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.

Later 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 Kathmandu – Nagarkot (35 Kms/1 Hr)

This morning embark on a short drive north east of Kathmandu, to Nagarkot (approx 2200 meters). Nagarkot is famous for its panoramic views of the snowy Himalayan peaks including a distant pyramid of Mount Everest (subject to weather conditions).

Enroute, visit Bhaktapur which was the former capital of the valley, and was once a flourishing city on the trade route to Tibet. Today, Bhaktapur is like an open air museum with large areas open to pedestrian access - it is a store house of mediaeval art and architecture. Interesting places to explore include the renowned Durbar square, Golden Gate at the Palace of 55 Windows, Potters square which houses the elephant headed Lord Ganesha temple who is believed to be the patron of potters in Nepal. Bhaktapur houses a variety of Hindu and Buddhist temples including Nepal’s largest Shiva Linga. You may also see artisans engaged in Bhaktapur’s traditional crafts of pottery and weaving.

Upon arrival in Nagarkot, check in at your hotel for overnight stay. Enjoy fascinating sunset views of the Himalayas in the evening.

Drive Nagarkot – Dhulikhel (30 Kms/1 Hr)

Early this morning, enjoy spectacular sunrise views of the Himalayan peaks at Nagarkot (Subject to weather conditions). This is the best close range Himalayan vantage point from anywhere in the Kathmandu valley.

After breakfast, drive to Dhulikel, 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.

The real way to enjoy Dhulikel is exploring on foot! Spend the afternoon walking around or taking a small trek around Dhulikel (at a pace that suits your comfort)

Drive Dhulikel – Kathmandu (35 Kms/1 Hr)

This morning, enjoy beautiful sunrise views of the Himalayan ranges. You also have time for short walks / trek around Dhulikel.

Later embark on your return drive to Kathmandu. Enroute visit the famous Patan Durbar Square. Patan is known for its museum, temples and superb craftsmanship of its artisans. Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscapes in the world.

In the evening, head back to Kathmandu for overnight stay.

Kathmandu (DEPARTURE)

Later this morning you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight back home