Kathmandu The cultural heritage of the Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and beliefs that show diversity, cultural tolerance, and respect, displaying historical and artistic masterpieces for which the Kathmandu Valley is world-famous. The seven world heritage sites of cultural importance include the Durbar (Palace) Squares of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur (these are also known as the City of Joy, City of Craft, and City of the Devotee) built by then kings, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu ('Self-Existent One') and Kasti Chaitya-Baudha (largest), and the Hindu temples of Pashupatinath (Lord Shiva, Lord of all) and Changu Narayan (Dou temple).

The capital city of Nepal Kathmandu is the political, commercial, and cultural hub of Nepal. Kathmandu is an exotic and fascinating showcase of very rich culture, art, and tradition. Kathmandu Valley is roughly an oval bowl surrounded by forested hills with terraced agriculture farming. The Mystical Kathmandu Valley as a remarkable legend says that the valley was once a big lake until the Bodhisattva Manjushree raised his wisdom sword to slice a passage through the valley walls, draining the water and creating the first settlements.

Newahs, the multi-ethnic people who settled in this remote Himalayan valley over the past two millennia are the indigenous inhabitants and the creators of the valley’s splendid civilization with a distinct language and cultural practice. Over the years Kathmandu once was the center of ancient trade route connections between the Indian subcontinent and Tibetan autonomous region and China. People from all around the region and country passed through the Kathmandu Valley. With its splendid beauty and natural environment, Kathmandu soon became home to most of Nepal’s ethnic groups blending with the Newahs language and culture. 

Besides these world heritage sites, Kathmandu Valley is composed of several Tangible and intangible monuments, buildings, and structures showcasing an exceptional testimony to the traditional civilization of the Kathmandu Valley. These tangible and intangible heritages, knowledge craft, art, and architecture are now a source of inspiration, knowledge center, and wonder that attracts tourists, researchers, and wanderers from around the world to come to witness and learn. Pilgrimage, Scenic beauty, Culture, and Way of Life!

Swayambhu means 'Self-Existent One.' Swayambhu is believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago. According to translations from an inscription dating back to 460 A.D. It was built by King Manadeva and by the 13th century, Swayambhu had developed into an important center of Buddhism. Legend has it that Swayambhu was born out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of the lake which the Kathmandu valley once was. The base of the hill is almost surrounded by prayer wheels where devotees can be seen circumambulating the Stupa at all times. 

Khasti  Chitya (Boudha Stupa)  Khasti Chaitya, “The Dewdrop Stupa” largest spherical stupa in Nepal and the world. Some believe the name derives from Kasyapa, the Manusi Buddha of the Dwapara-yuga, whose relics are said to be enshrined within it. According to Newari etymology, it is derived from the Newari word for dew, for the chronicles mention that when the Stupa was in the process of construction a drought struck and the workmen were forced to layout white cotton cloth to collect the morning dew, which was then wrung out to facilitate the day’s construction. Some say Khasa was the name of a Tibetan Lama whose relics were interred here, or that the Stupa’s origin was in some way associated with the town of Khasa on the present border of Nepal and China.

One of the most sacred Buddhist temples in Nepal, the stupa is a huge dome structure with a gilded spire with Buddha’s eyes painted on the base and a brass canopy on the top. The relics of Kashyap Buddha, one of the mythical Buddhas, are said to be enshrined there. There are also about 50 Buddhist monasteries in and around Khasti  Chitya (Boudha Stupa). The Exploring of Boudha Stupa will be truly a one-of-a-kind experience. Your travel destination throughout the day will make it very easy to see a big diversity in between such a small area.

Itinerary 

Day 1: Arrival 

On the day of your arrival, we will be there to pick you up from the airport and check you into your hotel. After that, you can take a rest as you will probably be tired because of a long flight. If you arrive early, after taking some rest you can walk around the places near your hotel and freshen up or do some last-minute shopping for things that you will need or buy souvenirs 

Day 2:  Swayambhu Jyoti   – Kathmandu durbar square, Ason  

On the second day, we will rise early and have breakfast as well as the tour guide will brief you on your travel plans. Then we will begin our journey, we will first go to Swayambhu MahaChaitya. 

Day 3:  Pashupatinath - Boudha Sakhu

Early in the morning, we will go to Pashupati Temple, one of the most important temples in the Hindu religion. It is so popular that every year millions of people visit this temple to show their devotion to Lord Shiva. 

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. The Pashupatinath Temple built in the 5th century and later renovated by Malla kings is a famous and sacred Hindu temple complex that is located on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. Historically where monkeys and deers wander all around the temple complex on both banks of Bagmati considered holy by Hindus. The main pagoda-style temple has a gilded roof, four sides covered in silver, and exquisite wood carvings. Temples dedicated to several other Hindu and Buddhist deities surround the temple of Pashupatinath.  

At Pashupati the spirit of death can be felt, It is also very common to meet sadhus in Pashupatinath. Sadhus are wandering ascetic yogis, who are trying to acquire liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth by meditating. They have a very unique appearance with specific yellow paintings on their bodies. 

Day 4: Chagu Narayan - Bhaktapur - Nagarkot

The fourth day of your tour will start as the previous day, rising early and having breakfast to energize you for what’s on your itinerary for the day. So, the first thing we will do after breakfast is go on a hike to Changu Narayan. 

Built by Haridatta Barma in the 2nd century during the Lichhavi Dynasty. Change Narayan is believed to be the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu and Nepal.

Changu Narayan is a two-story pagoda-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and surrounded by ancient carvings and statues. The diagonal beams that support the temple’s roofs are decorated with intricate carvings of the 10 incarnations of Vishnu and various multi-armed Tantric goddesses. Meanwhile, the temple’s four entrances are guarded by stone lions, griffins, elephants, and Sarabhas (part-lion, part-bird creatures from Hindu mythology). Hiking to Changu Narayan Temple will be a different experience compared to the places you went to the day before as you will not only get to experience and feel the spiritual and religious connection but also the natural connection as well. You will hike through the green forested hill which will grant you the view of nature connected with the Hindu religion.  

Day 5: Dhulikhel – Panauti

Day 6: Patan- Khona –Buga

Day 7: Pharping, Dakshinkali- Kirtipur

Day 8: Departure