5 Days Nepal Tour Package: Kathmandu Heritage & Nagarkot Sunrise in Comfort

Namaste! Welcome to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal! Upon your arrival at the airport in Nepal, the tour guide and driver will meet you at the exit and then escort you to the hotel in downtown Kathmandu. You can have a good rest in your hotel and get ready to explore Kathmandu Valley with your guide the next day.

Kathmandu is the largest city in Nepal, located in the Kathmandu Valley, which is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan mountain range. The city boasts a rich cultural and historical heritage, with numerous ancient temples, palaces, and monuments. Its architecture beautifully blends traditional Newari style with modern designs. Kathmandu is renowned for its vibrant street life and bustling markets, such as the Asan Bazaar and the Thamel district (street), offering a wide range of goods and services. The city's rich festival culture, stunning architecture, and friendly people make it a popular destination for travelers from around the world.

Arrival Ideas: Kathmandu's Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM) serves as the main gateway to the city, accommodating both domestic and international flights. You can fly directly to Kathmandu from major cities such as Hong Kong (5.5 hours), Chengdu (2.5 to 3.5 hours), Beijing (3.5 to 4.5 hours), Shanghai (4 to 5 hours), and Guangzhou (5 hours 15 minutes) in China. Other cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore in India, as well as Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Dubai (United Arab Emirates), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), London (UK), Paris (France), Frankfurt (Germany), Istanbul, New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto also offer flights to Kathmandu. The availability of direct flights to Kathmandu can also vary depending on the season and airline. So, checking with flight booking websites or our travel consultants for the latest information and options is always a good idea.

Today, you will explore 3 World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and Patan. Begin by visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage), one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. You won't miss the Hanuman Dhoka, an iconic red palace adorned with intricate wooden carvings, which served as the residence of Malla Kings for centuries. Most of our guests arm to visit Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess) and Taleju Temple (closely linked to the tradition of the Kumari). Through the Kumari Chowk, you may have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the Kumari (a young girl worshiped as the living goddess Durga), who is revered by both Hindus and Buddhists in Nepal. The Kumari is selected from a Buddhist family through traditional tests and is believed to be the incarnation of the Goddess Taleju (Durga) until she reaches menstruation age. Dashain Festival (October; a 15-day festival) and Tihar Festival (November; Festival of Lights) offer the best chances of seeing the Kumari in public processions. The Bhairav Statue is also one of the best spots to experience Hindu culture, where you can witness local people worshipping the fearsome god Bhairav, the protector of the city.

Then, move on to Swayambhunath Temple (Stupa), also known as the Monkey Temple due to the swarms of monkeys that inhabit the area. Located on a hilltop on the western edge of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath Stupa (World Heritage) is visible from a distance. You can climb the steep stairs to reach the top of the hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and even the Himalayas on clear days. As a must-visit destination in Kathmandu, the stupa is believed to have been built over 2,500 years ago, making it one of the oldest Buddhist sites in the world. The base of the stupa is surrounded by colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind, carrying prayers and blessings to the heavens. It is a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, signifying the coexistence of diverse beliefs in Nepal while showcasing Newari artistic heritage. Take your time to indulge in the temple's serene and spiritual ambiance, basking in its captivating architecture and embracing its natural beauty.

After that, head to visit Patan Durbar Square (World Heritage), which is 5km away, about a 0.5-hour drive. Located in Patan (Lalitpur), this square is renowned for its ancient architectural masterpieces, including dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, pagodas, stone, and wood carvings. Like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square served as the Royal Palace of the Malla Kings before Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered the Three Malla Kingdoms of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur in 1769 and consolidated them to found the modern state of Nepal. He also established the capital of Nepal in Kathmandu. Patan is believed to have been established around 2,300 years ago and is the oldest of the three cities that make up the Kathmandu valley. It is a dazzling display of Newari architecture such as Krishna Mandir (21 golden spires and exquisite stonework), Golden Gate (ornate golden doorway), Sundari Chowk (enchanting courtyard).

Optional Morning Activity:
Mountain Scenic Flight: Take a scenic mountain flight at 6:30 AM from Tribhuvan International Airport to see the fantastic Himalayan peaks (Mount Everest is 20 miles from your window), lakes and glaciers. The flight lasting around one hour. After your flight, we would take you back to the hotel for breakfast.

In the morning, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple (World Heritage) - a stunning pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. As the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, dating back to around 400 B.C., the main temple complex located at the Bagmati River is only open to Hindus. However, non-Hindus can observe the temple from the terraces on the east side of the river. Pashupatinath is often regarded as the Nepal equivalent of Varanasi in India. Originating in the Himalayan Mountains, the Bagmati River is believed to possess purifying qualities for the soul and holds immense sacred significance for both Hindus and Buddhists. Along the banks, there are platforms dedicated to cremation rites. For generations, families have brought the bodies of their loved ones who have passed away to the river, washing their feet and sprinkling drops of water on their faces. It is believed that the river washes away a person's sins and facilitates their journey to heaven. The bodies are then cremated along the riverbanks, and the ashes are scattered into the water. This is the most profound scene at Pashupatinath, evoking endless contemplation on life and death. From across the river, you will notice numerous hermit caves to the north of the cremation platforms. For centuries, hermits and ascetics have been meditating in these caves, and this practice continues to this day.

