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Nepal Heritage Sites Tour
Quick facts about Nepal Heritage Sites Tour
Duration
5 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Maximum Altitude
2200m
Group Size
2 to 25 People
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Accomodation
Teahouse/ Hotel
Best Time
Autumn, Spring
Trip Overview
Kathmandu is one of the best and must visit cities in the world. This ancient city is a work of art. Every alley carries history and stories that fascinate every visitor. There are more shrines of various gods and goddesses than houses of people in Kathmandu. We will visit not just Kathmandu but other places like Patan durbar square, Bhaktapur durbar square ( Bhadgaon), Changunarayan Temple and the hill station Nagarkot. Therefore, the Nepal heritage sites tour is an exploration of history, historical sites, culture, religion and natural beauty of Nepal.
The traditional local markets, intricate art and carvings on the walls, and smiling people with rich cultural values are the major attractions of Kathmandu. The festivals, Jatras, and social gatherings are worth visiting when in Nepal.
The Kathmandu valleys have different religious and natural attractions. The wonders of art Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu Durbar Square the religious sites of Hindus and Buddhists Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath Stupa ,Swayambhunath Stupa and the hill station of Nagarkot in the outskirts of Kathmandu are the places we will visit during the Nepal heritage sites Tour.
- Owner operated
- Price match guaranteed
- Tailored made trip
- Secured online payment
Trip Highlights
- Explore the ancient city of Kathmandu.
- Visit UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati Nath, Boudha Stupa, etc.
- Witness the eastern Himalayan ranges at close range from Mountain Flight.
- Indulge in Nepali cultures and traditions.
- See the majestic mountains from the hills of Nagarkot.
- Experience the warm hospitality of Nepalese communities.
- Make memories that will be cherished for life.
Detail Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport then transfer to Hotel.
Our Company representative will welcome you to the Tribhuvan International Airport. After the welcome, you will be transferred to your designated hotel. The representatives will help you check into the rooms. After checking in, you can take your time to relax and freshen up. After resting for some time, we will go to explore Kathmandu. Our first stop on our Kathmandu exploration is Pashupatinath Temple.
It is one of the most important temples for Hindus, as it is known as the abode of Lord Shiva. Pashupatinath Temple is situated on the banks of the Bagmati River. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the main temple, but there are around 500 other temples that can be visited by anyone. We will visit the periphery of the main temple, other mini temples, and the ghat, a Hindu cremation place. We will visit the eastern bank of the Bagmati River, from where the beautiful views of the entire Pashupatinath Temple Area can be seen.
The entire temple area is encircled by the green Sleshmantak forests, where there are many monkeys and deer that can be seen roaming around frequently.
After the visit to the holy Pashupatinath Temple, we will go for a visit to Bouddhanath Stupa. It is located 2 km away from Pashupatinath Temple and takes not more than 20 minutes to reach. It is said that Bouddhanath Stupa was constructed in 600 A.D. by a Tibetan king. There are many legends about how the Stupa came into existence, but no matter what the stories are, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is very peaceful and magical.
The base of the Bouddhanath Stupa has three large platforms of decreasing size and a huge dome on top. The platforms symbolize the sky, and the dome symbolizes water. On the top is the stupa with four sides. Each of the four sides features the iconic and captivating eyes of Lord Buddha, which symbolize inscrutable, impassive, empathetic, and shrewd.
The four eyes are said to be observed in all four directions of the world, passing out a sense of wisdom and compassion. The Bouddhanath Stupa is surrounded by narrow streets and alleys. The surrounding area is very vibrant, with several vendors, restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, souvenir shops, arts and crafts shops, etc.
Apart from shops and cafes, the site is magical with the chanting of ‘Om Mani Padme Om’, the aromas of incense sticks, and the fluttering prayer flags. It is said that if you make any wish at the first glance of Bouddhanath Stupa, it will come true. Don’t forget to make a wish! After a full day of exploring the religious sites of Kathmandu, we will go to a local restaurant for a typical Nepali dinner, Thakali Khana Set.
