Attraction
- Kathmandu City- full of Temples
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square – full of ancient temples and buildings
- Most important Lord Shiva temple-Pashupatinath
- Sunrise and Sunset View
- Panoramic view of mountains
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Important Notes
- Dates & Prices
- Whats Included
Kathmandu Valley/Nagarkot
Nagarkot
Nagarkot is the best place nearby Kathmandu for sunrise and likewise sunset view. It is a hill station site for viewing Mountain ranges and landscape sceneries. It sits on a ridge and therefore affords one of the broadest possible views of the Himalaya.
Nagarkot is famed for enjoying Himalayan views from the comfort of your hotel balcony. It is only 32km from Kathmandu. It can get very cold in Nagarkot, so warm clothing is therefore essential.
This package is appropriate for those who have very short stay in Kathmandu city and who also want to enjoy both culture and nature.
Kathmandu
In Kathmandu it seems that around every corner there is something to see. The city boasts no less than seven UNESCO cultural heritage sites. Kathmandu’s many buildings and monuments display a significant variety of historic and artistic accomplishment.
Besides the more obvious landmarks there are far too many temples and places of interest to the list. We are keen to help you discover more than the normal tourist package. Delving deeper into the culture and lifestyle of Nepal is an essential part of every trip to Nepal.
Other options
But it’s not all about these architectural and cultural wonders!
The hills around the Kathmandu valley equally afford numerous opportunities for a wide range of spiritual and also sporting activities . Mountain bike exploring in hills around Kathmandu is something I personally would love to spend time doing!
Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as “Basantapur’
In the heart of old Kathmandu city Durbar Square never fails to impress visitors with its rich history. Once the residence of Nepal’s Royal family Durbar Square was the traditional location for Coronation ceremonies.
50 temples lie within the vicinity including the temple of the titular deity, Taleju Bhawani. There are two courtyards in the square. The Kasthamandap, Kumari Ghar, and Shiva-Parvati Temples are in the outer courtyard whilst The Hanuman Dhoka and the main palace are in the inner section.
Museums dedicated to three generations of Shah kings have now also been established on some floors. Most parts of the palace premises are open to tourists throughout the week.
The Kumari Ghar is home to the Living Goddess, Kumari. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of her. All in all Kathmandu Durbar Square is a spectacular array of architecture and culture.
The Boudhanath Stupa
This is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of most familiar sites in Kathmandu. It is one of the largest Stupa (Buddhist Shrines) in the World. The Boudhanath is 120 meters in diameter with a 36-meter spire from which many colorful prayer flags are draped. Prayer wheels surround its 8 sided base.
There has believed to have been a Stupa on this site for over 1,400 years. The five statues of Dhyani Buddha’s on the site represent the 5 elements of earth, air, fire, water, and ether. The 13 rings from its base to its summit represent the Buddhist steps to Nirvana (enlightenment). It has nine levels, representing Mount Meru which is believed to be at the center of the Buddhist cosmos. This is truly a truly holy place.
The Pashupatinath Temple
The Pashupatinath Temple is an Elegant and highly decorative Hindu temple of Lord Shiva and sits alongside the banks of Bagmati River.
A guided roof and pagoda style of architecture are noteworthy features. Members of Shiva’s family are featured in its rafters and similarly its silver plated entrance doors are bordered by statues of deities.
Entrance to the temple is restricted to Hindus but its exterior is remarkable and well worth the visit. Outside you will see many holy men (Sadhus), and the river banks are a popular place for Hindu cremations.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar square is another world Heritage site and contains a high concentration of temples and stupas. Some of the most interesting attractions include the:
- 14th-century Kumbeshwar Temple.
- 17th century Red Machhendranath Temple which is notable for its carvings of curious animals.
- The Golden temple is a unique Buddhist monastery just to the north of Durbar Square. Reputedly founded in the 12th century.
The golden temple derives its name from the gilded metal plates that cover most of its frontage. It is significantly one of the most beautiful in Patan. The tortoises pottering around the compound are the traditional temple guardians. Look out for them when they are not in hibernation!
Patan Museum is widely regarded as one of the finest museums in South Asia. The museum houses many rare objects and treasures. Most of the objects are traditional Paten crafts such as cast bronzes and ornamental gilt copper artefacts. These also include about 200 statues of Buddhist and Hindu deities mostly created in Patan. Others have also come from India, Tibet, and the western Himalayas.
Swayambhunath
365 steps lead to the Swayambhunath (the “Monkey Temple) which overlooks the city. Apart from its architectural and religious significance, it affords a grand vista of Kathmandu. It derives its popular name from the many “holy” Monkeys living in its surrounds; they are keen to be fed. The story of how they originated is worth checking out!
