Kathmandu Valley is made up of three medieval cities, namely Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan. All three cities are home to several world heritage monuments that are known for artistic excellence in Newari art and architecture. Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour will take you on an exploration of all major cultural and historical sites including a visit to traditional Newari villages.
Enjoy a guided tour of three medieval palaces- Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan Durbar Squares- and learn about the history and legacy of Newari art and culture. Equally impressive on the list of sites worth visiting are two largest Buddhist stupas in the world, namely Boudha Stupa and Swoyambhu Stupa; as well as Pashupatinath Temple and Changu Narayan, two oldest and holiest Hindu shrines in Nepal. Allow yourself to be immersed in elegant tapestry of Hindu and Buddhist tradition.
This tour also features a short drive to popular hill station of Nagarkot to experience the majestic Himalayan peaks and beautiful sunrise views. The final leg of the journey involves exploration of two ancient Newari villages in Patan, i.e., Khokana, and Bungmati. Then continue your trip to Kirtipur, a medieval Newari town, where more wonderful architectural monuments such as Uma Maheshwor, Bag Bhairab and Chilancho Vihar await your arrival.
Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing tour program is suitable for travelers of any age and particularly those who would like to get more out of their short holiday time.
On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our airport representative and then transferred 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 Swoyambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Budanilkantha and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Brief Description of the Places:
Swoyambhu Stupa
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.
Boudha Stupa
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.
Pashupatinath Temple
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.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
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. You will visit Hanuman Dhoka Chowk, Kumari Ghar or the home of Living Goddess, 12th century Kastha Mandap or Maru Sattal and 5th century Kal Bhairav.
After breakfast in the morning you will 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.
Today you will visit the following places:
Patan Durbar Square
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.
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.
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.
Nagarkot
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.
Early morning enjoy the sunrise and mountain views and then drive to Changu Narayan followed by a tour of Bhaktapur. Afterwards drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Brief description of the places:
Changu Narayan Temple
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.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
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 back to Kathmandu.
Bungmati and Khokana villages are all situated in Lalitpur district, popular for traditional Newari customs and lifestyle. The houses here are peculiar and unique in that they are made with local bricks. Nominated for world heritage sites, Khokana is famous for its traditional mill used to produce rich mustard oil. First village in Nepal to have electricity in 1911 AD, Khokana also features Rudrayani temple and numerous ponds. The village plays an important part in hosting many popular Newari festivals including Gaijatra, Sikhali Jatra, Paha Charhey and many more.
Bungamati is a Newari village located 10 km south of Kathmandu. Regarded as the hometown of Rato Machendranath , some of the important attractions of the village is the traditional lifestyle of Newari community along with Karya Binayak and Bhairav temples.
Kirtipur is an ancient Newari settlement whose recorded history dates back to 11th century AD. In modern history of Nepal, Kirtipur is famous as the site for the Battle of Kirtipur that took place in 1767 when the army of King Prtihivi Narayan Shah invaded the town. Temples like Bag Bhairav, Uma Maheswor, Chilancho Vihar, Shri Kirti Vihar holds utmost cultural significance.
According to you flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your final departure back to your home.
# Additional Optional program: 1-hr Scenic Mountain Flight from Kathmandu
If anyone would like to go on a short 1 hr mountain flight, it is possible to adjust it in the tour program. Mountain flight is organized from Kathmandu domestic airport and the entire program can be completed in 2 hrs- 1 hr for the flight itself. Mountain flight usually takes place in the early morning hours and you will be able to enjoy majestic views of around 20 tallest Himalayan peaks including Everest, Shisha Pangma, Langtang, Gauri Shankar, Cho Oyu, Numbur, Lhotse and Ama Dablam. And what more, you will receive a Mountain Flight certificate signed by the pilot.
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