It is one of the must try food items in Nepal. We will go back to our hotel for the night and rewind.
Activity: Full day
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Welcome Dinner
Max Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu )
Day 02: Mt Everest Scenic Flight and Full day Heritages Sites Tour in Kathmandu Valley
Today is the second day of our trip, and this day has one of the most exciting and adventurous activities to do in the bag. On this day, we will go for a mountain flight early in the morning to witness the mountains of Nepal from a bird’s-eye perspective. Mountain flight is the most unique and easiest way to get close to the mountains, including Mount Everest, from the comfort of an airplane seat.
It will be an hour long flight, which will provide us with an opportunity to witness the mountains without any hassles of trekking continuously for days. The flight begins from the domestic airport of Tribhuvan International Airport, showcasing the beautiful Kathmandu Valley, then the lush green hills, and finally the majestic mountains. On this flight, we can see mountains like Mount Everest (8848.86 m.), Manaslu (8,163 m.), Kanchenjunga (8,586 m.), Langtang (3,430 m.), Ganesh (7,422 m.), Gaurishankhar (7,134 m.), Cho Oyu (8,188 m.), Makalu (8,485 m.), Dorji Lakpa (6,966 m.), Jugal Himal (6,095 m.), and many more.
The pilot will announce the names of the mountains we will be seeing, providing us with enough time to capture the beauty of the grandeurs. We will experience the stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes of Nepal from an aerial perspective.
After a one hour long flight, we will fly back to the domestic side of Tribhuvan Airport and go for lunch. We will visit other attractions in Kathmandu after the delicious lunch. We will visit Kathmandu Durbar Square which also known as Hanumandhoka Durbar or Basantapur Durbar Square. It is the center of Kathmandu city, which used to be the residence of the Shah Dynasty of Nepal. The entire Durbar Square is very beautiful, with intricate carvings on the walls and the stunning architecture of the buildings.
Kathmandu Durbar Square has so many temples that it is also known as the Museum of Temples. There are over 50 temples of different deities inside Durbar Square. The major temples are the Tajelu Temple, which is the tallest temple in the area and is open to the public only for a single day throughout the year; Kal Bhairav Temple, the stone statue of the 17th century depicting the terrifying avatar of Lord Shiva; and Kumari Temple, the residence of Living Goddess Kumari.
The other beautiful temples are Jagannath Temple, Swet Bairav, Kasthamandap, and many more. Not just temples; the entire Kathmandu Durbar Square is a work of art. The Tribhuvan Museum, Narsingha Statue, Nasal Chowk, Shisha Baithak, Hanuman Dhoka, etc. are the historic and architectural marvels of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
We will visit the temples and museums and explore the area. There are many souvenir shops, local markets, and vendors around Durbar Square. We will stroll around the markets and observe the lifestyles of the people.
We will visit Swayambhunath Stupa after Kathmandu Durbar Square, which is also called Swayambhunath Maha Chaitya. It is located on a hilltop in the northwest of Kathmandu Valley and overlooks the entire valley. Swayambhunath Stupa which is also called the Monkey Temple by the tourists, is one of the purest and peaceful Buddhist sites. It is said that this stupa emerged from the ground itself more than 2000 years ago when the Kathmandu Valley was formed by draining the water of a primordial lake.
There are 365 stairs to reach the hilltop, and each step indicates a day in the year. After climbing those stairs, we will finally reach the top. There are fluttering prayer flags and mild chanting of “Om Mani Padme Om’’ in the background, setting a very peaceful and spiritual environment.
We will take a round of the stupa, revolving around the prayer wheels. We can feed pigeons and monkeys there. There are also a few vendors selling souvenirs. We will explore the area and enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sunsets from the hills of Swayambhunath Stupa are amazing. We will take a while and catch the setting sun. We will soak up the views of the orange-purple sky and enjoy the sunset. We will return to the hotel for the night.
