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2 day(s)
Regular
2-10 people
easy
Temple Tour in Kathmandu takes you across the valley exploring all the ancient wonders around. The Kathmandu valley has always been a traveler’s dream seeking for spirituality, devotion, and ancient practices. A focal point of the cultural and traditional lifestyle of the country. The region consists of several architectural wonders consisting of temples, places, and other landmarks. Having architectural evidence as early as 1st-century B.C.E.
Nepal has seen many rulers and ruling dynasties, which lead to a colorful, mixed history. Kathmandu Valley being the heart of Nepal is a natural basin of a patchwork of various landmarks. Showcasing the glory of the ancient architects and artisans. The valley is considered a living museum of Nepali culture and history and several of them are enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by several temples and monasteries, palaces, monuments, and buildings. Displaying the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world-famous.
The city tour starts with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square exploring various wonders around. Next head towards the holiest temple of Pashupatinath considered the head of the Hindu deity Shiva. Next visit two of the most important Stupas of the country Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath. Then the following day head towards Bhaktapur and Patan exploring the narrow alleyways and visiting various temples and palaces with architectural wonders.
Duration
2 day(s)
Max Group Size
2-10 people
Tour Code
210
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Religious
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
0 - 0
Kathmandu
Kathmandu
After breakfast head on a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.”
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Kathmandu Durbar Square was the old royal palace of the former King of Kathmandu. Also known as the Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the area consists of various ancient temples showcasing Nepalese art and architecture at its best. The surrounding quadrangles reveal networks of courtyards and several Nepalese, Shikara, and mix style temples. The temples are carved on wood showcasing mythical creatures and erotic carvings. The various temple dedicated to different deities dates back from the 12th to 18th centuries. Explore the area and also visit the old palace which now is a museum.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath Temple is 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 see the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River. The temple area is full of several temples of numerous Hindu deities, which gives the whole place an ambiance of a sacred paradise. Regarded at the head of Shiva this temple is visited by devotees, pilgrims, saints, and sage throughout the year.
Bouddhanath Stupa:
The Bouddhanath Stupa is one of the largest Stupa in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes each facing the four cardinal directions, watching for the righteous behavior of mankind and human prosperity. Perched on the ancient trade route to Tibet the stupa is visited by a large number of devotees following Buddhism. Boudha Stupa is a Sararika Stupa as it is built upon the relics of the Kashyap Buddha. The Stupa complex is believed to be a mandala a powerful tool for meditation. A spectacular display of art and architecture of ancient Nepal.
Swayambhunath Stupa:
The Swayambhunath Temple has a compelling mix of both Hindu temples and Buddhist shrines and stupas. Showcasing harmony between the two religious groups. Perched on a hill in the western part of the Kathmandu Valley, it is one of the most sacred and oldest pilgrimage sites. Swayambhunath is Dhamek Stupa, an aspect of truth or reality.
According to legends, a lotus with a fire bloomed at a tiny pond of Naghdaha. From where it was brought upon these hills and a Stupa was constructed to preserve it. Later the present structure was built. The Stupa is popularly known amongst foreigners as the Monkey Temple as a large monkey population resides in the area. From the Stupa witness grand views of the valley and the greater Himalayan range to the north.
After the tour is completed head towards your accommodation.
After your breakfast for a guided sightseeing tour of Patan, the "city of Fine Arts" and later to Bhaktapur the "city of devotees".
Bhaktapur:
The tour of “City of Devotees” Bhaktapur begins with a visit to Durbar Square. The former palace of the king of Bhaktapur. Next, explore narrow gullies and soak in the exquisite carving of the Golden Gate, and the Palace of 55 Windows. Then head towards the Nyatapola Temple, the tallest of its kind in Nepal. Also, visit various pottery Centers around and join in for some pottery activities.
Patan:
Patan the city of Fine Arts. Exploring the narrow gullies visit various landmarks such as Patan Durbar Square, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar), and many others landmarks of the region. The area is filled with glorious architecture and is one of the finest in the whole of the valley. Also, visit the various Handicraft Centre around where you’ll see the art of making carpets and Thangka.
If you have any inquiries or require assistance and further information about this trip or any other trips, please feel free to contact Alpine Club of Himalaya – Walk of the Himalaya.
You will be accommodated in the Alpine Hotel and Apartment or similar hotels in Kathmandu.