Detail Itinerary

Swayambhunath Stupa
The stairs do not seem to cease but when it does, you are elevated to witness an amazing ancient Buddhist shrine.

Located on top of a hill, Swayambhunath is a white dome shaped monument with a golden square pillar sprouting from the middle. Painted on it are the infamous pair of Buddha eyes that watchfully overlook the valley below.

Fair enough, the view from this hilltop presents the whole of Kathmandu Valley as never before. Far from the crowded houses and congested traffic, the realities down there are but a forgotten panoramic picture as the occasional ringing bells sing of a different tune. It is also the spinning of prayer wheels, counting of prayer beads and colorful player flags that whiff a blissful air.

Boudhanath
Built during the time of severe drought, legend has it that the builders used dew to mix mortar for its construction. With orders from a Hindu King to build this Buddhist stupa, this monument is highly revered by followers of both religions.

Standing at a height of 36 meters, it is the largest stupa in Kathmandu valley. Its intricate design and colorful prayer flags are an inspiring sight to both devotees and visitors alike. Labeled, as a World heritage Site, Boudhanath is one of the local favorites.

Pashupatinath
With the holy Bagmati River that flows through this ancient town of temples and shrines, Pashupatinath temple is clearly visible as the grandest entity. Known to be the most scared of Hindu shrines in the world, pilgrims from all over the world flock to this destination.

It is believed that to die and be cremated on the Bagmati River is to be released from the cycles of rebirth, so people on their deathbeds are brought from far and near.

Though it refuses entry to non-Hindus into the main temple, there are plenty of nooks and corners speaking of its own character. From the cremation podiums to carved ancient rocks, saffron clad sadhus to philosophical artists, the place holds its own sacredness. Besides that, the resident monkeys are ever amusing for a laugh or two.

Changu Naraya
Known to be the oldest pagoda temple in Nepal, Changu Narayan is a historical establishment intriguing devout worshippers and scholarly researchers alike.

Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the two-storied temple exhibits fine craftsmanship in wood and stone carvings. Its brick paved premises also displays a stone inscription dated 424 AD thus bringing archeologists and historians curious to explore and uncover the ancient temple mysteries.

Situated on a ridge overlooking the valley, Changu Narayan is also a World Heritage Site only 12 kilometers east of Kathmandu city.

Kathmandu Durbar Square Royal premises of the ancient Kings of Kathmandu, this area hosts a number of artistic courtyards, historical palaces and monuments abound. It is currently known as “Hanuman Dhoka,” derived from the statue of Hanuman, the monkey God, which is placed near the palace entrance. With three different museums inside the building, the southern block houses “Kumari”—the living goddess who makes occasional appearance during religious festivals. Highly revered till she reaches puberty, her feet are never allowed to touch the ground.

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, its significance as a religious and social symbol is well evident. The coronation ceremony of King Birendra Bir Bikram Shah in 1975 and of King Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah in 2001 both took place here.

Patan
Exquisite carvings and historical designs still grace the grounds of Kathmandu valley’s oldest city. Only a few miles south of Kathmandu, across the Bagmati river, Patan is known as the \\\”city of arts,\\\” Patan is indeed an artisan’s paradise.
Ancient temples and palaces from the then independent kingdom still find place amidst contemporary Newar artwork. It is but these artisans who have followed their ancestors’ footsteps as the gods continue to come alive through the stones, metals and woods they carve.

With a fascinating mixture of loyalty for both Buddhist and Hindu gods, the devotion is well reflected through their unique artistic style.
Mahabouddha is a Buddhist temple where thousands of intricately carved images of Buddha is found to be modeled after the original temple at Bodhgaya in India. Kwa Bahal then stands as a Buddhist monastery courtyard with fine woodcarvings and extraordinary craftsmanship.

On the other hand, Krishna Mandir is a temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu and is the only temple that is completely made of stone. Dedicated to Shiva, Khumbeshor then stands five storeys high and is the oldest existing temple in the city.

Hence, devotees of both faiths stroll across the promenade bringing offerings to their deities of choice. Small stone temples abound through the back alleys of the city dotted between artisan’s workshops where you can purchase silver jewelry or stone statues.

Amidst all religiosity, Patan is also home to the Tibetan Refugee camp. Set up to help Tibetan refugees do something productive and support themselves, they are now famous for producing their skillfully woven carpets.
On a lighter note, The Central Zoo is also located in the vicinity and manages to host many different species of birds and animals. There is also a pond for boating activities and is a favorite family attraction.