Activity: Mt flight & Heritage Sites Tour
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Max Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu )
Day 03: Full Day Explore Patan Durbar Square
On the third day, we will set out for an exploration of Patan Durbar Square. It is located 5 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. Patan is one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world and is the Malla Kings’ residence. The city still has its ancient charm with brick-paved roads, traditional houses and architecture, and people with ancient craftsmanship.
We will visit Patan Durbar Square in Patan. It was a royal palace of Malla kings established during the time of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla in 1637 AD. The palace is made of typical Newari architecture, with wooded windows, brass doors, and brick walls. The Durbar has stunning carvings on the wooden doors, windows, and walls.
There is a museum in the courtyard of the northernmost building complex in Durbar. The museum showcases all the antiques dating back to ancient times. There are lots of idols made up of metal and wood showcased in the museum.
The throne of the King is also displayed for the public inside the museum. Apart from the museum, other attractions of Patan Durbar Square are the Krishna Mandir, a temple made up of single stones,Bhimsen Mandir, the courtyards inside the palace,Tusa Hiti, a pool for the queen to bathe in etc. We will explore the Patan Museum and learn about the history of the place. We will also visit all the available courtyards. We will see all the temples, arts, and artifacts in and around Durbar Square.
This is going to be a day full of exploring and learning about the history of Nepal. After visiting the Patan Durbar Square, we will have the rest of the day to ourselves. We can go on the exploration on our own. We can visit the local markets, interact with people, try authentic Newari foods, and go on a shopping spree for souvenirs. We will return to the hotel for the night.
Activity: Full Day Heritage Site Tour
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner
Max Altitude: 1,340m/4,396ft. (Patan )
Day 04: Drive to Bhaktapur Durbar Square and short hike to Nagarkot Hill
On the fourth day of the tour, we will leave Kathmandu and go for an exploration of Bhaktapur. The distance from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur is only 12 kilometers. It is one of the oldest medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Bhaktapur was the capital of the Malla Kingdom until the 15th century. It is a Newari town full of temples.
There are 33 temples just inside Durbar Square. The entire Bhaktapur is adorned with stunning art, architecture, and authentic Newari culture. We will explore Durbar Square and the attractions it offers to visitors. We will see the beautiful temples, architecture, museums, courtyards, ponds, and other attractions. We will also explore the traditional alleys, old buildings, and junctions.
After visiting a few places in Bhaktapur, we will start our hike to Nagarkot. It will be an easy hike of a couple of hours from Bhaktapur. The hike goes from village to village in the green, lush hills. We will leave the hustle and bustle and chaos of Bhaktapur behind and walk towards peaceful and beautiful villages.
Nagarkot is a hilltop town on the outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated at an elevation of 2,195 m, or 7,202 ft, and is one of the best places to see mountains from near Kathmandu. Nagarkot is located between the hills, providing green and peaceful settings. There are all the modern facilities, yet it still has the village atmosphere, making it the perfect place to unwind after days of being in the city.
We will slowly ascend to the heights of Nagarkot, enjoying the peace, village life, and cultures. As Nagarkot is at an elevation above Kathmandu, we can also get a chance to see many mountain ranges like Annapurna (8,091 M.), Manaslu (8,163 m.), Ganesh (7,422 m.), Langtang (3,430 m.), Jugal (6,095 .m), Rolwaling (7,181 m.), etc. If we are lucky enough, we can even see Mount Everest (8.848.86 m.) and Mount Kanchenjunga (8,586 m.). After reaching the hilltop, we will check in at the hotel and relax for the night.
The city-night views from the Nagarkot hills are amazing. We’ll soak in the views, rewind for the day and enjoy the last night in Nepal on this trip.
