The Taste of Nepal

^{7 Days / 6 Nights}

Itinerary (Kathmandu - Kirtipur - Patan City - Changunarayan - Bhaktapur - Thimi - Mountain Flight - Kathmandu)

TOUR DURATION : 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS TOUR :
 

DAY 1 : ARRIVE KATHMANDU
Arrival in Kathmandu. On arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu you will be met by our representatives. You will then board a waiting vehicle to be transferred to your Hotel. City Maps and detailed itinerary will be handed over to you. On the way to your hotel, our representative will brief you on Nepal, general do's and don'ts and also explain your program in brief. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will be offered a welcome drink, and shown to your room. Our representative will brief your program.

1900 HRS : Vehicle transfer to an excellent Nepalese Reseaturant Bhanchaghar for a Traditional Nepali Welcome reception and dinner. Here you will have the opportunity to enjoy a live Nepalese Cultural programme performed by beautiful young girls dressed in ethnic traditional Nepalese costumes and jewelry representing various parts of Nepal. Dinner will follow this programme.

BHANCHHA GHAR : Which means Nepali Kitchen is situated within two minutes walk of Durbar Marg. It is established in a restored aristocratic house. The walls are built from mud bricks, and most of the floors are earthen. The decor, music, and corckery used are all typical of Nepal. The food is most distinctive with an exotic selection of spiced meat, robust vegetarian dishes prepared with local Newari sauces and accompanied by house blends of Rakshi (Local Nepali Schnapps). Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 2 : KATHMANDU / KATHMANDU
07.00 Hrs : Breakfast in the hotel.
09.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of the KATHMANDU CITY - The Hanumandhoka - Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the historic seat of royalty. The Durbar Square with its old temples and palaces, epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people. It is here that kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. Also visit the Taleju Temple built by King Mahendra Malla in 1549 AD, the temple of Kal Bhairav - the God of destruction and the temple of Kumari (Vestal Virgin) or the Living Goddess - represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju is Buddhist by birth. The Kumari acknowledges greeting from her balcony window. Once a year during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari's blessing. Kasthamandap - Located near the Kumari Temple is said to be built from the wood of a single tree from the city. The city of Kathmandu dervies its name from this temple. The Kathmandu Durbar Square was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

Next to SWOYHUMBHUNATH STUPA - the oldest Buddhist shrine. 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 is 3 km west of Kathmandu City and is situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of Kathmandu Valley and commands an excellent view of the Valley. This Stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal. It was also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Lunch in local restaurant.

14.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of BUDANILKANTHA : Budanilkantha is situated 8 kms north of Kathmandu at the base of Shivapuri hill. It is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is a masterpiece of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi Period. The fifth century sleeping Vishnu image which lies in a small sunken pond enclosure, attracts a constant stream of pilgrims, and prayers take place very morning at 09.00 Hrs. Vishnu is supposed to sleep through the four monsoon months, waking at the end of the monsoon. A great festival takes place at Budanilkantha each November, on the day Vishnu is supposed to awaken from his long annual slumber. Non - Hindus are not permitted to enter enclosure, but, there are good unobstructed views from outside the fence surrounding it. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 3 :
07.00 Hrs : Breakfast in hotel.
09.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of DAKSHINKALI TEMPLE (22 kms south of the City - 45 minutes drive) : The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Kali, Lord Shiva's consort in most bloodthirsty incarnation, and twice a week faithful Nepalis journey here to satisfy her blood lust. The six armed main image of Kali in the temple is of black stone and she tramples upon a male figure. Saturday is the major sacrificial day of the week when a steady parade of buffaloes, chickens, ducks, goats are offered to the Goddess. Tuesday is also a sacrificial day, but the blood does not flow quite as freely as on Saturday. During the annual celebrations of Dasain in October the temple is literally awash with blood and the image of Kali is bathed in it. Non Hindus are not allowed into the compound where Kali's image resides, but it is fine to take photo from outside.

On your return to Kathmandu visit CHOVAR GORGE (6 kms from Kathmandu) : Long ago the Kathmandu Valley was the lake. The hill of Swoyumbhunath during that period was an island. Gradually the lake dried up to the valley we see today. Legends relate that the change from lake to valley was a much more dramatic one, for Manjushree is said to have taken his mighty sword and with one blow cut open the valley edge to release the pent - up waters. The place where his sword struck rock was Chobar on the southern edge of the valley, and the result was the Chovar Gorge.

