If you think you want to scan
Kathmandu within couple of days than this tour will be the perfect choice which
cover almost every corner of the valley. You will explore UNESCO World Heritage
Sites of Kathmandu with years old rich cultures, passing through architectural
marvels of the historic artistic temples and monasteries in the blend of Hindus
and Buddhist. The medieval era palaces are a must visit sites in all three
cities which might look alike but has a different perspective and monuments
living there. The warmest welcomes from friendliest locals and colorful bazaars
will be entertained during the tour too. Exclusive Kathmandu Tour fits for all
age group but with limited days to travel for a week however, this can be
combined with other tours and trekking packages to make it customized.
Arrive at Kathmandu Airport with the beautiful views of the valley, Himalaya and the terraced fields below. Meet & be greeted by Donkeys Adventures’ (DA) airport representative in the arrival section who will be holding the name card of the group leader. He / She will guide you through the initial cultural shock of Kathmandu narrow streets, cultures, people around and transfer to hotel. Then DA will organize to meet in a traditional Nepalese restaurant for a welcome dinner where we will have introduction to DA staffs who will be directly involve during your stay in Nepal. For the late night arrivals, we will either meet in the hotel lobby or during lunch the next day. Overnight in the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the golden spire of the 5th-century Swayambhunath Stupa which is adorned with a colorful fluttering of prayer flags; it crowns a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and offers fantastic views over the city of Kathmandu. The stupa consists of a dome at the base which represent the entire world, above which is a cubical structure painted with eyes of Buddha looking in all four directions and between them, the number one in Nepali is painted in the fashion of a nose which meant to be unity. Swayambhunath is also known commonly as the Monkey Temple as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple. The Swayambhunath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.
Then, drive to Patan Durbar Square one of the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley which has a rich cultural heritage known for its fine crafts, evident in the elaborate architecture, stone carvings, and metal statues found all over the city. A center of both Buddhist and Hindu culture, Patan is home to more than 1,200 monuments. One of the most stunning is the Krishna Mandir, a stone temple with magnificent friezes built in the 16th century. Patan Durbar Square is also a good place to see beautiful examples of palaces, temples and shrines, and the stunning stone carvings in the Sundari Courtyards. Nearby is the Patan Museum which displays the traditional sacred arts of Nepal in an illustrious architectural setting. Its home is an old residential court of Patan Durbar, one of the royal palaces of former Malla Kings of the Kathmandu Valley. Its gilded door and window face one of the most beautiful squares in the world. The Museum’s exhibits cover along span of Nepal’s cultural history and some rare objects are among its treasures. Their meaning and context within the living traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism are explained. The entire city of Patan was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
After lunch, drive to Pashupatinath which is one of the most significant Hindu Temple of Lord Shiva in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu its existence dates back to 400 B.C. One of the major Festivals of the temple is Maha Shivaratri on which day over 800,000 devotees visit here. Open air cremation is done in the holy Bagmati River at Pashupatinath area. The temple is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. Drive back to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast, we will drive to Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. The stupa is located in the town of Boudha, located about 11 km from the center and northeastern outskirts of Boudhanath is a stupa. Boudhanath was probably built in the 14th century after the Mughal invasions; various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for its construction. After the arrival of thousands of Tibetans following the 1959 Chinese invasion, the temple has become one of the most important centers of Tibetan Buddhism. It was declared World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1979. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.
From above, Bodnath Stupa looks like a giant mandala, or diagram of the Buddhist cosmos. There are other symbolic numbers here as well: the nine levels of Boudhanath Stupa represent the mythical Mt. Meru, center of the cosmos; and the 13 rings from the base to the pinnacle symbolize the path to enlightenment, or "Bodhi" — hence the stupa's name. At the bottom, the stupa is surrounded by an irregular 16-sided wall, with frescoes in the niches. The mantra of Avalokiteshvara - Om Mani Padme Hum - is carved on the prayer wheels beside the images of Avalokiteshvara around the base of the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. As at Swayambhunath, Bodnath is topped with a square tower bearing the omnipresent Buddha eyes on all four sides. Instead of a nose is a question-mark-type symbol that is actually the Nepali character for the number 1, symbolizing unity and the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha's teachings. Above this is the third eye, symbolizing the wisdom of the Buddha. The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, representing the ladder to enlightenment.
