Trip Introduction: Kathmandu Tour 5 Days
Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, located in the Bagmati Province. The magical city is home to seven of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which have historical, religious, cultural, and architectural importance. The UNESCO sites include three Durbar Squares: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, and Lalitpur Durbar Square. Other heritage sites are Pashupatinath Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Changunarayan Temple.
Kathmandu Tour, among the tours in Nepal, focuses mainly on a world heritage site of ancient culture, arts, and Hindu Buddhist tribal traditions. Kathmandu Valley is considered a beautiful valley with a living gallery of Nepalese ethical group practices comprised of Hindu and Buddhist religions. Kathmandu Day Tour is not only famous for the culture and Durbar Square, but a tremendous natural hill like Nagarkot, Bungmati, Khokana, and Chobar also offers you delightful scenery of high mountains, landscapes, and wonderful villages. Sightseeing places include the most precious UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which were built by the Mallas kings of the segregation states. Kathmandu is assembled with less-viewed local cultural villages, sanctums, and legends that still have proof of existence and treasure for the ancient hidden temples (known as the city of temples), colorful bazaars, and monuments. The guided tours in Kathmandu have the friendliest local people, and the hospitality will make your tour successful and memorable.
Tours in Kathmandu start with the sightseeing tours just around the cities nearest UNESCO World Heritage Sights, an eye-appealing tantalize of numerous high mountain views from mountain flight, a senior natural view from the Nagarkot and the ethical Newari culture practices in different forms in Bungmati, Kritipur and Khokana. So, the Kathmandu tour is considered a combination of all the attractions contained in Nepal. Without doing tours in Kathmandu, it is difficult to know about Nepal's art, history, and religions.
What to Expect on the Kathmandu 5-Day Tour?
Kathmandu, as the capital city of Nepal, is the most popular city in the country. Thamel, which is considered the tourist hub of Nepal, is the prime location for foreigners. Thamel can be a place for markets, shopping for gear, equipment or any other materials. The nightlife in Thamel is quite vibrant and favorable for those who seek to immerse themselves in music, dance or other means of entertainment.
Kathmandu city tour with Trekking Planner Nepal takes individuals towards prominent locations. The initial tour commences at Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath and Patan Durbar Square. Later, the trip moves towards Pashupatinath temple, followed by Boudhanath and Nagarkot. The final day of the Kathmandu day tour takes visitors towards Bhaktapur Durbar Square, after which the journey comes to an end.
The major attractions of these places are listed below with brief description:
Kathmandu Durbar Square: The Durbar Square is located in the center of Kathmandu near the Old Malla King’s Royal Palace. Another popular name for Kathmandu Durbar Square is Hanumandhoka Durbar Square or Basantapur Durbar Square. The area is marked with meticulously carved monuments and architecture representing the Newari community, who are the natives of the place. The top attractions in Kathmandu Durbar Square are:
- Hanuman Dhoka Palace: The Hanuman Dhoka Palace consists of a standing stone statue of Hanuman, who is known as the monkey god. The Hindu deity stands in the main entryway of Durbar Square.
- Kala Bhairab: Kala Bhairab is a stone sculpture dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. The 12-foot-tall statue represents the god of justice. The Hindu god is believed to have been discovered by King Pratap Malla in the paddy fields. Now, various pilgrims and travelers come with offerings and seek blessings from the god. It is worshipped by both Hindu and Buddhist worshippers.
- Shiva Parvati Temple: The Shiva Parvati Temple is a Hindu temple located in Kathmandu Durbar Square. The temple consists of two wooden figures of Shiva and Parvati looking out from the central window on the first floor.
- Nasal Chowk: The Nasal Chowk, which was used as a coronation platform in ancient history, is in the center of the courtyard in Basantapur Durbar Square. The chowk is decorated with woodcarvings, intricate medieval architecture and the monument of Pratap Malla.
- Mohan Kali Chowk: A statue of the goddess Mohan Kali is kept there. It's a serene area with artistic features that enhance the square's appeal as a cultural hub.
- Sundari Chowk: It is situated in Kathmandu Durbar Square and has outstanding examples of Newar architecture, especially the Sunken Bath and ornate windows. A serene courtyard that embodies the timeless beauty of Nepali architecture.
Swoyambhunath Temple: It is an ancient religious complex located in the hilltop area of Kathmandu Valley. The Swoyambhunath temple is also known as the Monkey Temple due to the presence of holy monkeys in and around the area. The temple is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist religions with gurus and monks in the temple area. The complex consists of a white dome-shaped stupa, shrines, and temples. There is also a Tibetan monastery museum and library in the locality. Visitors can enter the stupa while climbing 365 stairs, marking the 365 days of the year. Similarly, you can see shop vendors along the eastern staircase showcasing items to sell.
Patan Durbar Square: Patan Durbar Square, situated in the Lalitpur district of Nepal is another marvel of Newari architecture. There are many temples and statues in the region, which is a blend of Hindu and Buddhist religions, that are harmoniously residing in Nepal. A fascinating full-day tour with the chance to see artists in action is provided by Holiday Tours Nepal. Among the main attractions are:
- Krishna Temple: the Krishna temple located in Durbar Square is dedicated to Lord Krishna, who is believed to be an incarnation of Hindu god Vishnu. The Shikhara-style monument consists of three tiers where the first floor enshrines Krishna, second lord Shiva and third Lokeshwor.
- Khumbeshwor: It is a small Hindu temple that contributes to the ethnic richness of the square with its stunning woodcarvings and architecture.
