Kathmandu Valley Tour 5 Days
Trip Overview
Kathmandu Valley Tour is a fascinating journey in the land of Himalayas, a treasure of ancient culture, breathtaking architecture, and nature's splendor. Your Kathmandu Valley Tour 5 Days starts with a visit to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Located on the top of a hill overlooking the valley, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers panoramic views of the city. The colored prayer flags and the iconic eyes of Buddha further adorn the ancient stupa on this site, which is really a very spiritual and serene place. As you walk through the stupa's surroundings, you'll come across many devotees, monks, and playful monkeys that add to the beauty of this holy place.
From Swayambhunath, you go to Patan Durbar Square, a great icon of Newari architecture and skill. This ancient square, yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses intricately carved temples, statues, and courtyards. The Krishna Mandir and the Golden Temple are highlights not to be missed. From Patan Durbar Square, having soaked up the heritage of Lalitpur, you will be traveling to Nagarkot, a tranquil hillside very famous for the enchanting vistas of sunrise and sunset looking over the Himalayas. Wake up in the early morning to behold the golden rise of the morning sun, awakening the majesty of the holy mountains. It is a rejuvenating moment on the top of the hillside inhaling fresh air.
Leaving Nagarkot, you will journey to Bhaktapur - a living museum that offers a peek into Nepal's medieval era. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of traditional architecture and history. From the iconic 55-Window Palace to the intricately designed Nyatapola Temple, every part of this square reminds you of the glorious past. Don't forget to try the "JuJu Dhau" (also known as King of Curd) when you are in Bhaktapur, as it is considered a local delicacy.
The next destination you would visit is the Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is another historic place in Nepal-housing palaces, courtyards, and temples. This busy square was once used as the royal palace for the Malla and Shah kings and remains a vibrant center of culture and commerce. As evening approaches, you’ll experience the spiritual essence of Nepal at the Pashupatinath Temple. You will head to Pashupatinath Temple from Kathmandu Durbar Square. The Aarati ceremony on the banks of the Bagmati River is a mesmerizing display of devotion, with priests performing rituals accompanied by chants, music, and the flickering glow of oil lamps.
The upcoming day, your journey continues with a visit to Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the largest stupas in the world. It is a holy place of Buddhism, and the monks in maroon robes with the sounds of prayer wheels and mani, the stupa is filled with an air of peacefulness. After experiencing some spiritual time in Boudhanath, you will head to Budhanilkantha - a place to enjoy nature and peace on the outskirts of Kathmandu valley. The reposing statue of Lord Vishnu which is engulfed in a sacred pond is the best part of this serene place.
You will be escorted to Thamel, Kathmandu's bustling tourist destination, later in the afternoon. Thamel is an excellent place to combine shopping and relaxation because of its winding alleyways, which are filled with cafes, stores, and vibrant prayer flags. You can walk around this bustling neighborhood, buying gifts, dining on regional fare, or just taking in the vibrant atmosphere.
You will say goodbye to Nepal one last time, as you hold lots of memories with you that will last for an eternity. The Kathmandu Valley is a stunning fusion of spirituality, nature, culture, and history that never goes out of style.