Cultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in NepalCultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal
Cultural & Historical Tours in Nepal

The capital city of Nepal has a multiethnic population with a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivals form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy. The valley is described as "an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures", which are made of wood, stone, metal, and terracotta, and found in profusion in temples, shrines, stupas, gompas, chaityas, and palaces. The art objects are also seen in street corners, lanes, private courtyards, and in open ground. It is also the home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of Nepal. Most of the fairs and festivals in Kathmandu originated in the Malla period or earlier. Traditionally, these festivals were celebrated by Newars. Kathmandu is the city that is the gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas, and home to seven world heritage sites: the Durbar Squares of Hanuman Dhoka, Patan, and Bhaktapur; the Stupas of Swayambhunath and Baudhanath; and the temples of Pashupati and Changu Narayan. Kathmandu valley is also known as the open museum because you will find a temple with fine art and architecture every corner and side of the road.

You will visit the cities most well-known attractions. Swayambhunath Temple, which is the oldest Buddhist shrine and the best place to observe religious harmony between Nepalese Buddhists and Hindus. Pashupatinath Temple, an ultimate pilgrimage for Hindu throughout the world. Morning you will travel to the Swoyambunath stupa, a place that offers spectacular views of Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas. You will spend about an hour there. Afterward, head back down the hill within a vehicle for a tour to Pasupatinath Temple, one of the sacred Hindu temples signifies Shiva Temple and cremation center of KTM Valley. Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Stupa around the world & the best place to observe the Tibetan people's lifestyle. We will explore the monasteries, biggest stupas, and surrounding areas of Boudhanath. Patan Durbar is the city of fine arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments back to the medieval Malla period. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a unique old town built in the shape of a conch shell, the city of devotees. Changunarayan is the oldest temple in Nepal has a distinct historical and architectural significance. The authentic and oldest ever inscription is located in the precinct of Changu Narayan. Lumbini is one of the four main pilgrimage places in Buddhism considered as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha. The place has a number of older temples, including the Mayadevi Temple, and various new temples and the image depicting his birth inside.

Our 7 days trip to explore the history and culture of Kathmandu valley and surroundings. Along with the cultural sites, excursion to Nagarkot, a popular hill resort area famous for sunrise view in the Himalayas, situated 20 miles (32km) northeast of Kathmandu at an elevation of 2,000m (6,560ft). Nepal cultural tour will be your life-changing trip if you love to observe the culture of Buddhism and Hinduism. After the visit, you will be dropped back to your hotel.

some

Highlights:

  • Visit seven world heritage sites
  • Sunrise from Nagarkot
  • Birth place of Gautam Buddha
  • Naturally landscape and Himalaya range of Nepal

Itinerary

01

Day 01

Arrival in Kathmandu (1350m/4429 ft. ), transfer to hotel

Flying into Kathmandu is a memorable experience with the Himalaya spread out. Timepass is so quickly, enjoying the views of marvelous Himalayan ranges along with the world's highest peak Mount Everest while being on this flight. The flight will land at (TIA) Tribhuwan International Airport at 1350m after you will receive Nepal entry visa which can be obtained in advance or on entry and for the visa process at Kathmandu TIA, you will take around 45min, it depends on the number of people in a queue. For the Nepal entry visa information, have to visit this Nepal govt. official site Department of Immigration Nepal. After you will exit from the gate, where you will see our company representative waiting for you withholding placard written with the company name. Company representative welcomes you by offering the holy Tibetan scarf and transfer to the hotel in a private vehicle. It takes around 30min to reach at Thamel from TIA via means of transportation. The scenes of Pashupatinath(sacred Hindu temple), city, full of various vehicles, peoples make our journey more enjoyable and amazing, then we reach the hotel and take rest. Thamel is full of restaurants, shopping centers, and good accommodation. Trek briefing and afterward invited to a host family for welcome dinner.
[Included meals: Welcome drink]
Overnight at hotel

02

Day 02

Kathmandu Sightseeing and scenic drive to Nagarkot

The sightseeing program will start from Swoyambhunath Stupa, most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley.

