KATHMANDU VALLEY & SUBURB TOUR - Bhutan Omkara Tours and Travels

The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is situated at an altitude of 1336 m above sea level and covers the area of 218 square miles. The valley today incorporates three major settlements; Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan, each have their own distinctive character with outstanding temples, works of art and architecture and a varied calendar of feasts and festivals, all three have their roots in being capital cities of the valleys three principality’s in times gone by. Today the valley is full of skillfully built temples and places, delicately engraved stone, wood and metal images and the history laden shrines that stand as a testimony to the ancient rich architectural achievements.

Kathmandu Durbar Square: Situated in the heart of old Kathmandu city at Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square never fails to impress first time visitors with its ensemble of palaces, courtyards and temples built during the Malla period. The Durbar Square includes the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, the historic seat of the royalty; the magnificent Taleju Temple towering more than 40 meters; Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari; Ashok Vinayak, also called Kathmandu Ganesh, a temple without a filial; and Kal Bhairav, the God of Wrath. The capital takes its name from the giant pagoda of Kasthamandap (Now destroyed by earthquake of 2015), which is said to have been built out of a single tree. Since the time of the Malla kings, the Durbar Square has been the city’s social, religious and political focal point. The entire area is one of the busiest market places with shops selling the vegetable, local spices, clothes etc.

Swayambhunath: Considered as Resting on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu, it is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. Located at the of 77 m from the ground level it has magnificent bird’s eye view of crowded Kathmandu Valley.

Patan City: Visit Patan Durbar Square, like its counterpart in Kathmandu, is an enchanting mélange of palace buildings, artistic courtyards and graceful pagoda temples. Listed as a World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s religious and social life, and houses a museum containing an array of bronze statues and religious objects. One remarkable monument here is a 17th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Krishna – Krishna Mandir built entirely of stone with rare stone carvings on its walls depicting the epic wars from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Pashupatinath: One of the most sacred temple of Hindu, Pashupatinath is situated 5 km east of Kathmandu. The two-tiered pagoda with golden roofs and silver doors houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbol, of Lord Shiva. Chronicles indicate the temple existed before 400 A.D. Pashupathinath is also the most sacred place where the Hindus cremate the deceased.

Bouddhanath: This colossal and ancient Buddhist Stupa, one of the biggest in the World, has the all-seeing   eyes of Lord Buddha. Situated 8 km to the east of downtown Kathmandu, Bouddhanath is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu, visible as soon as you land at the Tribhuvan International Airport.

Nagarkot: Located 30 km to the east of Kathmandu on the valley rim, Nagarkot is for those on the lookout for Himalayan scenery and rural serenity. Nagarkot, situated at an elevation of 2,175 m, provides a panorama of five of the world’s 10 tallest peaks including Mt. Everest. On a clear weather one can observe stunning sunrise and sunset from this beautiful hill station.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur is listed as a World Heritage by UNESCO for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and pottery and handicraft. Actually Bhaktapur is really crucial for the Hindu temples, Museums, Newari People. It has own its features which attracts lots of tourists for the sightseeing, there is lots of Hindu philosophy.

Bhaktapur’s main square, Durbar Square, houses the 55-window Palace which was constructed by King Jitamitra Malla and was home to royalty until 1769. It is now a National Gallery. Close by is the Golden Gate which leads into Mulchok Court which is home to the Taleju Temple. This temple, like others in the main towns of the Kathmandu Valley, is dedicated to the goddess Taleju Bhawani and includes shrines to both the Taleju Bhawani and Kumari. Entrance to the temple is restricted to Hindus and the living goddess strictly cannot be photographed. The Durbar square is surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newari artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The royal palace was originally situated at Dattaraya square and was only later moved to the Durbar square location.

Day free until departure transfer to the airport for onward journey