Located approximately 4 kilometers west of tourist-hub Thamel, this Buddhist Stupa, also popularly called ‘Monkey Temple’ is said to be over 2000 years old. The dome shaped white washed Stupa is composed of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. The all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha rest on all four sides of the conical base. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda and is the most important Buddhist site in Nepal. Enjoy the views of sprawling Kathmandu from the top of this world heritage site monument.
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples of Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as entrance to the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Sadhus and pilgrims from Nepal and India on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. The temple has been inscribed in the World heritage list.
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest Buddhist stupas. Similar in structure to Swoyambhunath Stupa, it is highly revered by Buddhists in Nepal and Tibet. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests.
Budhanilkantha literally means “old blue throat’ features a sleeping statue of the Hindu god Vishnu on a pond of water. Located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu near Shivapuri hill, the statue is 5 meters in length carved out from a single block of black basalt stone. Vishnu’s legs are crossed and the eleven heads of Shesha cradle his head. Vishnu’s four hands hold objects that are symbols of his divine qualities: a chakra or disc (representing the mind), a conch-shell (the four elements), a lotus flower (the moving universe) and the club (primeval knowledge). During the festival of Haribondhini Ekadashi that falls in October/ November, pilgrims in large numbers visit the temple to worship and offer their respect to Lord Vishnu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in the Kathmandu Valley. A world cultural heritage site, the Durbar Square carries a rich history in its exquisite art and architecture engraved in the struts, sculptures, palaces, courtyards and temples. Some of the major monuments within Kathmandu Durbar Square are:
a. Kumari (The Living Goddess) Ghar:
At the west end of the square is a beautiful house full of woodcarvings of different Gods and Goddesses. This house, called Kumari Ghar, is three storied high and is home to Kumari, the famous living Goddess of Nepal. Both Buddhists and Hindus equally venerate her. Kumari is a young pre-pubescent girl regarded as the manifestation of the goddess Taleju. She is chosen from a Buddhist family, especially from Shakya and Bajracharya clan of Newari community. During the festival of Indra Jatra, the head of the country visit the Kumari Ghar for blessings.
b. Kastha Mandap:
One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kasthamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal, built in 12th century. It is believed the city of Kathmandu was named after Kasthamandap temple, which is one of the largest and well-known pagodas. Kastha means wood and Mandap means pavilion. And it is said that the whole temple was built from just a single Sal (shorea robusta) tree. A statue of Gorakhnath stands in the center of this temple while the statues of God Ganesh guard the four corners.
c. Kal Bhairav:
Kal Bhairav is one of the largest stone idols in Kathmandu located in Hanuman Dhoka. The statue, which is 3.7m high, depicts the terrifying manifestation of Shiva. It is believed that people will die if they speak lie in front of this statue. The statute is believed to be sculpted in 5th or 6th century.
Patan Durbar Square, located in Patan city, is an enchanting mélange of palace, temples, courtyards and graceful pagoda-style temples that dates back to 17th century. Listed as a World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square is an ancient Buddhist city consisting of 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples belonging to both Buddhists and Hindus. Patan is a city of festival and feast, fine ancient art and a treasure trove of metallic and stone carvings. Founded by Kirat rulers, Patan’s ancient name is Yala after the Kirat King Yalamber. There are more than 1,200 Buddhist monuments of various shapes and sizes scattered in and around the city.
a. Golden Temple:
Also known as Bhaskerdev Samskarita Hiranyabarna Mahavihara, the golden temple is a Buddhist stupa designed in pagoda style. This stupa is believed to have been built about 12th century and prominently houses the statue of Buddha. There are some truly exquisite wood carvings of deities and the golden roof is magnificent.
b. Krishna Temple:
Built in the 17th century, Krishna temple is the most important temple in Patan Durbar Square. It is entirely made of stone in Shikhara style. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been engraved on the pillars. There are 21 golden pinnacles in the temple. Each of the floor is dedicated to different gods: the first floor to Krishna and Radha, second to Shiva, and the third to Buddha.
Besides the above mentioned places to visit, there are other significant sites to be explored:
- Golden Temple
- Kumbheshwar
- Krishna Mandir
- Jagat Narayan
- Mahaboudha
- Ashokan Stupa
- Machchhendranath Temple
- Tibetan Refugee Camp
Nagarkot at an altitude of 2195m is the nearest hill station from Kathmandu and is a famous place to see Himalayan ranges and sunrise. A wide panoramic view of eight Himalaya ranges including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Mahalangur ( Everest) and Numbur can be clearly seen. The view of sunrise and the surrounding valleys and forests is also enchanting.
Changu Narayan said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta is the oldest temple in Nepal. This ancient temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu and located on a hilltop 8 km east of Kathmandu. The pagoda-style temple contains several masterpieces of Nepalese art from as early as 5th century.
The main square of this medieval city contains innumerable temples and architectural wonders such as lion gate, golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc. Bhatkatpur Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. The 55-window was built by King Yaksha Malla in 1427 and feature intricately carved wooden balcony and windows.
Nyatapola Temple:
This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. It is well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship and is the tallest pagoda structure in Nepal. After sightseeing in and around Bhaktapur, you will drive from Bhaktapur to Dhulikhel takes about half an hour.
Dhulikhel is a hilltop located east of Kathmandu Valley. It is located at an altitude of 1550m affording great views of Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Gaurishankar, Lhotse etc. There are hiking routes from Dhulikhel to nearby Panauti, Nagarkot and Namobuddha. The old town of Dhulikhel is adorned with beautifully carved temples such as Harisiddhi, Narayan and Bhagwati.
Namobouddha is situated at an elevation of 1750m and is a very important Buddhist pilgrimage located in Kavre District. The Stupa and shrines built in this lovely little hill mark a very ancient holy site where a legendary prince named Mahasattva offered himself to a starving Tigress with several underfed cubs. This legendary episode is depicted in a stone slab and placed right next to a holy Stupa.
On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our airport representative with flower garlands and then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops in Thamel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
Today you will visit Sowaybhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Budanilkantha and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.
After breakfast in the morning you will drive from Kathmandu to Patan. Sightseeing in and around Patan City and then drive to Nagarkot takes about 1 ½ hr. Stay overnight at hotel in Nagarkot.
Early morning enjoy the sunrise and mountain views and then drive to Changu Narayan followed by a tour of Bhaktapur. Afterwards drive to Dhulikhel. Stay overnight at hotel in Dhulikhel.
After sightseeing and visiting monastery in Namobuddha, you will drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your final departure to your home.
Nepal , Spring trip Packages 8 Days
Nepal , Spring trip Packages 10 Days
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Nepal , Spring trip Packages 9 Days
