This tour provides Kathmandu Tour with Nagarkot, Janakpur, Lumbini and Pokhara. This tour provides you the opportunity to explore the cultural heritages of the country as well as a chance to the nature. The trip starts with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley. A visit to the temples and religious shrine in Kathmandu valley helps you understand more about the culture and lifestyle of the people living there. In Kathmandu you will be visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swoyambhunath. Kathmandu Durbar Square a UNESCO world heritage site is the ancient palace square of the Malla and the Shah Kings that ruled in the valley for many centuries where you will get to experience the art and architecture of the medieval history. You will also visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, “Swoyambhunath”; a common site of homage for both Hindus and Buddhists. The next destination Patan Durbar Square is best known for its artistic value. Patan have a history that take us back to 4th C. BC. The 4 Stupas as 4 corners of Patan, are believed to have been built by the famous Emperor Ashoka. The palace square comprises of the arts and architectures prevailing to the medieval culture. The area consists of various Hindu temples as well as Buddhist monuments. The major attractions of Patan Durbar Square are: three main courtyards namely: Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan.
Further, you will be taken to “Nagarkot”, a famous site popular for watching sunrise and sunset. Here, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains on a clear day as well. The tour further leads you to Bhaktapur Durbar Square which acts as an open museum that displays the exquisite art and architecture of the medieval period. The square comprises of various multi roofed temples also known as the Nepalese style of architecture and other stone temples. Furthermore, the trip leads you to Janakpur which is one of the famous religious sites of Hindus dedicated to Ram and Sita, the epic characters of Ramayan. After visiting the cultural sites of Janakpur your next destination is Lumbini. Lumbini is the birth place of Shakya Muni Buddha. The site is now being developed as a Buddhist pilgrimage centre, where the archaeological remains associated with the birth of the Lord Buddha form a central feature. The complex of structures within the archaeological conservation area includes the Shakya Tank; the remains within the Maya Devi Temple consisting of brick structures in a cross-wall system dating from the 3rd century BC to the present century and the sandstone Ashoka pillar with its Pali inscription in Brahmi script. Additionally there are the excavated remains of Buddhist viharas (monasteries) of the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD and the remains of Buddhist stupas (memorial shrines) from the 3rd century BC to the 15th century AD. The last destination of your trip is Pokhara, a beautiful city and one of the most famous tourist destinations lying 200 km away from Kathmandu. It is famous for the Phewa Lake and stunning views of Machapucchre Mountain.
Outline Itinerary
Outline Itinerary
Price Details.
For more information on price, please email us at ehtours@explorehimalayatravel.com
Detail Itinerary.
Arrive in the Kathmandu. Meeting and assistance at airport by our representative and transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at hotel.
AM: Zightseeing tour of Kathmandu City + Zwayambhunath
Kathmandu City:
Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage sites by UNEZCO, Kathmandu Durbar Zquare is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to the 12th to 18th century. The square is known to be the social, religious and urban focal point of the Capital City. The Palace Complex was the Royal Nepalese residence until the 19th century and is the site of important ceremonies, such as the coronation of the Nepalese monarch. The palace is decorated with elaborately-carved wooden windows and panels. It houses King Tribhuvan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum.
Kathmandu Durbar Zquare was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimized, and from where they ruled (durbar means ‘palace’). As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. You will also get a chance to visit the temple of the Living Goddess who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence
Zwayambhunath:
The Buddhist temple of Zwoyambhunath, situated on the top of a hill, west of Kathmandu, is one of the most popular, holy and instantly recognizable symbols of Nepal. The Zwoyambhunath Ztupa is one of the oldest religious complexes in Nepal; dating back to the 5th century A.D. Zwoyambhunath Ztupa has a shape of a dome standing on a base which represents the entire world. A pair of big eyes on each side of the dome symbolizes Wisdom and Compassion. They are, in fact, Buddha’s eyes — they give the impression as if he is looking right into you no matter where you stand.
The Zwoyambhunath complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Lichchhavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions. The site has two access points: a long stairway, claimed to have 365 steps, leading directly to the main platform of the temple, which lies in the east direction; and the other way to reach the temple is via a road trip around the hill leading to the southwest entrance.
