Kathmandu Valley is a region located in central Nepal, encompassing three major cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur. The valley has a rich cultural and historical significance, and is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Culturally, Kathmandu Valley is known for its diverse ethnic groups, each with its own unique customs, traditions, and beliefs. The Newar community is the dominant group in the valley and has a rich cultural heritage, including unique architectural styles, festivals, and culinary traditions. The valley is also home to several other ethnic groups, including Brahmins, Chhetris, and Tamangs, each with their distinct culture.
Historically, Kathmandu Valley is renowned for its ancient monuments, temples, and palaces. The valley has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, and the earliest known civilization in the area dates back to the 6th century BC. The valley served as the capital of the Malla dynasty, which ruled the region from the 12th to the 18th century. During this period, the valley became a center of art, architecture, and religion, and many of its iconic temples and palaces were built. The valley also played a crucial role in the spread of Buddhism and Hinduism in the region.
Overall, Kathmandu Valley is a melting pot of cultures and history, and its unique blend of ancient traditions and modernity makes it a fascinating place to explore.
Baudhanath Stupa. There is nowhere quite like Bodhnath. Asia’s largest stupa (temple) pulses with life as thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome, to spin the many prayer wheels, beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gazes out from the gilded central tower. You will see Tibetan monks in maroon robes and with shaved heads wander around the prayer flag–decked streets. You’re welcome to spin the prayer wheels, enjoy the view, or take a cup of local tea in one of the many cafes and watch the many people perform their prayers.
Pashupati Temple.One of the most mesmerizing rituals at Pashupatinath Temple is the Pashupati Bagmati Aarati (a religious ritual which involves cleansing in the river, or in oil). Bagmati is the holy river which 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 the Aarati is performed on the other.Bagmati has great importance in Hindu religion. It is believed that taking a holy bath on this river washes away sins.
Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkantha is one of the important religious places located within the Kathmandu Valley. This site is just 10 kilometres north of the Kathmandu City centre at the foot of the scenic Shivapuri Hill. The place is renowned for the Budhanilkantha Temple and other cultural and natural heritages. The open air Hindu shrine houses a huge statue of Lord Vishnu resting on the coils of the serpent Shesh Nag. The five-metre long statue is carved from a single block of black basalt stone. It is believed that the impressive sculpture is more than a thousand years old.
Lying close to the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park, Budhanilkantha is a remarkable pilgrimage site. This sacred place welcomes a large number of pilgrims from Nepal, India and many other parts of the world every year. More devotees throng this place during the festivals of Harishayani and Haribodhini Ekadashi (October-November) to pay their homage to Lord Vishnu.
The visitors who are interested in hiking and jungle safari can extend their trip to the Shivapuri Nagarjuna National Park as well. They can reach the top of the amazing 2,732-metre Shivapuri Peak. From that place, they can have a spectacular view of numerous snow-clad mountains to the north and the Kathmandu Valley to the south. ISKCON Radha Krishna Temple, Kapan Monastery and nearby settlements are additional tourist attractions in and around Budhanilkantha.
After breakfast there will be a shorter drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur, once the capital city of the Malla reign has remained one of the major attractions for tourists from the beginning of tourism activities in Nepal. Since the downfall of the Rana-Regime, Nepal has opened up to the outside world and has observed gradual growth in incoming cultural tourists. Many tourism entrepreneurs have established souvenir shops in Bhaktapur and it is a bustling, spiritual place. Enjoy the rustic shops, local Nepalese people and the magnificent temples surrounding you.
Patan Durbar Square is the ancient Royal Palace of Patan and faces on to a magnificent Durbar Square. This concentrated mass of temples is perhaps the most visually stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal.
Swyambhy Stupa (Monkey Temple)A journey up to the Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site of Swayambhunath is one of the definitive experiences of Kathmandu. Mobbed by monkeys and soaring above the city on a lofty hilltop, the ‘Monkey Temple’ is a fascinating, chaotic jumble of Buddhist and Hindu iconography. Even the 2015 earthquake failed to topple Kathmandu's best loved temple. You will see many monkeys who will continue to go about their business while you enjoy the views of the stupa. You can also walk up the 365 stone steps and be rewarded with a view of the whole Kathmandu Valley along with the monkeys.
Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu’s Durbar Square (‘Durbar Square’ means plazas and areas surrounding old royal palaces in Nepal) was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised, and from where they ruled (‘Durbar’ itself 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 be given free time in Thamel, the touristic place in Kathmandu. There are many souvenir, trekking shops and restaurants to enjoy! You will not get bored roaming the small streets of Thamel enjoying the shops and chatting with local shopkeepers, or participating in some friendly local haggling as you purchase you gifts for loved ones back home!
We will drive you to the airport as per your flight schedule. So today willbe a rest day;this is so that you can spend some time trying to figure out how to repack your bag with the multiple gifts and presents you’ve bought for your family (and yourself) back into your suitcase! This is the dilemma of those who visit Nepal. You might also like to have a final cup of local tea, and just take in a lovely long breath of the Nepali air as you say your farewells.
This program can be customised as per your request, or for the needs and desires of your group. Nepal is a relaxed country where anything is possible!! We look forward to seeing you soon!
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