Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu’s number one tourist attraction swarms with life. Though a few of the square’s 50-plus monuments date from the 12th century, most are from the time of the Malla Kings. Probably the most famous building here is the Kumari Bahal, a building richly decorated with beautiful woodcarvings, which is home to the Royal Kumari, the Living Goddess, a manifestation of the great goddess Durga. Nearby the former Royal Palace is a Mall Dynasty dwelling, once considerably more extensive than today. Within, the courtyard Nassal Chowk, originally hosted dramatic dance performances, now it is the coronation site of the Shah kings and contains some of the finest wood carvings you will see anywhere in the kingdom.
The 14th century Jagannath Mandir is the oldest temple in the area, its steps carved with inscriptions in many languages, nearby Taleju Mandir is one of the largest and finest temples in the Valley. It is dedicated to the patron deity of the royal family, Taleju Bhawani, a wrathful form of Durga who once demanded human sacrifices. Swayambhunath: The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines the golden-spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as far as the4 5th century, but its origins are believed to be older. It is the Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana. Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees.
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 3-4 hrs.
Start or opening time: 09.00am.
End or closing time: 1.00pm.
Languages: English speaking guide.
Exclusion: Items of a personal nature, Tipping for driver or guide, Entrance Fees.
1. Kathmandu City: USD 12.05 Per Person.
2. Swyambhunath: USD 03.00 Per Person.
3. Patan: USD 07.05 Per Person.
4. Bhaktapur: USD 14.50 Per Person.
5. Pashupatinath: USD 13.00 Per Person.
6. Boudhanath: USD 2.50 Per Person.
7. Changu: USD 01.50 Per Person.
8. International Museum: USD 04.00 Per Person. .
Patan, the ancient city, once a kingdom in itself, is situated across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. There are temples devoted to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu all actively visited by residents and visitors. At the northern end of the square the ancient sunken water tap has been restored and is still in use with young girls filling huge jugs from the carved stone waterspouts. The courtyards of the Royal Palace with their ornamented windows, columned arcades, shrines and sunken royal bath are amongst the loveliest in all Kathmandu.
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 3-4 hrs.
Start or opening time: 09:00am and 2:00pm.
End or closing time: 1:00pm and 6:00pm.
Languages: English speaking guide.
Exclusion: Items of a personal nature, Tipping for driver or guide, Entrance Fees.
1. Kathmandu City: USD 12.05 Per Person.
2. Swyambhunath: USD 03.00 Per Person.
3. Patan: USD 07.05 Per Person.
4. Bhaktapur: USD 14.50 Per Person.
5. Pashupatinath: USD 13.00 Per Person.
6. Boudhanath: USD 2.50 Per Person.
7. Changu: USD 01.50 Per Person.
8. International Museum: USD 04.00 Per Person.
Nestled in a scenic corner of the Kathmandu Valley, historic Bhaktapur is one of the best-preserved monumental cities in Nepal. It boasts a wealth of awe-inspiring Buddhist and Hindu temples, picture-postcard palaces, stunning sculptures and much, much more – all in a serene Himalayan environment.
Visit all the main places in Bhaktapur: the Golden Gate; the Palace of Fifty Five Windows - a unique masterpiece of wood carving – and the Nyatapola Temple, whose massive structure and subtle workmanship make it the tallest pagoda temples in Nepal. Admire the harmony of the Durbar Square and take in the beautiful surroundings.
Meeting point: Kathmandu hotel pick-up.
Start times: Pick-ups at 9am and 2pm.
Drop-off times: Tours end at 1pm and 6pm.
Other information: Tipping for driver or guide, Entrance Fees for Bhaktapur USD14.50 per person.
The other great stupa of the Valley and indeed, the largest in all of Nepal, is BODHANATH stupa. It is situated on the flat land to the east of the Valley. BODHANATH'S great size and its red, white and blue – painted eyes give it a striking appearance. The great stupa of Bodnath was built in fifth century. The site around the present day stupa was an overnight camp of Tibetan businessmen. The Tibetan Merchants used to offer prayer at the site where there is stupa now. Today it is the principal centers of Tibetan culture outside of Tibet. Several Buddhist monasteries have been built up recently in the immediate vicinities of Boudhanath.
The periphery around the stupa is also popular for Tibetan Jewelry, hand-woven carpets, thankas, masks, khukuri knives and many more Tibetan products. A whole day can be spent over here observing the beauty of this huge stupa from different view –angles and the roof top restaurants.
Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most sacred Hindu shrine and one of the subcontinent’s great Shiva sites. The supreme holiness of the site stems from the Shiva lingam enshrined in its main temple and its location. It expresses the very essence of Hinduism as pilgrims, priests, devotes, temples, ashrams, images, inscriptions and cremation ghats intermingle with the rituals of daily life, all sprawled along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. The temple’s origins are obscure, an inscription dates from 477, but a shrine may have stood here for 1000 years before that. Non Hindu are not allowed to enter premised of the temple.
Pick up/Meeting point: hotel lobby at 9.00am and 2.00pm
Duration: 3-4 hrs.
Start or opening time:9:30am, 2:30pm
End or closing time:1.00pm, 6.00pm
Languages:English
Others: Entrance Fees no included.
Changunarayan Temple, The ancient temple of Changu Narayana is located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri. The temple is surrounded by forest with champak tree and a small village, known as Changu Village. The temple is located in Changu VDC of Bhaktapur District, Nepal.
This hill is about 8 miles east of Kathmandu and a few miles north of Bhaktapur. The Manahara River flows beside the hill. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Visnu and held in especial reverence by the Hindu people. Changunarayan Temple is considered as the oldest temple in Nepal.
Nagarkot, is a village and Village Development Committee located 32 km east of Kathmandu, Nepal in Bhaktapur District in the Bagmati Zone. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3,504 and had 655 houses in it. At an elevation of 2,195 meters, it is considered one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur District. It is renowned for its sunrise view of the Himalaya including Mount Everest as well as other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal.
Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is an international tourist destination with spectacular views of the whole Langtang range, sunrise on the mountains and sunset views. There are many nice walk for those wishing to stretch their legs and enjoy the beauty of Nature. You can also choose one of the many pleasant strolls to explore the local village and surroundings.
Lunch at Fort Resort.
Pick up/Meeting point:Hotel lobby at 9.00am
Duration:7 hours
Start or opening time:9.30am
Languages:English
Others:Entrance fees not included
Panauti is quaint and interesting destination of Nepal. It feels as if it has been left exactly the way the founders had built the town. A nostalgic atmosphere covers the narrow town streets and ancient structures. It is known as a Newari town that is located near Roshi khola & Punyamata Khola.
Panauti can be easily reach from Kathmandu, which is at a distance of 32 km south-east. 30 kms east of Kathmandu lies the small resort town of Dhulikhel set on a hill top, enveloped in copper soiled terraces with magnificent views of the central Himalayan peaks. Dhulikhel is well known for its sunrise views and a number of trails along the north ridge of the town. A good way to get a glimpse of Nepalese village life.
Lunch at Dhulikhel Lodge.
Pick up/Meeting point:Hotel at 9.00am
Duration:7 hrs.
Start or opening time:9.30am
End or closing time:4.30pm
Languages: English
Others: Entrance Fees not included.
In the morning you will be picked-up at your hotel by our driver and guide. The starting point of our hike is a 35 kilometre drive east of Kathmandu. Depending on the traffic this will take us between one and half and two hours. The starting point of our hike is the ancient Newar town Panauti. From here we hike to a place called Khoapasi. From Dhapasi we follow the uphill trail in north - east direction. The further we go the narrower the trail gets.
After we cross a suspension bridge we will pass through many small villages and huge rice fields which will give you a chance to see how Nepali people plant and harvest the crop, depending on the season. From here we hike steep uphill for about an hour to reach Namoboudha. After lunch continue walk in easy trails to Dhulikhel. Once we reach Dhulikel your driver will be waiting to drop you of at your hotel. Namoboudha is a sacred Buddhist place where Lord Buddha sacrificed his own body to save a starving tiger. At this typical Buddhist Gompa you can watch the rituals and at the same time have a great view over the mountains and deep down, Panauti. (Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours).
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 8 hours.
Start or opening time: 9.00am.
End or closing time: 5.00pm.
Languages: English Speaking Guide.
Others: Child Permission: 0-7 years is unsuitable for the trip.
From Lubhu, continue to Godawari. On the way you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy lunch in a lovely rural setting. Located at the foothills of the 9,154-foot (2,791-meter) Pulchowki Hill, the highest hill of the Kathmandu Valley, lies the lush green Botanical Garden. Home to various types of landscapes and plants, visit the Desert House, Tropical House, Rock Garden and many more stunning areas, providing a perfect final break from the bustling streets of Kathmandu. In the morning you will be picked up by our driver and personal guide at your hotel. We will start today’s sightseeing tour in one of the three Kingdom cities; Bhaktapur.