Than we will drive 14 km east of Kathmandu and explore the Bhaktapur
Valley. The valley is said to be
founded by King Ananda Deva in 889 AD. It is an inhabited museum of medieval
charm as it retains past glories and structures of the Malla rulers. Throughout
the city there are glorious examples of temples and pagodas dedicated to gods
and goddesses plus palaces, monuments, woodcarvings, sculptures and pottery.
The central area and main attraction in Bhaktapur is Durbar Square featuring The
Lion Gate (1696 A.D.) guarded by two enormous stone lions. Then, visit
to The
Golden Gate, also said to be the most beautiful and richly crafted
specimen of its kind in the entire world; some have said it's the loveliest
work of art in the whole Kingdom. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows built
in 1427 of brick displays a balcony containing fifty-five windows, each a
masterpiece of woodcarving. An amazing five-storied pagoda, Nyatapola
Temple built in 1702, 108 ft., dominates the Square. It is the tallest
temple in Kathmandu Valley and stands on a series of five terraces. Likewise,
visit another two temples in Durbar Square:
the three-storied Bhairab Nath Temple and the Temple
of Dattatraya. Dattatraya temple is believed, originally was carved out of the
trunk of a tree and subsequently renovated in 1458. Many temples, bahals
(monastery courtyards), and residences, the city is still a living proof of the
highest craft standards in this part of the world. As the visitor wanders
through narrow brick paved streets, many alleys will show hidden shrines and
statues. Clay craftsmanship as well as cloth weaving is still practiced here
very much as in the past. Fourteen kilometers east of Kathmandu, this peaceful,
conservative town stands in sharp contrast to the bustle of its two adjacent
cities.
Then we will drive towards Changunarayan Temple (1600m), this is the oldest temple of Vishnu built in early 5th century AD situated at the end of long ridge which runs well into the valley. This place is to the northeast 6 km from Bhaktapur valley through the countryside. It commands most magnificent views of Katmandu valley and Himalayas ranges on the back ground. This is also a most important historical, religious place where one can see largest number of finest stone sculptures dating back to 5th-9th century AD. This is also known as living monumental garden. Drive back to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast in the hotel, we will drive southern part of the valley to Chobhar Gorge. It is believed that Kathmandu valley was a huge lake surrounded by the hills and a divine Buddhist saint from Tibet who came in the valley for pilgrimage saw a huge lotus emanating bright light at the center of the lake. The saint than cut a deep gorge with his sword to allow water drain from the lake so that he can worship the lotus and establish a habitable land in the valley. The base of the lake is the present Kathmandu valley and the Holy Bagmati river flows through the gorge which is named as Chobhar Gorge. Above the gorge a beautiful Manjushree Park popular for romancing teenagers can be explored which is made in the memories of the saint. Below the park is almost 350 meters Manjushree Cave with 6 entrance point which is open for visitor where some paths involve clambering and crawling, twist and turn through series of tunnels. Asia longest mystic caves are said to be up to 1,250 meters throughout the hills of Chobhar which are not open for public. We will also pass by a small Shiva temple on the bank of holy river locally known as Jal Binayak.
