Nepal Cultural Tour Program

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met and welcomed by our airport representative. You will be greeted traditionally with flower garlands. The representative will then take you to your hotel where you will be served welcome drinks. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops, restaurants and bars.

Stay overnight at the hotel.

On the second day, following morning breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you for city sightseeing. On this day you will visit popular world heritage monuments in Kathmandu including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bouddhanath, Swoyambhunath, Buddhanilkantha and Pashupatinath. By late afternoon you will be back in your hotel. Stay overnight at the hotel.

Brief description of the places: 

Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in the Kathmandu Valley. A world cultural heritage site, the Durbar Square carries a rich history in its exquisite art and architecture engraved in the struts, sculptures, palaces, courtyards and temples. Some of the major monuments within Kathmandu Durbar Square are:

Kumari (The Living Goddess) Ghar:
At the west end of the square is a beautiful house full of woodcarvings of different Gods and Goddesses. This house, called Kumari Ghar, is three storied high and is home to Kumari, the famous living Goddess of Nepal. Both Buddhists and Hindus equally venerate her. Kumari is a young pre-pubescent girl regarded as the manifestation of the goddess Taleju. She is chosen from a Buddhist family, especially from Shakya and Bajracharya clan of Newari community. During the festival of Indra Jatra, the head of the country visit the Kumari Ghar for blessings.

Kastha Mandap:
One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kasthamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal, built in 12th century. It is believed the city of Kathmandu was named after Kasthamandap temple, which is one of the largest and well-known pagodas. Kastha means wood and Mandap means pavilion. And it is said that the whole temple was built from just a single Sal (shorea robusta) tree. A statue of Gorakhnath stands in the center of this temple while the statues of God Ganesh guard the four corners. 

Kal Bhairav:
Kal Bhairav is one of the largest stone idols in Kathmandu located in Hanuman Dhoka. The statue, which is 3.7m high, depicts the terrifying manifestation of Shiva. It is believed that people will die if they speak lie in front of this statue. The statute is believed to be sculpted in 5th or 6th century. 

Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple):
Located approximately 4 kilometers west of tourist-hub Thamel, this Buddhist Stupa, also popularly called ‘Monkey Temple’ is said to be over 2000 years old. The dome shaped white washed Stupa is composed of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. The all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha rest on all four sides of the conical base. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda and is the most important Buddhist site in Nepal. Enjoy the views of sprawling Kathmandu from the top of this world heritage site monument.

Pashupatinath Temple:
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples of Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as entrance to the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Sadhus and pilgrims from Nepal and India on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. The temple has been inscribed in the World heritage list. 

Bouddhanath Stupa:
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest Buddhist stupas. Similar in structure to Swoyambhunath Stupa, it is highly revered by Buddhists in Nepal and Tibet. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests. 

Today you will do tour of Patan Durbar Square. Explore the architectural marvels of Patan Durbar Square, such as Krishna Mandir, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla, and the Golden Temple. Strolling through the narrow, cobblestone streets and immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the local people will transport you back in time. You may also take a side trip to Bungamati village for an authentic Newari cultural experience. Drive to Nagarkot. Stay overnight at hotel in Nagarkot.

Brief description of the places: 

Patan Durbar Square:
Patan Durbar Square, located in Patan city, is an enchanting mélange of palace, temples, courtyards and graceful pagoda-style temples that dates back to 17th century. Listed as a World Heritage Site, Patan Durbar Square is an ancient Buddhist city consisting of 136 bahals or courtyards and 55 major temples belonging to both Buddhists and Hindus. Patan is a city of festival and feast, fine ancient art and a treasure trove of metallic and stone carvings. Founded by Kirat rulers, Patan’s ancient name is Yala after the Kirat King Yalamber. There are more than 1,200 Buddhist monuments of various shapes and sizes scattered in and around the city.

Krishna Temple:
Built in the 17th century, Krishna temple is the most important temple in Patan Durbar Square. It is entirely made of stone in Shikhara style. Most of the important scenes from the ancient Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, have been engraved on the pillars. There are 21 golden pinnacles in the temple. Each of the floor is dedicated to different gods: the first floor to Krishna and Radha, second to Shiva, and the third to Buddha. 

Golden Temple:
Also known as Bhaskerdev Samskarita Hiranyabarna Mahavihara, the golden temple is a Buddhist stupa designed in pagoda style. This stupa is believed to have been built about 12th century and prominently houses the statue of Buddha. There are some truly exquisite wood carvings of deities and the golden roof is magnificent. 

Nagarkot:
Nagarkot at an altitude of 2195m is the nearest hill station from Kathmandu and is a famous place to see Himalayan ranges and sunrise. A wide panoramic view of eight Himalaya ranges including Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Mahalangur (Everest) and Numbur can be clearly seen. The view of sunrise and the surrounding valleys and forests is also enchanting. 

Enjoy sunrise early morning from Nagarkot viewpoint with panoramic views of Himalaya range.  After breakfast walk around Nagarkot and get to experience the local culture. Drive back to Kathmandu. On the way visit Changunarayan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Changunarayan is situated at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley. It is said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta Varma. The temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings. It is said to be the oldest temple in the valley. Bhaktapur offers an abundance of attractions, from medieval temples and statues to Pottery Square and various museums. The Nyatapola Temple and the 55-Window Palace are prime examples of the unique Himalayan architecture that makes this city one of the top destinations in the Kathmandu Valley. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Brief description of the places: 

Changu Narayan Temple:
Changu Narayan said to have been built in 323 AD by King Hari Datta is the oldest temple in Nepal. This ancient temple is dedicated to the Hindu deity Lord Vishnu and located on a hilltop 8 km east of Kathmandu. The pagoda-style temple contains several masterpieces of Nepalese art from as early as 5th century. 

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:
The main square of this medieval city contains innumerable temples and architectural wonders such as lion gate, golden gate, the statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc. Bhatkatpur Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. The 55-window was built by King Yaksha Malla in 1427 and feature intricately carved wooden balcony and windows. 

Nyatapola Temple:
This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1708 A.D. It is well known for its massive structure and subtle workmanship and is the tallest pagoda structure in Nepal. After sightseeing in and around Bhaktapur, you will drive back to Kathmandu. 

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.