After a 45 minute drive on the newly opened highway between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur we will arrive in the UNESCO World Heritage City. Bhaktapur still has the appearance of a medieval city and it may give you an impression of what Europe may have looked like centuries ago. Bhaktapur is home to the traditional Newari culture. In Bhaktapur we will visit beautiful buildings such as the royal palace with its golden door, Nepal's highest temple, the five story high nyatapola, potters' square, where the people still make pottery in the traditional way and many, many more attractions.
Bhaktapur will stimulate all your senses and will leave you with an incomparable impression. Before driving to Changu Narayan we will enjoy lunch in the historic centre of Bhaktapur. After lunch we continue to Changu Narayan. In this temple, examples of stone, wood and metal crafts can be seen. The temple is a symbol of the religion and faith of Kathmandu valley and plays an important religious role. The major attraction in this temple is the Vishnu image with ten heads and arms. Apart from the religious value of this site, due to its location on a Hill Top, Changyu Narayan also offers great views on Bhaktapur, Kathmandu and on clear days the Himalaya range.
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 6 hours.
Start or opening time: 9.00am.
End or closing time: 3.30pm.
Languages: English Speaking Guide.
The tour begins with a drive to the south of Kathmandu in the direction of Lalitpur, Patan. South of Patan we drive for approximately 14 kilometres till we reach Godawari, home to the famous botanical gardens.It is in Godawari where we start our hiking tour. Godawari is a popular picknick place for the Nepali.
Our track leads us gradually uphill through thick forest for about four hours. Depending on how clear the sky is, you may have a magnificent view from eastern part of Annapurna range to Gaurishanker in the east. Also worth the view is looking down on Kathmandu Valley. At this magical spot we will enjoy our packed lunch. After lunch and moving around for some time, we hike down following the same trail to Godawari for about 2 hours and drive back to Kathmandu.
Phulchowki (2782m) is the highest hill situated in the south of Kathmandu valley. This is one of the most beautiful hiking spots in terms of vegetation in Kathmandu valley. (Hiking Time: 6 - 7 hours).
Pick up/Meeting point: Hotel lobby
Duration:8 hours
Start or opening time:9.00am
End or closing time:5pm
Languages: English
Others: Child Permission: 0-7 years is unsuitable for the trip.
In the morning you will be picked-up at your hotel by our driver and guide. Our drive leads us approximately 16 kilometres to the south of Kathmandu. We drive on the road leading to the Dakshinkali Temple, but get out of the car at the Pharping Monastery. This Buddhist monastery is located at the foot of Champadevi Hill. From the monastery we continue to the charming village of Pharping, where our Hike starts. Our way uphill starts with a path winding through pineforests. After about three hours we reach the 2285 metre high Champadevi peak. There is a magnificent view of the central and western Himalayan Range on a clear day.
After enjoying lunch at the peak, we will continue our hike down to Hattiban, where our driver will be waiting to drive you back to Kathmandu. Champadevi is situated at an altitude of 2285 m south - west of Kathmandu, known as a pilgrimage site. This place is famous having a Buddhist stupa and a Hindu shrine where many devotees visit this place on full moon day.
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 8 hours.
Start or opening time: 9.00am.
End or closing time: 5.00pm.
Languages: English Speaking Guide.
IExplore the stunning Shivapuri National Park in the Kathmandu Valley and visit the famous Budhanikantha Temple along the way. This full day hike takes allows you to discover the great outdoors at the foothills of the roof of the world, admiring stunning scenery, lush landscapes and beautiful views.
After departing the capital, we reach the Budhanikantha Temple, which is about 8km north of Kathmandu. The temple is famous for large statue of the reclining Vishnu in a pond. It is often covered with a tarpaulin a metres above to protect it from the elements. Afterwards, continue uphill to the gates of the Shivapuri National Park.
This stunning natural forest is home to more than 500 species of animals and hundreds more of bird. Begin the hike from the park’s southern boundary. The park is also the source of the holy Bagmati River, which is considered the origin of Nepalese civilisation. Reach the Nagi Gumpa monastery, situated at an altitude of 2,330 metres. Here nuns pray to Buddha (Nepal is a predominantly Hindu country) and foreigners often come to meditate. Continue the steep hike through a narrow trail to Shivapuri.
After lunch, stroll around for a while, before taking a short cut downhill trail to Kopan for about two hours and drive back to Kathmandu. Total hiking time is between five and six hours.
Discover the picturesque settlements of the Kathmandu Valley with this delightful day trip taking in the villages of Khokana and Bungamati as well as the monumental city of Patan, the temple-rich centre of which is a Unesco World Heritage Site. Lunch in a traditional Newari restaurant is included.
