The
Kathmandu valley is the cultural and artistic heart of Nepal, and contains
some of the oldest and best-preserved cities in the world: Kathmandu, Patan
and Bhaktapur. The historical, cultural and artistic importance is so
immense that UNESCO has designated no less than seven World Heritage Sites
here, all of which our guests may enjoy at their leisure.
Day
01. ARRIVE KATHMANDU You could arrive into Kathmandu directly from
Europe or take a connection through either India or the Far East. Upon
arrival at Kathmandu airport, you will be met, assisted and escorted to your
hotel by our representative.
After checking in, you can relax or
just walk around on your own to get the feel of the city.
Stay
overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 02. IN
KATHMANDUAfter
breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing of Kathmandu city and
Swoyambhunath Stupa.
Kathmandu City:
Kathmandu Durbar
with its medley of temples and shrines is the traditional seat of the
royalty where Kings are crowned and their coronations are performed.
The
big bell;
Kal Bhairav Temple;
Jagannath Temple with its
erotic carvings on the temple struts;
Kasthamandap - the temple
believed to have built from the wood of a single tree and from which the
city of Kathmandu derives its name, are some views you will enjoy on this
tour. But on top of the list is the
Kumari Ghar - the temple of the
living goddess. For most of the year, the Kumari is available to greet
people from the balcony of the temple. Photography is strictly prohibited
here. Spend some time browsing through a typical Nepalese market place.
Swoyambhunath Stupa: These 2000 years old stupas are
situated approx. 1.8 miles west of Kathmandu on a hillock overlooking the
Kathmandu valley. This is one of the most glorious Buddhist temples.
It is decorated with the famous "
Buddha's eyes", and is
surrounded by temples and Tibetan monasteries. Today you can relax or
explore on your own.
In the afternoon visit Patan City.
Patan: Also known as Lalitpur meaning city of devotees is where you will
visit the Patan Durbar Square with its exquisite architectural masterpieces
depicting the Newar craftsmanship.
Krishna Mandir - a stone
structure with 21 spires;
Hiranya Varan Mahabihar - the
Golden
temple; and
Mahaboudha - a masterpiece in terra cotta, are some
of the other highlights of the tour. After the tour you will continue to the
Tibetan Resettlement Camp where Tibetan Refugees are rehabilitated. You will
see women weaving carpets on the their looms.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 03. IN
KATHMANDU After an early breakfast proceed for half day sightseeing
of Pashupatinath and Boudhnath.
Pashupatinath: Lying on
the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, this is the country's most important
Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It was built in 1696 with a
two-tiered golden roof and silver doors and is famous for its superb
architecture. Each year it draws numerous devotees from all over India.
Boudhnath Stupa: It lays approx. 5 miles east of
Kathmandu. This is one of the largest Buddhist shrines in the world, dating
before the birth of Christ. It is the religious centre for Nepal's
considerable population of Tibetans and there are a number of thriving
monasteries. This area is also referred to as 'little Tibet'.
In
the afternoon visit Bhadgaon city.
Bhadgaon City: It is
situated approx. 10 miles from Kathmandu and has an impressive number of
artistic treasures. Rightly called 'a living museum', it is the most
medieval city of the valley. It is situated at an altitude of 1401mts.
Bhaktapur means the city of devotees. Pottery and weaving are its
traditional industries. The Bhadgaon city one of the oldest medieval cities
was the capital of Kathmandu valley during the Malla dynasty, until the 15th
century.
Stay overnight in Kathmandu.
Day 04. LEAVE KATHMANDU Breakfast at the
hotel and transfer to the airport in time to connect to the flight for
onward destination.