Our one-day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Day Tour covers the famous 4 UNESCO world heritage sites. This package covers the holy Pashupatinath Temple revered for its religious significance among Hindus. Also, the city of Patan will take you back in time with its fusion of Hindu and Buddhist Monuments. Let’s not forget the center of Tibetan Buddhism- Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. This package is a dive into the history of the two most prolific religions with the mix of culture and traditions of Nepalese.
The Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is a region that comprises three major cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. As the capital city of Nepal, this valley holds immense historical importance. It has seven UNESCO world heritage sites. These sites present a unique blend of cultural heritage and old traditional architecture. The streets of Kathmandu showcase a harmony of ancient traditions and modern advancements. Exploring this city allows you to witness religious sites like the renowned Pashupatinath Temple. This temple holds a deep reverence and is one of the most sacred Hindu temples worldwide.
Beyond its historical significance, the Kathmandu Valley is a melting pot of various ethnic groups. The valley is home to Newars, Tamangs, Brahmins, Chhetris, and many other communities. Each of them has its distinct culture, traditions, and vibrant festivals. During festivals like Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, and Bisket Jatra, the streets come alive with traditional rituals. The dances and traditional music is full of vibrant energy. It is a remarkable opportunity to immerse in the local culture.
Let's have a detailed look at the sites we will be visiting in the Kathmandu Package:
Swayambhunath is one of the most sacred religious sites of Buddhists. It rests on a hillock 3 km west from Kathmandu. The base of the hill is surrounded by prayer wheels and deities. The name "Swayambhu" means self-sprung. It is said that the stupa was self-created as a lotus from the big lake, which was once Kathmandu. It has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.
There are two routes to the hilltop Swayambhu Stupa. One is a steep stone step leading up to the shrine, and another is a motor road going almost to the top. The steep stairs are quite a challenge.
From the top, you can see the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. A large number of people visit Swayambhu throughout the day. Most of them are Buddhist devotees. Also, many local monkeys have made their home around the stupa. Some people also call the site "Monkey Temple".
Here are the most important monuments you will see while visiting the stupa:
Patan, also known as "Lalitpur," is a city that lies 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square, which lies in the heart of this city, is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also considered the oldest city in Nepal. Krishna Temple, one of the temples in durbar square, is entirely made up of stones. The carvings and the architectural details of this temple are simply mesmerizing. Pagoda temples are the pinnacle of Nepali architecture. They envelop the entirety of Patan Durbar Square. The streets of Patan have an old charm with narrow paths and vibrant brick houses. A beautiful harmony of Hindu and Buddhist cultures envelop this city. The atmosphere here will take you back in time.
Major Places in Patan with Historical and Cultural Significance:
Boudhanath Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular destination for tourists and Buddhist devotees. According to Tibetan texts, Boudhanath Stupa was built in the 5th century. However, the people of Kathmandu believe that the stupa was built during the period of the early Licchavi King. There are a lot of monasteries around the stupa. The most popular of them are Kopan and Fulhari. They are famous for learning Tibetan and meditation purposes. The area around the stupa is full of street vendors selling traditional Buddhist art and souvenirs. Also, the place is famous for rooftop restaurants, as you can enjoy the tranquil view of Boudhanath while indulging in various cuisines.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important holy pilgrimage sites for Hindu devotees worldwide. It is among the largest and oldest Hindu temples in the world. Its existence is recorded as early as 400 CE. The temple is also one of Nepal's seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. It lies along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. The temple is dedicated to Lord Pasupati - an incarnation of the Hindu God Shiva as "lord of the animals". According to a legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati once took the form of antelope in the forest near the Bagmati River. He broke a horn there, and now it is worshiped as a divine linga at Pashupatinath. The whole site includes 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house. Some sacred temples like Guhyeshwari Temple and Gorakhnath Temple lie near Pashupatinath. Every year millions of visitors arrive during Shiva-Ratri-considered the most important festival for Shiva devotees.
After having breakfast at your hotel, we will start the trip at 9 in the morning. We will pick you up at our hotel in our private vehicle with our trusted guide. First, we will head to Swayambhunath Temple, which will take us about 30 minutes from our hotel. You can take the steep stairs or the motor road that will take you almost up to the top. The stairs path is quite challenging but worthwhile. We will enjoy the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley from the viewpoint. The stupa is a sight to behold, and the surrounding prayer wheels have a vibrant tone. Our guide will provide you with the details of every monastery and shrine in that area. After clicking some pictures and exploring the stupa in and out, we will head for our second destination for the day - Patan.
It will take us about an hour to reach Patan, depending on the traffic. We will start exploring Patan Durbar Square and its many temples. The whole of durbar square is filled with pagoda-style temples and shikhara-style temples, two of Nepal's most prominent architectural styles. We will also visit the Patan Museum and explore the arts dating back to the thirteenth century. The museum was once a royal palace, and the building itself is a sight to behold. Afterward, we may indulge in some Newari cuisines along the streets of Patan and prepare for our next destination- Pashupatinath Temple.
The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in the world. It is mandatory to take off your shoes before entering the holy temple. Our guide will happily inform you of the temples and their religious significance along the way. The temple is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture and inside is covered with silver sheets with four doors. Exploring the whole Pashupati area may take a while.
After that, we will head for Boudhanath Stupa. Depending on the traffic, it may take 15-20 mins or more to reach there. The streets of Bouddha are lively and bustling. Buddhist devotees can be seen praying and patrolling around the stupa. The stupa is very captivating to look at. The eyes, prayer flags, and serene atmosphere of Boudhanath at dawn are mesmerizing. You can have lunch at one of the rooftop restaurants and enjoy the view from the top. After enjoying the streets and famous monasteries, we will head back to our hotel in our vehicle, looking back at our adventure.
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Accessible Adventures has been a reputable tour operator providing treks and excursions throughout Nepal for over 10 years. We are dependable and will meet all of your requirements. In addition, Accessible Adventures has a hotel in Kathmandu where we can give you accommodations specifically catered to your needs. Our team of experienced tour guides has undergone rigorous training programs, honing their skills in navigation, local topography, and route planning. Their extensive preparation and practice ensure a seamless journey for you. Drawing from our experiences in various regions, we excel at customizing excursions, adding a warm and intimate touch to your trip.
At Accessible Adventures, we treat each customer like a member of our own family, providing the utmost professional service. Our aim is to create unforgettable adventures while prioritizing your comfort and satisfaction.
Kathmandu's climate is generally warm from April to October. The average temperature during this time is 26 degrees C ( 80 d F). June is the hottest time in Kathmandu, and January is the coldest. From October to February, the temperature is cold, with an average low of 38°F and a high of 65°F. The best time to visit Kathmandu is from September to November. You'll find dry weather, clear skies, and plenty of cultural events during this time of the year. The city of temples is vibrant during this time of year. Honestly, any time of the year is good for visiting Kathmandu, as the weather is very mild compared to other places in Nepal.
Foreign nationals, with the exception of Indian citizens, must obtain a visa to enter Nepal. Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, visitors can apply for a visa, and it is also possible to extend the visa at the central immigration office. For further information, please visit www.immigration.gov.np. The current visa fee is USD 50 for a 30-day stay, and the payment must be made in cash upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, citizens of China and the SAARC countries are eligible for a free visa. To apply for a visa, you will need a passport valid for at least six months and a passport-size photo.