From there we will drive further south passing by Taudha Lake and stop by Shesh Narayan Temple which is a highly revered Lord Vishnu Shrine among four Narayan in four direction of the valley. The site is surrounded by ponds and beautiful statues of Garuda and Hanuman in front of the artfully carved main temple just below the rocky cliff wall protected with an image of a huge snake which was built in the 7th century during Licchavi era. Whereas the Yanglesho Cave in the right is dedicated and believed to be a scared Mahamudra and Vidyadhara mediation cave of Guru Rinpoche from 8th century with his shrine statue in it. It’s not an actual cave at present, but rather a rock shelter that has been partly sealed with concrete but we can still see the head print of Guru Rinpoche in the ceiling. From there we will drive few hundred meters more and reach small old Newari town of Pharping, we will hike for half an hour towards Asura Cave passing by the Ganesh Sharaswoti Temple and a monastery. Asura Cave is another scared mediation cave of Guru Rinpoche which lies above the Yanglesho Cave and so is also called upper cave of Yanglesho. There are many stories but many believes a close disciple of Guru Rinpoche imprinted a hand shape on the left upper side of the main entrance which is stunning to be on the solid hard rock. The image of Guru Rinpoche in the middle with Tangdak Heruka on his right and Vajrakilaya to his left is worshiped inside the cave with offerings and burning butter lamp. Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche explains that: “In the innermost recesses of the Asura Cave is a tunnel that connects the Asura cave to the Yangleshö Cave down below, about half a mile away. It is not a big hole. Wind passes through this passage and you can feel the draft when sitting near it. Although Padmasambhava could traverse freely through solid matter, he used this narrow tunnel to move between Yangleshö Cave and the upper Asura Cave.” It is believed that he got enlightenment at Asura Cave and so it is believed that one-year mediation in any other places is equivalent to one-day meditation in Pharping area. We will than hike back downhill through Bajrayogini Temple and continue our drive further south in the foot hill.
Soon we will reach Dakshinkali Temple premises dedicated to Goddess Kali (black female whose role is to destroy evil), a blood thirsty dreadful incarnation of goddess Parvati, a consort of Lord Shiva. It is said that Dakshinkali came to an existence goddess Kali herself appeared in the dream of a Malla king, the ruler of 14th century. Goddess Kali then commanded the king to build a temple dedicating her in a much unknown strange place. As the command was about to be followed immediately, a person said that he had already sort out a stone image of the goddess kali in the same place where goddess kali commanded the king to build the temple. The image was then left open with the elements as she commanded over her head a gilded canopy was kept erect with four golden serpents. Huge crowd of Hindu devotees can be seen specially on Saturday and Tuesday who wants to satisfy the supreme power goddess and worship with fresh blood from beheaded male rooster, goat, sheep and even buffaloes occasionally. After sacrifice is made, the meat is either taken home for dinner or is cooked in the jungle as a picnic and feast themselves with music and dance in the nearby spot.
Then we will drive back to ethnic Newari habited on the hill top of Kirtipur Town to witness their authentic indigenous culture experience and ancient traditional way of living along the narrow lanes paved with brick and lined with typical red brick houses and tiled roofs. We will visit the famous century old tiger faced temple known as Bag Bhairav, Chalanchu Vihar, Uma Maheshwor, ancient momuments and many more medieval period temples dotted around the town acting as a natural fortress. Kritipur is a house for a historical oldest Tribhuvan University of the nation located at the foothill of the town. It was the first valley raided by late King Prithvi Narayan Shah and latter conquer all Kathmandu valley during unification of greater Nepal. The people of Kritipur is widely known for their bravery and fierce resistance towards the Gorkha soldiers which was latter brutally siege and captured. Drive back to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
After breakfast we will drive almost 8 km north from Kathmandu center to reach the most enigmatic statue of Lord Vishnu located at the foothill of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, popularly known as Budhanilkantha (old blue throat) Temple. The uniqueness of the temple is the 5-meter long single stone statue of Vishnu dramatically carved during 7th century Lichhavi era displayed in an open air and which is the largest in Nepal. The black basalt stone statue of Vishnu is lying back in a relaxed position with back support on the surface of the serpents (nagas) above the cosmic water tank which is also popularly known as the sleeping Vishnu. The statue appears to lie peacefully in his golden crown beneath an orange canopy and draped with orange marigold garlands. According to local stories, a farmer plough struck a large rock and blood came out from a cut in the rock and they dig out the magnificent image of the sleeping Vishnu and brought to current location which was buried in the ground for years. Another stories says the 17th century king Pratap Malla had a prophetic vision that if any king of Nepal visited Budhanilkantha than they would die so, all Nepali monarch after him never visited the temple in a fear of death. A huge mela (fair) is held on the day of Haribodhini Ekadashi which falls on October November of the year which is celebrated to awake Lord Vishnu form his long sleep.
