Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

A Full-day Guided sightseeing in Kathmandu provides an ample opportunity to witness lively and vibrant Kathmandu, the city of temples. It is very rich in medieval architecture, culture, craftsmanship, colorful festivals, and traditions. Kathmandu is the only place where one can visit 7 UNESCO cultural heritage sites within 20km. These are three durbar squares (Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur), two Buddhist stupas (Swyambhu and Bouddhanath), and two Hindu temples (Pashupati and Changunarayan). One from each category, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swyambhunath Stupa are chosen for the sightseeing so that one can visit from every category. Kathmandu aka Kantipur is the city of beauty, Patan aka Lalitpur is the city of fine arts, and Bhaktapur aka Bhadgau is the city of devotees. Bouddhanath stupa is the biggest stupa and Tibetan center in Nepal, Swyanbhunath stupa is the oldest one in Kathmandu and is situated at the top of Swyambhu hill. Pashupatinath is one of the oldest and biggest temples in Nepal, considered an Adi Lingam, the first appeared symbol of lord Shiva, and Changu Narayan temple on the top of Dolagiri hill is dedicated to lord Vishnu.

There are ten World Heritage Sites in Nepal, recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic square located in the heart of Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. It is also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, named after the statue of Hanuman that stands at the entrance to the palace. It was the seat of the Nepalese royal family until the 19th century and is now a popular tourist destination and cultural hub. The square is home to several ancient temples and palaces, including the Kumari Ghar, the home of the Living Goddess.

The square is known for its traditional Newari architecture, which is characterized by intricate wood carvings, stone sculptures, and metalwork. Visitors to the square can admire the beauty of the temples, explore the courtyards and gardens, and learn about the history and culture of Nepal. Some of the most notable buildings in the square include the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, which was once the royal palace of the Nepalese monarchy, and the Taleju Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju.

In addition to its historical and cultural significance, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also a popular site for festivals and celebrations. Throughout the year, the square is the site of various religious and cultural events, including the chariot processions that are held during the festival of Indra Jatra. Kathmandu Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in Nepal.

The square is home to several major temples, each with its own unique history and cultural significance. Some of the most notable temples in Kathmandu Durbar Square include:

Taleju Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju, the temple is one of the tallest in the square and is known for its intricate carvings and woodwork.

Kumari Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the Kumari, the living goddess, who is considered a manifestation of the Hindu goddess Taleju. The temple is one of the most important cultural landmarks in Nepal and is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists.

Kasthamandap Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the god Gorakhnath, the temple is said to have been constructed from a single tree and is one of the oldest structures in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Kal Bhairav Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the god Kal Bhairav, the temple is known for its stunning stone carvings and is considered one of the most important shrines in Nepal.

Maju Deval Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju, the temple is known for its unique architectural style and is one of the most important landmarks in the square.

These are just a few of the many temples and cultural landmarks located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The square is a unique and fascinating destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Nepal.

Swayambhunath Stupa:

Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a Buddhist temple located in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is one of the oldest and most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the country and is considered a sacred site by both Buddhists and Hindus. The temple is said to have been built more than 2,000 years ago and is known for its large white dome and its intricate paintings and carvings.

The temple complex is built on a hill and includes a large stupa, several smaller shrines, and a variety of temples and monasteries. Visitors to the temple can climb a series of steep steps to reach the top, where they can take in panoramic views of Kathmandu and offer prayers or meditate. The temple is also home to a large colony of monkeys, which have become a symbol of the temple and a popular attraction for visitors. Swayambhunath Stupa is a popular tourist destination and an important religious site for Buddhists in Nepal and around the world.

Patan Durbar Square:

Patan Durbar Square is a historic square located in the city of Patan, Nepal. It is considered one of the most important cultural landmarks in the country and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is known for its traditional Newari architecture and is home to several Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments.

One of the most notable buildings in the square is the Krishna Temple, which is considered one of the best examples of traditional Newari architecture. The temple is adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and metalwork, and is a popular site for pilgrims and tourists alike. Another important temple in the square is the Golden Temple, which is covered in gold and is considered one of the most beautiful temples in Nepal.

The square is also home to several traditional Newari houses, which are known for their intricate wooden window frames and ornate courtyards. Visitors to the square can explore the temples and admire the architecture, as well as participate in various cultural and religious events that are held throughout the year. Patan Durbar Square is an important cultural and historical site that offers a glimpse into the rich history and heritage of Nepal.

Some of the most notable temples in Patan Durbar Square include:

Krishna Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the temple is known for its exquisite carvings and is considered one of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal.

