Explore the rich cultural heritage of Nepal with our 7-day Classical Nepal tour. Visit the cities of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Patan, Pokhara, and Nagarkot, each with its own unique charm. Immerse yourself in the local culture and experience the beauty of Nepal's landscapes. Professional guides and comfortable transportation make this trip a perfect blend of education and relaxation.
Welcome to Kathmandu, Nepal.
On arrival in Kathmandu: Having cleared immigration, collected your luggage and passed through customs, please make your way towards the exit of the terminal building where you will see a bank of people waiting. Amongst them will be a Memorable Journeys Office Representative who will be waiting to greet you with a paging board.
Kathmandu the capital of Nepal situated in a valley, approximately at altitude of 4,600 ft. The city is the gateway to Nepal Tourism and the center of the country’s economy. Its history dates back to over 2000 years ago and it was the ancient trade route between India and Tibet, which originated a fusion of artistic and architectural traditions of other cultures that can be witnessed even today.
Transfer to Hotel. Check in at hotel.
Overnight is at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast is at hotel.
Drive to Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur) (14 Kms / 30 Mins).
Bhaktapur is located about 20 km east of Kathmandu and drive around 30 min. Bhaktapur is another Newar city founded in the 9th century. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is located in the center of Bhaktapur. The Square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley as it highlights some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal.
The main items of interest in Bhaktapur Durbar Square are the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate and the statues of kings on stone monoliths. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Windowed Palace. The Palace of Fifty-five Windows was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in A.D. 1427 and was remodeled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th Century. Bhaktapur Durbar (Royal) Square was added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1979.
In the afternoon, visit Boudhanath & Pashupatinath.
Walk to Boudhanath which is possibly the world's largest Buddhist stupa (temple) and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. Around the stupa a number of monasteries have sprung up number of the different sects of Tibetan Buddhism including one (on the west side of the stupa) that houses an enormous seated statue of Maitreya Buddha splendidly adorned. The Stupa is located in the area of ancient trade route to Tibet where Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers for many centuries.
When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath. Hence, a complete township has developed around Boudhanath. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. Smaller Stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Boudhanath.
Pashupatinath, situated on the banks of River Baghmati around 8 km from the city, is one of the holiest Hindu shrines. The Pasupatinath Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was founded. But according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pasupati, the Lord of the Animals. Pasupatinath Temple's existence dates back to 400 A.D. The richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga or holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from all over the world come to pay homage to this temple that is also known as 'The Temple of Living Beings presiding deity here is Shiva, who is worshipped in the form of the lingam. However, only Hindus are allowed inside.
In the evening, witness the Aarati ceremony
One of the most mesmerizing rituals at Pashupatinath Temple is the Pashupati Bagmati Aarati. Bagmati is the holy river that flows through the temple. The river divides the temple into two sides, with the main Pashupatinath Temple being on one side and the location of this Aarati on the other.
Later, drive back to the hotel.
Overnight is at Hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast is at hotel.
In the morning, visit Patan, city of fine arts.
Patan is better known as "The city of a thousand golden roofs." Once separated from the capital, Patan and Kathmandu are now separated only by a bridge over the Bagmati River. The city of Patan has recovered its label of origin "Lalitpur". The historic heart of the city is entangled with narrow streets and theatrical decoration: brick houses with carved wooden balconies and bronze decorations, patios and backyards that house oratories, temples, etc. The city is famous throughout the country for its tradition of blacksmithing and goldsmithing. Artisans model effigies of the divinities of the Hindu and Buddhist pantheons.
Many stupas, chaytyas and bahals (ancient Buddhist monasteries) attest to the long history of Buddhism in the city that remains today a Bastion of Newars Buddhism in the Kathmandu Valley. The four stupas, erected in the four cardinal points, originally defined the city. They were erected during the reign of Emperor Ashoka some 250 years before our era.
Later, visit Kathmandu Durbar Square,
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located in the heart of the old city Kathmandu. Once residence of Nepal’s royal family it has numerous ancient shrines and temples in and around the premises. The place is decorated with wooden carving and rich architecture and history. All around the splendor of historical monuments is the hustle & bustle of the market place.
Vegetable vendors, trees of flutes, salesmen with their wares displayed on their person, souvenir hawkers, and street shop selling imported goods and tucked away in a quiet corner the glittering bead market for custom made bead necklaces.
A few steps away is the Temple of the Living Goddess, from where you can see the Kumari in one of the open windows that overlook the inner courtyard.
In the late afternoon, visit Swoyambhunath,
Swoyambhunath is also known as ‘Monkey Temple’ among the tourist visitors. Swoyambhu which means ‘self- existent one’ dates back to 460 A.D. and said to be over 2,000 years old. Resting on hillock commands a superb view of the valley below. The four side of this ancient structure are painted with the compassionate eyes of Buddha. Between the eyes is a mystical third eye symbolizing true wisdom. The nose, appearing as an incomplete question mark, is the Nepalese number of one, a symbol of unity. The place perhaps the best place to observe the religious harmony of Hindu and Buddhist.
The stupa is highlighted in the morning and evening by devotees who walk around the stupa clock wide spinning the prayer wheels and chanting prayer.
Here, we also see the Kathmandu valley from this hilltop. Later, we can see the different Swoyambhunath with the in lights at night.
