Trip No. SR101
Kathmandu has been the capital of Nepal since its mythical origins as a sacred lake, drained by the God Manjushri. Successive dynasties have left their marks as sculptures and carvings found in the stupendous palaces and temples throughout the valley. The valley is situated at an altitude of 1,336m above sea level and covers an area of 218sq. miles.
This section takes the visitor to the three great medieval cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur and includes visits to the great shrines of Swayambhu Stupa, Pashupatinath and Bouddha Stupa.This tour is designed for those who have limited time in Kathmandu. It combines the mythical & mystical tour of the valley and mountain.The valley consists of three main cities of historical and cultural interest, Patan(Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur(Bhadgaon). The mountain flights offer panoramic views of the Himalaya include Mt. Everest.

Day 1: Pilgrimage Tours
Pashupatinath: Situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the templepremises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Chabahil Stupa: The lovely Stupa of Chabahil is believed to have been built by Charumati, the daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashok, in the third century BC. There are ancient statues around the Stupa.

Bouddha Stupa: The Boudha Stupa is lies 8km east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in world and the center of Tibetan Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Kapan Monastery: Kapan is lies about 8km north of Kathmandu City. Kapan Monastery is one of the best to see Buddhist Monastery (Gompa). Here somany monks are practising Budhhism. The panorama of the major view can be seen from here Kathmandu valley, Shivapuri and Baudha Stupa. Kapan is famous for sunrise and sunset viewing.

Budhanilkantha: About 8km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable clossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpieces of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

Day 2: Culture Tours
Patan: The ancient city of Patan, lying 5km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Buddhism and Hindusm to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today's visitors. Patan Industrial Estate is situated at Lagankhel in Lalitpur (Patan). This industrial estate is well known for Nepali handicrafts such as wood carvings, metal craft, carpets and thangka paintings. For the convenience of tourists, there is a shopping arcade where all the handicraft products are exhibited.

Jawlakhe: The Zoo situated at Jawlakhel, it has many animals, birds and reptiles in its collection representing mostly the Himalayan fauna. There is a beautiful pond built in the 17th century.

Patan Durbar Square: situated in the heart of the city, constitutes the focus of visiter's attraction. The Square is full of ancient palaces, temples and shrines, noted for their exquisite carvings. The Patan Durbar Square consists of three main chowks, Sundari Chowk holds in its center a masterpiece of stone architecture, the Royal Bath called Tushahity. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Maha Bouddha: This temple in Patan that cannot be left unvisited, is at a walking distance to the east of Patan Durbar Square. It is masterpiece of terracotta. It is the only temple of its kind in Nepal with its every brick containing a fine figure of Buddha. As chronology says, it was built by Abhaya Raja Vajracharya in the 13th century. In the sanctum of this Sikhara style temple enshrines the image of Buddha. It was rebuilt exactly on the same shape and model after the destructive earthquake of 1934 AD.

Bhaktapur: Baktapur is world renowned for its elegant art. Fabulous culture and indigenous life style. It is known for its majestic monuments, colourful festivals and the native Newars best known for their generations-old craftsmanship. The ancient city is also popularly known as the "City of Culture", "The Living Heritage" and "Nepal's Cultural Capital". It is at 1,402m above sea level, spreads over an area of 138.46sq.km. Then drive to Nagarkot.

Nagarkot: Nagarkot is a popular tourist resrt of Nepal. It is situated 32km east of Kathmandu at an altitude 2175m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of the eastern Nepal Himalaya including Mt. Everest can be seen from here. Nagarkot is famous for sunrise and sunset viewing.

Day 3: Culture Tours
Bungamati: Legend says that at the time of a big drought, the king accompanied by a Tantric priest went to visit Machendra in the rain god's temple in India and invited the god to settle with his people in the valley. A shrine for Machendra was established at the place where the village of Bungamati now lies. As early as 1593, the costom was established of leaving the Rato Machendra in Bungamati during the winter months. The rest of the time he stays in his shrine in Patan, a palanquin carries him to and fro. The village of over 2,000 people is tightly clustered against a hilly riverside slope, surrounded by terraced rice fields and clumps of trees.

Tripuresower Temple: This gorgeous temple, which was built in 1818 A.D. by Queen Lalitatripurasundari Devi Shah, is a three storey Nepali Mandap (Pagoda) standing on a multi-tier plinth. On all the four corners of the temple atand small-size temples of gods are set up around this temple.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: It is the historic seat of royalty. The KTM City Darbar Square, with its old temples and places, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Interesting things to see here are: Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav, the god of destruction, Nautalle Durbar, Coronation Nasal Chowk, the Gaddi Baithak, the statue of King Pratap Malla, the big drum and the Jagannath Temple.

Mountain flight: After breakfast transfer to the airport for one hour mountain flight to the highest peak in the world. After a mountain flight tour to Sowyambhu Stupa and after noon free.

Day 4: Historical Tours
Sowyambhu Stupa: This is one of the world most glorious Buddhist Stupas. It is said to be 2,000 years old. Painted on the four sides of the spire's base are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It 3km west of the Kathmandu city and it situated on a hillock about 77mabove the level of the Kathmandu Valley and hence commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Natural History Museum: Situated 3km west of Kathmandu city behind the famous Swayambu Stupa hillock. This museum has a unique collection of butterflies. Fish, riptiles, birds, mammals, plants, and a variety of fossils collected within the country. Photography inside the museum is prohibited.

Chobhar Gorge: Situated a 9km southwest of Kathmandu, this place is famous for its gorge. All the water of the Valley drains through it. There is a small but picturesque temple of Adinath on the top of a hill from where one can take in a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks.

Narayanhity Durbar: It is the present Royal Palace. A famous historic water spout called Narayanhity is situated at the southern corner of the Palace. Foreigners are allowed to visit the Royal Palace on Thursdays from 13:00-15:00hrs.

Day 5: Historical Tour
Nagarjun (Langdalungde): It is 42 km from the City. Climb nearly 700m through dense forest to the sacred spot where the famous Buddhist Philosopher Manju Shree is said to have meditated, enjoying views of the Valley and mountainous.