeing in the area - its ancient temples, stupas, stunning views overlooking Kathmandu Valley and watching the sunset from the highest point in Nagarkot, the tower.

Nagarkot is a picturesque resort village on the outskirts of Kathmandu at 2175 meters. The views go from Dhaulagiri in the west to Kanchenjunga in the east. On a clear day, one can see Mt. Everest (8848 m), Manaslu (8463 m), Ganesh Himal (7111 m) and Langtang (7246m).

Overnight at your hotel in Nagarkot.

A short morning walk before breakfast to Nagarkot Tower to see the unmatched scenery of the sunrise appearing on the horizon. Before the fresh morning rays reach your eye, they hit the tip of the peaks and majestically descend downwards. The shine of rays and the glimmer of snow-clad tops and slopes of mountains completely mesmerize your senses.

After breakfast, we drive 45 mins to World Heritage Site Bhaktapur and then drive 1 hour to historic town Panauti and Dhulikhel for sightseeing.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in the medieval city of Bhaktapur with its ancient temples, monuments and palaces are magnificent examples of Newari craftsmanship with their beautiful carved wooden windows and latticework. Their people are still renowned for their pottery and hand woven fabrics, including the traditional local red and black saris.

Panauti is a town with an interesting historical tale and still largely unchanged over the passage of time. Surrounded by sacred rivers, it is the birthplace to a number of legendary figures and to a traditional Newari confection. It is famous for its 40 temples and 28 festivals. Rich in Newari culture, many of its festivals are unique with a completely local character.

Dhulikhel is a Newari town offers a traditional atmosphere along with spectacular views of the Himalayas. Walking around the old part of this town you can find some fine old Nepalese buildings and several interesting temples.

Overnight at your hotel in Dhulikhel.

After breakfast, we take a short drive to Namobuddha Monastery for sightseeing. It is a very pleasant walk-around exploring the grounds. You can meditate, attend afternoon Puja (ritual) ceremony, talk to Ani (Woman Monk) about their ways of life and Buddhism.

 Namo Buddha Monastery is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal, with its famous Stupas and the Tiger’s Den. It is believed the ancient Buddha was born here as a prince and he selflessly sacrificed to feed a starving tiger with his own flesh. Located at the top of a hill, it overlooks important towns like Dhulikhel, Banepa and we also get a chance to see amazing views of the Himalayan range including Gaurishankar Himal on a clear day.

Thrangu Tashi Yangtze Monastery is also an important site at Namo Buddha. You can attend an early morning or afternoon Puja (ritual) or just explore the grounds.

We then hike (1 hr) exploring the beautiful local village Phulbari - a showcase for traditional Nepali craftsmanship, culture and architecture with many typical old houses, temples and monuments. Observing rural Nepal at its finest with locals busily engaged in daily activities like farming, cattle rearing, preparing local dishes, tools and items in curiously unique and traditional methods, will feel like a journey through time. Afternoon drive back to Kathmandu.

Overnight at your hotel in Kathmandu.

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