| Destination | Nepal |
|---|---|
| Activity | Education Tour |
| Accommodation | Hotel Stays |
| Region | Kathmandu Valley |
| Start / End point | Kathmandu - Kathmandu |
| Duration | 5 Days |
| Max. Altitude | 2,160 m/7,085ft (Nagarkot) |
| Group size | 2 and above |
| Nature of Trek | Guided Tour |
| Best Season | All seasons |
| Trip Code | DWT026 |
| Transportation | Private vehicle |
| Grade | Easy |
Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites Tour
The Kathmandu Valley is the most developed and populated urban settlement in Nepal, with a history dating back to 300 BCE. The Newars, primarily Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman ethnicities, are the indigenous inhabitants. Due to its rich history, Kathmandu Valley is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This tour introduces you to all the major attractions (including these UNESCO sites) in and around Kathmandu Valley.
Highlights
- Visit 7 UNESCO world heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Visit Dakshinkali Temple, Chobhar
- Sunrise views from Nagarkot, watch dawn break at Annapurna ranges (8091m), Manaslu (8163m), Langtang (7246m), Gaurisankar Himal (6874m), and Dorje Lakppa (6799m)
- Combination of driving and walking tour with tour guide
- Experience the hustle, bustle, smell, and glorious sights of Kathmandu.
- Take a guided cultural tour of the Kathmandu Valley.
Benefits of completing this tour with Discovery World Trekking
- Free transfer, on a private vehicle, from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel on arrival and vice-versa on return
- Multi-channel communication (Email, WeChat, Viber, Skype, Zoom, WhatsApp, Facebook)
- Online trip briefing after booking confirmation
- Easy payment system
- Easy booking and reservation system
- 24/7 phone communication at +977- 9840055491
- Free excess luggage storage at the Discovery World Trekking store during the trek
Online Trip Briefing
The online briefing will clear all your doubts about the trek, including things to bring (equipment checklist) for the hike, the itinerary details, and what you can expect on the trails. As soon as you complete the booking, we will email you the available dates and times for the trek briefing, and once we receive your essential documents, we will conduct the online trek briefing.
Comprehensive Overview
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, is known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The Kathmandu Valley, in particular, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with seven monument zones, each with unique cultural and historical importance. A tour of these sites is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Nepal. Here are the major sites we will take you to during this tour.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
The tour begins with a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, located in the heart of the city. This ancient palace complex dates back to the 12th century and is home to several temples, courtyards, and palaces that were once the seat of power for the Malla and Shah dynasties. The intricate carvings and architecture of the palaces and temples are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. Inside the Durbar Square lies the Kumari Ghar - home to the living goddess of Nepal.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most significant Hindu temples in the world. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and lies on the banks of the Bagmati River. The temple complex is home to several smaller shrines and temples, and visitors can witness the Hindu cremation rituals on the banks of the river. There are more than 500 temples on Pashupatinath premises.
Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple. This ancient Buddhist site is perched atop a hill and offers a panoramic view of the city. The stupa is adorned with colorful prayer flags and surrounded by small temples and shrines believed to have been built by different rulers over the centuries. To reach the main stupa, you will have to cross 365 stairs.
Boudhanath Stupa
Another must-visit site is the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. The stupa is located in the heart of the Tibetan refugee community in Kathmandu and is a hub for Buddhist pilgrimage and meditation. The stupa is surrounded by small shops selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts, and visitors can get a glimpse into the unique Tibetan culture and way of life.
Patan Durbar Square
The tour continues with a visit to Patan Durbar Square in the ancient city of Patan/Kritipur. The square is home to several ancient temples, palaces, and courtyards that are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. Visitors can witness traditional Newari architecture and art, which is a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist influences. The Krishna Mandir (Temple) in the Patan Durbar Square is famous for its Sikhara-style architecture.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
The tour also includes visiting the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, located in the ancient city of Bhaktapur, a short drive from Kathmandu. This ancient palace complex dates back to the 12th century and is home to several temples, courtyards, and palaces that are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Nepal.
