- Atmospheric Boudhanath Stupa
- Historic Bhaktapur and Patan Darbar Square
- Stunning views of the Himalayas from Nagarkot
- Amazing Namobuddha monastery
- Sights, sounds and smells in Kathmandu local markets
Day 1 - Arrive In Kathmandu
Kathmandu is the capital and the most populous city of Nepal. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).
The area of Thamel is the best place to stay in Kathmandu. Thamel is filled with cafes, restaurants, hotels and shops bursting with color and full of activities.
After arriving in Kathmandu settle into your hotel/hostel. Then walk to Kathmandu Darbar Square. It is one of the three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO world heritage sites. Durbar Square is an important site for Buddhist/Hindu rituals, royal events, kingly coronations, and holy ceremonies.
In the evening, the tourist hub of Thamel is a good place to grab your dinner.
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| Maju Dega (Kathmandu Durbar Square) |
(Above photo by © Vyacheslav Argenberg / http://www.vascoplanet.com/, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=103055239)
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| Basantapur Tower (Kathmandu Durbar Square) |
Day 2 - Explore Kathmandu
Start your day by visiting Swayambhunath, which is an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. The complex consists of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples. The stupa has Buddha's eyes and eyebrows painted on.
After Swayambhunath visit The National Museum of Nepal which is close by. The museum has interesting collection of Nepalese paintings, murals, statues, weapons, plants, etc.
After having lunch in the afternoon visit Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the largest stupas in the world and an UNESCO world heritage site. Try to spend some time around the stupa soaking in the surroundings and the fascinating spiritual atmosphere. Also consider coming to Boudhanath in the evening when is it very atmospheric under the lights.
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| Swayambhunath Stupa (Kathmandu) |
(Above photo by Nabin K. Sapkota - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=73238737)
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| Swayambhunath (Kathmandu) |
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| National Museum of Nepal (Kathmandu) |
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| Boudhanath (Kathmandu) |
Day 3 - Explore Bhaktapur
After a nice morning breakfast travel to Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is another one of the main cities of the Kathmandu Valley and is about 13 km from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur is a major Newar settlement of the country and is known for its Newari tradition, cuisine and artisans.
Start your exploration at Bhaktapur Darbar Square which is a former royal palace complex. It housed the kings of Nepal from 14th to late 18th century.
Next visit the Taumadhi Square, which houses the tallest pagoda styled temple of Nepal (Nyatapola Temple), and also houses several other temples.
Then visit the Pottery Square close by which is filled with potter's wheels and numerous sun-dried clay pots.
After visiting the Pottery Square you can enjoy nice Nepali lunch and tea at one of the restaurants near the square.
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| Bhaktapur Darbar Square |
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| Taumadhi Square (Bhaktapur) |
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| Pottery Square (Bhaktapur) |
(Pottery Square photo by Vitbaisa, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
Once back into the Kathmandu city in late afternoon, talk a stroll and relax at the Garden of Dreams which is a neo-classical garden.
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| Garden Of Dreams (Kathmandu) |
Day 4 - Nagarkot and Changu Narayan
Take a break from the cultural and heritage sites of the Kathmandu Valley and travel to Nagarkot in morning, which is located 32 km from Kathmandu. Nagarkot is at an elevation of 2,195 meters and commands one of the broadest views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu valley. Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.
The scenic beauty of the place makes it a very popular for hiking. Consider doing a day tour with a guide who can drive you to Nagarkot for the views and then also take you on the famous trail from Nagarkot to Changu Narayan. Along the way while hiking you'll enjoy village life, local culture, and stunning mountain views. The hike ends at the lovely Changu Narayan Temple which is an ancient Hindu temple and an UNESCO world heritage site.
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| Views of Himalayas from Nagarkot |
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| Changu Narayan Temple |
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| Changu Narayan Village |
Day 5 - Explore Patan (Lalitpur)
Start your day by travelling to Patan. Patan is another one of the main cities of the Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts.
Start your exploration at Patan Darbar Square which is UNESCO world heritage site and was the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. There are many temples and statues in the area.
After the Darbar Square visit the Patan Museum which displays the traditional sacred arts of Nepal and is located inside an old residential court of Patan Durbar (palace).
In the afternoon return back to the Kathmandu city and visit Pashupatinath Temple, which is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple complex is collection of temples, ashrams, inscriptions, etc. along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river.
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| Patan Darbar Square |
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| Patan Darbar Square |
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| Patan Darbar Square |
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| Patan Darbar Square |
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| Patan Musuem |
Day 6 - Dhulikhel and Namobuddha
Travel to Dhulikhel in morning which is located 30 km from Kathmandu. Dhulikhel also provides amazing views of the Himalayan ranges. Consider doing a day tour with a guide who can drive you to Dhulikhel and also take you on the trail from Dhulikhel to Namobuddha. Along the way while hiking you'll enjoy village life, local culture, temples and stunning mountain views. The hike is approximately 10 kms and takes around 4 hours. The hike will end at the beautiful Namobuddha Monastery (Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery).
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| Namobuddha Monastery |
(Above monastery photo by simpl3punk - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=58808351)
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| Views from Namobuddha Monastery |
Day 7 - Kathmandu
This being your last day in Kathmandu Valley, spend time doing last minute shopping in Thamel. Then depart to your destination from Kathmandu.
.jpg "Thamel (Kathmandu)") |
| Thamel (Kathmandu) |
(Above Thamel photo by Raimond Klavins on Unsplash)
What to Shop In Nepal
Nepal is known for Pashmina shawls, singing bowls, rice paper products, handicrafts, jewelry, and Thangka paintings.
Do you have any suggestions about the itinerary, places to see or things to do? Do let me know in the comments section below.
.jpg "Thamel (Kathmandu)")
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