Hanuman Dhoka

Kathmandu Valley is a unique treasure of art, religion, and culture. Known as the city of temples, every corner of this valley is filled with historical and religious significance. Named after the Kasthamandap temple, which was built from a single tree, the valley is also adorned with natural beauty. Surrounded by green hills and lush landscapes, Kathmandu is an unparalleled destination that captivates the hearts of international visitors. Nepal is a repository of ancient civilization and culture. The Kathmandu metropolitan area, encompassing Lalitpur, Kantipur, Kirtipur, and Bhaktapur, is home to numerous cultural and historical landmarks. Iconic sites such as Nyatapola, the Palace of 55 Windows, and Hanuman Dhoka attract countless tourists. Kathmandu is also recognized globally as one of the most popular tourist destinations. The city's mornings begin with the melodious chime of bells from the Pashupatinath Temple, filling the entire city with religious energy and blessings. After breakfast at your hotel, get picked up by your guide and head out on your guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. See some of the major historical, cultural and religious centers in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can admire temples dating back as far as the third century. Then, head to the Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest stupa in South Asia. Your next stop is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. From here, move to the Swayambhunath Stupa, and get the chance to play with the monkeys who gave this stupa the nickname of Monkey Temple. Your tour guide will explain to you the cultural, historical and religious significance of these places during this tour. Get dropped off at your hotel in the evening after a full day of sightseeing.

1. Pashupatinath Temple (Distance: 4.3 km from Thamel, Approx. 15-minute drive) - Arrival at Pashupatinath: Visit Nepal’s holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. - Cultural Insight: Observe cremation rituals at the ghats and explore the temple complex with over 500 temples and shrines. 2. Guhyeshwari Temple (Distance: 1 km from Pashupatinath, Approx. 5-minute drive) - Visit Guhyeshwari Temple: A sacred temple dedicated to Goddess Parvati, significant in the Tantric tradition and revered as a major Shakti Peeth. - Spiritual Stop: Experience the calm spiritual energy of this ancient temple, nestled near the Bagmati River. 3. Boudhanath Stupa (Distance: 3.5 km from Guhyeshwari Temple, Approx. 10- minute drive) - Arrival at Boudhanath Stupa: One of the largest stupas in Asia, this UNESCO World Heritage Site serves as a spiritual hub for Tibetan Buddhism. - Lunch Break (Optional): Enjoy lunch at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the stupa. Try Tibetan delicacies such as momos, laphing, and Tibetan tea. 4. Budhanilkantha Temple (Sleeping Vishnu) (Distance: 8 km from Boudhanath, Approx. 25-minute drive) - Visit Budhanilkantha Temple: Admire the massive black stone statue of Lord Vishnu reclining on a bed of serpents, a sacred Hindu site nestled at the foot of the Shivapuri Hills. - Cultural Significance: A peaceful spot for spiritual reflection, frequented by pilgrims and devotees. 5. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) (Distance: 7 km from Budhanilkantha, Approx. 20-minute drive) - Arrival at Swayambhunath Stupa: Also known as the Monkey Temple due to the playful monkeys in the area, this hilltop stupa is a must-visit UNESCO World - Heritage Site. - Exploration: Walk around the stupa, spin prayer wheels, and enjoy the mix of Hindu and Buddhist traditions. - Scenic Views: Take in panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley from the top, perfect for photography and contemplation. 6. Kathmandu Durbar Square (Distance: 4.5 km from Swayambhunath, Approx. 15- minute drive) - Arrival at Kathmandu Durbar Square: This ancient royal palace complex, also known as Basantapur Durbar Square, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and culture. - Historical Sites: Visit the Hanuman Dhoka, the royal palace of the Malla kings; Kastamandap, the wooden pavilion believed to have been built from a single tree; and the Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess. - Cultural Exploration: Explore the National Museum, Art Museum, Kal Bhairav Statue, and Taleju Temple. - Kumari Sighting: Witness the daily appearance of the Living Goddess, the Kumari, at around 4:30 or 5:30 PM. - Optional Street Food: Try local snacks such as Bara (lentil pancakes) or famous momos (Nepalese dumplings) from nearby stalls. - Tour End: Return to your hotel at approximately 5:30 PM, after a full day of exploration, culture, and discovery.

Your guide will come to your hotel and pick-up for 4 hours sightseeing tours of Kathmandu covering two highlights and UNESCO Heritage sites located inside valley. You will start with sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square also known as Old Kathmandu city. Visit Hanuman Dhoka area with temples dotted inside the area including Kumari Bahal which is home to "Living Goddess Kumari". Walk through stone paved lanes to ancient market of Ason and Indra Chowk to see local faces.  After visit, you will drive to Swoyambhunath stupa popularly known as "Monkey Temple" located on hill ridge overlooking Kathmandu valley floor and Himalayan ranges. Swoyambhunath stupa is best place to see religious harmony between Buddhist and Hindus followers in Nepal. Swoyambhunath stupa is one of the holiest shrine to Buddhist followers of the valley and Harati temple located close to stupa is major temple dedicated to Goddess Harati for Hindu followers. Also see Buddha park with statue of Buddha, Manjushree and Tara. After visit, you will get transferred back to your hotel.  

Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu Following your arrival to Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel to check in. Following that, begin some city sightseeing which includes the Pashupatinath Temple - the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal. Moving on, discover the Boudha Nath Temple, which is the world’s largest stupa. Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing Your morning city sightseeing tour visits highlights of the city, including Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev, and the Parvati Temple. Later, explore the Swayambhunath Stupa, before moving on to Patan City and Bhaktapur City. Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara Following breakfast, check out from your hotel before driving to Pokhara. Enjoy the beautiful 5 to 6-hour drive to Pokhara, where once having arrived you check in to your hotel. Following check-in, enjoy a boating tour of Phewa Lake - the second-largest lake in Nepal. That evening, make the most of free time for personal activities/shopping at the lake-side market, before spending the night in Pokhara. Day 4: Pokhara Sightseeing Before breakfast, drive to Sarangkot for a hike. This area is a popular hilltop which offers superb panoramic view of Annapurn, Machhapuchhre, and the Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Hike to places within the rim of the Pokhara Valley, and walk to the surroundings which offer captivating glimpses of rural life. After traveling back to your hotel, enjoy breakfast before exploring the Bindyabasini Temple, International Mountain Museum, the Seti River, Devi’s Fall, and the Gupteshowre Mahadev Cave. Day 5: return to Kathmandu Following breakfast, begin your 5-hour trip to travel back to Kathmandu or opt instead to take a morning flight. At the conclusion of your day, receive a welcome-back dinner accompanied by a Nepali cultural program. Day 6: Depart from Kathmandu Following collection from your accommodation, your guide drops you off to the airport where your tour concludes.