Meals：None
Accommodation：Overnight in Kathmandu
After breakfast at the hotel, we will begin exploring some of the most iconic sites of Kathmandu. First up is Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of three royal palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley, and the royal residence for Nepalese rulers until the 19th century. This was also the site for important ceremonies such as the coronation of Nepalese monarchs for centuries. One interesting feature at the south end of Kathmandu Durbar Square is the Kumari Chowk – a gilded cage that holds the Kumari, a young girl chosen through an ancient and mystical selection process to become the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. This “living goddess” is worshipped during religions festivals and makes public appearances at other times when the appropriate fees are paid to her guards.
From Kathmandu Durbar Square, we will move on to Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the Monkey Temple due to the swarms of monkeys that inhabit the area. The Buddhist stupa at Swayambhunath is at least 1,500 years old and may be as much as 2,000 years old. It has a gilded spire and huge white dome located under thousands of multicolored prayer flags, with the spire having four faces of the Buddha looking out in all 4 directions. This religious complex consists of the ancient stupa and a variety of shrines and temples that are revered by both Buddhists and Hindus.
After visiting Swayambhunath, we will travel to Pashupatinath Temple, a pagoda-style Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Pashuptinath is the oldest Hindu temple in Nepal, with its origins dating back to around 400 B.C.
After visiting Pashuptinath, we will travel on to Boudhanath, a massive Buddhist stupa that dates back to the 5th or 6th century A.D. The Boudhanath stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is where thousands of pilgrims make a ritual circumnavigation of the massive dome. The stupa is surrounded by many monasteries and other supporting religious architecture.
From Pashuptinath we will take you back to your hotel for the night.
Meals：None
Accommodation：Overnight in Kathmandu
After our travel and a bit of time exploring the city, we will check into our local accommodations for the night.
Meals：None
Accommodation：Overnight in Pokhara
Meals：None
Accommodation：Overnight in Pokhara
Meals：None
Accommodation：Overnight in Kathmandu
From Bhaktapur we will move on to Patan Durbar Square, which is located about 5 kilometers (3 miles) south of Kathmandu on the south side of the Bagmati River. Patan is one of three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley, and it was believed to have been established in the third century B.C. by the Kirat Dynasty, then expanded by Lichhavis in the 6th century A.D. and again by the Mallas during medieval times. Patan Durbar Square is a paradise of ancient fine arts with many wood and stone carvings, metal statues, ornate architecture, dozens of Buddhist and Hindu temples, and more than 1,200 monuments. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former royal palace complex is the center of Patan’s social and religious life. It also hosts a museum that is traces Patan’s fascinating history with many bronze statues and religious artifacts.
After our full day of sightseeing, we will have a farewell dinner with our small group, featuring a cultural dance by the local native people at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Meals：None
Accommodation：Overnight in Kathmandu
Meals：None
Accommodation：None