Kathmandu
Kathmandu
Breakfast
Easy
: 1,406 meters/4,613 feet
Cultural Tour and Sightseeing
Kathmandu (Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath, and Thamel)
Patan (Patan Durbar Square, Golden Temple, Mahaboudha Temple, and Kumbheswor Temple)
Bhaktapur (Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Nyatapol, Dattatraya Square, and Taumadhi Square)
Insightful tour to the UNESCO world heritage sites in the three medieval kingdoms of Kathmandu Valley
In this tour, you will explore the important cultural and historical landmarks of the Kathmandu Valley. Starting from Pashupatinath temple, a scared Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of the Hindus, you continue to Boudhanath, one of the most important Buddhist sites. Then you will head towards Bhaktapur, a nearby architectural city. After soaking in the cultural splendor of Bhaktapur Durbar Squarer, you head towards Patan to visit Patan Durbar Square followed by a conclusive trip to Swayambhunath, another Buddhist site of great religious significance and Kathmandu Durbar Square where your trip will come to an end.
You will be greeted by a panoramic view of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below once you fly in the sky of Kathmandu. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your trip activities.
You begin your sightseeing tour with a visit to Boudhanath - the largest stupa in Nepal and a center of Buddhist culture in Kathmandu. The stupa is designed like a giant mandala (a representation of a Buddhist cosmos). Our next destination is Pashupatinath Temple. Pashupatinath temple is dedicated to Hindu deity Lord Shiva and is regarded as the most sacred Hindu shrine in Nepal. Here you can witness cremation ritual of Hindus at ‘Aryaghat’, the cremation area of the temple. Next stop is Bhaktapur. Spread over an area of 6.88 sq km, 12 km south-east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon showcases the splendor of the Golden Age of Nepali art and architecture. Built by King Anand Dev Malla in the 9th century, the city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It has remained a model for heritage conservation since then. At Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you will find many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving, and pagodas dedicated to different gods and goddesses – the Nyatapol & Dattaraya Temples, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows etc. alace of 55 windows etc. As the evening approaches, you get ready to proceed to your hotel.
After breakfast, you drive to Patan, one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu. Patan is a destination for connoisseurs of fine arts. You take a tour of the Patan Durbar Square - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the square is the Patan Museum (originally a Malla palace), Krishna Mandir- a stone temple of Lord Krishna with its 21 spires and bas-relief art depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics, Royal Bath or 'Tushahity' and surrounding Hindu and Buddhist temples. Leaving Patan, you take a short drive to Swoyambhunath or Monkey Temple. "Swoyambhu" means "self-created" and refers to the belief that the hill emerged spontaneously from the great lake that once covered Kathmandu Valley. Your next stop is Kathmandu or Basantapur Durbar Square. Listed as a cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that dates back to 12th - 18th centuries. At the square, you will find Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess), Kasthamandap and other temples and buildings as old as the city itself.
Our dedicated support team will accompany you to the airport for your departure flight home. We ensure that that you leave Kathmandu with cherishing memory and an experience of a lifetime. If you wish to extend your stay, there are plenty of exciting options to consider. You can commence on short tours that include exhilarating activities such as wildlife safaris in stunning national parks, thrilling rafting adventures on the country’s rivers, or breathtaking trekking experiences through the picturesque landscapes. Feel free to reach out to us for more information or to help plan these additional activities. We’re here to assist you in maximizing your experience in Nepal!
BEST SEASONS FOR TOURING IN NEPAL
Spring (March to May) in Nepal ushers in mild and pleasant temperatures, typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) in most cities. This season is characterized by clear skies that provide excellent visibility for sightseeing, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the stunning landscapes and architectural wonders. As nature awakens from winter, spring sees the vibrant blooming of rhododendrons and a variety of other flowers. The lush greenery and colorful blossoms transform the landscapes, making this a picturesque time to explore both urban and rural areas. Major cultural festivities mark this season, including Holi, Shivaratri, Buddha Jayanti, Biska Jatra, etc. These celebrations provide a rich cultural experience for visitors. Spring is ideal for city tours, trekking, and exploring historical sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan, and Bhaktapur. The pleasant weather invites travelers to immerse themselves in the rich history and culture, making it a perfect time for outdoor adventures.
Autumn (September to November) in Nepal brings clear skies and cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). The humidity from the monsoon season has dissipated, making conditions perfect for sightseeing and outdoor exploration. This season offers some of the best views of the Himalayas, particularly from vantage points in cities like Pokhara and Kathmandu. The clarity of the air enhances the breathtaking beauty of the mountains, making it a prime time for photography and sightseeing. Autumn is rich in cultural significance, with significant festivals including Indra Jatra, Dashain, Tihar, etc. taking center stage. These celebrations highlight local traditions, community spirit, and vibrant displays of culture, providing visitors with an immersive experience.
ITINERARY FLEXIBILITY
We understand that travel plans can change. Our itineraries are designed to be flexible, allowing for adjustments based on your interests or unforeseen circumstances. If there are specific sites or experiences you wish to add, feel free to discuss them with your guide, and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.
