Kathmandu Heritage Tour - 9 days - Kailash Himalaya Trek

Kathmandu Heritage Tour – 9 days

Provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.

Trip Highlights
- Experience rich centuries-old cultural heritage of Nepal
- Enjoy sightseeing to the most prominent UNESCO heritage sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Syambhunath, Boudhanath, Patan and Bhaktapur
- Emerse and learn about Nepali culture and lifestyle
- Enjoy lush green nature and beautiful sunrise at Nagarkot
- Excursion to an old medieval Newari village at Bungamati
- Visit the most popular tourist spot"Pokhara" and enjoy the lakeside and the magnificent Macchapuccharre(Fishtail)mountain
- Experience 35 mins breathtaking flight to Kathmandu
This tour includes three full days in the city centre of Kathmandu valley that provides insight into the rich cultural heritage of Nepal that includes Nepalese culture, lifestyle, art, and architecture date back to centuries. Besides the regular sightseeing tours of temples and Gods, the tours allow you to understand and feel more about the culture of Nepal. It is indeed true this is the very reason why the valley is on the heritage list of UNESCO. Many people find the Kathmandu valley as an open museum. Besides the regular places, we take you to Kritipur, Bungamati, and Khokana. These places where culture is very much traditional are less frequently visited by tourists.

Pokhara is the next popular tourist destination after Kathmandu. The serene lakes and the close-up view of the majestic Himalayan peaks are simply wonderful. The Pokhara valley lies in Nepal Midland. In the south is Mahabharat-Lekh and to the north is a high Himalayan range. It covers an area of about 125 square kilometres. It lies equidistant (170 km) between Tibet to the north and India in the south. Pokhara derived its name from the word "pokhari" meaning lake and is dominated by Machapuchere Himal (6997m) - the "Fishtail" shaped peak and the giant Annapurna Range. We stay overnight in Pokhara before the trek.

Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we take you to see the cultural heritages of Kathmandu valley listed by UNESCO in its World heritage list. Durbar squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, Stupas of Swambhunath and Boudhanath, and the Hindu temple of Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan are all located within Kathmandu valley in the city centres except Changu Narayan. You will find Kathmandu an open museum. Most of the buildings are made of wood engraved with meticulous design with metal doors and roofs. These monuments are central to many festivals that happen here throughout the year. It is best to visit during the festival time. After the tour of Kathmandu, you would be thrilled to find rich culture, lifestyle and art, and architecture that date back to centuries still thriving. After going through many temples, images of Gods, and architecture that are part of the heritage we take you to Nagarkot (2195 m) to see sunrise view over the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest. We enjoy the mountain and its cool, fresh air. Nagarkot is situated on the northeastern rim high above the valley. Our next destination is Pokhara. It is famous for its serene lakes and closes up view of the Annapurna and Machhapuchare Himal. We spend two nights in and around Pokhara taking an easy walk on the ridge near Phewa lakes and a boat ride from the foot of Sarankot to your hotel. You get to see mountain villages, meet villagers and get a close-up view of Machapuchare peak and the whole range of Annapurna Himal. We fly back to Kathmandu, stay overnight before flying home.

Day 01.Arrive Kathmandu (1400m). In Kathmandu(BB)

You are welcome with marigold garland. Transfer to hotel. Afternoon is free.There will be a short briefing about the trip program, schedule and an introduction of your tour guide.

Day 02: In Kathmandu(BB). Sightseeing tour to Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Syambhunath

In the morning we take you on a walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar square. We walk through Asan, Hanuman Dhoka, the temple of living Goddess, and Kastha- Mandap. You go through medieval wonders that have given Kathmandu much of its mystery and atmosphere. The city itself is a labyrinth of streets and markets, crowded with exotic products and a bewildering mix of people. One can see Tibetan women in their stripped aprons, traders from India and Sadhus-Hindu holy men, who are perhaps on pilgrimage to one of the countless shrines and temples spread in the valley. As you wander, your tour guide will explain the intricacies of Nepal’s distinct blend of Hinduism and Buddhism.

In the afternoon we visit Swayabhunath. It is one of the secret Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop. Legend has it that the Goddess Manjushri found a shrine here after she drained the water from the valley. Today it is regarded as one of the most important Buddhist temples. The temple is located on a hill just 2 km from the city centre. It has a vantage point for a panoramic view over the surrounding city and countryside. With its tremendous big white stupa, it is a memorable sight to capture.

Day 03: In Kathmandu (BB). Sightseeing tour to Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath temple and Boudhanath

In the morning we visit Patan. The tour of Patan includes Durbar Square, Hiranya Varma Mahavihar, Mahaboudha, and Tibetan Handicraft-Center. Patan Darbar Square, like in Kathmandu is an enchanting mixed of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples; however, it has a distinctively different style. Patan is listed on the World Heritage Site. The former royal palace complex of Patan is the centre for religious and social life. The small museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One of the remarkable monuments in Patan Durbar square is a 17th-century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna. The temple is built entirely on stone. Visit inner bahal and courtyard gives you a wonderful experience to see the daily life of its habitants.

In the afternoon we visit the holy temple of Pasupatinath and Boudhanath. Pasupatinath is situated on the bank of the Bagmati River; it is a holy place for Hindus. In this sacred place, the great and fearful god Shiva is revered in his incarnation of the Lord of animals for ages. It has thus attained a mystical importance all of its own. The three-tiered golden roof of the main temple stands sentinel over the various shrines and the throngs of devotees. From here ghats (step on which many Nepali wish to be cremated and carried into the next life) lead down to the water’s edge. In this place, you are expected to remain unobtrusive and respectful. You will find it interesting to see the pilgrims doing their worship amidst the cremation and daily life of the local people. Boudhanath has become Mecca for Buddhist. The huge structured stupa has a different layout. It is built in the shape of a Mandela (a Buddhist representation of the heavens). The stupa represents the mind of the Buddha. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century by King Mandeva. Boudhanath is a special place for worship for Buddhist and no Buddhist alike. Most Buddhist faithful from far-flung villages make a long journey mostly on foot to pay homage to Buddha. No doubt it is one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage. There are many monasteries in the vicinity of Boudanath that offer meditation and retreats to foreign visitors. To get an insight into Buddhist monastic life it is worth visiting some of the monasteries. This place was listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument in 1979.

