Everest Vacation city and cultural guide will pick you from your respective hotel in the valley for an exciting tour of Kathmandu valley. Starting at the heart of the valley, the Kathmandu Durbar Square is the foremost destination for you today. This place steeped with old history and rich Nepali culture from the 16th century till now. The former royal palace from where the Malla kings ruled over Kathmandu, is also renowned as the Hanuman Dhoka (palace).Once here there are many dazzling monuments you won’t like to miss. Visit the majestic Kastamandap Temple (the name of this city is derived from the word ‘Kasthamandap’), a temple built from woods coming from a whole single tree. Then you will have an opportunity to visit the temple of the Kumari Goddess (only living goddess in Nepal). Kumaris selected here are of tender child age and are considered and worshipped in the form of Divine power. After her puberty phase, the next kumari is selected. Visit the famous freak street, a popular place of budget tourist shopping and the hippie’s meetup point before Thamel overshadowed it.
After a lively and exciting tour a short drive towards the west of the city to reach your next destination in the form of Swayambhunath Stupa. It is located on a hilltop, with fabulous Panoramic views of Kathmandu city and green hills surrounding it. Further north from the hill in clear weather, you can view high snow-capped mountains.
One of the oldest historical sites in the UNESCO world heritage sites from Nepal, Shyambhunath ages back more than 2, 5000 years. The stupa complex consists of old Buddhist religious monuments topping with a colossal dome shape stupa. With four mystical eyes of Buddha overlooking four directions in the dome, you will have a sacred feeling of fulfillment in this place. This place is surrounded by green forest with many monkeys dwelling around this place. Hence the temple is also known as “Monkey Temple.”
Our next destination lies in a short distance towards the east of Kathmandu city. Pashupatinath Temple area is one of the most sacred places for Hindu Pilgrims around the world. Non-Hindu tourists are not allowed inside the main temple. However one can visit the surrounding shrines and also view the temple from a nearby spot. The Pashupatinath Temple lies in the banks of Holy Bagmati river. The main temple is a golden pagoda tier roofs and four silver doors.
Surrounded by lovely forest and lush vegetation, Pashupatinath is an important Pilgrimage for Hindu devotees. This place packs with domestic and international pilgrims in mid-February on Shiva Ratri (birth anniversary of Lord Shiva). On the opposite side of the Pashupatinath and bank of the Bagmati river, funeral and cremation take places according to Hindu religion. A heart touching site but a vital experience about the way of life.
Then drive towards the northeast reaching Bouddhanath Stupa. Also famous as the “Little” of Nepal due to strong Tibetan influence here in culture, traditions, and religion. Bouddhanath is a vast white dome with a low tier from where one can walk up near the top. With lovely views of the culture and Buddhist Tradition, you will have a peaceful time. Surrounding Bouddhanath area is Souvenir shops, stores, restaurants, and monasteries. You can experience nightlife in Boudhanath with Tibetan tea in the evening.
After this fascinating tour of lovely historical and cultural influence from your destination, return to your respective hotels.