Some major attractions of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square include the 55-Window Palace, the Golden Gate, the Vatsala Temple, and the Nyatapola Temple. The 55-Window Palace is an ancient palace that once served as the seat of power for the Malla dynasty. The palace is adorned with intricate carvings and is a fine example of Newari architecture. Nyatapola Temple is five stories tall and is the highest and biggest pagoda temple in Nepal.
Changunarayan Temple
Changunarayan Temple, another world heritage site, is a Hindu temple located in the hilltop village of Changunarayan in Bhaktapurl. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is one of the oldest temples in Nepal believed to have been built during the Licchavi period in the 4th century CE.
The temple complex consists of a main sanctuary, several smaller shrines, and a stone pillar with inscriptions from the Licchavi period. The main temple is a two-story pagoda-style temple with intricate carvings of deities, mythological figures, and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
In addition to these UNESCO world heritage sites, we will take you to other noteworthy places in the Kathmandu region, including Dakshinkali Temple, Chobar, and Nagarkot.
Dakshinkali is regarded as a Hindu center of power, and animal sacrifice is commonly practiced. In Chobar, you can witness several caves and the Bagmati River gorge.
Nepali treks are incomplete without the views of the grand Himalayas. Hence, we will arrange for morning views from Nagarkot Viewpoint. From this viewpoint, you can get a panoramic view of the Annapurna ranges (8091m), Manaslu (8163m), Langtang (7246m), Ganesh Himal Range (Ganesh Himal 1 to 5), Sisa Pangma (8013m), Gaurisankar Himal (6874m), and Dorje Lakppa (6799m).
In conclusion, the Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites tour offers a glimpse into Nepal's ancient history and cultural heritage. The tour is a must-do experience for anyone visiting Nepal and provides an opportunity to witness the unique architecture, art, and culture of this beautiful valley.
Kathmandu Valley World Heritage Sites Tour - 5 Days Short Itinerary
- day1
Arrival to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – TIA) (1,350m/4,450ft)
- day2
Full-day tour, Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
- day3
Continuation Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour and drive to Nagarkot (2,160m/7,085ft)
- day4
Sunrise at Nagarkot (2,160m/7,085ft) and return to Kathmandu.
- day5
Transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international departure.
Day to Day Itinerary
- day1
Arrival to Kathmandu (Tribhuvan International Airport – TIA) (1,350m/4,450ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 1,350m/4,450ft You will arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu and find our representative waiting for you holding a pamphlet with your name on it. After greeting you, they will present you with a garland and then take you to your hotel in a private vehicle. We provide this service to all our guests. So that our guests feel safe in a new country and do not need to face any navigational challenges.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel
- day2
Full-day tour, Kathmandu Valley sightseeing
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude ,350m/4,450ft We will pick you up from your hotel in a private vehicle and take you sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley. There are a few places to visit, and among them are: Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu and Bauddhanath, and the Hindu temple of Pashupati. These are all UNESCO-designated world heritage sites.
Kathmandu Durbar Square encompasses many historical and spiritual sites along with ancient architecture. You can also see the Kumari Ghar, home to the living goddess of Nepal. We will also take you to Kumari Chowk to observe the courtyard of Kumari Ghar.
Then comes the Pashupatinath Temple, constructed in the 5th century and renovated by the Mallas. On the premises of Pashupatinath, you can find more than 500 temples.
You will also visit Bouddhanath Stupa and Swaymbhunath. Bouddhanath is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimages in Nepal. The most important monument in Boudhhanath premises is the dome-shaped structure with fluttering prayer flags. The prayer wheels along the stupa are a known attraction.
Swaymbhunath, also known as The Monkey Temple, is another attraction you should not miss. As the name suggests, you will find many monkeys all around the Swaymbhunath premises. To reach the main stupa you will have to climb 365 stairs. Throughout the stairs, you will feel surrounded by many smaller shrines. There are numerous prayer wheels set up around Swaymbhunath. The statue of Buddha at Swaymbhunath is the biggest in Nepal.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel
- Included meal (Breakfast)
- day3
Continuation Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour and drive to Nagarkot (2,160m/7,085ft)
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 2,160m/7,085ft On this day, you will visit one more world heritage site: Patan Durbar Square, the courtyard of the Malla Kings. Here you can see three courtyards: Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk.
