Nepal Short

Arrive Kathmandu & transfer to hotel KATHMANDU: The founding of this city took place in dark ages. But it is almost certain that a conglomeration of small settlements existed prior to that time, which eventually united as one city. More settlement developed along the banks of the two holy rivers, Bagmati & Bishnumati. Rivers have always been considered, spiritually auspicious locations. The hub of the city was undoubtedly in medieval time as today is Kathamndu area, a temple Kasthamandap built from a timber of a single sal tree, after which this city is named. Overnight at the hotel.

Post breakfast visiting the Durbar square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and parvati temple, Machhender Bahl Holy place for the Budhhists and Hindus, temples house of Kumari, the vestal virgin or the living goddess. Walk around the local bazaars. Also visit Swayambhunath, a 2500-year old site where, it is believed, the Radiant Lotus of the valley-mythology, settled when the water was drained by Manjushri, the god of Wisdom. The 5 Dhyani Buddha’s attended by their consorts are enshrined at the base of the stupa.
Afternoon: Excursion to Patan which is the city of fine arts. The city is enclosed within 4 stupas. These stupas were said to have been built in the 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka of India. Highlights: Durbar Square, the Patan Old City palace with a bronze collection, the Krishna Mandir built by King Siddhi Narasingh Malla and Mahabouddha Temple. Overnight at the hotel.

Post breakfast visit PASHUPATINATH: Situated five kilometers eastof Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple of lord Shiva Pashupatinath, with its two –tiered golden roof and silver doors, is famous for its superb architecture. Entrance to the main temple is permitted to Hindus only, yet visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed on the temple premises from the banks of the Bagmati River.
BOUDHANATH: The Supta of Boudhanath lies eight kilometers east of Kathmandu. On this colossal and ancient stupa, one of the biggest in the world, are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. It is said to have been built by Lichchhavi King Mana Dav in the fifth century A. D. It is built on octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. Also, visit BHADGAON OR BHAKTAPUR. Bhaktapur is known as the ‘City of Devotees’, the ‘City of Culture’, the ‘Living Heritage’, and ‘Nepal’s Cultural Gem’. It is one of the 3 royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur is filled with monuments, most terra-cotta with carved wood columns, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings, gilded roofs, open courtyards. The city is dotted with pagodas and religious shrines. Lying along the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, Bhaktapur is surrounded by mountains and provides a magnificent view of the Himalayas. Overnight at the hotel.

Breakfast at the Hotel. Day free for independent activities. Overnight at the hotel.