Day 04: Nagarkot (BB). Sightseeing tour to Bhaktapur, and Changu Naryan Temple

For another full day tour we take you to the city of Bhaktapur, and a small village at Thimi and one of the oldest temple in the valley at Changunarayan. Bhaktapur is known in the past as Bhadgaon. Here we visit Durbar square of Bhaktapur, Nyatapola Temple, and Dattaraya Temple. From Kathmandu, it is about 16 km. It takes about half an hour to drive during traffic time. This city lies on the old trade route to Tibet. This city is famous for its museum of medieval arts and architecture with many fine examples of sculptures, and woodcarving. Pottery, and mask making, and weaving are its traditional work. The Durbar Square has many temples built in pagoda style. Most impressive is a five-storied Nyatapola temple built in 1702 AD. Dattatreya temple was built in 1427 AD. The intricately carved peacock window and numerous fountains inside the palace exhibit its rich culture in the past. The architecture of the period in the Malla dynasty is particularly very impressive. Still today many old people of the city cannot speak Nepali and continue to use their ethnic Newari tongue. The city is dependent on agriculture. You can easily figure this out because of its rural atmosphere that pervades the streets and bazaars. It is usual to see people carrying enormous loads of vegetables and sacks of grain in their traditional way despite modern transportation.

After the lunch break at Bhaktapur, we continue our travel to Changu Narayan temple. It is about 20 minutes drive up the hill near Bhaktapur. The temple of Changunarayan was built on the edge of the ridge at the elevation of 125 meters above the valley floor around 323 AD. It is believed to be the oldest Pagoda Style temple in the valley richly decorated with sculptures and woodcarving. On the struts of the two-tiered Changu Narayan temple, there are images of ten incarnations of Narayan. This sixth-century stone statue shows the cosmic form of Vishnu. The life-sized statue of Garuda, half man and half bird, well known as the vehicle (steed) of Vishnu kneels before the temple. This temple is considered the first of the original temples that were established around Kathmandu valley.

Day 05: In Kathmandu (BB). Full day excursion to a Medieval Newari village at Bungamati and Khokana

Another day excursion outside the city. We take you to Bungamati and Khokana villages. These are ancient villages located about 15 km from the city centre outskirt of Kathmandu. Tourists normally do not visit these places. These are typical Newari villages. It provides a sneak preview of life back 100 years ago. The temple of Machhendranath is a prominent local deity that is worshipped every year in Patan during Machendranath Jatra (festival). The temple was fully destroyed during the 2015 earthquake but now it is fully restored. The lifestyle of the village is still very traditional. On the way, it is possible to encounter local craft-men in their work. The guide can take you to their workplace. The visit offers a great view of the countryside and a vast stretch of land with cultivated mustered (Feb / Mar). In the backdrop, you can see the gleaming Himalayan range. Across Bungamati is Khokana, another traditional village still is living in the past. The gravity of poor living condition appears in sharp contrast to the rich cultural heritage they still preserved here.

Day 06: In Pokhara(BB) (822m)

After breakfast transfer to the drop-in point. Fly/Drive to Pokhara. The flight duration is 35 minutes to Pokhara. If you intend on travelling by road to Pokhara is about 210km and takes about 6 hours). Pokhara is the second major tourist destination. It is a convenient point for treks in the Annapurna region. In the afternoon take a leisure boat ride in Phewa Lake. It is a nice and pleasant ride in the boat with the view of Machhapuchare (Fishtail) peak and other high peaks in the Annapurna range.

Day 07: In Pokhara (BB). Halfday sightseeing tour to Pokhara city

After breakfast, proceed for a half-day sightseeing tour of Pokhara City and 1 hour boating at Lake Phewa. Free at leisure for the remainder of the day.

Day 08: In Kathmandu (BB).

After breakfast we drive to Kathmandu. We reach your hotel about 3 pm.

Day 09: Transfer to Airport. Fly Home.

Our office staff will transfer you to the airport. Take your flight to an onward destination.

Note:The schedule as shown are a guideline only. It may change due to logistic reason and other condition like weather, etc. that are beyond our control. All flights are in the early morning. In winter the thick fog in Kathmandu airport in the morning may delay subsequent flights to and from other destinations. There is no refund for unused service whatsoever be the reason after the trip has begun.

COST-Private Trip: Net Cost per person in US$
- 1 pax: US$ 895
- 2 pax: US$ 625
- 3-5 pax: US$ 655
- 6-9 pax: US$ 495
- 10-15 pax: US$ 450
- Single Supplement US$ 130
Cost Includes:
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB using 2* or Similar both in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Sightseeing tour and excursion with English speaking tour guide using air condition transport as described in the program
- All airport transfers (AC)
Cost Excludes:
- Visa , Airfare
- Sightseeing entrance fee in Kathmandu and Pokhara
- Emergency evacuation, Personal accident and health insurance
- Expenses of personal nature like alcoholic and bottled beverage, laundry and tips
- Expenses due to flight delay, road disruption etc. and any other services that are not specifically mentioned
*Government fees and airfares are subject to change without prior notice.

Departure: Anytime as per your choice of date
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