TOUR GUIDE
We have a team of highly experienced and multilingual guides (guides who can speak your language – major languages only). They are professionally trained and are thoroughly versed about nature, culture and history of each place in this itinerary.
TOUR AVAILABILITY
We operate Nepal tours for private team of any size. So you can enjoy your private trip without having to deal and confront with other people who have different interests and attitude. Each trip is accompanied by a tour guide and driver(s). Nepal tours of four to eight days in duration are ideal for an extension trip if you have booked any longer trekking holidays in Nepal or tours/treks in Tibet.
ACCOMMODATION
Kathmandu offers a wide range of accommodation facilities, from 5 star luxury hotels to budget-priced guest houses. Top hotels give you high quality services. Explore Himalaya will assist you in hotel reservation.
MEAL
Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner are excluded in all our tour costs. You will have breakfast at your hotel. In Kathmandu, there are plenty of quality restaurants that serve Nepali, oriental and continental dishes. A good continental lunch or dinner at a good restaurant costs approximately USD 10-15. Full board option is also available on request.
MEETING/AIRPORT TRANSFERS
In all our packaged tours, airport pick-ups and drops are included. You need to pass on your International flight details to us for a “meeting and greeting” service at airport. On arrival you just pass on the Customs and come out of the Terminal building where you will see someone standing with a placard with either ‘Explore Himalaya’ or your name written on it. Our airport representative or tour officer will greet you and welcome you at the airport. You will then be escorted to your hotel where you will be briefed about your further activities in detail. After your trip is over you will be transferred back to the airport in time to catch your flight back home.
VEHICLE
We have a fleet of latest model luxury vehicles of all types and sizes, from small two-seater luxury cars to large capacity luxury tourist coaches. 4WD Land cruisers are used in off-road destinations like Jiri and Manang. Size and type of vehicle depend on size of your group. We use two-seater car for 1-2 persons, micro luxury 6-seater van for 3-5 persons, 10 seater van for 6-9 persons and tourist coach or coaster for group size above 10 persons. Our drivers are specially trained to serve in the hospitality industry. The vehicles are checked carefully before assigning them to your service.
TIPS
Tips are appreciated by your support team after the completion of your trip. The amount depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. As a suggestion, we advise that you can allocate 5- 10 % of the total tour cost as tips.
CLOTHING
Clothing varies with the types of tours and seasons. From April to the end of October, it is warm in Kathmandu. In Nepal clothing for traveling purpose should be comfortable and light. You can also wear longer shorts provided that it is weather- friendly. From the months of November to the end of March, days are usually warm and evenings are cool. Put on your summer clothes during the day time but in the evening and night it is advisable to carry a light jacket. Winter season starts from December to February. One must be equipped with sufficient winter wears like jackets, sweaters, trousers etc. to stay protected from the cold. In accordance to Nepali weather you can have your clothes well-packed in your luggage or you can also purchase clothes of your choice and needs from the clothing stores in Nepal.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip. This insurance can provide coverage for trip cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and other potential issues. When selecting a policy, ensure it includes coverage for adventure activities, as some tours may involve trekking or other physical pursuits.
LOCAL CURRENCY & PAYMENT
The currency used in Nepal is the Nepalese Rupee (NPR). While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants, and shops, it’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and local markets. ATMs are widely available in cities, but they may not always accept international cards. We recommend informing your bank of your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage abroad.
COMMUNICATION
During your stay in Nepal, staying connected is essential. Local SIM cards are available for purchase in major cities, allowing you to use your mobile phone for calls and data. Wi-Fi is also widely available in hotels and many restaurants, making it easy to stay in touch with family and friends back home. If it is crucial for you to keep in contact with your family or others where communication is difficult, especially mountain areas, we can provide you a mobile satellite phone (rental charge on request).
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
We are among the few companies in Nepal to receive Travelife Certificate Award https://www.travelife.info for our long-term efforts in sustainable practices.
VISA
All visitors except the Indian nationals must hold passport and valid visa. Visa can be obtained at the Nepalese diplomatic missions and consulates abroad. You can also get “On Arrival Visa” at entry points. For doing tour in Nepal, you can come with a 30 days visa which costs US $ 50. You should have a passport size photo to get it at airport upon arrival. Some countries’ nationals need to get visa prior their arrival.
Please check http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa for detailed information.
Your booking of this Cultural tour will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of $300 and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.
If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply: • 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (US$ 300) • 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost • 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost • Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost
It is fundamental to acknowledge that trip is an adventure tour in mountains. This requires some flexibility. The itinerary is taken only as a guideline. We cannot be held responsible for any delays caused by International or domestic flights, strikes, Government regulations, weather or natural casualties etc. In such cases, Explore Himalaya shall provide suitable alternatives which will be decided upon mutual agreement. If you have any questions regarding this trip, please feel free to contact us at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com or directly by phone: +977-1-4518100. We answer all enquiries within 24 hours.
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