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.
There are some who say travel is about going places and doing things. When it comes to Patan and Bhaktapur, it’s simply about ‘being there’. It’s easy to just explore Kathmandu, but we want to encourage you to discover the Kathmandu Valley’s two other former kingdoms – Patan and Bhaktapur. Between the buzzing markets, the artistry of the age-old temples and palaces, and the medieval feel of both cities, you’ll be sure to leave Nepal with a much deeper understanding of this incredible place.
We’ll take you on a tour from Kathmandu into another world, first to Patan, about a half an hour’s drive away. As you enter the ancient city, you’ll be taken aback by the vivid contrast to Kathmandu. Although these days Patan is part of the sprawl of the Kathmandu conurbation, Patan has an identify of its own, including the Centre of Sanskrit Learning (hence why you may see and hear of Patan by its Sanskrit name, Lalitpur, meaning City of Living Art).
The influences in Patan have transcended centuries, perhaps culminating in the 12th to 16th Century era of the Mallas and their extraordinarily creative Newar civilization. Surrounding the city’s main square are noble royal and religious structures, which highlight the Hindu pantheon, mainly of Vishnu, Brahma, and Shiva. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to explore Patan’s excellent museum that features some superb artifacts from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, leaving you well informed of the glories of the past and the span of civilizations that have flourished and competed here in the Himalayas.
Leaving Patan behind, we’ll head for the medieval city of Bhaktapur, which will take us about 45 minutes. As if held in a time warp, the little city of Bhaktapur amazes everyone. Upon entering this ‘City of Devotees’, you’ll quickly realise that you have entered a time of feudal ways and medieval street-scenes, with a uniquely magical ambiance that confidently eschews modernity for tradition. Bhaktapur is also a place where your eyes naturally want to shift skyward towards the pagoda rooftops, but don’t forget to come back down to earth to peer down bustling ancient alleyways. Challenge yourself to keep still and absorb the activity around you. As we like to say - all one’s five senses are employed, and then add to that a sixth sense – one of idle exploration!
Setting off on a well-oiled mountain bike, pedal way out of downtown Kathmandu reaching the outskirts. Invigorated with an infusion of unpolluted air, head to Cho bar hill. The area is subject to interesting folklore involving the creation of the Kathmandu valley out of a lake. Far behind is the city of Kathmandu.
The rugged biking trail poses an interesting challenge heading to one of the oldest parts of Kathmandu Valley - the historic town of Kirtipur (1.5 hr approx). The raw originality of the place is sure to amaze and enthrall. Break the day’s sojourn at an authentic local eatery where traditionally clad locals spread out their ethnic cuisine. Enjoy the local delicacies local style - sitting on a straw mat with very traditional and local cutlery - your own fingers! Taste buds satisfied and cultural awareness heightened, slowly bike back to the city (1hr approx).
Today you shall be driven to Dhulikhel, situated at an altitude of 5,500 ft above sea level, 30 km. east of Kathmandu on the Kodari Highway. It is 90 minutes’ drive from Kathmandu. The main attraction here is the view of rows of snow-capped peaks as one can have a complete panoramic view of the snow-capped ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west. It is a magnificent place to spend the night and awaken to the sun rising across the wide Himalayan range.
Post completion of the tour, you shall be transferred back to your hotel of stay.
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
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.
Zip flyer is the one of attractive adventure activities in Nepal and has been attracting tourists with different opportunities of adventure sports, has ushered in yet another new product for adventure tourism.
With an incline of 56 degree, total length of 1.8 km and a vertical drop of 600 meters, it is the tallest, the longest and the steepest zip line in the whole world. Located in one of the most beautiful places on the planet, no zip line ever made comes even close to this.
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.
The mother of all hikes on the roof of the world is this epic trek from Naudanda to Sarangkot. This is a long walk that takes somewhere between seven and eight hours. It’s intensive and demanding but immeasurably rewarding as you will see stunning scenery, meet the most amazing villagers and experience a surprising number of cultures during the day.
The adventure begins bright and early at 6am to avoid the heat of the day. Drive for about 45 minutes from Pokhara for Naudanda, a hillside hamlet that has barely been touched by the sands of time. From Naudanda you will see the world waking up and the sun rising above the Himalayan peaks, which will act almost as a compass during the route.
Along the way you will see farmers working on the land and meet ever smiling children on their way to school. You will pass through villages settled by various ethnicities such as the educated Brahmin caste and the warrior class Chhetri. This allows you a rare chance to see how different communities live. On top of the cultural variety, you will enjoy spellbinding landscapes of the Himalayas and Lake Phewa as you progress. Expect to hike between three and four hours before reaching Sarangkot.
At Sarangkot, you will experience a dramatic natural vista before your eyes as eight majestic mountains rise from the earth to touch the heavens before your eyes. The reflection of sunlight from a snowcapped peak is always a breathtaking sight. From Sarangkot, hike down to Pokhara in approximately three hours.
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.