Morning after breakfast, our city / cultural guide takes you on a tour visiting world heritage sites around Kathmandu city. Includes Old Durbar Square / Palace Courtyard, residence of Living Goddess the Kumari; and to Swayambhunath Stupa with more 2,600 years of history. Then head towards holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and Bouddhanath a huge Buddhist Stupa. After an exciting and interesting tour back to hotel.
The tour of Kathmandu includes following world heritage sites:
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Uncountable monuments around Kathmandu Durbar Square. The house of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), ferocious Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and hundreds of erotic carvings are a few examples of the sights at the Square! The buildings here are the greatest achievements of the Malla dynasty. The Square teems with colorful life. Vendors sell vegetables, curios, flutes, and other crafts around the Kasthamandap rest house.
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple): More than 25 Century old, stands as one of the world's oldest Buddhist Stupa. The Great Stupa of Swayambhunath is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal. A religious center, for faithful worship of Vajrayana philosophy in honor of Lord Adi Buddha, painted on four-sided based by spiral all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, keeping an eternal watch on the Valley distinguishing between vice and virtue. A mere distance west of Kathmandu City, situated on a hillock, at about 500 feet above the level of the Valley. The whole hill is a mosaic of small Chaitiya and pagoda temples possessing great five Mahayana (Lamaism) and one Hinayana (Therbadist). On the hind hill is located another important Buddhist shrine; it is called Manjushree. This Chinese Buddha is the God of Knowledge.
Pashupatinath Temple: A pagoda style Hindu temple with gilt roofing and richly carved silver doors dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated at the bank of the holy Baghmati River. One of the most sacred temples in the entire Hindu world, Pashupatinath Temple is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of Shivaratri.
Bouddhanath Stupa: Largest Buddhist monument of South Asia. The ancient colossal Chorten built in 6th century A.D. by King Man Deb. It rests on a series of three terraces, relevant shape of a lotus flower. The Stupa surrounded by circular market, which forms a part of Tibet town. In this case, also the four pairs of the Buddha's eyes give a vivid flash to the four cardinal directions. The Stupa embraces authentic philosophy of Mahayana, faith known as Lamaism in Nepal, Sikkim, Ladakh, Bhutan and Tibet.
An interesting place for visit at old city of Bhaktapur, and a living museum an hour drive to reach east of Kathmandu city. Bhaktapur with many religious and ancient historical monuments of temples and palace of the Malla regime.
Bhaktapur most interesting sites and places of worship:
The Durbar Square: Bhaktapur old Durbar Square, with many ancient monuments around the palace courtyard. Most ancient buildings, monuments, listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting the city's unique culture, arts including architectural wonders.
Tour of golden gate regarded as the world's most magnificent and richly carved of unique design and work of artistic skill, enjoy views of the palace with 55 windows.
Nytapola Temple:
One of the main highlights of Bhaktapur is a pagoda roof Nytapola Temple, which means a five-storied temple at the height of 30 meters, the tallest temple of Kathmandu, and the landmark of Bhaktapur city. Built by King Bhupindra Malla in 1708 AD. On each step of the temple entrance stands a pair of figures, from the bottom with a statue of wrestlers, elephant, lion, griffins, and goddesses.
Dattatreya Temple:
A little further another nice temple, built-in 1427 AD, which was built from the wood of a single tree, visit and witness exquisitely carved peacock windows located near the temple area.
Pottery square and market:
Bhaktapur, also famous for pottery with two main areas, the first pottery square at Suryamadhi east of Dattatreya Temple Square.
After exploring the lovely exciting places of Bhaktapur, with time for lunch break in one of its nice restaurants. Afternoon drive leads on the outskirt of Bhaktapur city, heading on winding uphill to cooler hills at Nagarkot. Transfer to a lovely hotels or Mountain Resorts, with time for short stroll around the small town of Nagarkot. A favorite weekend spot of city young folks, to enjoy tranquil and scenic location with fabulous scenery of snow-capped peaks.
Rise up early morning to catch the glorious stunning sunrise views, the first streaks of sunlight’s hits the tallest peaks. Certainly a breathtaking views with early morning sun reflecting on white Himalayan peaks, turning into golden colors. After a mesmerizing panoramic views of Himalayan range of mountains of Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang and Jugal Himal with stunning sunrise.
Having breakfast, and then get ready for exciting drive downhill to Bhaktapur, as drive heads back to Kathmandu. After a wonderful experience on Kathmandu-Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Tour.
Depending upon the size of a group joining in for this wonderful tour, for less than 4 person. A car is provided of fine condition, for medium group of 4-8 person in spacious nice coach. For larger group of above 8 or more in a big comfortable seated bus. The guide will accompany along with expert drivers to take care.
Travelers in Nepal, will be surprised to find good food menu of varieties, from Tibetan, Nepali, Indian and Chinese to Continental. Includes long list of snacks and drinks for the customer delights in all hotels lodges during the tour and designated overnight destinations.
The hotel accommodation are nice and lovely according to the choices of the visitors. From budget, standard to luxury accommodation, either attached or non-attached bath and toilets.
On tour in Kathmandu and beyond, travelers can find ATM and money changing station all over the towns and cities. Around all places in Kathmandu and at Bhaktapur. Where visitors will have the opportunity to change foreign currencies to Nepali Rupees as per the current rates.
Every town and cities on this tour can find facilities of ATM, as well banks and money change counters.
The main religions of Nepal, as per the population wise is Hinduism, followed by Buddhism religion. Hinduism covers nearly 75 % and Buddhism of 20 % the rest
05 % are minority of Christianity, Islam, Jain and Sikh religions in Nepal.
? As mentioned above, the best time is spring from March to May. Including autumn / fall starts from September and end in November.
Spring season days are much longer with sunny days can get cool in the morning and night time. Depending upon various places and overnights stops, the season of autumn / fall one of the best time for tour around Kathmandu valley with Nagarkot. The days are mild with sunshine, but shorter day due to limited hours of sunlight and much cooler morning and night time.
Winter times of December to February is also best for tours, most days are clear with sunshine and pleasant, very cold morning and nights.