Both Khokana and Bungamati are Newari villages, the ethnic group that accounts for just one in 20 Nepalese but dominates the Kathmandu Valley. In Khokana, traditional crafts are still very much in vogue and villagers can be seen spinning, winnowing and crushing mustard seeds. The town is renowned throughout Nepal for its mustard oil. Stroll through the main street and admire the three-storey Shree Rudrayani temple.
After exploring Khokana, head to Bungamati, which is a 20-minute walk away. Pass by agricultural labourers using ancient farming techniques before arriving at the village itself. In the stunningly beautiful main square look in awe at the Ganesh Temple and the Machhindranath Temple.
The villages are both on the periphery of Patan, where we stop for lunch before exploring its world heritage centre. Main attractions at the Patan Durbar Square include the Krishna Temple with its 21 golden pinnacles, Rudra Varna Mahavihar – a Buddhist monastery that houses many local treasures – and the Mul Chowk central courtyard.
Royalty and religion take centre stage during this intriguing full day tour of Kathmandu’s palaces and temples. Worlds of pomp and glory, of colour and beauty will come alive before your eyes. See priceless treasures, venerable prayer flags and ancient rituals as you immerse yourself in traditional Nepalese life. Lunch in a typical local restaurant is included.
Your first stop is Patan Durbar Square, the centrepiece of which is the palace where the Malla monarchs who ruled Nepal for six centuries resided. Explore this stunning complex, which boasts a series of beautiful courtyards, temples and shrines, all noted for their exquisite carvings. See the Krishna Temple and Rudra Varna Mahavihar, the Buddhist monastery housing many treasures. Head to the Swayambhu Stupa, which is reached via 365 steps, where on a clear day you can enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu and far beyond.
At the Baudhannath Stupa, meet the local Tibetan community. See traditional prayer rolls and Tibetan prayer flags. Lunch will be served at this relaxing and quiet location. The last stop is the impressive Pashupati Temple of Lord Shiva. You are free to explore the temple grounds and admire the architecture. Colourful priests known as ‘babas’ wander about while cremation ceremonies take place on the banks of the Bagmati River.
Spend the day touring a more peaceful side of Kathmandu, with round-trip transportation from your city center hotel. You will be picked up in the morning by your driver and personal guide. We will start exploring Kathmandu by visiting the spectacular Patan Durbar Square, also known as Lalitpur Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square is home to the former Patan Royal Family. The most photographed of Kathmandu’s 3 Durbar Squares, it features a remarkable display of Newari architecture and its main attractions include the Krishna Temple, with its 21 golden pinnacles; Rudra Varna Mahavihar; the Buddhist Monastery, which houses the local treasures; and the central courtyard of Mul Chowk.
From Patan, we drive southeast to the countryside village of Lhubu. Translated as “Golden Plate,” Lhubu is a small village that boasts a rich cultural history. Explore the village and meet the local people, renowned for their weaving skills. Walking through the village, you will see some of them at work, before passing the Maha Laxmi Temple, said to house the mother of the Goddess Maha Laxmi. From Lubhu, continue to Godawari.
On the way you will stop at a restaurant to enjoy lunch in a lovely rural setting. Located at the foothills of the 9,154-foot (2,791-meter) Pulchowki Hill, the highest hill of the Kathmandu Valley lies the lush green Botanical Garden. Home to various types of landscapes and plants, visit the Desert House, Tropical House, Rock Garden and many more stunning areas, providing a perfect final break from the bustling streets of Kathmandu. (This tour does not operate on Mondays).
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 8 hours.
Start or opening time: 9.00am.
End or closing time: 5.00pm.
Languages: English Speaking Guide.
In the morning you will be picked up at your hotel by your guide. If you are staying overnight in Thamel, we will start our walk here with a 50 minutes’ walk to the north-west of Kathmandu. At the outskirts of Kathmandu we will enter the Nagarjuna forest. We will hike up to the Nagarjuna peak (Jamacho Peak) in about 2 and half hours. This peak is named after Nagarjuna who had his residence in a cave during meditation. Nowadays this peak is a popular pilgrimage place and due to the view tower at the top attracts many day-trippers. The view tower offers a stunning view on the Langtang Range and of course the Kathmandu Valley located in the south. After having lunch at the peak we will hike down through the pristine forests. (Hiking Time: 5 - 6 hours).
Meeting/ Pick up point: Hotel.
Duration: 7 hours.
Start or opening time: 9.00am.
End or closing time: 4.00pm.
Includes: Lunch, entrance fees, English Speaking Guide.