Later, drive back to the hotel. Overnight is at hotel in Kathmandu.
Breakfast is at hotel.
After breakfast, drive to Pokhara (210 Kms / 06-07 Hours)
Pokhara is a remarkable place of natural beauty. Situated at an altitude of 900m from the sea level and 200km west of Kathmandu valley, the city is known as a centre of adventure. The enchanting town has several beautiful lakes and offers stunning panoramic views of Himalayan peaks. The serenity of lakes and the magnificence of the Himalayas rising behind them create an ambience of peace and magic
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Geology of Pokhara got built up almost 12 to 13 thousand years ago because of having huge floods from the bottom of Fishtail Mountain through Seti River as this river is a glacial river origin from the base of fishtail mountain.
Upon arrival, check in at your hotel.
In the evening, take a leisure stroll along the scenic lake, stop at one of the many lakeside cafes, and enjoy the splendid scenery in sight, you may feel the time seems to stand still here.
Overnight is at hotel in Pokhara.
Early in the morning, drive to Sarangkot to see the sunrise and magnificent views of Annapurna.
At an altitude of 1592 meters, this mountain is located north of Pokhara overlooking the valley and Fewa Lake. Sarangkot is a beautiful town known for its sunrise, where on a mirrored day you can see an unobstructed view of the Himalayan Mountains in the Annapurna, Dhauligiri, and Fishtail range. The view of the Annapurna Himalayas from Sarangkot is almost a religious experience.
From here you can see a panoramic sweep of the Himalayan peaks, from Dhaulagiri (8,167 m) in the west to the perfect pyramid of Machhapuchhare (6,997 m), the peak of Annapurna II (7,937 m) to Lamjung (6,983 m) in the East. Most people come here at sunrise or sunset, when the sun picks up the peaks, turning them from a purple-pink to a heavenly gold.
Later, drive back to hotel for leisurely Breakfast.
After Breakfast, continue with the sightseeing of Pokhara.
Bindabasini Temple: This is regarded as a Hindu spiritual center of Pokhara located in northern part of Pokhara as it has got different sorts of Significance. As far as the historical significance of this place is concerned, this Bindabasini Temple is the oldest temple of town as it was built almost 350 years ago having main deity as Kali, a prominent manifestation of Parwati, wife of Lord Shiva. Spiritual as well as religious Significance of this place is having four other temples in and around Bindabasini i.e., shiva, Bishnu, Ganesha and Hanuman temples. Natural Significance of this place is having sensational view of Annapurna Mountain range from this place when we have crystal clear weather as this place is located in little hillock.
Old Bazaar: This place is always regarded as old trading juncture where two traders from two different continents used to get converged to have trade, businesses in between 18th to mid-20th century when Pokhara was having a golden trade era catering as a commercial hub. This has been the reason why this place has got historical significance. Apart from that, we can enjoy the profound residential architecture of Malla Dynasty of Nepal having some old, primitive and traditional residential houses standing out as heritage significance of Pokhara.
Devi’s Fall: This is a unique waterfall getting disappeared under ground having very interesting historical background as back in 1960, Swiss couple whose name were Mr. and Mrs. Devi’s happened to be next to waterfalls and decided to swim next to waterfalls but due to sudden flash flood in the river where they were having bath, Mrs. Devi’s had been swept away inside the George of waterfalls and died there instantly. This incident triggered local to give name as Devis fall for the memory of Mrs. Devis. This place also has got Nepalese name as Patale Chango i.e., underground water falls literal translation in English.
Later, enjoy boat ride at Phewa Lake
Boatride at Phewa Lake: The center of attraction in Pokhara is the Phewa Lake - the second largest lake in the Kingdom. It is the largest and most enchanting of the three lakes that add to the resplendence of Pokhara. Here, one can sail or row a hired boat across to the water or visit the island temple in the middle.
Later, drive back to the hotel.
Overnight is at hotel in Pokhara.
Drive back to Kathmandu and to Nagarkot (230 Kms / 07-08 Hours).
Nagarkot is one of the most picturesque places in the Bhaktapur district and is famous for the spectacular sunrise view over the mighty Himalayan Mountain ranges. Located at an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot offers a panoramic view of the valley and is one of the best places to see Mount Everest and other snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Nagarkot is surrounded by densely forested Pine Hills which provide an idyllic scene.
It is a rustic resort high up on the northern fringe of the Kathmandu Valley. It is an exceptional hill that offers great views of the Himalayas, breathtaking mountain landscapes and the most impressive views of sunrise and sunset. Nagarkot dominates one of the most expansive views of the Himalayas in the Kathmandu Valley (8 Himalayan ranges in Nepal from 13 from here). Ranges include Annapurna Range, Manaslu Range, Ganesh Himal Range, Langtang Range, Jugal Range, Rolwaling Range, Mahalangur Range (Everest Range), and Numbur Range with views of Kathmandu Valley and Shivapuri National Park.
Upon arrival, check into the hotel and free time. Overnight in Nagarkot.
Early morning: sunrise and view of the magnificent mountain range from the hotel terrace.
Return for breakfast at the hotel.
Rest of the morning is at leisure to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of Nagarkot.
Later, drive to the Kathmandu airport (approximately 1 hour drive) for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.