Krishna Mandir, constructed in Sikhara-style architecture, is one of the most popular monuments in Patan Durbar Square. After visiting Patan, we will take you to Dakshinkali Temple. Dakshinkali is considered to be a power center in Hindu mythology, and animal sacrifice (mainly of male goats and cockerels) is practiced here. Then, we will take you to Chobar, an ancient village on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. At Chobar, you can find a series of caves and the Bagmati River Gorge. Then to spend the night, we head to Nagarkot, known for its astounding morning views.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel
- Included meal (Breakfast)
- day4
Sunrise at Nagarkot (2,160m/7,085ft) and return to Kathmandu.
Itinerary Facts Highest Altitude 2,160 m/7,085ft Nagarkot, at 2,100m, is a popular viewpoint very near Kathmandu. On this day, you will wake up early to see the dawn breaking on several surrounding peaks, including Everest (8,848m), Dorje Lakpa (6,966m), Langtang (7,234m), Ganesh Himal (7,422m), Gauri Shankar (7,134m), and Rolwaling (7,181m). After enjoying the early morning views, we will again return to Kathmandu, but on the way, we will take you to Changunarayan Temple - a UNESCO world heritage site.
This temple is one of the oldest in Nepal and boasts intricate carvings and elaborate ornamentation. You will also explore the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO world heritage site. There are several important historical temples, courtyards, and gates with intricate carvings within this Durbar Square. The square is a hub of religious and cultural activity and is a fine example of Newari architecture and art. Finally, we will return to Kathmandu, where the tour ends.
- Overnight stay at a selected hotel
- Included meal (Breakfast + Farewell dinner)
- day5
Transfer to Kathmandu’s Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your international departure.
We will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tribhuvan International Airport. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Nepal and will be back for some more adventures in this Himalayan nation.
- Included meal (Breakfast)
Cost includes
- Free transfer to and from Tribhuvan International Airport to your hotel and vice-a-versa
- 4 nights accommodations at a selected hotel (Three nights in Kathmandu, another at Nagarkot)
- Guided city sightseeing tour in Kathmandu in private transport and entrance fees
- All transport during the tour.
- Standard meals: four breakfasts
- Official DWT (Government registered and licensed ) tour guide (food, lodge, salary, transport, insurance, equipment, etc)
- All government and local taxes.
- Farewell dinner in Kathmandu after the tour
Cost excludes
- International flight airfare
- Accommodation and meals in Kathmandu before the tour and after the tour
- Dinner and lunch (in Kathmandu, Nagarkot, Bhaktapur)
- Personal expenses - shopping, snacks, bar bills, bottled or boiled water, cold, hot (tea/coffee) and alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi, laundry, telephone call, etc
- Additional costs due to circumstances beyond our control, for example, itinerary modification due to safety concerns, illness, change of government policies, strikes, etc
- Tips for guide
- All costs not in "cost includes" above are counted as excludes
Trip Departure Dates
Note to solo travelers:
If you are a solo traveler, please contact us via Call/WhatsApp/Viber at +977-9840055491 or email [email protected] before booking the trip to confirm the departure date. Please note that we organize private treks only.
You can also use our Free Trip Planner to plan your trip.
Book this trip with us. Here are the upcoming dates. Feel free to share this trip with your friends and family as we organize exclusive private group treks only. For custom trips or general inquiries contact us.
Trip Start and End Point
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
| Price | Departure Date | Trip status | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 Days25 Nov, 2024 - 29 Nov, 2024 | Guaranteed | Enquire Now | |
| 5 Days28 Nov, 2024 - 2 Dec, 2024 | Guaranteed | Book Now | |
| 5 Days2 Dec, 2024 - 6 Dec, 2024 | Guaranteed | Book Now | |
| 5 Days5 Dec, 2024 - 9 Dec, 2024 | Guaranteed | Book Now | |
| 5 Days9 Dec, 2024 - 13 Dec, 2024 | Guaranteed | Book Now |
Group Discount Available
| No. of Persons | Price per Person |
|---|---|
| 2 Pax | US$ 400 |
| 4 Pax | US$ 350 |
| 6 Pax | US$ 320 |
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