After breakfast, our guide and private vehicle will pick you up at around 9 am. We will visit 4 most popular UNESCO heritage sites today. The sites we visit are as follows:
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath, a highly revered Buddhist site, sits atop a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu. The base of the hill is adorned with prayer wheels and deities. The name "Swayambhu" translates to self-sprung, with the belief that the stupa spontaneously emerged like a lotus from the once vast Kathmandu lake. The premises house numerous shrines and monasteries. The hilltop Swayambhu Stupa can be accessed via a steep stone step or a motor road reaching almost to the summit. The steep stairs pose a considerable challenge. From the top, a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley unfolds. The site is also home to a local population of monkeys, leading some to dub it the "Monkey Temple affectionately."
Patan
Patan, or "Lalitpur," is a city situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. The heart of this city, Patan Durbar Square, is a UNESCO world heritage site and the oldest city in Nepal. Within the square stands the Krishna Temple, crafted entirely from stones, boasting mesmerizing carvings and architectural details. Pagoda temples, representing the zenith of Nepali architecture, dominate Patan Durbar Square. The streets of Patan exude an old-world charm, with narrow paths and vibrant brick houses.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, is an ancient Buddhist stupa. It ranks among the world's largest spherical stupas and holds UNESCO world heritage status, drawing both tourists and Buddhist devotees. Tibetan texts attribute the stupa's construction to the 5th century, while locals in Kathmandu believe it was built during the early Licchavi King's reign. Numerous monasteries, including Kopan and Fulhari, surround the stupa, known for Tibetan learning and meditation. The area is bustling with street vendors offering traditional Buddhist art and souvenirs.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple holds immense significance as a holy pilgrimage for Hindu devotees worldwide. It stands among the largest and oldest Hindu temples globally, with a history dating back to 400 CE. Designated as one of Nepal's seven UNESCO world heritage sites, the temple graces the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. Dedicated to Lord Pasupati, an incarnation of the Hindu God Shiva as the "lord of the animals," the temple has a legend associated with it. According to the tale, Lord Shiva and Parvati once assumed the form of antelopes in the Bagmati river's forest. One of their broken horns is now said to be a divine linga at Pashupatinath. The site comprises 518 mini-temples and a central pagoda house. Nearby, sacred temples like Guhyeshwari Temple and Gorakhnath Temple add to the spiritual aura.
Having covered all these sites, we'll then travel to Nagarkot for an overnight stay, approximately an hour's drive from Kathmandu.
Nagarkot
Nagarkot, famed for its sunrise views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest and other peaks in eastern Nepal, also provides glimpses of the Kathmandu Valley. The site reveals an extensive panorama of the Himalayas, showcasing eight of Nepal's thirteen Himalayan ranges, such as Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, Mahalangur (Everest) and Numbur. Overlooking the Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park, Nagarkot offers hiking opportunities for nature lovers, including the popular Nagarkot eco trail (nature walk) and Nagarkot panoramic hiking trail.
Arriving at Nagarkot, we head to the observation tower, only 65 steps from the parking area. From this high point, we take in the breathtaking view of the world's tallest mountains. We witness the enchanting sight of the setting sun delicately disappearing behind the mountain peaks, casting a warm golden-brown glow over the vast Himalayan range. Afterward, we go to our hotel, have dinner, and rest for the night.
