Destinations Cover
Kathmandu - Nagarkot
Tour Overview
Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is located mainly in the Himalayas but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. With an estimated population of 26.4 million, it is 48th largest country by population and 93rd largest country by area. Kathmandu is the capital city and largest city of Nepal with a population of 1.5 million in the city proper, and 5 million in its wider urban agglomeration across the Kathmandu Valley. Nagarkot is a village in central Nepal, at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley. It’s known for its views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest to the northeast, which are especially striking at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding scrubland is laced with trails and home to many butterflies. To the west is the ancient, pagoda-style Changunarayan Temple, dedicated to Vishnu and a Hindu pilgrimage site.
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu - Mountain Kingdom
Attractions: The Garden of Dreams,Newari architecture
On arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel by a private car. Check in at the hotel. Rest of the day at leisure to explore on own. Lots of optional activities to select from – hot-air balloon with 20 persons gondola, go for an adrenaline adventure - bungy jump – balance yourself on the 500 feet suspension bridge nestled within the mountains climbing with prior permissions canyon, ice-climbing, rock climb, climb trekking peaks, zip flying, sky diving, rafting, kayaking etc. Nepal also has a lot of culture and you can participate in any one of the specialized tours like Food & Culinary tour, Village tour, Cultural tour etc. Nepal also has a lot of spirituality like meditation, ayurveda etc. Kathmandu is an incredibly diverse historic city with breathtaking Newari architecture, centuries old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites along with dedicated tourist-friendly accommodation and restaurants. The city has endless ceremonial processions in the streets with throngs of devotees seeking joy in spiritual celebrations. The religious festivals are steeped in traditions. Get a glimpse of ‘Kumari’ – the living goddess at Kumari Ghar in Basantapur in Durbar Square. You can also visit ‘The Garden of Dreams’ if looking for quality time in the city. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
Day 2: Kathmandu
Attractions: Pashupatinath Temple,Boudhanath Stupa,Swayambhunath Temple,Durbar Square
After breakfast, proceed for tour of Kathmandu – first visit the popular ‘Pashupatinath Temple’ – it is spiritually healing and enlightening. The holiest shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, it is one of the four most important religious sites in Asia for devotees of Shiva. Only Hindus are allowed inside the gates of the main temple. The inner sanctum has a Shiva lingam and outside sits the largest statue of Nandi the bull, the vehicle of Shiva. Pashupatinath Temple is one of the 8 UNESCO Cultural Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. Then visit – the Boudhanath Stupa – it is the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism. Then visit the ‘Swayambhunath Temple’ – this is an ancient religious architecture atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees', for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. It is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. One has to climb many steps to reach on the top, but the climb is worth it. After this the rest of the day you can spend on your own – visit the ‘Durbar Square’ - Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom is one of three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square was where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimised, and from where they ruled (‘durbar’ means palace). As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. Kathmandu is also a shoppers’ paradise. Many of the shops, galleries and boutiques various wares providing that special something for you and your loved ones. It offers everything from luxury boutiques, shopping centres, to bargain outlets and markets. There are numerous tourist shops on the main streets and in the hotel arcades brimming with tempting jewellery, statues, and other typical Nepalese handicraft. Each place has its specialty product which is unique. Bhaktapur, for instance, is the place to buy pottery. The Traditional Craftsman's Colony in Patan is a famous center for Nepalese handicraft. You may get carved-wooden items while at Patan. As for jewellery, buyers can opt for loose gems or custom-made items. You can buy – handicrafts, arts & antiques, metal works, thankas, handwoven cloths, paper products made out of rice paper, Pashmina shawls and lots more. Overnight at Kathmandu hotel.
Day 3: Kathmandu – Nagarkot
Attractions: Bhaktapur Durbar Square,Tamang Village,Taleju Temple
After breakfast, check out and depart for Nagarkot (approx 1 hour drive). Enroute stop at ‘Bhaktapur’ – it literally translates to Place of devotees. It is an ancient Newar city in the east corner of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, about 8 miles from the capital city, Kathmandu. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the plaza in front of the royal palace. Major attractions here are - houses the 55-window Palace which was constructed by King Jitamitra Malla and was home to royalty until 1769. It is now a national gallery. Close by is the Golden Gate which is home to the Taleju Temple. This temple, like others in the main towns of the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani and includes shrines to both the Taleju Bhawani and Kumari. Entrance to the temple is restricted and the living goddess strictly cannot be photographed. The Durbar square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The royal palace was originally situated at Dattaraya square and was only later moved to the Durbar square location. Then proceed to Nagarkot. Arrive and check in at hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Nagarkot is surrounded by thickly forested hills of pine trees which give you an idyllic scene. It is a rustic resort high on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu valley. It is an outstanding hilltop that offers great views of Himalayas, breathtaking mountain scenery and the most impressive views of sunrise and sunset. There are several pleasant strolls around the rural countryside of Nagarkot. Here, you can savour the beauty of majestic mountains under comfort and quiet. Or if you wish you can do pony-riding, a visit to Tamang Village, bird-watching, meditation and yoga, hiking or simply stretch out in a terrace with a vodka cocktail and listen to the noise of rattling winds, you will definitely caught up the holiday mood. Overnight at Nagarkot hotel.
Day 4: Nagarkot
Attractions: Indrawati river valley,Mt. Everest
After breakfast, rest of the day at leisure. The best part is to get up very early and catch the scenic sunrise. Lots of things to do – get a panoramic view of Mount Everest (on a clear day), get excellent views of the Indrawati river valley, go on a short trek, have a picnic at a scenic spot. A popular nature trail is the easy two to three hour trekking loop which passes through terraced hills, forests, fields of mustard flowers and rustic farm houses. Nagarkot is surrounded by thickly forested hills of pine trees which give you an idyllic escape- with only the wind and the sound of rustling leaves to disturb you. It is a rustic resort high on the northern fringe of the kathmandu valley. It is an outstanding hilltop that offers great views of Himalayas, breathtaking mountain scenery and the most impressive views of sunrise and sunset. From Nagarkot, one see the breathtaking views of the major himalayan peaks of Nepal like Manaslu, Ganesh, Langtang, dorje Lakpa, sisa pagma, Choyu, Gauri Shankar, etc. On a clear crystal day, one can even see the tip of Mt. Everest(8848 m) from here. Many tourists go to Nagarkot at afternoon, stay at one of the resorts to view early morning sunrise over the mountains. Overnight at Nagarkot hotel.
Day 5: Depart Nagarkot
After breakfast, check out and transfer back to Kathmandu airport for your departure flight.
Inclusions / Exclusions
Tour cost includes:
Accommodation in hotels as mentioned in the itinerary.
Sightseeing and entrance fees as per the itinerary in air-conditioned car.
Daily breakfast.
Tour cost does not includes:
Extras at the hotel.
Meals other then breakfast.
Monument entry charges.
Domestic airfare if applicable.
Personal Purchases.
International Airfares.