Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu International Airport and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02: Sightseeing tour of Pashupatinath
Temple, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur, and drive back to Kathmandu. Stay
overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples 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 jilted roof and richly
carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from
the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly
forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual
pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of
February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.
Boudhanath Stupa is 8 kms east of Kathmandu City and is one of the biggest in the world
of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal
direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity.
This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the
Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer
wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.
Bhaktapur (1,401m) covers an area of four square miles. Bhaktapur or the city of
devotees still retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient
town are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic
achievements. The past glory of the Malla rules continues to be
reflected at the Darbar Square. Pottery and waving are its traditional
industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving and the traditional
topi or cap. The city lies about 14 km east of Kathmandu. The places of
interest include Bhaktapur Darbar Square, the National Art Gallery,
Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Dattatreya Temple and Dattatreya
Square.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square The main square of the city contains innumerable temples and other
architectural showpieces such as lion gate, the golden gate, the statue
of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple etc.
A
magnificent statue of King Bhupatindra Malla in the act of worship is
placed on a column facing the palace. It was listed in the UNESCO world
Heritage Monument List in 1979.
Palace of 55 Windows Being built by King Yaksha Mall in 1427 A.D. and remodeled by King
Bhupatindra Malla in 17th Century, the balcony and the windows are
intricately carved, is a masterpiece of wood carving.
Nyatapola Temple This five storied Pagoda Style temple was built by King Bhupatindra
Malla in 1708 A.D. well known for its massive structure and subtle
workmanship. It is the tallest pagoda structure in the Kathmandu valley.
Day 03: Sightseeing tour of Swayambhunath, Patan + Tibetan village and
Nepali handicraft center, and Kathmandu durbar square. Stay overnight
at hotel in Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said
to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is
composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty
conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four
sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This
hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples.
The ancient city of Patan, lying 5 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu, is known as Lalitpur or the
city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist
monuments. The diversity of medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism
and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive
sightseeing in this city. At Patan you explore Patan Durbar Square,
Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwor temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple and
many other places of Patan, you feel as if Patan has been unveiled
before you as an open museum showcasing intricately carved windows,
intrinsic roof struts, statues of gods and goddesses, temples designed
in pagoda style with erotic carvings and repose metalwork facades and
many other exquisite facets. You will also get to see handicraft centre
in Patan.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in Kathmandu Valley. The word Durbar
Square translated in English as Palace Complex. The Durbar Square, with
its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life
of the people. Interesting things to see here are:-
Kumari (The Living Goddess) Gar, At the West end of the square, is a beautiful house full of woodcarving
of different God and Goddesses. This Palace is three storied and in
this palace, lives the very famous living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus
and Buddhists equally venerate her. For Hindus she is the reincarnation
of Hindu Goddess Kali. She is equally worshiped by Buddhists because
she is chosen from Buddhist family. This shows the harmony between
Buddhist and Hindus in Nepal.
Kastha Mandap
One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap
locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu
City is derived from the name of this temple. Kastha means wood and
Mandap means pavilion. And it is said that this temple is built by one
single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can
see the statue of a Hindu God Gorakhnath and in the four corners of the
temple one can see Ganesh Statues.
Maru Ganesh
Small yet the most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The
people of Kathmandu valley believe that the four Ganesh in four corners
of Kathmandu valley protect the peoples living in Kathmandu. Every day
people go to worship this temple and especially on Tuesdays one can see
a long queue of people waiting for hours to worship. Tuesday is
considered the day of Ganesh.
Other
interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati
Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old palace, Saraswoti temple, Krishna
Octangular Temple, Big drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Taleju
Temple etc.
Day 04: Sightseeing tour of Kirtipur, Chovar, and Dakshinkali, then drive back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
The Kirtipur is
situated on the top of hillock 6 km southwest of Kathmandu. The ancient
township is a natural fortress and has a proud and courageous history.
It was founded by Shiva Deva between 1099 and 1126. It was apart of
kingdom of Patan after the division of Kathmandu valley in 1482.
Historically, this city is famous for its resistance against the
invasion of Gorkhas. The King of Gorkha, Prithivi Narayan Shah attacked
there time to conquer this city. The city is historically and
artistically important. There are many small and big temples and stupas
scattered around the city. The Chilamchu Stupa and the temple of Bagh
Bhairav are major sights here. Kirtipur offers quaint streets lined
with artistic houses and temple squares. The people are known for their
skill in building and weaving.
The temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali and is one of the most popular
places of worship in Kathmandu. Located 22 km from the city center on
the southern rim of the valley past Pharping village, the shrine is
especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are
offered to the deity. According to a mythology the Goddess Durga has
killed the demon and drank the blood of animals. This is the reason
blood is scarified to her. The temple was built by Pratap Malla during
17th century, but the construction, seems to be very new.
On the way back, you stop at Chobhar gorge.
Legend has it that Manjushree cutout the gorge to drain out Kathmandu
valley was then a lake. There is a small but picturesque temple of
Adinath on the top of a hill. From this top one can have a completed
view of snowcapped mountains peaks.
Day 05: Fly out from Kathmandu.