“Home of Seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.”
Trip Introduction: Kathmandu Tour 5 Days.
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. It is a treasure chest for nature lovers and it is also considered a hub for historical, cultural, and religious sites. This valley is home to 8 of the World Heritage sites listed by UNESCO. The Three Durbar Squares Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur are home to the culturally rich Newar community. The festivals, celebrations, and religious events make this a highly worthwhile destination.
On the other hand, Kathmandu is surrounded by hilly terrains: Shivapuri, Phulchowki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri where unexplored vegetation thrives. This package provided by Holiday Tours Nepal includes an early morning mountain flight that allows you to observe the Nepalese Himalayas from above. Aside from that, hiking on these high slopes provides the best views of the mountains, as well as dawn and sunset.
This Kathmandu Tour 5-day itinerary provides a detailed exploration of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Patan Durbar Square. The visitors can witness famous monuments like Kumari Bahal, Kalabhairav, and Shiva Parvati Temple in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Similarly, individuals can see the Lion’s Gate, The Golden Gate, The Palace of 55 Windows, and the Royal Bath in Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Additionally, visitors can visit Krishna Mandir, and Patan Museum and explore Newari Food around Patan Durbar Square.
This excursion is followed by another trip to Pashupatinath Temple, Soyambhunath Stupa, and Boudhanath Stupa. Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu which displays a variety of temple artistry and culture. The main attraction around Pashupatinath includes Ghats, Bachhareswari Temple, Goraknath Temple, Ram Temple, and Sati’s Gate. Likewise, Soyambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath stupa both represent the rich Buddhist culture of Nepal.
The tour also includes adventurous hiking to Nagarkot (The Fort of the Town) which is especially famous for the sunrise view showing the Himalayas, featuring Mount Everest and other peaks in eastern Nepal's Himalayan range. Other places you might go on this holiday are Bungmati, Khokana, and Chobar, where individuals can explore the natural beauty of mountains and villages.
Kathmandu Tour 5 Days: What to Expect?
Kathmandu is quickly becoming a popular budget tourist destination as well as a center for independent travelers. Thamel is the primary tourist district, tightly packed with hotels, restaurants, pubs, and taverns. Tourists may explore the market, shopping centers, and Thamel's nightlife. Nighttime in Thamel is quite vibrant.
Kathmandu City Tour can take you on a ride through impressive sites full of historic and religious importance. Firstly, visitors get to explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, Soyambhunath Stupa, and the City of Patan followed by a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and a short hike to Nagarkot. The tour then ends with an amazing excursion to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The main attractions in Kathmandu include:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is located in the center of Kathmandu, near the old Malla kings' royal palace. It is readily accessible from numerous locations throughout the city. The main attractions include:
- Hanuman Dhoka Palace: Hanuman, the monkey god, is portrayed as standing guard at the Hanuman Dhoka, the palace's main entrance gate. The palace is an excellent example of traditional Nepali architecture.
- Kala Bhairab: The god of justice, Kalabhairab, was used as a lie detector in the 17th century. People continue to pray for good fortune. It currently stands as a prominent figure in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Nepal. This statue illustrates the destructive force of Lord Shiva and is worshipped for protection. Devotees gather to offer prayers and seek blessings. The square's fascinating past, combined with the magical existence of Kal Bhairav, sums up the historical appeal of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Shiva Parvati Temple: The Shiva Parvati Temple, located in Kathmandu's Durbar Square, is a revered Hindu shrine recognized for its artistic splendor. It includes excellent woodcarvings and elaborate construction and is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Pilgrims and visitors come to seek blessings and to appreciate the cultural and historical value of the temple.
- Nasal Chowk: Located within Kathmandu Durbar Square, it is a magnificent courtyard famed for its elaborate woodcarvings, medieval architecture, and King Pratap Malla's beloved monument. A fitting tribute to Nepal's rich past.
- Mohan Kali Chowk: It houses a statue of the goddess Mohan Kali. It's a peaceful spot with artistic elements that add to the square's cultural attractiveness.
- Sundari Chowk: Located within Kathmandu Durbar Square, it features excellent Newar architecture, particularly the Sunken Bath and elaborate windows. A tranquil courtyard of ageless beauty that reflects Nepal's architectural genius.
- Swayambhunath Temple: Also known as Monkey Temple, this is a sacred Buddhist Stupa which is located on a hill in Kathmandu, Nepal. This 2500-year-old is one of the most important religious sites in Kathmandu. Visitors can access the stupa by ascending a long staircase to finally reach the top and enjoy the panoramic view of the valley.
- Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square day tour takes tourists around spectacular Malla-era sites packed with historical and religious attractions. Holiday Tours Nepal offers an intriguing full-day tour that includes the opportunity to view artists at work. The major attractions include:
- Krishna Temple: The Krishna Temple in Patan Durbar Square is a stunning representation of classical Newari architecture. It is devoted to Lord Krishna and was built in the 17th century. Its exquisite carvings, illustrate scenes from Krishna's life in particular, making it a significant spiritual and cultural attraction in the center of Patan.
- Khumbeshwor: It is a small yet attractive Hindu temple recognized for its beautiful architecture and exquisite woodcarvings, which add to the square's cultural diversity.
- Rudra Varna Mahavihar: It is also known as Uku Bahal, a Buddhist monastery in Patan Durbar Square. It was built in the 17th century and has a lovely courtyard and unique Newari woodcarvings that showcase Nepal's cultural heritage.
- The Ashoka Stupas: Patan Durbar Square in Nepal includes Ashoka stupas, which are thought to have been built about the third century B.C. by Emperor Ashoka of India. These brick and stone stupas have historic and religious significance. They are significant remnants that demonstrate Nepal's old Buddhist and Mauryan Empire ties. While the stupas are not as visible as other monuments in the square, they represent an important part of the area's historical legacy. While exploring Patan Durbar Square, visitors will recognize their historical significance and architectural simplicity.
- Pashupatinath Temple: Located on the banks of the Bagmati River in the eastern part of Kathmandu. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal. The major attractions include:
- Mukhalinga: It is a sacred stone representation of Lord Shiva's face, a revered object of worship in Hinduism.
- Guhyeshwari Temple: It is a prominent Hindu shrine where the goddess Sati's "yoni" emblem, which represents divine feminine energy and spirituality, is worshipped.
- Gorakhnath Temple: It is devoted to Guru Gorakhnath, a respected figure in Hinduism's Nath lineage. It's a place of spiritual significance and meditation.
- Western Cremation Ghats: Hindu death procedures are performed at the Western Cremation Ghats in the Pashupatinath Temple complex. Along the holy Bagmati River, they provide a dark site for outdoor cremations, a highly important ritual in Hindu culture.
- Boudhanath Stupa: The Boudhanath Stupa is a magnificent and respected Buddhist landmark in Kathmandu, Nepal. This massive white stupa, wrapped with prayer flags and Buddha's eyes, conveys peace. People stroll circling it, spinning prayer wheels, and singing chants. The location includes Tibetan monasteries, stores, and cafes, resulting in a bustling Tibetan cultural hub. Boudhanath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kathmandu, inspires reflection, meditation, and cultural exploration, providing an oasis of peace in the center of the busy city.
- Nagarkot: It is a picturesque village in Nepal, that provides an exciting hiking experience. The Nagarkot climb is famous for providing stunning vistas of the Himalayan mountain range, encompassing notable peaks such as Mt. Everest and Langtang. The trek often begins in beautiful forests, wanders past charming villages, and then ascends to the viewpoint of Nagarkot. The scenery changes into an amazing pallet of colors as the sun rises, which makes it a popular site for sunrise and sunset watchers. Hikers may enjoy the peace and quiet of nature while also enjoying the warmth of the locals which makes it a great spot for a rejuvenating day or overnight trip.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Also known as the Museum of Medieval Art and Architecture. It is well-known for its excellent architectural designs, woodcarvings, and archaeological finds. The major attractions include:
- 55 Window Palace: It is a stunning architectural marvel with 55 beautifully carved windows that showcase Newar artistry and historical significance.
- Golden Gate: The Golden Gate (Swarnamukhi) at Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a beautiful Newari architectural marvel. Its beautifully crafted wooden door is coated in gold and embellished with mythical and spiritual characters, resulting in an iconic representation of Bhaktapur's cultural diversity and legacy.
- Lions Gate: It is a historic structure with a magnificently carved wooden gateway protected by stone lions, an emblem of Bhaktapur's rich history and creativity.
- The Mini Pashupati Temple: It is a scaled-down replica of the renowned Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. This beautifully crafted Hindu temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
- Nyatapola Temple: The distinctive five-tiered pagoda-style Nyatapola Temple is dedicated to the goddess Siddhi Lakshmi. It is a Newari architectural marvel famed for its height, strength, and elaborate woodcarvings, making it one of Nepal's tallest and most magnificent temples.
