Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu. Meet our airport representative and transfer to hotel. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

•Kathmandu Durbar Square

 

Kathmandu Durbar Square was once a seat of Malla Kings followed by Shah Kings of Nepal. The durbar square which is a rich tapestry of temples, stautes, sculptures, courtyards, and alleys, was inscribed in world heritage site in 1979. Kasthamandap, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Bhawani Temple,Jagannath Temple, Indrapur Temple, are exquisite examples of the richness of Newari arts and architecture that has stood the test of time. Kumari Ghar or Kumair Chowk within the square is the home of Kumari, the living Goddess of Nepal, chosen as incarnation of Durga. Likewise Kasthmandap, which was sadly reduced to smithereens by the devastating earthquake of 2015, was believed to have been made from a single tree. Round the year the square hosts many cultural and religious festivals such as Indra Jatra, Kumari Jatra, Durga Puja etc. 

 

•Swoyambunath

 

Swoyambunath is part of the cultural heritage of ancient Kathmandu Valley and is regarded as the oldest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Swaymbunath stands out for its distinctive whitewashed hemispheres that are adorned by all seeing eyes of Buddha in all four cardinal directions. The name Swoyambhu means ‘self created’ hence the belief that the stupa arose of itself on a hill. This 2000 year old stupa complex consists of a maze of shrines, monasteries, ponds, forests along with gift shops and restaurants. The biggest image of Shakyamuni Buddha in Nepal, gold plated Vajra, AjimaTemple, a pair of Shikhara Temples, Dewa Dharma Monastery and Sleeping Buddha are some of the chief monuments within. The stupa is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites among both Buddhist and Hindu pilgrims and is popular as ‘monkey temple’ due to a large number of monkeys living off by the forest.

 

•Boudhanath

 

Boudhanath, located northeast of Kathmandu Valley, is the largest Buddhist monument in Nepal. Inscribed in 1979 as a world heritage site, Boudhanath has been a sacred Buddhist shrine for thousands of years, especially for Tamang and Tibetans. The stupa is believed to enshrine the tomb of Kassapa Buddha, one of the five Buddhas to have walked on earth, and the one who preceded Shakyamuni Buddha. Boudhanath was originally called Khaasti Stupa while the Tibetans revere it as Jya Lung Khashor Chorten Chenpo. It is unique in its design in that it resembles a dome in shape with 13 levels of spire and prayer wheels at the base holding deep meaning and purpose. There are many as 50 gompas constructed in the last 50 years or so around the main stupa.

 

•Pashupatinath       

Pashupatinath is a Hindu Temple lying on the bank of Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the god of all gods, Hindus consider Pashupatinath among the four most important pilgrimage centers in the world. The temple is believed to have been erected as far as back as 400 BC however the present day main two storied temple was erected in 5th century AD. The main temple styled in Pagoda architecture houses sacred Linga or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. The temple precincts feature around 184 Shiva Lingam and 518 temples and monuments including Ram Temple, Guheswori Temple, Virat Swaroop Temple and Vasukinath Temple. Other attractions of Pashupatinath are cremation sites along the bank of Bagmatir River, deer forests and eastern classical music center. During the festival of Shiva Ratri, the temple is visited by thousands of visitors, sadhus, sanyasis and tourists.  

Boudhanath Stupa Kathmandu Durbar Square Pashupatinath Temple Swayambhunath Stupa

•Bhaktapur Durbar Square

 

Lying about 12 Km east of Kathmandu is the city of Bhaktapur, one of the three medieval kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur literally translates into the ‘city of devotees’. Bhaktapur Durbar Square has a rich collection of temples, statutes, sculptures and courtyards each standing as a highlight of exquisite Newari art and architecture. At the center of the square drawing all the attention of visitors is the 55-window palace which almost took over 50 years to complete. This 18th century palace of Malla King Bhupatindra Malla features 55 windows, richly carved interiors, mural paintings on the inside walls along with Golden Gate, Taleju Chowk and Naga Pokhari. Other attractions here include Nyatapola Temple, Dattatraya Square, Taumadhi Square and the famous Pottery Square where Newari artists remain engaged in creating various clay designs. 

 

•Patan Durbar Square

 

Divided by the Bagamati River from Kathmandu is the city of Patan which is home to Patan Durbar Square. Yet another proof of outstanding Newari art and architecture embossed in temples, bahals, statues and hitis spread around the square. The square hosts around 136 courtards among which Mul Chowk remains the largest of all. Located in Keshav Narayan Chowk, newly opened Patan Museum features some of the finest collection of Newari arts and artifacts includes photos, statues, repousse, wood carvings and murals. There are altogether 55 major temples within the precinct, the chief being Krishna Mandir, Taleju Bhawani temple, Bhimsen Temple and Vishwanath temple. 

 

•Changu Narayan Temple

 

Changu Narayan Temple is located 12 Km east of Kathmandu in Dolagiri Hill of Bhaktapur district. Surrounded by Champak forests and a traditional settlement of Newari ethnic community, Changu Naryan is a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The oldest stone inscription ever discovered in Kathmandu Valley, dating back to 464 AD, is preserved in the temple. The site features various sculptures of Vishnu, statue of King Bhupalendra Malla, Chinnamasta Devi Temple, Kileshwor Shiva Temple etc. Lately a museum has been opened within the temple precinct showcasing ancient coins, tools, arts, and architectures.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square Changu Narayan Patan Durbar Square

• Chitwan National Park

 

Instituted in 1973, Chitwan National Park is the oldest national park in Nepal and the most popular among visitors. The park lies in the southern plains of the country on the bank of Rapti and Narayani rivers. It is one of the last sanctuaries for endangered species like Bengal Tigers, Asian Elephants, one horned Rhinos, and Gharia Crocodile in the Indian Subcontinent. The park is home to 56 species of herpetofauna, 68 mammal species, 544 bird species and 126 species of fish. It further features well managed and successful Gharial, Turtle and Vulture conservation breeding centers. For centuries, Chitwan and its dense jungles have been guarded and protected by Tharu community who possess their own unique culture and indigenous knowledge. Home stay facility, Tharu museum and Tharu cultural dances are special attractions to travelers visiting the park.

Chitwan National Park

Enjoy day long jungle activities such as bird watching, elephant riding, nature walk, canoeing on Rapti river, visiting Gharial/Elephant/Vulture Conservation centers and observing Tharu culture and lifestyle.

Drive to Lumbini. Stay overnight at hotel in Lumbini.

• Lumbini

 

Lumbini is located in Rupandehi district directly southwest of Kathmandu. It is known world over as the birthplace of Siddartha Gautama or Buddha since it was here that Buddha was born in 563BC. Today it is the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhists all around the world. Lumbini primarily features all the important sites and monuments related to Buddha’s life. Among them the most important ones are Mayadevi Temple (the spot where Buddha was born), Puskarni Pond (where Buddha’s mother bathed before giving birth to Buddha) and Ashoka Pillar (erected by Emperor Ashoka to mark Buddha’s birthplace). Other attractions for visitors are Crane Sanctuary, Lumbini Garden, Buddhist Library and Lumbini International Research Institute, World Peace Stupa and international monasteries.

Lumbini

Fly back from Lumbini to Kathmandu. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Departure. As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you from your hotel to the airport for your final departure.