Nepal’s capital city serves as the departure point for treks into the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and Annapurna, and as a result is a major travel and tourism hub. Besides its proximity to these world-class hiking trails, the city also features many charms of its own, including an exquisite setting amidst snow-covered mountain peaks, friendly locals, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a series of ornate stone temples dating back hundreds of years. Don ’t miss a visit to the sacred Boudhanath Stupa, the ancient tree-swathed site of Swayambhunath, or Kathmandu Durbar Square with its 12th-century temples.
Fly into Kathmandu, where you will be met your Travel Counsellors Representative who will assist you and taken to your hotel of stay.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Full day tour of Kathmandu covering Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath and Patan.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the important historic and tourist destinations in Nepal. This massive complex is home to palaces, temples and courtyards. The original center of Kathmandu is often named as Basantapur, Hanuman Dhoka or Durbar Square all denoting the same location. Kathmandu Durbar square has various historical royal and governmental institutions mixed with temples of different styles and ages. It may seem a little bit crowded with lots of buildings and temples built around on a very small area. This important historical attraction has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main attraction of Durbar Square is Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex. The striking palace was named in honor of the monkey god, Hanuman, and a statue of the unusual deity stands at the main entranceway. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels and houses the King Tribhuwan Memorial museum and the Mahendra Museum.
Swayambhunath meaning “Self-Created One”. The Tibetan name for Swayambhunath means ‘Sublime Trees’. It was built over 2,500 years ago. It is also known as monkey temple as there are holy monkeys living in part of the temple. An excellent view of Kathmandu valley can be observed from this UNESCO World heritage cultural site. This Buddhist Stupa holds a special position both among the Buddhists
Patan
Also known as Lalitpur, the city of artisans, and home to the valley’s finest craftsmen who have preserved such ancient techniques as the repousse and lost wax process used to produce exquisite sculptures. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. As in Kathmandu, Hinduism and Buddhism have co-existed here for ages, influencing each other, and the religious harmony is exemplary. Patan Durbar square is one of the seven monument zones that makes Kathmandu valley UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 3: Hike to Chisapani (2140m) [50 min drive and 4 hours walk]
Drive about 50 min from Kathmandu takes you to trek start point Sundarijal. From Sundarijal, the trail climb through the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve.
The trail continues up a hill through the forest to meet the Mulkharka Village (1894m) with the inhabitants of Tamang people through forest of rhododendron and oaks after pass the BorlangBhanjyang and downhill to Chisopani (2140m).
Overnight at Local tea house in Chisapani
Day 4: Hike to Nagarkot from Chisapani. (2170m) [6 – 7 hours walk]
The trekking goes between the village and forest with great views of the countryside and mountains to the Nagarkot. From Nagarkot offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan Mountains including Mount Everest (8848 m).
Overnight at Hotel in Nagarkot
Day 5: Nagarkot to Changu hike [4 to 5 hours hike]
Early morning sunrise view from the hotel. After breakfast start the hike to Changunarayan for about 4 hrs. Passing along Tamang village.
Afterwards visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Later drive back to Kathmandu
Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 6: Kathmandu
After breakfast proceed for sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath, Boudhanath.
Patan or Yala:
Patan as it is known today is located on the southern banks of the Bagmati River and is one of the three main cities in Kathmandu Valley. The city is believed to be the first settlement in the Valley and was established by the Kirat dynasty who ruled for more than 1200 years from the 3rd century BC. Patan is famous for its amazing collection of fantastically carved temples, palace courtyards, water spouts, public baths and houses with their equally elaborate wood, stone and metal carvings under the patronages of the Kirat, Lichivi and Malla kings. Patan has more than a 1000 temples and monuments dedicated to the uniquely Nepali mix of Buddhist and Hindu gods, chief among which are the mounds erected by the great Indian Emperor Asoka in the four corners of the city when he visited Nepal in 250 BC. Patan Durbar square is one of the seven Monument Zones that make up the Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bungamati and Khokana
Bungamati and Khokana are small and traditional Newari villages. The villages are situated about 10km away from Kathmandu in Lalitpur district. These villages are perfect if you want to get familiar with Newari tradition, people and their lifestyle. In spite of this ever growing modernization, Bungamati and khokana still remain old fashioned. People here are much unsophisticated, live in a simple house and lead a very simple life. People from these villages are occupied in agriculture.Bungamati is also renowned for RatoMachhendranath temple resided by the famous divinity called RatoMachhendranath. Bungamati is supposed to be birthplace of RatoMachhendranath.
