Today is the day to explore the cultural, religious, and historical sites of Kathmandu valley. Out of the seven, you will visit four UNESCO world heritage sites. They are Pashupatinath temple, Swyambhunath (also known as the monkey temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu is the heart of Nepal for its ancient history and culture. It is a well-known destination for both international and domestic tourists.
The city is a marvelous amalgamation of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Western cultural influences. It has a rich historical, cultural, and religious legacy. This entire legacy is reflected in many temples, monuments, and artifacts that it contains.
Have your hot breakfast at the hotel. You will be taken on a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu valley. Your city tour guide will pick you up from the hotel at 9’o clock in the morning. He has core information about all the related heritage sites that you are going to visit.
You will begin your tour from Swyambhunath stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Thereafter, discover the most famous and revered Hindu shrine ‘Pashupatinath temple.
And the largest Buddhist stupa in south Asia- the Boudhanath stupa, contains both Buddhist and Hindu shrines. It stands as testimony to the religious harmony that exists in the country.
Kathmandu durbar square is located at the heart of the bustling city. It is one of three old Durbar Squares (royal palace) inside the valley. It is also known as the Basantapur or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square.
The Royal Palace is full of temples and ancient buildings that are dedicated to Hindu gods. Hence, it is a prime attraction for first-time visitors with its intricate wood carvings and rich history.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the sacred Hindu temples of Nepal dedicated to the incarnation of the Hindu god Shiva. The holiest temple of Hindus is situated on both banks of the Bagmati river on the eastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
It is also known as the “temple of living beings” that stands as a symbol of faith, religion, culture, and tradition. The shrine is famous for its awe-inspiring and notable pagoda architecture. The main temple of Pashupatinath is a building with a bunk roof and a gold spire.
Every year, this holy place attracts thousands of elderly followers of Hinduism to pay respect and seek blessings from Lord Shiva. It is a temple with a special atmosphere of death. Death is present in almost every ritual and every corner of it.
Boudhanath Stupa is also known as “Boudhanath Khasti Chaitya” and “Khasa Chaitya ”. Located about 11km from the center and northeastern boundaries of Kathmandu, Nepal. The Stupa is a semicircle-shaped structure.
It is built by a Tibetan King around 600 AD to reflect the cosmological beliefs of Buddhism. Towering over the surrounding town is a giant Mandala of peace and beauty.
Swayambhunath Stupa or Chaitya is also known as a “Monkey Temple”. The stupa has stood as a symbol of belief and harmony for decades, with the Hindu temple and goddess interwoven into Buddhist sites.
It represents the Buddha’s mind. And it offers peace, freedom, and joy to the whole world and ultimately helps us to obtain enlightenment.
Swayambhunath is located on the highest point of a twin-peaked hill rising in the Kathmandu Valley. Climbing up the hill’s eastern side’s long row of steps and ascending the final section of stairs. You can overlook the panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley from the hilltop.
After a full-day sightseeing tour, you will be transferred to the hotel. An orientation session for the trek, which commences the following day will be organized in the evening. If necessary, you can buy the remaining trekking equipment around Thamel.