The complex contains temples, a Stupa, many shrines as well as a monastery, museum and library. This Stupa comprises a white base, the Buddha’s mystical eyes and a golden gilded spire.
Swayambhunath is second only to the Boudhanath in terms of religious significance.
The Swayambhunath is guaranteed not to disappoint and is naturally a must-see option for most visitors.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is also known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, and the ‘Living Heritage’.
Monuments, mostly terracotta with carved wood columns fill The Square. Temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs and open courtyards are also here.
Bhaktapur is home to numerous Religious shrines with pagodas. Ancient Hindu and Buddhist religious sites filled with monuments, most terracotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, and open courtyards form part of Bhaktapur’s rich architectural beauty. In addition one could easily spend much time here absorbing the traditions and culture of the Newars.
Upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will be warmly greeted by a representative from Apoorva Tours and guided to the hotel.
ACCOMMODATION
3 StarLUNCH
NoHOURS
3SIGNAL
YesSightseeing starts from one of the most precious Hindu Temples in the world Pashupatinath Temple, then our guide will take you to Bouddhanath Stupa one of the biggest in its kind. Lunch within the Bouddhanath area. Another destination of the day is Swayambhunath Stupa, widely known as Monkey Temple and the Sleeping Vishnu Temple which houses a magnificent stone image of the sleeping Vishnu resting on a bed of snakes. It is Nepal’s largest stone statue of the Lord Vishnu and dates back to the 5th century.
ACCOMMODATION
3 StarLUNCH
NoHOURS
6 HoursSIGNAL
YesAfter breakfast, we will be driven to Bhaktapur city for our cultural tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapola, and Pottery Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains the royal palace of the ancient Bhaktapur Kingdom. The compound comprises the four principal distinct squares. Later we will drive to Nagarkot to enjoy the fresh air high in the mountains.
Nagarkot is a hill station at a height of 6,900 ft (2,100 m) and is arguably the best place nearby Kathmandu for sunrise and sunset views. It is an excellent site for viewing Mountain ranges and landscape sceneries. It sits on a ridge and therefore affords one of the broadest possible views of the Himalayas from the comfort of your hotel balcony. Nagarkot can get very cold so warm clothing is regarded as essential.
Early in the morning you can take breakfast and watch the sun rise over the mighty Himalayan Mountains and scan the horizon for an amazing panoramic view.
For more information on Bhaktapur visit https://www.bhaktapur.com/
ACCOMMODATION
3 StarLUNCH
Farewell DinnerHOURS
6 HoursSIGNAL
YesIt is sadly now time to say goodbye to Nepal so we will drive you to the airport in sufficient time to make your flight home and we will wish you a “bon voyage” but we sincerely hope to see you again in the not too distant future.
ACCOMMODATION
3 StarLUNCH
NoHOURS
2 HoursSIGNAL
No- Tour itinerary can be customized as per your requirements and time frame.
- Tour package included 3-star category hotel during the whole tour if you would like to stay at a high-end hotel (5-star hotels or so) or hotel as your own choice that is possible, please send us a request.
- Tour package apply for the minimum of two people in a group, however, we can organise solo/single tour if you don’t have friend or partner to travel with.
- We have discounted price package if there are group of 7 people or so, please send us a request for special deal for your group.
- Do not hesitate to write us for any advice or special request, we are happy to hear from you and always ready to provide our quality travel service in the Himalaya of Nepal.
- Our first goal is “first safety” for all of our clients and staff. We have smartly experienced friendly and knowledgeable workers team. All they are well trained and must of they are license holder Guides.
- We highly advised you to make your travel insurance during Nepal trip from your own country. It is a condition of joining any of our trips that all clients be insured for comprehensive expenses that might incur due to medical issues or accidents (this includes air ambulance, helicopter rescue, and treatment costs).
Date & Price
The given prices are per person and exclude international flights. Given below are the departure dates available for online booking. If the given date is not favorable then please contact us and we will happily customize your trip on dates more appropriate for you.
Apoorva Tours & Treks also organizes trips on small groups, so we recommend you to reserve a seat for yourself by booking with us right away. Hurry! The adventure awaits you.
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OUR SERVICES INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:
- All ground transportation by private vehicle including airport transfers
- Three-star category hotels during the tours with breakfast
- Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu with a tour guide and all temples/monuments entrance fees
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- All our government taxes and office service charge
OUR SERVICES EXCLUDE THE FOLLOWING DURING THE TRIP:
- Meals not specified in the ‘Meal Inclusions’ in the itinerary’
- International airfare
- Nepal entry visa
- Tips and gratuities for tour guide and driver
Clients Review
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NORBU TENZING
India
Great arrangement! Nice friendly tour guides. Thanks for everything! Highly recommended!!! [. . .]