Kathmandu, Nepal's capital, is set in a valley surrounded by the Himalayan mountains. It is particularly famous for its religious monuments, various temples, monasteries and stupas that adorn the city's landscape for centuries. This programme is designed to traverse the capital city and its various charms along with the attraction of neighbouring Bhaktapur and Nagarkot. Pashupatinath Temple is the place of great reverence for Hindus and Boudhnath for Buddhist. The grandeur, intricate carvings and architecture of durbar square at Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur will spellbound you. While in Kathmandu who will not like to have a view of top peaks of Himalayas including Mount Everest. Nagarkot is the place from where you can have a sunrise view of the Himalayan range of Eastern Nepal. This is also the popular hiking route for the tourists. Enjoy local Nepalese food and cultural dance show at any of the good restaurants in Kathmandu city.
Meeting and assistance at the airport and transfer to hotel. Rest of the day is free for personal activities.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning visit Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayamhbunath.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: Listed as one of the eight Cultural World Heritage sites by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that date back to 12th and 18th centuries. The visit of Durbar Square includes the temple of Living Goddesses, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence, the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the historic seat of the Royalty; the magnificent Taleju Temple towering 40 meters.
Swayambhunath: Located approximately 4 km west of Kathmandu, this Buddhist stupa is said to be 2500 years old, the stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha.
Afternoon proceed to visit Patan. Situated 5 km from Kathmandu, Patan is also known as Lalitpur, the city of fine arts, enclosed within four stupas said to be built in 3rd century AD by Emperor Ashoka. The city retains much of the old charm with its narrow streets, brick houses and multitude of well-preserved Hindu temples, Buddhist monasteries (vihars) and monuments. A trip to the Tibetan Refugee Camp and the Handicraft Center will also be done while visiting Patan, where you will witness the hand weaving of Tibetan carpets and molding of metal statues.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to Nagarkot visiting Bhaktapur en-route.
Bhaktapur: Perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,401 m, Bhaktapur or Bhadgaon literally city of Devotees, is a major tourist destination. It has managed to retain its brick paved roads, charming red brick houses and way of life that goes back to medieval times. Here you will visit Nyatapola dedicated to tantric goddess, Bhairabh Temple dedicated to Bhariav-the god of terror, Pottery square, The 15th Century Palace of 55 carved windows, Golden Gate etc. Continue drive to Nagarkot. Check-in at hotel.
Evening view sunset (subject to weather permit). Nagarkot, situated about 32 km East of Kathmandu is a popular hill station for sunrise and sunset. Nagarkot commands one of the broadest views of Himalayas (subject to weather permit) in the Kathmandu valley (8 out of 13 in Nepal) such as Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Himal Range, Rolwaling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range) and Numbur Range with views of Kathmandu valley and Shivapuri National park. The altitude of Nagarkot is 2229 m above sea level. From here different hikes (short hikes/day hikes)/trek can be done.
Overnight at hotel.
Early morning view sunrise over Himalayas (subject to weather permit).
Breakfast at hotel.
Morning explore the surrounding. Drive back to Kathmandu.Visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath.
Pashupatinath: It is one of the holiest/sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Behind the temples are the cremation grounds. Chronicles indicate the temple existed before 400 A.D.
Boudhanath: This stupa, eight kilometers east of Kathmandu city is one of the biggest in the world of its kind and one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behavior and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Dev at the advice of Goddess Mani Jjogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. This is also the center of Tibetan Buddhism.
Overnight at hotel.
Breakfast at hotel.
Transfer to airport for departure flight.