Kathmandu, a city nestled in the valley surrounded by Shivapuri, Pulchoki, Nagarjun and Chandragiri hills is the capital of The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. This ancient city was said to be founded in the 12th century by the Mallas and was named after “Kastamandap”, a beautiful pilgrim rest house made out of a single log of wood. However, the city had been ruled by the Gopals, Mahispals, Abhirs, Kirats, Licchavis in small settlements earlier to the mallas. In 1769, the king of Gorkha, Prithivi Narayan Singh conquered the valley. Kathmandu has been the capital city of modern Nepal ever since.
Abundantly rich in culture, traditions, rituals and beliefs, Kathmandu has been home to the newars (People indigenous to the Valley) who follow Hinduism, Buddhism or a blend of both. As of today, Kathmandu is a cosmopolitan city comprising multi-cultural and multilingual people residing and traveling from different parts of the country and the world. The temples, monuments, palaces, ancient buildings and houses, the wood and stone carvings, the paintings, monasteries, sculptures in the Durbar squares and the architectural design depicts how rich Kathmandu was in those days, now only limited to the pages in the books of history.
Today, the city of Kathmandu has been the hub and serving as the doorway to the entrance of the tiny Himalayan nation. With the population of over 2.5 million people among which 24% are newars (the indigenous of the valley). Migrated population from other parts of the country adds up to the demography of the capital. Although Nepal is a secular country now, 81% of the population of Kathmandu are Hindus. Also Kathmandu is famous for its jatras which the locals celebrate. The national capital also serves as a financial administration to the nation.
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ITINERARY
09:00 hrs: Leave the Hotel and drive to Boudha, explore Buddhism.
At 09:00 hrs, we’ll leave the Hotel and drive to Boudha, exploring Buddhism. Also famous as the “Lord of Wisdom '' in Asia, a Buddhist monastery believed to have been established in the 5th century by the then king to protect the city from a 12 years long drought is located 8 KM east from the center of Kathmandu. It is also known as the Khasti Mahachaitya which means the great sputa of Dew drops as it restored water scarcity by collecting and preserving the dew droplets then. The monastery is 36 meters high with a pair of Buddha’s eyes on each side which symbolizes “Awareness of Wisdom ''. Visitors take a clockwise march spinning the prayer wheels believing it brings peace, happiness, an infinite merits and good luck in their lives. Today, visitors from around the world visit this monastery and devotees, especially from the East Asian nations come to study the art, culture and philosophy of Buddhism.
11:00 hrs: Drive to Pashupatinath and explore Hinduism.
We’ll drive to Pashupatinath and explore Hinduism. The landmark is located 5 kms north east of center Kathmandu. The present temple was established in the 5th century as the old one was damaged by termites and underwent a few renovations with time. Situated at the bank of Bagmati River, Pasupatinath is considered to be the most holy and sacred of all Shiva temples around the world. The temple is believed to have been established to honor the Shiva linga found buried underground at the spot of the main temple where the cow of a local herdsman came to shower milk each afternoon. Hundreds of thousands visitors, pilgrims and devotees visit the Temple of the creator of Humanity each year. Huge festivals are celebrated with millions of Hindu devotees during Teej, Maha Shivratri, and the Mondays of the month of shrawan when Lord shiva is believed to have born.
At 13.00hrs, we’ll have traditional Nepali lunch at a Thakali restaurant at durbar marg.
14.00hrs: Drive to Swayambhunath and explore the Monastery and majestic views of the valley.
We’ll drive to Swayambhunath and explore the Monastery and majestic views of the valley. The Second most sacred site to the Buddhists after Boudha is located towards the west of Kathmandu at a hilltop. Swayambhu means self-sprung, a myth believes that Lord Swayambhunath sprung as a Lotus flower in a middle of a lake, later when Manjushree from Tibet drained out the water cutting chovar, the valley appeared and the lotus flower was on a hilltop where Manjushree went to worship each day and many years later swayambhunath was established. It is also known as the Monkey Temple. There are many small stupas, Museums, Harmony Lake, and monasteries surrounding the main stupa. The site is believed to be older than 2600 years and mostly worshiped by Buddhists and the Hindus.
16.00hrs: Drive to Basantapur Durbar Square
We’ll drive to Basantapur Durbar Square and explore the temples, trails, museum, locality and the market there. The former residence to the royal families of Nepal, Basantapur Durbar square is located at the heart of the city Kathmandu. The Durbar square is surrounded by the ancient and traditional newari architecture that evolved over several centuries in ancient Kathmandu. Apart from the palaces, the durbar square also showcases the courtyards of the kings and temples of the lord and goddesses. It is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the name of a monkey devotee of lord Ram. The series of construction of palaces at this particular site dates back to the Third century, but the kings of Kathmandu started residing here since the 15th century with King Ratna Malla. The Royals of Nepal lived here till late 19th century and since then it is open to visitors. But, the earthquake of April 2015 has caused a major damage to the monuments and restoration work has been going on to reestablish its former glory.
At 17.00hrs, we’ll taste traditional newari snacks at Basantapur.
At 18.00hrs, we’ll drive back to the Hotel.
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COST
TRIP INFO
Tour Highlights
A full day UNESCO Heritage sites tour in Kathmandu.
A detailed tour to two Buddhist cultural and religious heritage sites.
A moment to acquaint myself with the Nepalese historic royal, religious, cultural and architectural heritage.
A visit to the most religious and holy pilgrimage of the Hindus.
Best price guaranteed.
A complete hassle free tour arrangement.
An English speaking private guide.
A private vehicle despite being a group or an individual.
Customization of tour allowed a day prior.
Recommended by Trip advisor and other famous travel sites.
A thorough understanding and visuals of tradition, cultural beliefs and history of the city of Temples.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
Fully private trip.
Private English speaking guide and vehicle.
Drinking water on vehicles.
Entrance fees to the sites.
23% Value added TAX.
Meals as stated (i.e. Lunch and Snacks).
WHAT IS EXCLUDED
Personal expenses.
Travel Insurance.
Tipping guide and drivers.
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MAP
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EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
RECOMMENDED GEARS
Here are some necessary trekking apparatus that can be required for accomplishing your trek effortlessly. They are shortlisted below.
