Kathmandu Spotlight Tour is the tour in Kathmandu valley where you enjoy culture, lifestyle, and harmonious religion.TripAdvisor placed Kathmandu in its 10th position among top 25 Asian destinations to travel. It describes the whole valley as full of historic sites, temples, shrines and fascinating villages.
Kathmandu Valley was the center of business and trade between India and China. There are hundreds of shrines and monuments in this tiny valley. Furthermore, 7 of them are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Four Buddhist miniature Stupas in four corners of the Patan city erected in the 3rd century BC shows the historical importance. In addition, Various different dynasties and Kings ruled the valley which helped to nourish various arts, architectures. The King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha Kingdom conquered Kathmandu valley in 1768. Moreover, the Gorkha kingdom shifted its capital to Kathmandu. During the Kathmandu Spotlight Tour, you observe the artistic palaces of Malla Kings and Shah Kings. Similarly, their religious faiths manifest in the valley art through stone sculpture, and wood carvings.
Kathmandu hosts two most holy and popular Buddhist shrines Swoyambhunath and Boudhanath Stupa. Likewise, the holy of the holiest Shiva shrine of Hindu – Pashupati Nath Temple and other Buddhist deities adds importance. The people of Newar ethnic community has the richest cultural heritages. The festivals, rituals, feasts, and celebrations these people celebrate amaze any who arrive first. Recently the interaction with other various ethnic communities and cultures from all round the country furthers the celebrations. The smiling and welcoming people has been the best attraction of Kathmandu valley for the ages.
In this 5 Days, you can explore and enjoy grandeur and beauty of the valley, culture, tradition and lifestyle. You will be amazed by the fusion of ancient and modern lifestyle, fusion of Hinduism and Buddhism, diverse cultural practices, festivities and feasts etc. Thus the Kathmandu Spotlight Tour is the best to explore the Nepal in short time period. Suitable for transition stay or even full holiday.
Day 01 & 02: Arrive Kathmandu ( 1, 350 m. / – Transfer to your Hotel
Upon your arrival in Nepal’s only International airport, you may proceed for Visa ( if you have not obtained one in your home country). After immigration formalities, you reach to arrival reception area where our representative receives you with friendly greeting. You then will be transferred to your pre reserved Hotel. Most of the Hotels in Kathmandu are located in Durbar Marg, Thamel and Lazimpat area. It is about 6-8 kms drive to your Hotel.
You are free to adjust with new location, culture and lifestyle.
Day 03: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour – Overnight Kathmandu
After breakfast, we tour around the cultural heritage sites of Kathmandu valley. The major sites include Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath stupa, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Pashupatinath temple. Without touring around these places, your stay in Kathmandu and visit of Nepal is meaningless. So, explore this magic, mystic and majestic cultural heritage city of Kathmandu.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is our first destination which used to be a Royal Palace complex square of Nepal’s Malla and Shah King’s who ruled in Kathmandu from 14th Century till the beginning of 21st Century. The palace complex is completely decorated with artistic temples, shrines , statues etc. Whole palace square reflects the opulence of Malla era and little from Shah dynasty. Most popular in the square is 9 stories Palace complex built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in mid 18th century. King Prithvi Narayan Shah was the king of Gorkha and triumphed over Kathmandu kingdom after many attempts in 1768 A.D.
Living Goddess “ KUMARI “ and beautifully crafted and decorated palace where she lives is another attraction in the square. Kumari is young girl ( pre – pubescent ) worshipped in Kathmandu valley as manifestation of goddess Durga ( a divine female energy) . You can have a glance of Goddess Kumari while she appears in the window of her palace upon request. Huge black Bhairab statue of 6th century, mask of white Bhairava, Shiva temple, Vishnu temple, Taleju temple, various courtyards are others to see and explore in the square.
Pashupatinath Temple is our next destination, which is the most prominent Hindu temple dedicated to lord Shiva ( God of destruction according to Hindu philosophy) . It is taken as one of the holy abode of Shiva among 275 on the continent. The present temple was erected in 17th century, though the history of site goes back to many centuries. Cremation in the bank of river Bagmati amazes you along with various shrines, temples, stories related to Hinduism.
Before we tour around Boudhanath Stupa, we enjoy delicious lunch in a restaurant overlooking the Stupa. We tour around the Stupa – the most famous, the holiest stupa in Nepal for all Tibetans and Nepalese Buddhists. The Stupa is biggest in terms of its expansion and height. Present sky high stupa was erected and renovated in 18th century. It is located in ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. With influx of Tibetan refugees in 1959, the area is home to many Gompas ( monasteries ) which follows tibetan buddhism.
We visit Swoyambhunath Stupa in the evening and then return back to Hotel. Enjoy the rest in your own.
Day 04: Tour of Bhaktapur | Patan Durbar Square – Drive to Nagtarkot OR Dhulikhel
Bhaktapur and Patan are two other cities of Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu valley was divided into three independent kingdoms till 1768 A.D. Bhaktapur or locally known as Bhadgaon refers to “ City of Devotees” is third largest city of Kathmandu valley which served as ancient capital of entire Nepal valley till mid of 15th century of the Malla dynasty. Bhaktapur now is the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site of culture in the valley. Durbar Square has many temples, shrines with the finest wood, metal carving from 14th – 18th century.
We then visit Patan Durbar Square. Patan is second largest city of Kathmandu valley in the south part and believed that founded by Kirat in 3rd century. Patan is taken as city of festivals, feasts and city of fine arts. Visit Durbar Square, temples and shrines in surrounding area.
We drive to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel in the evening for overnight stay. It is about an hour drive from Bhaktapur to Nagarkot or Dhulikhel.
Nagarkot situated at an elevation of 2,170 m / 7,119 ft is the most scenic place in Bhaktapur. Nagarkot is popular for the most marvellous view of sunrise over Himalayan ranges including Mt. Everest. Langtang range and other eastern Himalayan peaks is so impressive from Nagarkot. It offers beautiful view of Kathmandu valley as well.
Dhulikhel is located in the further eastern rim of Kathmandu valley in the Araniko Highway ( which connects Nepal with Lhasa – Tibet). Dhulikhel also offers the most beautiful panoramic range of the Himalayan peaks and green valley. So, we can drive to any one destination as you like for overnight stay.
Day 05: Drive back to Kathmandu – Shopping
Enjoy breakfast with sunrise over the most beautiful view of the Himalayan peaks. After breakfast we drive back to Kathmandu.
In the afternoon, enjoy shopping in Nepal. You find Silk Carpets, Tibetan Carpets, Pashmina Shawls, Thanka Paintings, Statues, Handicrafts, Jewellery, Gurkha Knife, Garments and other various items either in a
Overnight stay in the Hotel in Kathmandu. In the evening, enjoy farewell dinner with cultural dance.
Day 06 & 07: Departure Transfer
Enjoy your morning on own, shopping and then ready for the departure transfer. We transfer to airport for your flight back to your home country or other any destination. narrow street of Thamel or other shopping areas.
Note on Days: Day 01 & 02 / Day 06 & 07 are for long haul flight from your home and back. If your flight is short for one day or or less then the tour will be for 05 Days.
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