Essence of Nepal RTN003

4 Nights/5 Days

Detailed Tour Itenerary

Kathmandu and Dhulikhe

DAY 01: KATHMANDU ARRIVAL

Arrival in Kathmandu. Upon arrival, our representative will meet, assist and transfer to hotel.

DAY 02: KATHMANDU

Breakfast at hotel.
After breakfast, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: It was founded between 1069 – 1083 AD. The complex of palaces, courtyards and temples were built between 1200 to 1768 A.D. and once used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. The main attractions are Royal Palace, Hanuman Dhoka, Taleju Temple, Kashtamandap Temple, Kumari Temple (Living Goddess) etc.
Swoyambhunath Stupa: It is a Buddhist stupa which stands at the top of green hillock west of Kathmandnu. It is believed to be over 2000 years old and was the point where Manjushree discovered the lotus of the ancient valley lake. The main attractions are big Stupa, 365 steps, Pratapur and Anantapur Temples, Manjushree Temple along with numerous small chhortens.
Patan Durbar Square: The Patan city is believed to have been founded by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century B.C. The most of the monuments were built between 12th to 18th centuries by Malla Kings. It is known as the center of fine arts and superb craftsmanship of its artisans. The main attractions are old Royal Palace, Krishna Temple, Taleju Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Golden Temple (Hiranyavarna Mahabihar) etc.
Overnight at Hotel on Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 03: KATHMANDU / DHULIKHEL

Breakfast at Hotel.
After breakfast, proceed for the tour of Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Dhulikhel.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: It is an ancient capital of Kathmandu valley and was founded by King Yakshya Malla in 14th century. It was the trade route to Tibet. It is considered as a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculpture, woodcarving and colossal pagoda temples. The main attractions are Royal Palace (fifty-five windowed), Golden Gate, Nyatapola Temple, statue of King Bhupatindra Malla, Dattatraya Temple, Bhairabnath Temple, Peacock Window etc.
Later, drive to Dhulikhel for countryside viewing, soft hiking and overnight stay.
Dhulikhel: This is a city of Newar located 30 km. 80 southeast of Kathmandu next to the Araniko road that leads to the Tibetan border. It was once the capital of a fourteenth-century kingdom that boasted diplomatic relations with the Ming emperors of China. It was also an important trading post for Tibet and China. Dhulikhel is popular for its natural beauty and ancient tradition. The Himalayan ranges from Karyolung in the east to Himalchuli in the west can be clearly seen.
Evening, sunset viewing (Weather permitting).
Overnight at Resort on Bed & Breakfast basis

DAY 04: DHULIKHEL / KATHMANDU

Panauti: Panauti is a beautiful town (the oldest town in Nepal) is located 32 km, southwest of Kathmandu. It is surrounded by lush green hills rich in a wide variety of flowers and fauna. The forest around Panauti is home to a rich number of birds and animals. Panauti is a quaint and interesting destination of Nepal. It feels as if it has been left exactly the way the founders had built the town. A nostalgic atmosphere covers the narrow town streets and ancient structures.

Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is one of the sacred Hindu temple complexes located on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is not known when the Pashupatinath Temple was built. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati, the Lord of all Pashus (Animal), who are living and non-living beings. The existence of the Pashupatinath Temple dates back to 400 BC. C., the richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or the sacred symbol of Lord Shiva. There are many legends describing how the Pashupatinath temple arose here.

Boudhanath Stupa: It was built by King Lichchhavi Mana Dev in the 5th century AD. C. Boudhanath is also called Khasti Chaitya in Kathmandu. The huge mandala of the stupa makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal with lots of positive energy. From its whitewashed dome to its gilded tower painted with the all-seeing eyes of the Buddha, the monument is perfectly proportioned. Pilgrims do koras (circumambulations) in the morning and in the afternoon in search of luck, peace and prosperity for all beings that live in this world.

DAY 05: KATHMANDU / DEPARTURE