4D World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley!
Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, Kingdom of Nepal
The royal cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur, lying at the crossroads of the great civilizations of Asia with 7 groups of Hindu and Buddhist monuments as well as the 3 residential and palace areas, illustrate Nepalese art at its height.
The Durbur Square at Patan, reputedly the most picturesque of the 3 Malla cities
Among the 130 monuments are pilgrimage centres, temples, shrines, bathing sites and gardens - all sites of veneration for both religious groups.
This tour deliver a fine sightseeing programme along with accommodation in the comforts of the city’s finest hotels. From Kathmandu’s old temples, squares and colorful bazaars to Patan, Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath Temple and the stupas of Bouddha and Swayambhu, this tour assures you enjoy your stay in Kathmandu. It offers the best of Kathmandu and the valley.
Day 01 / Arrive Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, meet & greet by our guide and then transfer to our hotel.
This afternoon we begin our tour of Kathmandu by visiting the Pashupatinath, the most important Hindu Temple in Nepal and the Boudnath, the country’s biggest Buddhist stupa.
Tonight we enjoy a typical Nepali dinner in a local restaurant in Thamel Street! (-/-/D)
Day 02 / Kathmandu
This morning is at our own leisure. We can go for an optional mountain flight to see the eastern Himalayan ranges and Mount Everest at close range (cost is USD $120, subject to fair weather conditions).
After lunch, we go on a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomises the religious and cultural life of the people.
In the late afternoon, we visit Swayambhunath, a Buddhist stupa built on the top of a hill from where panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley can be found.
Day 03 / Kathmandu
After breakfast, We visit Patan Durbar Square, another World Heritage site.
In the afternoon we drive out of Kathmandu to Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a World Heritage site known today as a ‘open museum’ and a ‘living heritage’. Overnight in Kathmandu. (B)
Day 04 / Depart Kathamandu
The morning is free until our transfer to the airport for our departure flight. (B)
Tour Cost
Prices are per person, min. 02 persons on twin-share basis.
Dwarika’s
- S$*** Twin
- S$*** Single
Yak & Yeti or Hyatt Hotel
- S$*** Twin
- S$*** Single
Tour Cost Includes
- International economy airfares on Silkair ‘Q’ Class, GV2: SIN/KTM/SIN
- All transfers and sightseeing as per the itinerary
- Choice of accommodation on twin-share basis
- Services of a local English-speaking guide
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees
Tour Cost Excludes
- Visa fee USD $30 for 60 days
- Single Traveller Surcharge of S$300 for Silkair “B” Class, 14-day ticket
- Silkair high season surcharge
- All airport taxes
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide, driver, etc.
- Refreshments including table drinks and mineral water
- Photographic equipment fees
- Other personal expenditure like laundry and telephone calls, etc.
Optional Mountain Flight
Only awe-stricken silence can come close to matching the experience of going on a mountain flight to encounter the tallest mountains on this earth. No wonder mountain fly-bys have become a popular tourist attraction in Nepal.
Mountain flights appeal to all categories of travellers. For those who are restricted by time or other considerations from going trekking, these flights offer a panoramic view of the Himalaya in just one hour. Even those visitors who like the rigors of a trek still don’t miss the opportunity to “conquer” the mountains in one fell swoop.
Travellers take off from Kathmandu in the early morning for an hour of spectacular mountain scenery. As the aircraft lifts up and heads towards the east, passengers don’t have to wait too long to find out what’s in store for them. There they are - the mountains, as they always have been.
Sights to be visited in Kathmandu
Pashupatinath Temple
One of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, Pashupatinath lies five km northeast of Kathmandu. The two-storied pagoda houses a sacred lingum, or the phallic symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates back to the 4th century, it was brought into its present shape in the early 18th century. The temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs and silver-coated doors.
Boudnath Stupa
which is also known by Khasti, is one of the world’s largest stupas. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the octagonal Mandala design. Hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of the Buddha set into the niches around this huge structure makes it even more mesmerizing. Another notable aspect of the area is the presence of about four dozen monasteries around it. Boudnath lies some 6km to the east of the city centre.
Kathmandu Durbur Square
The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. The most noteworthy among them are the Hanuma- ndhoka palace complex, Kumari Dyochhen and the Taleju temple. Even to date, all major state and social ceremonies, including the solemnisation of coronations, are carried out in one or the other courtyards within this complex. The royal enclave presently houses three museums. The monuments in and around the area are so mesmerising that each appears more wondrous than the one next to it.
Swayambhunath Stupa
One of the world’s oldest Buddhist shrines, the stupa graces a hilltop, 77 metres above the Valley bottom. Situated six km to the west of the city-centre, this huge dome-like structure is surmounted by 13 gilded rings representing 13 Heavens and an elaborate canopy.
Patan Durbur Square
Nowhere else can be seen such a collection of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old Royal Palace, what dominates all others in grace and grandeur in this complex is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this Shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a saviour deity in Hindu pantheon, and it is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayan and Mahabharat. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity.
Bhaktapur Durbur Square
Of the Valley’s three Durbar Squares, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved one. Still emanating the medieval aura, this splendid palatial complex has its gems in such artistic masterpieces as the 55-Windows Palace, the Golden Gate, Golden Spout, the Taleju temple complex and Nyataponla - the Five-Storied Temple - in the nearby Taumadhi Square. The 15th-century Dattatreya temple and the world famous Peacock Window at Tachapal, the terra-cotta windows at Tahamala and Nepal’s largest Shiva Lingum at Hanumanghat are also there to keep visitors spellbound.
