Nepal is blessed with such astonishing and unique sites that within the area of 140,800 sq km Nepal holds a considerably high number of places recongnised by UNESCO (United Nations Educational Scientific Cultural Organisation) as 'World Heritage Sites'. There are altogether ten World Heritage Sites in Nepal, seven of which are in Kathmandu itself. The list includes both natural as well as cultural sites.
Brief Itinerary:
Day 01: Kathmandu
On arrival at Tirbhuvan International Airport , you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. O/N at Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu
Full day sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square .
Bouddhanath - is the largest and the most fascinating religious structure ever built in Nepal . This colossal stupa is known by the name of Boudhanath, the god of wisdom. This stupa stands upon a massive octagonal basement. It is in various levels of terraces, painted in pastel, and adorned with prayer flags of five different colors. The area of Boudhanath is also known as 'Mini Tibet' since you will see a large number of monasteries, which were constructed mostly in Tibetan style in last three decades. The settlement of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetan refugees.
Pashupatinath - Pashupatinath, situated 5 km east of Kathmandu is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with two-tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River .
Kathmandu Durbar Square - is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. The most noteworthy among them are the Hanumandhoka palace complex, and the Taleju temple. Even to date, all major state and social ceremonies, including the solemnization of coronations, are carried out in one or the other courtyards within this complex. The royal enclave presently houses three museums. The monuments in and around the area are so charming that each appears more wondrous than the one next to it. During this tour, you will also visit the Temple of Kumari (the Living Goddess) who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessings. O/N at Hotel.
Day 03: Drive to Royal Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km) is the most popular safari destination. It covers a unique ecosystem in the world, containing the Churia hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. Dominated by sal forests, the park has 50 species of grasses. The 43 species of animals include the endangered one-horned rhino, royal Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile, gaur, wild elephant, four horned antelope, striped hyena, pangolin, Gangetic dolphin, monitor lizard and pythons. Your stay in Chitwan National Park will be highlighted with the different activities including Elephant back safari, Canoe ride, village tour, jungle walk, bird watching, Tharu cultural dance etc.
Day 04 : Full day jungle activities
Day 05 : Drive to Lumbini
Morning drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and compassion. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist as well as place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith throughout the world. In Lumbini the central attraction is the sacred garden with Maya Devi temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha, Ashoka Pillar pinpointing the birthplace of Buddha and Shakya Tank where Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, is supposed to have taken a dip before bringing forth the baby - Lord Buddha. Around this holy site, there are remnants of Monasteries and Chaityas built over the centuries following Buddha's birth in 632 BC. O/n at hotel
Day 06 Lumbini
Excursion to Tilaurakot (25kms) to the west, the ancient capital of Kapilvastu, the Kingdom of the Sakya Dynasty in which Lord Buddha was born. PM tour of Monastery Zone and the Lumbini Village . O/N at Hotel.
Day 07: Fly back to Kathmandu
PM: World Heritage tour of Changunarayan and Bhaktapur.
Changunarayan - is the most ancient Hindu temple in Kathmandu , and is dedicated to lord Vishnu. Another fact is that the complex is built on a peninsula, which was not submerged in water as most of the valley once was. The lavishly decorated two-tiered principal temple stands on a spacious courtyard, and is literally littered with artistic and priceless statues, idols and sculptures. Some date back to 4th century AD.
Bhaktapur - is one of three sister cities, which 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 rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square . Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving, the Bhadgaolen top (cap) and curd. O/N at Hotel.
Day 08: Kathmandu
Mountain flight to Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha)
This is the easiest and quickest way to get a close up view of Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha 8,848the "must-see" landmark of Nepal and the highest mountain of the world. Other breathtaking mountains that can be viewed at close range are Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri-Shanker, Melungtse, Numbur, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse , Makalu , Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Kanchenjunga and even glimpses of the Tibetan Plateau. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat on our mountain flight!
Day 09: Kathmandu
World Heritage Tour of Patan Durbar Square and Swayabhunath
Patan - The ancient city of Patan , lying 5km southeast of Kathmandu , is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindus temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors.
Swyambhunath - visible from afar on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu takes pride in being one of the world's most glorious Buddhist stupas and its existence is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. This hill is a mosaic of small charity's and pagodas. Swayambhunath is perhaps, the best places to observe religious harmony in Nepal . It proves excellent views of Kathmandu valley. PM free. O/N at Hotel.
Day 10 : Depature
Transfer to Airport, fly onward.
