The valley, the political, commercial and cultural hub of Nepal, is famous for its natural beauty and history. It is situated at an altitude of 1,350m above the sea level and covers an area of 218sq.miles. The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley, the home of ancient and sophisticated Newari culture. The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Valley and the pioneers of the splendid civilization of its three cities-Kathmandu, Latitpur, Bhaktapur.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (World Heritage Site)
The Kathmandu Durbar Square is an overwhelming frenzy of art and architecture. This medieval palace complex is erected in different styles at the right hand side of the Kumari temple. This palace complex is locally known as Basantapur Durbar or Nautale Durbar and the street is called Basantapur after it. This monument was constructed in 1770A.D. in initiation of King Pritivi Narayan Shah after capturing the Kathmandu Valley in 1768A.D. The massive pagoda structure houses the tutelary deity of the Malla Kings. The palace building is a labyrinth of stone paved quadrangles. The coronation ceremony is still performed in the main courtyard, the Nyasal Chowk. The palace façade is a tapestry of intricately-carved windows, shaded by gently sloping roofs of shimmering brown tiles.
Kumari Temple
It is the house like pavilion located at the left hand side of the huge courtyard known as Basantapur. In Kathmandu Valley, there temples built in different styles such as Pagoda style, Stupa style, summit style and muslim style. In this style, a courtyard surrounded on all four sides by residential buildings. In Harmaya style, generally the deity of the temple is placed straight behind the front gate. In this shrine, you will see no image inside because it is the home of the living Goddess, a young girl who reigns as goddess Kumari until she reached puberty. However if she likes, she can appear at the window of the second floor on the opposite of the main gate.
Kasthamandap
It is locate at near the temple of Kumari temple. It is said to have been built by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla in the beginning of the sixteenth century. It is said to be constructed from the wood of a single tree. The city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple. But it is totally destroyed by the massive earthquake at 25 April 2015.
Jaishi Dewal
A five-minute walk from Kasthamandap is the Shiva Temple of Jaishi Dewal which is famous for its erotic carvings. It is still one of the main routes of the chariot festival of Indra Jatra and other festivals.
Swoyambhunath, Monkey temple (World Heritage Site)
The swayambhu Stupa crowns a hillock to the west of Kathmandu. A massive white dome surrounded by a 13 stage spire, the stupa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. It is said to be 2000 years old. It origins are linked to the founding of the Kathmandu Valley by draining the water of the lake by Boddhisattva Manjushree. Swoyambhu manifested in the lake as a brilliant light emanating from a lotus and Manjushree let the water out by slashing a passage through the surrounding hills to facilitate paying homage to Swayambhu, thus making the valley inhabitable.
Bouddhanath
It is the world’s biggest stupa located about two kilometers to the north of Pashupatinath temple. This colossal Stupa is known by the name of Bouddha Nath, the god of wisdomI t is difficult to assign a period to it is as some believe that it was built during the reign of either Shiva Deva or Anshu Verma in the 7th century A.D. The design is much like the Swayambhu stupa, except that the final consists of receding squares instead of circles. Boudhanath attracts attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. It was totally damage by massive earthquake at 25 April 2015 but it is renovated and opened for the visitors.
Pashupatinath (World Heritage Site
One of the holiest Hindu Shrines in the world, the temple of Pashupatinath is the focus of pilgrims from all over from Nepal and India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is built in the familiar pagoda style. Chronicles indicate the temple’s existence prior to 400 A.D. It lies 5 km East of the city centre. This holy place is picturesque collection of temple and shrines. All the dying persons are brought to Pashupatinath for cremation. Only the Hindus are allowed to go inside the temples.
LUMBINI
After the Kathmandu valley we drive/flight to the Lumbini, birth place of Buddha. The Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Asokha’s comme-morative pillar is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the sacred Garden spread over 8sqkm and possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Where we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monuments of Nepal, the Ashoka pillar. The pillar was created by Emperor Ashoka in 249BC to commemorate his pilgrims to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we can find the secread pond, puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha.
A representative from Shikhar Adventure will welcome you our hotel. We will prepare you with information and gear for your trek.
After you take breakfast, we’ll brief you on our upcoming adventure and then take you on a sightseeing tour around Kathmandu, including several UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can spend the rest of the day preparing for your upcoming trek.
Today first we visit to Patan, which is 5km from Kathmandu, known as the city of fine art. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in the city. Patan Durbar Square, Patan Musium, Krishna Temple, Mahabuddha, Ashokan stupa are the major attraction of Patan. After then we drive to the another ancient and historical town Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is famous for wood carving clay pot. The city lies about 15km from Kathmandu. Bhaktapur darbar square, National art gallery, Nyatapola temple, Dattatraya temple, 55 window place, Golden gate and pottery square is the main attraction of Bhaktpur. After then we back to hotel.
After the Breakfast we head scenic drive to the birth place of Buddha Lumbini along the Trisuli River till Narayanghat and cross the Narayani bridge and continue drive to the Lumbini. which is 6/7 hour drive from Kathmandu.
Today we sightseeing around Lumbini, birth place of Buddha. The Shakya prince and the ultimate Buddha, the Enlightened One, is the pilgrimage destination of the world’s millions of people faithful to all schools of Buddhism. This nativity site, identified by Indian Emperor Asokha’s comme-morative pillar is listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main attraction of Lumbini remains the sacred Garden spread over 8sqkm and possessing all the treasures of the historic area. The Mayadevi temple is the main attraction for pilgrims and archaeologists alike. Where we find a bas relief of Mayadevi, the Buddha’s mother giving birth to him. Standing west to the Mayadevi shrine is the oldest monuments of Nepal, the Ashoka pillar. The pillar was created by Emperor Ashoka in 249BC to commemorate his pilgrims to the sacred site. To the south of the pillar, we can find the sacred pond, puskarni, where Queen Mayadevi had taken a bath just before giving birth to the Buddha. In the evening we relax at hotel.
After the breakfast at Lumbini we drive back to the Kathmandu which is 260km along the forest andTrisuli River. When you reach in Kathmandu you have free time for your last minute shopping. In the evening we will provide you fare well dinner in Nepali typical restaurant with culture program.
Transfer to Tribhuvan Airport. Thank you for choosing Kathmandu Lumbini Tour with us! We look forward to your next trip with us.
We also arrange:- The above mentioned itinerary is just the guideline of your trip. We also provide the customized itineraries to address your specific requirements. Please contact our expert team to get the perfect Holidays Packages as per your interest and requirement.
Better to know:- Shikhar Adventure is not responsible for any problems due to weather, damages of property, etc. However, we will help you manage your inconveniences to the best of our abilities. Different unexpected situations like political environment, weather condition, natural disasters which are out of our control can affect your trip. This may change or alter on your itineraries. In such cases, our guides or leaders will try to arrange the best alternative itineraries. We will try our best to minimize the effect, but not be responsible for any delayed, changes or inconvenience caused by it.