Kathmandu Tour : 4 Nights- 5 Days

4 days 3 nights
NP-K4.5
Tour
1-10 Pax

The Kathmandu Valley, historically known as Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley, lies at the crossroads of ancient civilizations of the Indian subcontinent and the broader Asian continent, and has at least 130 important monuments, including several pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. There are seven World Heritage Sites within the valley.

Historically, the valley and adjoining areas made up a confederation known as the Nepal Mandala. Until the 15th century, Bhaktapur was its capital, when two other capitals, Kathmandu and Lalitpur (Patan), were established.[3] After the annexation of the valley by the Gorkha Kingdom, and subsequent conversion of the Valley as the capital of their empire, the designation of "Nepal" was extended to all the lands they had conquered.

The Kathmandu Valley is the most developed and populated place in Nepal. The majority of offices and headquarters are located in the valley, making it the economic hub of Nepal. It is popular with tourists for its unique architecture, and rich culture that includes the highest number of jatras (street festivals) in Nepal. The valley itself was referred to as "Nepal Proper" by British historians.

In 2015, Kathmandu Valley was hit by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake.[4] The earthquake caused thousands of deaths and destruction of many infrastructures across the Kathmandu Valley, which includes the towns of Lalitpur, Kirtipur, Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur making the total population to roughly five million people and the municipalities across Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu is also the largest metropolis in the Himalayan hill region.

 Proposed Itinerary

 

Day   Activities Accommodations
Day 1 Arrival in Kathmandu  Hotel
Day 2 Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu  Hotel 
Day 3 Budhanikantha and Hike  Hotel 
Day 4 Sightseeing tour in Bhaktapur  Hotel 
Day 5 Final Departure  

 

 

 

  • 1

    Welcome to Nepal!

    It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time.

    A representative and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into hotel.

  • 2

    Early morning transfer to the airport for optional Everest Scenic flight. The one-hour daily flight is operated by airlines, to view the mighty Himalaya peaks including Mt. Everest. This is the closest one can go to the peaks without having trek. Please note that the flights do not land anywhere all you will be offered is an aerial view.

    Then start your day sightseeing with UNESCO Heritage sites Swayambhunath, Kathmandu Durbar Square and Patan Durbar Square.

    Swayambhunath stupa: Said to be around 2000 years old, this Buddhist Stupa sits atop a hill. The main stupa is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire crowned by a pinnacle of Copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. The hill of Swayambhu is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples. You’ll get a scenic view of Kathmandu city from there.

    Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kasthamandap, the source of the name Kathmandu means ‘made from the timber of a single tree’. Also known as Kantipur, the capital Kathmandu is the hub of Nepal's art and culture. It is a place for rest, relaxation and easy-day sightseeing of historic and artistic temples and monuments.  Kathmandu Durbar Square with its arrays of temples and the ancient palace of the former Nepali Royals enriches your experience of the centuries old civilization.

    Patan Durbar Square: Located about 5 km south of Kathmandu, Patan is one of 3 royal cities in the valley. A destination for connoisseurs of fine arts, Patan is filled with wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and over 1200 monuments. Patan is believed to have been built in the 3rd century B.C. by the Kirat dynasty later expanded and enriched by the Lichhavi and the Malla rulers in the medieval period. Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. The former Royal palace complex is the centre of Patan’s religious and social life and houses a beautiful museum.

    Meals : Breakfast
  • 3

    After breakfast drive to Budhanilkantha, the holy site of the sleeping Hindu god Vishnu. Visit the sacred site of sleeping Hindu deity Vishnu then enjoy a moderate hike through the idyllic woodlands of Shivapuri National Park to Nagi Gompa (1650m). Offering outstanding views of Kathmandu Valley, this Buddhist monastery is located on a majestic hilltop.

    Later afternoon visit Thamel. It is a haven for tourists visiting the city. It contains numerous hotels, restaurants, and shops that cater specifically to western tourists. It is located in the northern region of Kathmandu past the government district on Tridevi Marg. Although some consider it to be overcrowded it has been used by westerners since the 1970's when hippies in the region discovered it. Although now it has become quite commercial. Thamel is an easy walk from anywhere in central Kathmandu.

    Meals : Breakfast
  • 4

    After breakfast visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square & Changu Narrayan temple. Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon): Also known as city of devotees, Bhaktapur is the home of medieval art and architecture. Lying 14 kilometers/9 miles east of Kathmandu City, this place was founded in the 9th Century and is shaped like a conch shell. The city is at the height of 4,600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Square with the Palace of 55 windows built by King Bhupatindra Malla. The famous five-storied Nyatapol temple on the terraces of which stands a pair of figures - two goddesses, two strong men, two elephants, two lions and two griffins is the tallest temple in the valley and was also built by King Bhupatindra Malla. It is one of the best examples of Pagoda styled temples.

    Drive to Changu Narayan temple that dates back to as early as 3000 years. It is the historic and the oldest temple found till date in Nepal and is listed as the World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the living museum of Changu Narayan temple bores the ancient history of the Lichchavi Dynasty.

    Then Continue visit Boudhanath Stupa is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Boudhanath Stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks of Kathmandu. This ancient stupa is built on a massive three level mandala style platform. The base of the stupa is adorned with 108 small images of the Dhyani Amitabha Buddha and inset with prayer wheels. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels.

    Later afternoon visit Pashupatinath, the most sacred of all Hindu temples in Nepal situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the temple precincts but may look into premises from the opposite bank. It draws tens of thousands of pilgrims and devotees from Nepal and India during the festival of Mahashivaratri (the night of Lord Shiva).

    In the evening witness one of the most mesmerizing rituals at Pashupatinath Temple - the Pashupati Bagmati Aarati. Bagmati is the holy river that flows through the temple. The river divides the temple into two sides, with the main Pashupatinath Temple being on one side and the location of this Aarati on the other.

    Meals : Breakfast
  • 5

    We ensure that you will leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. Our representative will drive you to the airport in time for your flight back home.

    Meals : Breakfast

The above cost includes:

 

·         Airport arrival / departure transfers.

·         04 nights’ accommodation at Hotel - Kathmandu sharing double room on bed and breakfast plan.

·         All entrance and monuments fees as indicated in the program.

·         All surface transfers as per the itinerary by private vehicle escorted by English speaking local guide.

·         Monuments and entrance fees as indicated in the program.

 

The above cost excludes:

 

·         Nepalese Visa.

·         International and domestic airfare (Subject to change without any prior notice)

·         Everest Helicopter sightseeing cost. (quoted separately)

·         Items of personal nature such as bar bills, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, extra mileage, personal gratuities as tips to guide, porters, drivers etc.

·         Personal insurance policy - suggested a comprehensive travel insurance covering tour and flight cancellations, loss of valuables, thefts, illness, accidents and hospitalization.

·         Excess baggage.

·         Gratuities, tipping to guides and drivers.

·         Expenses incurred by re-routing, inclement weather, floods, famine, political disruptions, strikes, riots and other disturbances.

·         Any items and services not mentioned on cost inclusions.