Activity: 2 Hours Heritage Sites Tour
Accommodation: Hotel
Meal: Breakfast / Lunch/ Dinner
Max Altitude: 2,200m/7,218ft. (Nagarkot )
Day 05: Drive back to Kathmandu and International Departure
This is your last morning in Nepal. The sunrises from Nagarkot Hills are amazing and world famous. We’ll wake up early in the morning and witness the stunning sunrise from the view tower. We will drive back to Kathmandu according to your international flight schedule. The return journey will take about an hour in this beautiful environment. Our roads are paved and winding through the lush green hills and forests.
Descending towards Bhaktapur, we will also see fields, people working on them, and the agricultural lives of people. We will go to our hotel in Kathmandu and freshen up for the flight. The representatives from the company will help you to check out of the hotel.
They will transfer you to the airport according to your flight time. We will drop you off at the airport and bid you farewell until next time. Or you can join a new trip like Pokhara, Chitwan Lumbini, etc. with our company and explore more Nepal together.
Activity: 2-3 Hours Drive
Accommodation: Breakfast Only
Meal: Breakfast Only
Max Altitude: 1,400m/4,593ft. (Kathmandu )
If our standard itinerary doesn't fully meet your needs, we are happy to tailor it to your specific preferences and requirements.
Includes and Excludes
What’s Included?
- Full tour by private Vehicle with good driver.
- English speaking guide through out the whole tour.
- 2 nights 4 star level hotel in Kathmandu.
- Full board meals throughout the Tour..
- 1 night hotel in Nagarkot.
- Government taxes & Company Service Charge
- Welcome/Farewell dinner at traditional Nepali culture Restaurant
- Heritage Sites entry tickets according the above itinerary
What is not Included?
- Travel insurance (Compulsory)
- Mt. Everest scenic flight ticket price
- Nepal entry visa charge.
- All beverages and others personal expenses.
- Snacks and other personal expenses.
- Battery charge, hot showers & international phone calls.
- Service not mentioned above.
Trip Information of Nepal Heritage Sites Tour
Best Seasons
Full Autumn (September through November) and spring (March through May) are the ideal times to go on a Nepal heritage sites tour. These times of year are perfect for visiting Nepal’s historical monuments and cultural treasures since they have the best weather. In towns like Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, you may visit historic buildings, monasteries, and old temples as you discover Nepal’s deep cultural legacy throughout these times of year. In a number of rural areas, you may also encounter the customs and friendliness of the Nepalese people.
Accommodation
All the places we will be spending our nights at (Kathmandu and Nagarkot) are Nepal’s developed and major cities. The accommodation throughout the trip will be in tourist standard hotels with all the basic facilities. The rooms will be comfortable, with cozy beds and other amenities to cater to your basic living needs.
Foods & drinks
As mentioned earlier, this trip will be conducted in an urban area, and all kinds of foods and drinks are available. Many restaurants and cafes serve all sorts of foods and drinks, from Chinese to Italian, continental to oriental, and whatever you want. There are also many grocery stores selling packaged foods and canned drinks.
A few of the must try foods during the Kathmandu Bhaktapur Nagarkot Trip are:
- Thakali Khana Set: This is a Nepali food platter that comes with rice, Dal (lentils), vegetables, achar (pickles), and maasu (meat).
- Newari Khaja Set: This is a typical Newari food platter that consists of Baji (beaten rice), Bara, Aalu Achar, Chhoila, Aalu Tama, Sadheko Sukuti, etc.
- Juju Dhau: Juju dhau is a special type of curd, specially produced in Bhaktapur. It is also known as the King of all the Curds.
- Momo: Momo is a Nepali dumpling with fillings of vegetables or meats. It is generally served with spicy chutney and jhol (soup to pair with momo).
- Gundruk and Dhindo: Gundruk is the fermented leafy greens. A sour and savory curry is made with gundruk. Dhindo is a thick and mushy porridge made up of buckwheat flour and millet flour. The combination of Gundruk and Dhido is said to be the best in Nepal.
