Kathmandu Valley Tour

In the morning after breakfast, drive to Swyambhunath Stupa:

Historians believe that the history of Swoyambhunath Stupa is as old as the history of Kathmandu Valley. It was immersed below water when the whole Kathmandu Valley was a big lake. When saint Manjushree cut a gorge and drained the water of the lake, a Stupa (pagoda) was built around the lotus that emitted brilliant light. There are numerous monasteries in and around the area. The area is a landmark in Kathmandu Valley as it offers excellent view in all four directions including the Langtang Himalayan range.

Then drive for an hour to Bouthnath Stupa: this is one of the largest Stupas in entire South Asia. Situated in Bouddha, a short drive from city center, the white mound looms 36 meters overhead. Believed to have been constructed in the 5th century, there are many monasteries around the Stupa as the area has been inhabited by people having faith in Buddhism. Buddhist monks on maroon robes are seen circumambulating the Stupa with prayer wheels on their hands. Numerous small Stupas are scattered in the area.

After here take a short drive Pashupatinath temple. This
is one of the biggest temple complexes in South Asia. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus throughout the world. As a result the area is always swarmed in by Hindus from different parts of the country as well as from India. Located at the bank of holy Bagmati River, the two–storied pagoda temple of Pashupatinath, house the five-faced status of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine, there are numerous temples dedicated to different Hindu and even Buddha Gods and Goddesses in and around the Pashupatinath temples area.

Near Pashupatinath temple is another historic and holy temple of Guheswari Devi. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple courtyard, related with God Shiva’s sad romance with mother Goddess Sati Devi.

After a short hiking thru the Ason bazaar, we reach to the Kathmandu Durbar square is the ancient seat of Malla Rulers of Kathmandu Valley. The palace complex is home to many temples and monuments of archaeological importance and that reflects cultural richness prevalent during the days of Malla Rulers. Some of the attractions of the Kathmandu Durbar square are the nine–storied palace, Kastamandap temple, Kumari Ghar, Kal Bhairab, Shiva – Parvati temple, Vishnu temple with Garuda etc.

Patan is our next destination after lunch.

The ancient city of Patan, lying 7km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts and architecture. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that alowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city of today’s visitors.

It is where the 1637 AD built, legendary Krishna Temple housed. Apart from it, there is iconic presentation of the historical Patan Durbar Square, Patan Museum, Mahabouddha, Hirnya Varna Mahavihar, Rudra Varna Mahavihar etc.

Khokana is a Newar farming village lying 7 km south to the Ring Road that encircles the two cities of Kathmandu and Patan. The village begins with a wide cobble street and in middle of the main streets lies the temple of Shekali Mai, Kokhana’s local mother Goddess. Khokana is famous for mustard oil, which is still made the traditional way, and spun woolen yarn.

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About 8km north of Kathmandu, at the base of Shivapuri hill is a remarkable colossal statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes. This is one of the masterpiece of stone sculptures of the Lichchhavi period. This fifth century statue is in the middle of a small pond and seems to float in water.

The Bhaktapur city is one of the very well preserved monumental zones in Kathmandu Valley. The Durbar Square of it is the wonderful complex of the ancient Malla rulers; that once ruled the three separate territories inside the Kathmandu Valley. The 55–windowed palace, the Golden Gate, Nyatapola temple, Degutale are some of the finest historically and culturally important monuments in the square.

When we are here we also visit the most traditional trade of the people of Bhaktapur in the Pottery Square. The alleyways to and from here are some of the best places to buy the little souvenirs for back home.

Situated at the end of a long ride which runs well into the valley, it is said to be have been built by King Hari Duatta in 323 AD and said to be the oldest temple in the valley. It was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monuments list in 1979.