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Nepal · UNESCO Heritage Sites
The journey
Delve into the colorful history of Kathmandu Valley, the heart of Nepal, where sacred temple towns, terraced fields, and remarkable monuments reflect the glory of ancient Nepali architects and artisans. This 5-day journey explores some of the valley's most important cultural and religious landmarks, including Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and Nagarkot. Discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, experience Newari culture, and enjoy sweeping Himalayan views from Nagarkot, including a memorable sunrise panorama.
Wake up early in the morning for sunrise and a mountain panorama stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga in the east, via Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, and Gauri Shanker.
From the itinerary
At a glance
Day by day
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this historic and vibrant city at your own pace.
Meals: Welcome Dinner
After breakfast, depart the hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the "city of glory."
Visit Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicentre of religious and cultural life, filled with old temples, historical significance, and glorious Newari architecture. Some of the sights include Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kasthamandap, and Kumari Ghar, home to the Living Goddess.
Head to Swoyambhunath Stupa, said to be one of the oldest Buddhist stupas in the world, majestically set high on a hill overlooking Kathmandu Valley.
Proceed towards Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the courtyard of the temple, whereas tourists can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River.
Continue to Boudhanath, a Buddhist stupa said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes, each facing the four cardinal directions, watching over the righteous behaviour of mankind and human prosperity.
Meals: Breakfast
Check out from the hotel after breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Patan, the city of Fine Arts.
Visit Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and more.
Proceed to the Tibetan Handicraft Centre, where you can see the art of carpet-making by Tibetan refugees.
Head on a one-and-a-half-hour scenic drive to Nagarkot and, en route, stop at Bhaktapur, the "City of Devotees."
Begin the tour in Bhaktapur with a visit to Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, and the Palace of 55 Windows. You will also see Lion's Gate, Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal, Bhairab Temple, and the Pottery Centre.
Drive back to Kathmandu later in the afternoon and stay overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Drive after breakfast to Nagarkot village (2175m), set on a ridge just 32 km from Kathmandu, a journey of about one and a half hours, facing one of the broadest possible views of the Himalaya.
Wake up early in the morning for sunrise and a mountain panorama stretching from Dhaulagiri in the west to Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga in the east, via Ganesh Himal, Langtang Lirung, Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, and Gauri Shanker. This place exists for the views, and there is not much to the village except a small hilltop Mahakali Temple.
Meals: Breakfast
Embark on a scenic drive back to Kathmandu after breakfast and check in to the hotel.
Spend the afternoon exploring Kathmandu on your own or strolling through the market to buy gifts and souvenirs for your loved ones.
In the evening, enjoy dinner accompanied by a cultural program in a traditional Nepali restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Farewell Dinner
Where this trip takes you
Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath hilltop, Boudhanath stupa, Nagarkot Himalayan panorama
The route
The fine print
All airport and hotel pick-up and drop-off by private car/van
3 nights in a hotel in Kathmandu, including breakfast, at Kathmandu Home Nepal
1 night at a hotel in Nagarkot, including breakfast
An experienced English-speaking trekking guide during the tour
Salary, food, insurance, and lodging costs for the guide
Breakfast
Welcome and farewell meals, and breakfasts while in Kathmandu
Driver's salary, meals, insurance, and accommodation
Fuel, road tax, and parking fees
Kathmandu Valley sightseeing and Nagarkot tours by private car
Nepal entry visa fees
International airfare and departure tax
Bar bills, laundry, and other expenses of a personal nature
Travel insurance, including evacuation
Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu, except for the welcome and farewell dinner
Tips for local staff, guides, and porters
Entrance fees in Kathmandu
Trip Detail:
Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties, which have led to a colourful, mixed history. Kathmandu Valley, being the heart of Nepal, is a natural basin of patchwork terraced fields and sacred temple towns that showcase the glory of the ancient architects and artisans of Nepal. The whole valley is a living museum of Nepali culture and history, with seven of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings, which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world-famous. These include the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka (Kathmandu), Patan, and Bhaktapur; the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath; and the Hindu temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan.
Trip Highlight:
Temple tours
History
Local meals
Local people
Himalayan range
Important Note:
Your safety is of paramount importance to Alpine Club of Himalaya. They have the absolute authority to cancel the trip or change the itinerary when deemed necessary or when they have reason to believe your safety is at stake. Weather conditions, the health condition of a group member, natural disasters, and similar factors can contribute to changes in the itinerary when travelling in remote mountainous regions. In these extreme situations, they kindly request your full co-operation with the trusted leader of the group appointed by Alpine Club of Himalaya. However, they assure you that they will make every effort to keep to the above itinerary.
Logistics
Your 5 days finish where they began, in Kathmandu 44600.
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