PM: Zightseeing tour of Patan City + Tibetan Handicraft Center
Patan City:
Patan Durbar Zquare complex, also known as Lalitpur is one of the oldest Buddhist cities. Patan Durbar Zquare and its surroundings is a good specimen of ancient Newari architecture. There are three main courtyards in the palace: MulChowk, Zundari Chowk and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Mul Chowk, the oldest one is at the centre of Patan Durbar Zquare.
Zeveral multi-sized and multi-styled temples occupy the western part of the complex. The main among these are Krishna Temple, Bhimsen Temple and the Golden Temple of Hiranya Varna.
The city of Patan offers visitors the chance to see an abundance of exquisite works of religious art and architecture. In the heart of Patan and the Patan marketplace, Patan Durbar Zquare is filled with ancient palaces, pagoda temples, stone baths, Hindu and Buddhist statues, engravings, and bronze carvings. Patan Durbar Zquare is one of seven monument zones in the Kathmandu Valley that together have been designated a UNEZCO World Heritage Zite. Also located in the square is the Patan Museum, which houses bronze statues and religious objects, some dating back to the 11th century.
A trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Centre will also be done while, visiting Patan where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and moldings of metal statues.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at hotel.
AM: Zightseeing tour of Pashupatinath + Boudhanath
Pashupatinath:
Lying 6km/4miles from Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath Temple is the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Zhiva. Zituated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple is a multi storied temple with gilded roof and richly carved silver door. The sanctum deity is a five faced Zhiva in the form of a lingam. He is also considered as the god of destruction who holds a special position in the Hindu Trinity. Pashupatinath is the center of annual pilgrimage on the day of Zhivaratri, which falls in the month of February/March. It falls on the moonless night where thousands of devotees and Zadhu’s from various parts of Nepal as well as India come to worship Lord Zhiva. The festival is observed for one day and one night. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds for the Hindus.
Boudhanath:
Boudhanath Ztupa is one of the largest Ztupas in Nepal and the holiest Buddhist site in Kathmandu. The eyes on the Ztupa are a symbol commonly associated with Nepal and can be seen throughout the region. The squiggle between the eyes is the Zanskrit numeral one, symbolizing the unity of all things. Prayer wheels at the base of the temple are inscribed with the Tibetan mantra Om Mani Padme Hom! At ground level there is a brick wall with 108 images of meditational Buddha inset behind copper prayer wheels.
Zometimes referred to as “Little Tibet”, Boudhanath is still the best place in the Kathmandu Valley to observe traditional Tibetan lifestyle. There are various Tibetan monasteries surrounding Boudhanath Ztupa as it is the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. Boudhanath is a UNEZCO world heritage site, and a destination not to be missed while traveling in Nepal.
Drive to Nagarkot.
Nagarkot:
This is situated about 35 kms. /22 miles east of Kathmandu and from here, one can see Mount Everest and other peaks of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is located between Kathmandu Valley in the west and Indrawati in the east. The top of Nagarkot commands accelerating views in all directions. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229 m. /7133 ft. above sea level.
Evening enjoy sunset view (subject to weather permit) from the hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Nagarkot.
Early in the morning enjoy sunrise view (subject to weather permit) and after breakfast drive back to Kathmandu via Bhadgaon sightseeing tour.
Zightseeing tour of Bhadgaon
Bhadgaon:
Also known as Bhaktapur meaning city of devotees, this place is the home of medieval art and architecture lying 14 kms. /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 4600 ft. above sea level. In Bhadgaon, you will visit the Durbar Zquare with its array of temples overlooked by the Palace of 55 windows built by King BupatindraMalla. The Nyatapola Temple, also built by King BhupatindraMalla, is the best example of Pagoda style and stands on five terraces on each of which stands a pair of figures – two famous strong men, two elephants, two lions, two griffins and two goddesses.