Next to KIRTIPUR (5 kms from Kathmandu). Kirtipur is a small town situated on the hilltop. It offers fine views over Kathmandu with Himalaya rising behind. Kritipur Cottage Industry is a major industry for the town. As you wonder through Kirtiipur, you can see dyed yarn hanging from the upstairs windows and hear the background clatter of the town's handlooms. Many of the town's 9000 inhabitants are wavers or farmers. Drive to Patan Museum Cafe for lunch.

15.00 Hrs : After lunch sightseeing tour of PATAN CITY - This city of architecture and fine arts was founded in 250 AD, previously known as Lalipur. It is also known as the "Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs." This ancient city lies about 5 kms southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. The interesting places to visit here are the Durbar Square, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The Golden Temple). Your visit will be followed by a visit to Tibetan Handicraft Centre at Jawalakhel. Overnight at Hotel in Kathanmandu.

DAY 4 :
08.00 Hrs : Breakfast in Hotel.
09.00 Hrs : Sightseeing Tour of CHANGUNARAYAN (22 kms from Kathmandu.) Changunarayan is a beautiful and historic temple stands on a hilltop at the eastern end of the valley, about 5 kms from Bhaktapur. Although the temple dates from 1702 when it was rebuilt after a fire, its origins go right back to 4th century, and there are many important stone images and sculptures dating from the Licchavvi period.

Thereafter drive to Nagarkot (about 45 min to 1 hour from Kathmandu) - a small hill station 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu , is situated at an altitude of 2,175 m above sea level. The panorama of the major peaks of most of the eastern Nepal Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) can be seen from here. Best views at sunset and sunrise. (subject to weather). Lunch in Nagarkot. Later drive back to Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 5 :
07.00 Hrs : Breakfast in Hotel.
09.00 Hrs : Sightseeing tour of BHAKTAPUR CITY - Valley's most medieval city also known as Bhadgaon. It is situated about 14 kilometers east of Kathmandu and was one of the three kingdoms of the Mallas. Situated at an altitude of 1,401m, Bhaktapur covers an area of four square miles. The City of Devotees as it is known still retains its medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town are treated to a feast of cultural and artistic achievements. The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected in the Durbar Square. Pottery and Woodcaving are its traditional craft industries. Places to see here include the Lion Gate, the Picture Gallery, the Golden Gate and the Palace of 55 Windows. Here the ancient temples and palaces show the Newari craftsmanship of carved wooden windoes and latticework.
Lunch in local restaurant in Bhaktapur.

14.00 Hrs : On way back to Kathmandu visit THIMI (10 km from Kathmandu). Thimi is the fourth largest town in the valley, outranked only by Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. It is a typical Newari town and its "capable people" (the name of the town is derived from this Newari expression) operate thriving cottage industries producing pottery and paper-mache masks. They also grow vegetables for the market of Kathmandu. Special event during Nepali New Year takes place. 32 deities are carried to Balkumari Temple in Thimi in palanquins. The arrival of Ganesh image from Nade is the high point of the colourful festivities.

Next to PASUPATINATH TEMPLE : This temple is situated 5 kms east of Kathmandu, and the temple of Lord Shiva, The temple with a two tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only are allowed inside the temple, visitors can witness the activities performed in the temple premisses from eastern bank of the Bagmati River. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979.

After proceed to BOUDHANATH STUPA : The stupa of Bouddhanath lies 5 kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal Stupa is one of the biggest in the world, and is the centre of Tibetan Buddism in Nepal. Listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 6 : Early morning transfer to Domestic Airport for Mountain Flight : This is the most Spectacular Flight ever flown. On this flight, the closest possible aerial views of Mt. Everest and Kanchanjunga (the highest and the third highest Mountains in the world) can be withnessed. This unique and awe - inspiring flight takes you past to Dorje - Lakpa, Chhoba - Bhamate, Gauri Shankar, Cho - Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Lotse and Amadablam. Return to the hotel after the flight. Breakfast in the hotel. A day at leisure for individual activities. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu.

DAY 7 : Transfer to Tribhuwan International Airport for your departure flight. On leaving you will be presented with a "Khatak" (Tibetan Prayer Scarf) a s a mark of respect, goodwill and farewell.