Next, you will head to Bodhnath which is a focal point for Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal and home to Boudhanath Stupa (one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world). You can join the Tibetan pilgrims, and walk around the Boudhanath Stupa (World Heritage) clockwise, turning the prayer wheels under the protective gaze of Buddha's eyes. This is a way to show respect for the Buddha and to accumulate merit. The Boudhanath Stupa is 36 meters tall and 108 meters in diameter, designed as a mandala to represent the Buddhist cosmos. The structure is dominated by a massive dome, at the top of which sits a square tower adorned with the omnipresent eyes of Buddha, gazing serenely in the four cardinal directions. These eyes symbolize the omniscience of Buddha, offering protection and wisdom to all who seek refuge. Surrounding the stupa, prayer flags flutter in the wind, carrying mantras and prayers for peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom far and wide. In the evening, thousands of butter lamps illuminate the plaza surrounding the stupa. Equally fascinating are the surrounding streets, lined with Tibetan monasteries and shops selling religious art, Tibetan handicrafts, and traditional Nepali items.

After lunch, you will embark on a picturesque journey to Nagarkot (30km, 1.5 hrs), winding your way through quaint rivers, charming towns, and verdant farmlands. As Nagarkot draws near, the drive ascends, navigating through sharp curves and enveloped by lush, verdant forests.

For those with a penchant for capturing the beauty of sunsets, the enchanting town of Nagarkot is a dream destination. Nagarkot has a reputation as the top spot for enjoying Himalayan views from the comfort of your hotel balcony. Sitting at an elevation of around 2,175 meters (7,136 feet), the village is packed with hotels lining a ridge, affording one of the broadest possible views of the Himalayas with eight ranges visible: Dhaulagiri(8167m), Mt Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8586m) Ganesh Himal (7406m), Langtang Lirung (7227m), Shisha Pangma (8012m), Dorje Lakpa (6966m) and Gauri Shankar (7134m). Tips: The best viewing seasons are October to December and March to April when clear skies are likely.

Upon reaching Nagarkot, proceed towards the lookout tower which is about 65 steps from the parking from where you can witness some majestic panorama of the world's tallest mountains. Observe the setting sun as it slowly behind the mountains, painting all the Himalayas in golden brown. Nagarkot itself is abundant with deep forests, small meadows, and fresh wind blowing straight from the far Himalayas. After enjoying the view, check into your comfortable hotel in Nagarkot and get a good rest to prepare for witnessing the first light of day illuminating the peaks tomorrow.

Begin your day before dawn to experience the magical sunrise in Nagarkot. The sky gradually shifts from a serene blue-gray to a canvas of pink and orange, signaling the sun's rise over the Himalayan giants. Everest, Annapurna, and Langtang emerge as majestic silhouettes against the glowing horizon, their snow-capped peaks illuminated by the first light of day. As the day fully breaks, the vast expanse of the Himalayas stretches out in all its glory, a panoramic view that few places on earth can rival.

After witnessing the sunrise, enjoy breakfast at your hotel with the backdrop of the Himalayas, still basking in the morning's golden light. Then, drive 13km (30 minutes) to Bhaktapur, known for its well-preserved medieval art, culture, and architecture. Like other parts of the Kathmandu Valley, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square (World Heritage Site), nestled in the heart of the ancient city of Bhaktapur. Stepping into Bhaktapur Durbar Square, you are transported to a bygone era of Malla Dynasty grandeur. It served as the seat of the Malla kings from the 12th to 15th centuries and was the capital of the Greater Malla Kingdom until the 15th century. The square is an assembly of grandiose palaces, courtyards, and temples. Among these, the 55 Window Palace is particularly notable for its intricate wooden carvings and the elaborate balcony that gives the palace its name. The Golden Gate, which serves as the entrance to the main courtyard of the palace, is an exemplary work of repoussé artistry, adorned with figures of deities and mythical creatures. The Nyatapola Temple, which towers above the square with its five-story structure, is the tallest temple in Nepal. Nearby, the Vatsala Durga Temple, with its distinctive stone construction and the famous "bell of barking dogs," adds to the square's spiritual ambiance. Enjoy leisurely walks in this living museum, where festivals, rituals, and daily activities continue to reflect the traditions of the Newar people. Bhaktapur is also famous for its pottery, and if time permits, you can visit Pottery Square to see pots being thrown, dried in the sun, and fired.

Next, drive to Changu Narayan Temple (World Heritage Site), nestled atop a hill in the north of Bhaktapur, is a sight to behold. It's not just any temple; it's a treasure house of Himalayan art,including 1500-year-old Licchavi statues and carvings. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple is revered as the oldest in Nepal, with origins dating back to the early 4th century. Architecturally, Changu Narayan Temple is a masterpiece of Nepalese temple design, showcasing the two-tiered Pagoda style. The temple complex is adorned with intricately carved wood, metal, and stone artworks that depict various deities, as well as scenes from Hindu epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These carvings not only embellish the temple's structure but also serve as a narrative of Hindu mythology and the skill of ancient Nepalese artisans. It houses numerous Nepalese artworks from the 5th to the 12th century. Among the temple's treasures are the oldest stone inscriptions in Nepal, dating back to the 5th century. These inscriptions are essential for understanding the history and culture of the region. The hilltop location offers breathtaking views of the Kathmandu Valley.

After the tour, drive 18 km, taking about 1 hour back to Kathmandu. Stay overnight in Kathmandu.

It is time to end your 5-day Nepal tour. You will have some free time in Kathmandu and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to your next destination

Extension Ideas: If you prefer to travel longer in Nepal, you can extend your trip to other highlighted parts of Nepal, including Chitwan, Pokhara, and Lumbini.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Nepal tour, we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to Asia. Safe journey!

Note: Please note that some of the sites mentioned in the itinerary may be subject to change based on factors such as the season, weather conditions, national holidays, and special events. We reserve the right to modify the itinerary to ensure an enhanced tour experience in Nepal.