Taleju Bhawani Temple:

Taleju temple was built by Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1640 and rebuilt by Srinivasa Malla in 1667 after a fire. Taleju Bhawani was the personal deity of the Malla kings. It is a five-storey temple with triple-roofs The 14th century chronicle of Gopala kings hint a Taleju temple was built by the Pradhanas before the Mallas.

The three main courtyards in the palace are Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk. Besides these courtyards, the complex boasts impressive temples, religious shrines, and historical places, all noted for their exquisite carvings and beautiful displays of ancient Newari architecture.

Keshav Narayan Chowk:

Keshav Narayan Chowk is, inside the Patan Museum, to the north of Mul Chowk. Keshav Narayan Temple is located at the center of this chowk and gave the chowk it.

Mul Chowk

Mul Chowk is the central courtyard. It is the most famous and largest courtyard among the three main chowks. Vidya Temple is located at its center and Taleju temples stand around the courtyard. The doorway to the Shrine of Taleju, on the southern side of the courtyard, is confined by the statues of the river goddesses Ganga, on a tortoise, and Jamuna, on a carved Makara (mythical crocodile).

Sundari Chowk

Sundari Chowk is to the south of the Mul Chowk. It is designed with a sunken tank known as Tusha Hiti. Smaller than the Mul Chowk, it is recently opened to the public after renovation. The entrance of the Chowk is guarded by the stone statues of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Nara Singha, man-lion forms of Vishnu.

Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar): A Buddhist temple known for its elaborate gold plating and intricate carvings, the temple is a popular destination for both tourists and Buddhist pilgrims. The monastery is one of the oldest and most important in the Kathmandu Valley.

Mahabouddha Temple: A Buddhist temple known for its elaborate and intricate carvings; the temple is considered one of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal.

Jagatnarayan Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is known for its beautiful carvings and is considered one of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal.

These are just a few of the many temples and cultural landmarks located in Patan Durbar Square. The square is a unique and fascinating destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Nepal.

Bouddhanath Stupa:

Bouddhanath Stupa is a large Buddhist temple located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and a major pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa is considered a sacred site and is believed to contain relics of the Buddha. The Stupa is a hemispherical structure with a central dome and four sets of eyes on the four cardinal points, symbolizing the all-seeing nature of the Buddha. The base of the stupa is surrounded by a circular path or kora, that is used for circumambulation, or walking around the stupa in a clockwise direction. It has been an important site for Tibetan refugees since the 1950s when many Tibetans fled their homeland after the Chinese invasion. Today, the surrounding area is known as Little Tibet and is home to many Tibetan shops, restaurants, and monasteries. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979 and is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Nepal. It is also a symbol of Nepal's rich cultural heritage and religious diversity.

Pashupatinath Temple:

This temple is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, the patron deity of Nepal, and is considered one of the holiest Hindu shrines.

Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple located on the banks of the Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. It is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, the patron deity of Nepal, and is considered one of the holiest Hindu shrines in the world. The temple complex includes several smaller shrines, as well as a large courtyard that is used for ceremonies and festivals. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful wood carvings. Visitors from around the world come to Pashupatinath to offer prayers, participate in religious ceremonies, or simply admire the temple's beauty and history.

Here are some of the important temples in and around Pashupatinath:

Pashupatinath Temple: This is the main temple dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, the patron deity of the temple. It is considered one of the oldest and most sacred Hindu temples in the world.

Guheshwori Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva's consort, Parvati, and is located just a few minutes walk from Pashupatinath Temple.

Kapileshwar Mahadev Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located just outside the Pashupatinath Temple complex.

Vaishnava Monastery: This is a prominent Vaishnava temple located near Pashupatinath, dedicated to Lord Krishna.

Sleshmantak Forest: This forest is located near Pashupatinath and is considered one of the most sacred forests in Nepal. It is believed to be the dwelling place of Lord Shiva.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a historic site and a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Bhaktapur, Nepal. It was once the palace of the Bhaktapur Kingdom and is now a popular tourist destination. The square is filled with several important temples and palaces, including the 55-Window Palace, the Nyatapola Temple, and the Bhairavnath Temple.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is considered one of the most well-preserved examples of traditional Nepalese architecture, with many buildings and temples dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries. The square is also a living museum of traditional Newari culture, with artisans and craftsmen still practicing traditional trades and festivals celebrated throughout the year.

Visitors to Bhaktapur Durbar Square can explore the numerous temples and palaces, observe traditional cultural practices, and witness this important site's rich history and architecture.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a historic square located in the city of Bhaktapur, in Nepal. It is one of the three royal palaces in the Kathmandu Valley and is considered one of Nepal's most important cultural and historic landmarks. The square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its beautiful temples, palaces, and other cultural landmarks.