From there we will drive to South of Kathmandu valley to reach a small medieval town of Khokana (to call loudly) where we can experience cultural tour. It has a historical medieval Newari communities living in the town with famous art and architecture of three –tiered Rudrayani Temple and Sikali Mai Temple from 17th century which still lies in the middle of the town. Khokana has long been popular for Mustard farming and its wooden mill for oil pressing in traditional ways. The villagers don’t celebrate the Dashain, national festival of Hindus widely celebrated in Nepal neither they farm garlic and poultry but they celebrate the he goat killing festival next day to Gaijatra. The red chili and onions are hanged to dry in the windows of the house and daily routine life like weaving, farmers baling straw and winnowing rice can be a scene to capture. It is also known to be first place to have electricity in Nepal.
From there we will hike towards another indigenous small Newari town of Bungmati an escape town from modern city just a few kilometers away is a home to master woodcarvers and sculptures. First we will stroll around the streets to reach Karya Binayak Temple which is dedicated to Lord Ganesh and then we will head towards the Rato Machendranath Temple through the courtyard of the village where grains might be seen spread to dry during harvest time. The idol of the Machhendranath is like a roughly carved piece of wood painted red and stays in the temple for 6 months during winter. But during March – April, in Rato Machhendranath Festival or Bunga Dyah Jatra, it becomes an image of attraction where it is carried in an awesome coach of 60 feet tall towering chariot which timbers are assembled in Patan and paraded for a month along with other small chariots. The sole purpose of the festival is to request rain of god Indra to give a generous rain and fertility which was started by then king Narendra Deva (640 – 683 AD) to end a devastating drought. The final day is again popular as Bhot Jatra which concludes at the open ground of Jawalakhel where a sacred traditional jeweled vest is displayed in the public for three times to be claimed by its owner as the legend says it was given to the god for safe keeping when there was dispute between two potential owner farmer and Naga. The chariot is dismantled and the idol is taken back to Rato Machhendranath temple. Every twelve years the chariot is built in Bungmati itself and dragged around Patan and again returned to Bungmati in a month which makes it the longest chariot festival celebrated in the country. Drive back to hotel. Overnight in the hotel.
Meals: B
Today will be the last day of our Nepal visit and we will spend today packing and maybe catching up on some last-minute souvenir shopping for your family, relatives and friends back home. Check out from the hotel. Meet DA airport representative for farewell and then drop to Airport for onward journey, with the last minute mountain views from the sky.
Meals: B
Package Types | 1 PAX | 2-3 PAX | 4-6 PAX | 7-12 PAX | 13-20 PAX | 21-35 PAX |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Diamond | $ 2,233.66 | $ 1,390.45 | $ 1,208.81 | $ 1,115.65 | $ 1,048.47 | $ 1,002.89 |
Gold | $ 1,586.16 | $ 1,010.45 | $ 838.81 | $ 755.65 | $ 698.47 | $ 662.89 |
Silver | $ 1,262.41 | $ 820.45 | $ 653.81 | $ 575.65 | $ 523.47 | $ 492.89 |
Note:
Above prices are valid to book your holiday package until one year from the date of booking only.
Full board complementary for one Group Leader for 16 and above group.
The prices are net and all the applicable taxes are included in the above price (local taxes in Nepal).
All the above prices are subjected to change with prior notice.
Package Types:
Diamond 5 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Gold 3 star hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Silver Budget tourist standard hotels in cities like - Kathmandu / Pokhara / Chitwan / Lumbini
Pashupatinath / Swayambhunath / Boudhanath / Bhaktapur Durbar Square / Patan Durbar Square / Changunarayan / Chobhar Gorge / Pharping / Dakshinkali / Kritipur / Budhanilkantha / Khokana / Bungmati / Kathmandu Durbar Square /