WINTER SPECIAL TOURS - Around Kathmandu

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & Patan
Day 03: Drive to Sankhu - sightsee & hike to Changu Narayan; Drive to Nagarkot
Day 04: Hike to Dhulikhel; Drive Namo Buddha – sightsee & drive to Bhakatpur
Day 05: Bhaktapur Sightseeing and drive to Kathmandu
Day 06: Depart Kathmandu

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu (1400m)
It is a panoramic thrill flying into Kathmandu on a clear day. The views of snow-capped mountain peaks sprawling down below you are almost ecstatic, beginning a whole chain of memorable experiences that stay with you for a long, long time. A representative and driver from our office will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel. The representative will help you check into your designated hotel. At the hotel you will be briefed about your daily activities.

Day 02: Sightseeing tour in Kathmandu & Patan
Kathmandu is the historical and cultural heart of Nepal and has been a popular destination for tourists ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors. The city presents a wonderful mix of Hinduism, Tibetan Buddhism and Western influence in the Valley. Patan and Bhaktapur, its two major neighboring cities bear immense historical, cultural and religious significances. There will be a guided tour to the famous and biggest Hindu shrine of Pashupatinath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal Boudhanath, Swoyambhunath and Patan Durbar Square.

Day 03: Drive to Sankhu (s/s tour); hike to Changu Narayan; Drive to Nagarkot (2175m)
After breakfast we drive to the Newari village of Sankhu. Now a sleepy village, this was once an important economic hub as it lay on the old trade route to Tibet. It was a stopover for merchants who travelled to Tibet. The village is renowned for the shrine of the Tantric goddess Bajrajogini. We stroll through the market square and make our way to Changu Narayan Temple. En route we cross the Salinadi or Sali river. Changu Narayan Temple, a UNESCO world Heritage site is one of the oldest temples in the valley. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, the temple was built on the 4th Century AD and houses some really exquisite stone sculptures of the Hindu dieties. After lunch, we drive to the hill resort of Nagarkot.  As we are driven uphill, we enjoy views of the valley and the surrounding mountains including Ganesh Himal.

Day 04: Hike to Dhulikhel (1440m); sightseeing at Namo Buddha (1750m); drive to Bhakatpur
We wake up early to catch the sun rising over the snowy Himalayan peaks. Nagarkot is popular for its magical sunrises and many come from far and wide to witness this wondrous spectacle.  After breakfast, carrying our packed lunches we hike to the old Newar town of Dhulikhel. After arriving in Dhulikhel we board a waiting vehicle and head towards Namo Buddha. The hill top stupa at Namo Buddha is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site. After exploring the site we head towards Bhaktapur. En route we pass through quaint villages and farmsteads.

Day 05: Bhaktapur Sightseeing and drive to Kathmandu
We explore Bhaktapur city’s Durbar Square, Dattareya Square and Taumadhi Square. Attractions include the Palace of 55 Windows, Golden Gate, Nyatapole Temple and several temples. Bhaktapur is also famous for its pottery. You can witness potters busy at their work at the Pottery Square.

Day 06: Depart Kathmandu
Our Nepalese support team will take you to the airport for your flight home. (Or stay longer for short tours such as game drive at National parks, rafting, Tibet tours, and mountain biking, etc. - ask us).