Bhaktapur
Long known for its ancient art, colorful festivals and traditional craftsmanship, Bhaktapur has lived up to its literal meaning as the \\\”city of devotees.\\\” There is a feeling of devout commitment to the physical monuments there.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square invites many visitors, as the elaborate woodcarvings and the artistic layout of the setting enthrall many. It is the 15th century palace of 55 windows that amuses many while Golden Gate is an unstained masterpiece. It is also home to the National Art Gallery.

Dedicated to the ancient art of making pottery, there is also a Potters’ Square where potters are busy at work. Allowing the wet clay to work magic with their skilled hands and the spinning wheel, different kinds of earthenware are built. The fresh product is placed in rows and placed out in the sun to dry.

Pokhara
With the early morning sun greeting the fish tailed summit of Machhapuchhre, their reflection in the serene waters of Phewa Lake is highly anticipated. Visitors and locals are both inspired by this sight as they look forward to witness more of Pokhara’s treasures.

With its unfailing natural beauty, Pokhara has often been called an enchanting himalayan valley. It is also known as the center of adventure due to the many starting or finishing point for some of the most popular trekking and rafting destinations.

But the city itself has a lot to offer. Flowing right through the city is this unassumingly forceful Seti river that runs completely underground appearing only at certain points whose depth is hardly visible. It is due to these deep water runs that the city is teeming with natural caves, angry gorges, and gushing waterfalls. With a record of experiencing the highest rainfall in Nepal, the city is also well decorated with beautiful lakes as the stillness of it is well reflected through the local lifestyle.

It is indeed the laid-back attitude that comforts many travelers as they find Pokhara an ideal place for a time of reflection from their many adventures across the country.

Nagarkot
Located 30 kilometers east of Kathmandu is Nagarkot, a very popular hill destination. It is often times the sunrise beyond the east that draws visitors for a dawning experience as the morning sun illuminates the snowy peaks to present the most stunning landscapes. Weather permitting; one can see five of the world’s ten tallest mountains.

In all serenity, your walk downhill might introduce you to some local villagers and their rural lifestyles. Cutting through the terraced hills are the winding roads that eventually lead to the ancient city of Bhaktapur.

Dhulikhel
A commercial center between Kathmandu and Lhasa of yesteryears is now a relaxing gateway to just enjoy life.

The hill resort of Dhulikhel is 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu on the national highway that leads to Tibet. Overlooking hills and valleys, it is a quiet getaway to enjoy the most spectacular panorama of lavish
mountains.

Stretching from the far left to the far right, more than 20 Himalayan peaks are in sight as you are left speechless at its grandeur.
Daman
Ideal for mountain bikers, Daman stands delightfully pleased to welcome bird-watchers, hikers, and stragglers as well. At an altitude of 2400 kilometers, the place offers one of the best views of the Himalayan range extending from Everest to Annapurna. For a closer peek, there is a view tower fitted with long-range telescopes.
Only four hours away from the capital, the hilltop hamlet overlooks the serene villages and presents an emotional calmness that refreshes one’s mind.

Gorkha
Home to the original Gorkha soldiers; the vision to unify Nepal into one Kingdom was born here. It is from this place that King Prithvi Narayan Shah commenced the campaign, which progressed to stand as the Kingdom of Nepal today. It is also the ancestral home of the Shah dynasty and houses the beautiful Gorkha Durbar, a fort, palace and temple complex.
The palace is located on a hillock at about 1000meters high and offers the most panoramic view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Located west of Kathmandu, Gorkha lies midway between Kathmandu and Pokhara.

Lumbini
Inducing a holy sentiment to Buddhists from around the world, Lumbini is now a pilgrimage spot for many devotees. Birthplace of Lord Buddha, the nativity site is marked by a stone pillar erected by Indian emperor Ashoka in 249 BC. But it was only in 1886 that a German archaeologist discovered that pillar and ascertained Buddha’s birth in Lumbini.
Within its premises lie the Sacred Garden, temples and monasteries, museums and research institutes. Listed as a World Heritage site by UNESCO, Lumbini is receiving good international support to maintain and develop it as a Buddhist pilgrimage and a symbol of world peace.
It is located 270 kilometers southwest of Kathmandu and is accessible by both air and road.

Tansen
Tansen is a town for all ages and all states of mind. It has been popular for both tourists and locals, as it remains free from urban pollution, hectic hustle bustle and remains untouched by the waves of modernity.

There is an inimitable charm as its ancient history, friendly locals and excellent mountain views all combine to present a memorable visit. Its simple rural lifestyle is highly cherished as typical village house, pagoda style temples and stupas are found alongside revealing mountain ranges.

Located on the laps of Shreenagar hill, Tansen is also the starting point for many short treks and hikes in the surrounding districts of West Nepal.