Some of the most notable temples in Bhaktapur Durbar Square include:

Nyatapola Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi, the temple is considered one of the tallest and finest examples of pagoda-style architecture in Nepal.

55 Window Palace: A palace known for its beautiful wooden carvings and 55 intricately carved windows; the palace is considered one of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal.

Taleju Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Taleju, the temple is one of the tallest in the square and is known for its intricate carvings and woodwork.

Dattatraya Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple is known for its intricate carvings and beautiful sculptures.

Bhairavnath Temple: A Hindu temple dedicated to the god Bhairav, the temple is known for its stunning stone carvings and is considered one of the most important shrines in Nepal.

These are just a few of the many temples and cultural landmarks located in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The square is a unique and fascinating destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich cultural and religious heritage of Nepal.

Taumadhi Square:

Taumadhi Square is known for its historic and religious significance and is home to several important temples and monuments. One of the most notable landmarks in the square is the Nyatapola Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi and considered one of the tallest and finest examples of pagoda-style architecture in Nepal.

Changu Narayan Temple:

Changu Narayan Temple is a Hindu temple located in the Changu village of Bhaktapur District in Nepal. It is one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in the country, with a history that dates back to the 4th century CE. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is considered one of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal.

The Changu Narayan Temple is known for its intricate carvings, sculptures, and woodwork, which adorn its walls and courtyards. It is also home to several important religious and cultural artifacts, including inscriptions and sculptures from the Lichhavi period, which provide important insights into the history and culture of the region.

One of the most striking features of the temple is its statue of Lord Vishnu, which stands in the main sanctum. The statue is considered one of the finest examples of Nepalese metalwork and is revered by devotees from around the world.

The Changu Narayan Temple is surrounded by lush green forests and rolling hills, offering visitors a peaceful and tranquil environment in which to explore the temple and its rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a popular destination for both Hindu pilgrims and tourists, who come to admire its architectural beauty and learn about the rich history and culture of the region.

Highlights Of Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur:

• Visiting Nepal’s most popular tourist spots in Kathmandu Valley - Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan.
• Explore religious historical, Pilgrimage, and cultural world heritage sites of Buddhists and Hindus in Kathmandu.
• Experience the other best opportunity for traditional Newari culture and lifestyle.

Day 1: Kathmandu Sightseeing

Morning:

8:00 AM: After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Showyambhunath also known as the Monkey Temple. It's located atop a hill west of Kathmandu. Explore the ancient stupa, enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley, and observe the playful monkeys.

10:00 AM: Head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the intricately carved temples, palaces, and courtyards, such as Taleju Temple, Hanuman Dhoka, and Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess).

Lunch Break:

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Afternoon:

Drive to Patan, also known as Lalitpur, which is another UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture. Explore Patan Durbar Square, the Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and the Patan Museum. After Patan drove to Bouddhanath and visited a large Buddhist temple located in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal.

Visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Witness the evening "Aarti" ceremony along the Bagmati River, which is a mesmerizing spiritual experience.

Evening:

6:30 PM: Return to Hotel.

Day 2: Bhaktapur and Changunarayan

Morning:

8:30 AM: After having breakfast drive for Bhaktapur, another UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and traditional Newari culture.

9:30 AM: Explore Bhaktapur Durbar Square, which features the 55-Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and the famous Peacock Window.

Lunch Break:

Noon: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Bhaktapur,

Afternoon:

1:30 PM: Visit Changunarayan Temple, located on a hilltop on the outskirts of Bhaktapur. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is renowned for its exquisite stone carvings and inscriptions.

3:30 PM: Explore the surrounding area, enjoying scenic views of the Kathmandu Valley and taking a leisurely walk through the countryside.

Evening:

5:30 PM: Return to Kathmandu.

Enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant, reflecting on your memorable experiences in Kathmandu and its surrounding areas.

This itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Kathmandu's cultural, historical, and spiritual attractions, as well as the nearby towns of Patan, Bhaktapur, and the ancient Changunarayan Temple. Enjoy your time in Nepal.

INCLUDES

• Airport Pickup and Drop
• All places sightseeing by Private Vehicle with driver
• All temple and square entrance fee
• All temple and square entrance fee
• Tour Guide [English, Spanish, German, and Chinese]
• 2 nights Hotel in Kathmandu.
• Farewell Dinner

 EXCLUDES

• Visa fee to enter Nepal.
• International flight tickets and extra baggage charges
• Extra night accommodation and meal costs in Kathmandu due to any change in the scheduled itinerary
• Travel insurance/ Rescue operation costs
• All personal expenses
• All Lunch and Dinner
• Tips for guide and driver