Overnight athotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast transfer to Domestic Airport for Kathmandu / Janakpur flight. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Full day sightseeing tour of Janakpur
Janakpur Municipality is the District HQ of Dhanusha and a busy historic religious centre with an estimated population approaching 90,000 people. It is home to the historic 500-year old Janaki Temple, a major attraction for Indian Hindu pilgrims and international tourists. Janakpur is also the birthplace of the Goddess Zita and place of her marriage to the God Ram while the “city of ponds” is also home for Nepal’s only railway and railhead (a tourist attraction for steam international locomotive enthusiasts), and many annual colourful festivals. Dhanusha (Janakpur in particular) is regarded as the world centre of Mithila Culture.
For tourists that want to sample Nepal’s Indian culture, Janakpur is an interesting and worthwhile one-two-night trip. In addition to many temples, shopping bazaars and over one hundred ponds, Janakpur has three reasonable hotels, a wide selection of Mithila handcrafts at the Janakpur Women Development Centre, and a daily flight service to Kathmandu from the local airport.
Overnight at hotel in Janakpur.
Breakfast at hotel.
Am: Free at leisure
In the evening transfer to Janakpur Airport for Janakpur / Kathmandu flight. Upon arrival transfer to hotel.
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Breakfast athotel.
After breakfast drive to departure to Lumbini.
Overnight at hotel in Lumbini.
Breakfast at hotel.
Zightseeing tour of Lumbini Zacred Garden
Lumbini:232 km/145 miles away from Kathmandu, Lumbini is the birthplace of Lord Buddha. The broken Ashoka Pillar, remnants of old monastery, images of Buddha’s mother Maya Devi is still preserved here.
Lumbini is a Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Rupandehi District, Lumbini Zone of Nepal, near the Indian border. It is the place where Mayadevi gave birth to Ziddhartha Gautama, who later became a Buddha (Gautama Buddha), and founded the religion of Buddhism. Gautama Buddha lived between approximately 563 BCE and 483 BCE. For Buddhists, this is one of the four main pilgrimage sites based around the life of Gautama Buddha.
Lumbini is located in the foothill of Himalaya and 25 km east of the municipality of Kapilavastu, the place where the Buddha grew up and lived up to the age of 29. Kapilvastu is the name of place as well as the neighbouring district. Lumbini has various Buddhist temples including the Mayadevi temple and many which are presently (2007) under construction. There is also the Puskarini pond and remains of Kapilvastu palace in Lumbini.
Overnight at hotel in Lumbini
Breakfast at hotel.
Drive to Pokhara via sightseeing of Tansen.
Tansen
Tansen is a small ancient hill town situated 4300 meters above sea level. It is located on the way from Pokhara to Lumbini. Major attractions here are the ancient culture, excellent mountain views, serene atmosphere and friendly people. The weather here makes it a pleasant place to visit in any season. On clear days Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Manaslu,Gauri Zhankar and other peaks can be seen.
Dhaka – the most popular hand woven cloth of Nepal comes from this region. The Nepali topi (national cap) is made of Dhaka and you can see the weavers at work on their looms or see a bazaar of Dhakas in Tanseen.
It is believed that the migrant from Kathmandu valley, especially the Newars played an important role in enriching the architecture and culture of Tansen, and this can be seen today in Tansen.
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Breakfast at hotel.
AM:Half day sightseeing tour of PokharaCty + Boat Ride at lake Phewa.
PokharaCity :
The rare combination of snow-clad peaks and snow fed lakes and rivers has helped to make the valley of Pokhara one of the most picturesque natural attractions in the kingdom. It is located virtually in the geographical center of Nepal. Located on the main road between Kathmandu and Bhairahawa, there may be no other place in the world from where Great Himalayas peaks can be admired from such a close distance. The Bindhyavasani Temple on its well-kept platform overlooks a modest amusement park. Phewa Lake, skirted by a large numbers of unpretentious lodges and simple restaurants, is the most congenial spot for visitors.
PM: Free
Overnight at hotel in Pokhara.
Breakfast at hotel. Drive to Kathmandu, which is about 210 km – 6/7 hrs under normal road condition. Upon arrival and transfer to hotel.
Rest of the day free at Leisure
Overnight in Kathmandu
Breakfast at hotel.
Free till departure.