Transportation
The entire tour will be done in comfortable private vehicles. The vehicle will be chosen according to the size of the group of guests. It will be either a car, a bus, a Toyota microbus, or a mini Bus. The seats of the vehicle will be cozy and comfortable, with an air conditioner, and other basic facilities. The mountain flight during this trip will be done on a domestic aircraft. These are the small fixed-wing aircraft like the ATR and Bombardier CRJ.
Elevation & Distance
The tour involves exploring and visiting many historic and cultural sites at different elevations and short distances from one attraction to another. The elevation of Kathmandu Valley is 1,400 m, while the altitude of Nagarkot is 2,175 m. The total distance that will be covered will approximately be 30 km from Kathmandu to Nagarkot. The total elevation gain is approximately 775 m, or 2,540 ft, throughout the tour.
Travel Insurance
The travel insurance for this trip is not mandatory but is a plus if you have one. You can see that travel insurance is an investment. If you invest in travel insurance, it will cover the cost of any accidents or mishaps during the trip. Make sure your insurance covers non-refundable trips if you have to cancel due to any unforeseen events, medical costs, the loss, theft, or damage of your baggage, compensation for additional expenses if travel delays, emergency evacuation, and repatriation back to your home country.
Entry Tickets
The permits aren’t required to enter any of the places we are visiting during the tour. But there are a few special entry tickets that are required to enter the heritage and historical sites. They are:
- Pashupatinath Entry Fee
- Bouddhanat Stupa Entry Fee
- Kathmandu Durbar Square Entry Fee
- Swoyambhu Maha chaitya Entry Fee
- Patan Durbar Square Entry Fee
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square Entry Fee
- Changunarayan Temple Entry Fee
What to expect
The Nepal Heritage Sites tour offers a mixture of cultural, historical, and natural beauty. There are going to be many historical facts and knowledge you are going to learn about Nepal. Get ready to be awe inspired by the arts and architecture of Nepal’s historical and religious sites. Expect to visit and explore many local markets, like Thamel and Ason Bazaar. There are vibrant shops, cafes, and restaurants selling souvenirs, local delicacies, traditional products, and spices.
One of the major attractions of this tour is the sunrise and the mountain views from the Nagarkot hills. The sunrises and mountain vistas are seen only if the weather is clear and bright without shadows and clouds. Most of the Nepalese foods are spicy for the foreign taste palette. Expect to find the foods a little spicy for your taste, but you can always give a specification about the spice level of the foods according to your spice tolerance capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
This tour can be done throughout the year because it requires no difficult climbing or trekking. Yet, the best season for the tour is spring from March to May, and autumn from September to November. The weather, skies, and views are clearer in these seasons.
The mountain flight is very thrilling and fun to go on. The one-hour-long flight offers magnificent views of Mount Everest, Mount Annapurna, Kanchenjunga, Langtang, Ganesh Himal, etc.
Yes, there will be internet, mobile, and internet connections throughout the tour. Most of the hotels will provide free WIFI. Local SIM is advised for smooth network and data services.
There are no specific health precautions, but it is recommended that you consult your home doctor or physician for any vaccinations or precautions. Carry a basic first aid kit and your daily medicine with you.
There is no strict dress code, but you should dress with modesty. Avoid wearing revealing clothes; cover your shoulders and knees while visiting any religious sites like temples or stupas.
This tour is not physically demanding. It doesn’t include any technical climbing or trekking, but just a couple of hours of hiking. Anyone with basic fitness can go on this tour.
There are generally no restrictions on photography, but look out for posters or signs indicating prohibitions on capturing pictures. Also, always ask for permission before taking photos of local people.
Yes, you must be respectful at religious sites and to people. You should remove shoes before entering temples and dress modestly. Always ask for permission before taking pictures of people or any historic sites.
There are many Nepali products that you can take back home as souvenirs. You can buy handmade crafts, Thangka paintings, singing bowls, Nepali tea, prayer flags, pashmina shawls, etc. as souvenirs.
- Owner operated
- Price match guaranteed
- Tailored made trip
- Secured online payment
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