Arrive Kathmandu

This morning, arrive Kathmandu, the beautiful capital city of Kingdom of Nepal. Upon clearing airport formalities, transfer to your hotel, take some rest and freshen up.

This afternoon, visit Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the world’s oldest Buddhist chaityas, acclaimed to be more than 2500 years old. Situated on a hillock, 3 kms west of Kathmandu this is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal.

Day in Kathmandu

After breakfast, visit Boudhanath Stupa, meaning the ‘Lord of Wisdom’. This Tibetan Buddhist monument is the largest stupa in Nepal and one of the largest in the world

Also visit Pashupatinath Temple, a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, on the banks of Bagmati River. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed inside, from the eastern bank of Bagmati River.

This afternoon visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, the historic seat of Nepalese royalty built between the 12 - 18 centuries. The Durbar square is famous for its exquisite architecture, museums, temples and artistic embellishments. You also get an opportunity to buy some interesting souvenirs here.

Drive to start point of Trek (1.5 Hrs) Trek to Dhulikel (1600 M / 6 – 7 Hrs)

Early this morning, drive to the village of Panauti (1.5Hr).

From here, commence your trek to the holy stupa Namobuddha, which means 'Hail to the Buddha'. The stupa is one of the most important pilgrim sites in the valley, particularly for Tibetan Buddhists. The many flags and pilgrims dressed in colourful robes form a vibrant display around the bright white dome of the stupa. Today is the longest day of trekking on this route with some steep climbs.

Leaving the urban landscapes behind, we commence our trek to Dhulikel, passing through fields, small villages and forests. Dhulikel is a beautifully preserved Newari town featuring traditional stone houses reaching 4-5 storeys high. Traditionally, such houses are home to large families with often as many as 50 relatives all living under one roof! Dhulikel offers magnificent views of snowy Himalayas.

Overnight at lodge / teahouse.

Trek to Nagarkot (2170 M / 5 - 6 Hrs)

Today, we trek to Nagarkot, the highest point in Kathmandu Valley. Today’s trek is a scenic walk of about 5 - 6 hours through green terraced fields and if the weather is clear enough, fantastic views of the mountains.

Nagarkot, which lies to the north-east of Bhaktapur and approx 30km to the east of Kathmandu, was once a military post but is now a popular destination for walkers and cyclists. The village has a great panoramic vista of the Himalayas. The view is particularly memorable at the end of the day, when the sun slowly sets beyond the horizon and the mountains glow in the evening light or early morning at dawn.

Trek to Changu Naraya (1680 M / 3 - 4 Hrs) Drive to Kathmandu (1 Hr)

Your trek guide will meet you at the hotel in Nagarkot; the hike starts with the gradual descent down through the scattered village, mostly inhabited of Tamang people, where we can see their local lifestyle and daily activities including the beautiful views of snow-capped mountains (if weather permits) of Jugal Himal, Langtang range, Everest region, Dorje Lhakpa and others while continuing the hiking to reach to the village of Telkot Bhanjyang (1770 M).  We continue walking through scattered bushes the trail descends to reach at a flat pasture from where one can see the most scenic view of Shankhu village, partly Bhaktapur and also the beautiful terraces and again the trail heads down with some occasional visit of scattered bushes and local villages to Changu Narayan (1680 M.).

 The temple of Changu Narayan, about 10 minutes walk from the Bus Park, is universally acknowledged as the most stately example of Pagoda style in Nepal.  It is considered to be one of the greatest artistic legacies of the Lichhavian era.  Changu is one of the ancient historical places situated on a hillock with conical shape.  It is said to be the oldest pagoda style temple in the valley from early 3rd century AD.

Kathmandu (DEPARTURE)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home