The Kathmandu Valley (1,300m) is the capital and is an ancient city full of life and culture. There are three main towns of great historic, artistic and cultural interest: Kathmandu, Paltan, Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon). The local people know of an ancient legend of Maujushee. The legend goes that Kathmandu valley was a huge lake and Maujushee, cut out the Southern side (Chover) and drained it and deemed it uninhabitable. The three major attractions for tourists are the durbar squares which are located in Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu Durbar Square-Durbar in Nepali means palace and in Patan and as well as Kathmandu there are durbar squares in front of their old palaces. The king no longer live in the old royal palace in Kathmandu, but it is the heart of the historic seat of royalty. Durbar squares have many ancient temples reflecting the religious and cultural life of the people there. It is also home to Kumarian living goddess, a young girl believed to be reincarnation of the goddess Durga.
Bhaktapur-Is situated 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu. This is a wonderful place to spend a relaxing day while touring the exquisitely carved 55 window palace, the golden gate and old palace, the 5 stoned Nyata Pola Temple and Bhairab Temple and much more. Bhaktapur is famed for its woodcarvings, pottery and cloth weaving.
Bouddhanath-This ancient stupa lies 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu and is one of the largest in the world. This is the center of Tibeten Buddhism in Nepal. There are antique shops laden with Buddhist goods from the surrounding monastaries.
Swayambhunath-Just 2 km east of Kathmandu, an ancient and world famous Buddhist stupa of more than 2,000 years sits at the top of a steep hill here. This temple is commonly known as the monkey temple because of its resident population of apes. The overlooking eyes of the Buddha or central stupa is seen from fours sides and has marvelous views of Kathmandu and the surrounding valley.
Passhupatinath Temple-Located 5 km East of Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple stands along the side of Bagmati River and is the holiest temple for Hindus. This is the temple of Lord Shiva who is believed to be the creator and destroyer of all life. This temple is famous for its two tiered golden roof and silver doors. The area along the banks xxx are lined with xxx where people are cremated.
Nagarkot-This ancient village lies 32 km east of Kathmandu and is about an hour drive which passes Shaktapur through scenic countryside. This route takes you to the top of Nagarkot 2,229 m. From here you can see a breathtaking view of the Himalayan Range from Annapurna to Everest.
Safari, Canoe Ride and Sight Seeing Tour
Chitawai-Lunsini
Duration of trek: 10 days
Max Elevation: 500 m.
Level of difficulty: Level I
Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu, greeted at airport, transferred to hotel
Day 2: Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhanoth Stupa and Patan Durbar Square
Day 3: Full day tour of Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddanath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square and the Temple of Changuanarayar.
Day 4: Drive to the Royal Chitwan National Park, transfer to a jungle lodge and go on an elephant back safari through the park
Day 5: Full day of jungle activities including canoo ride, nature walk or safari, Tharu dance or slide show in the evening
Day 6: Drive to Lumbini about 6 hours through Mahendra Highway, check into hotel
Day 7: Full day tour of Lumbini Garden, the birthplace of Lord Buddha
Day 8: Transfer to Bhairahawa Airport and fly back to Kathmandu
Day 9: Morning, mountain flight and free day in Kathmandu to see museums, shows, markets, etc.
Day 10: Departure from Kathmandu