- Rudra Varna Mahavihar: Also known as Uku Bahal, the Rudra Varna Mahavihar is a popular attraction in Patan Durbar Square. The area around the Mahavihar contains three courtyards, each with its own features. Its exquisite courtyard and distinctive Newari woodcarvings, which highlight Nepal's cultural legacy, date back to the 17th century.
- The Ashoka Stupas: The Ashoka stupas at Nepal's Patan Durbar Square are believed to have been constructed by Indian Emperor Ashoka in the third century B.C. These stupas made of stone and brick are significant both historically and religiously. These are important artifacts that bear witness to Nepal's ancient Buddhist and Mauryan Empire connections. The stupas constitute a significant component of the region's historical legacy, although they are not as noticeable as other monuments in the square. Visitors will understand the historical significance and architectural simplicity of Patan Durbar Square as they explore.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu Valley, which is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu along the banks of the Bagmati River. The major attractions of Pashupatinath are:
- Mukhalinga: It is a sacred stone representation of Lord Shiva's face, a revered object of worship in Hinduism.
- Guhyeshwari Temple: It is a prominent Hindu shrine where the goddess Sati's "yoni" emblem, which represents divine feminine energy and spirituality, is worshipped.
- Gorakhnath Temple: It is devoted to Guru Gorakhnath, a respected figure in Hinduism's Nath lineage. It's a place of spiritual significance and meditation.
- Western Cremation Ghats: Hindu death procedures are performed at the Western Cremation Ghats in the Pashupatinath Temple complex. Along the holy Bagmati River, they provide a dark site for outdoor cremations, a highly important ritual in Hindu culture.
Boudhanath Temple: The Boudhanath stupa is a semi-circle-shaped white stupa with a pinnacle at the top, which symbolizes Mt. Sumeru (the king of mountains). This stupa is wrapped in prayer flags and surrounded by prayer wheels that are encrypted with Buddhist chants and mantras. You can see the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, which represent a symbol of method and wisdom. Similarly, monks and pilgrims circle the stupa and spin these prayer wheels, which are believed to bring one closer to enlightenment.
The major attractions in and around the Boudhanath stupa are as follows:
- Ajima Temple: Temple of Goddess Mamo Pusaki, who is known as the protector of the stupa. It is located to the north of the main Boudhanath stupa.
- Historical Pond and Ghyoilisang Peace Park: the pond is located to the northwest of the Boudhanath stupa, and it is also known as Ghyoilisang in the Tamang language.
- Guru Lhakhang Monastery: the monastery is believed to be the oldest Nyingma monastery in the area. The main attraction in the monastery is the beautiful statues of Guru Padma Sanbhava, Amitabha Buddha, and Arya Avalokiteshwara.
- Jhamchen Lhakhang Monastery: the monastery has a 32-foot-high statue of Maitreya Buddha. The Jhamchen Lhakhang Monastery is preserving Sakya tradition and ritual practice.
- Samtenling Monastery: This is the oldest and first-ever Tibetan monastery built in the Boudhanath and is located on the east side of the main stupa.
- Dilyak Yebam Monastery: This monastery is also known as the Dhapsang Monastery of the Thousand Buddhas. Here, all the Buddhists practice rituals and other religious activities.
Nagarkot: It is a pristine location located 32 km east of Kathmandu in the Bhaktapur district of Nepal. The Nagarkot Valley is an amazing location to view the Himalayas of the Kathmandu Valley, which include the Annapurna range, Manaslu range, Ganesh Himal range, Langtang range, Jugal range, Rolwaling range, and many more, with mesmerizing views of the Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National Park. The hilltop location is an amazing destination to relax, enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, or lunch, and savor the wonderful views of the mountain range. Some of the notable mountain peaks that are visible from Nagarkot are Mt. Everest and Mt. Langtang, as long as the weather is clear and the sky is unobstructed. Similarly, the Nagarkot View Tower is an excellent destination to watch the sunrise and sunset. It is a great spot to enjoy the peace while staying in the lap of nature.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the royal palace complex located in Bhaktapur district of Nepal. The Durbar Square is a museum of medieval art and architecture that has many wooden carvings that are intricately placed in the monuments and artifacts. Similarly, there are various attractions in the area, which are as follows:
- 55 Window Palace: With 55 exquisitely carved windows that highlight Newar's artistry and historical value, it is a breathtaking architectural wonder.
- Golden Gate: The Golden Gate at Bhaktapur Durbar Square is dedicated to the Taleju Bhawani Temple. It is one of the architectural marvels in Durbar Square. Its exquisitely carved wooden door, covered in gold and adorned with figures from mythology and spirituality, is a famous symbol of Bhaktapur's rich cultural heritage.
- Lions Gate: there are two large and majestic lions, which are placed on either side along with other ancient buildings and artifacts.
- Mini Pashupati Temple: Located directly south of the Vatsala Durga temple, the Pashupatinath temple is also known as the Yakeshvara temple. The temple is a scaled-down replica of the renowned Pashupatinath temple in Kathmandu.
- Vatsala Temple: It is a Shikar-style temple that is located on the east side of Durbar Square. This temple is dedicated to the Vatsala manifestation of the female deity Durga. The temple is known for its dog-barking bell, which is believed to produce a death kneel when it is rung up.
- Nyatapola Temple: One of the most famous temples of the area, it is located in the central part of Bhaktapur. The Nyatapola temple means five tires in Newari language, which translates to the symbolism of five elements. The temple is dedicated to Sidhilaxmi, who is the Hindu goddess of supreme power and success.
- Bhairava Nath Temple: This temple is dedicated to the god of terror and death Bhairavnath.