Swoyambhu Stupa (Monkey Temple)
holiest Buddhist stupas in Nepal

- World Heritage Sites
- Literally meaning "self- created"
- Praised and meditated by Buddha's
- Excellent view of the Kathmandu valley

The distance is about 3.9km from Thamel takes around 15min in private vehicles. Swayambhu has been listed in the World Heritage Sites. The entire valley was an enormous lake, out of which grew a lotus. Lotus was transformed into a hill and the flower became the stupa. The valley is known as Swayambhu, meaning "Self-Created" over which a stupa was later built. Swayambhu is among the oldest religious sites in Nepal known as 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roving monkeys. Located at one of the highest elevations in Kathmandu Valley gives panoramic views of the city. The place is praised by Buddha and meditated by several Buddha's as a purity holy site. We'll see three enormous shining golden statues of Sakyamuni Buddha, a four-armed Chenresig and Guru Rinpoche, built-in 2003. The site has two access points: a long staircase contains 365 steps leading directly to the main platform of the temple and vehicle road around the hill from the south leading to the south-west entrance. The first sight on reaching the top of the stairway is the enormous Vajra.

The first earthly element facing the stupa on left is a small building contains one of the five elements placed in cardinal points around Swayambhunath. There are many small shrines with statues of Tantric and shamanistic deities, prayer wheels for the Tibetan Buddhists. The stupa represents Buddha’s mind. It offers peace, freedom, and joy and ultimately helps to obtain perfect enlightenment. Huge prayer wheels and fine Buddhist paintings are displayed in the monasteries, as well as the largest Buddha statue in the country. The stupa consists of a dome at the base; above the dome, there is a cubic structure with the eyes of Buddha looking out over the valley. The stupa has stood as a hallmark of faith and harmony for centuries with Hindu temples and deities incorporated in this Buddhist site. Visitors walk around the stupa and recite mantras, make offerings, turn prayer-wheels and make wishes for the benefit of all beings. Near the stupa left at the corner is a small red brick building has Swayambhu Buddhist museum. There is a collection of Buddhist statues and items. Hariti Temple (Ajima Temple) is a two-tiered gilded Newari style temple. Harati is the Buddhist goddess for the protection of children against infectious diseases, protectress deity of Swayambhu, and the deity of wealth.

Pashupatinath Temple

- Most sacred Hindu temple
Famous for the shrine of lord shiva
-
Two-storied pagoda temple

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples of Nepal located at the banks of holy Bagmati River. Every year this temple attracts hundreds of elderly followers of Hinduism. The place for different festival like Maha Shivaratri and Teej where thousands of devotees celebrate. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage for Hindus throughout the world. The area is swarmed in by the Hindus from different part of the country. The two-storied pagoda temple of Pashupathinath houses the five-faced statue of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine, there are numerous temples dedicated to different god and goddess in and around the Pashupatinath temple area. This temple is an important destination for art historians. It displays a variety of temple design some of which are Dome style, Pagoda style, Shikhara style and so on. Additionally, there are varieties of statues and sculptures around the complex. There are statues made of stone, metal, and wood. The door and pillars around the temple area are carved in beautiful shapes of God and griffins. The temple is built in the pagoda style of architecture, with cubic constructions and carved wooden rafters on which they rest, and two-level roofs made of copper and gold. After we continue to Boudhanath Stupa which is 2.3km from here takes around 15min to reach.


Boudha Stupa
The largest stupa in the world

- Most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site
- The ancient trade route from Tibet
- The woman built the stupa and was completed by her four sons
- Stupa contains a piece of bone from the skeleton of Siddhartha Gautam

On the rooftop restaurant and enjoy the calm and peaceful ambiance with a cup of coffee. Boudha stupa is the largest and most sacred Tibetan Buddhist site outside of Tibet forming a religion and culture hub for the Tibetan and people from the Himalayas of Nepal. The Stupa was on the ancient trade route from Tibet. The Stupa is claimed to entomb the relic of Kasyapa Buddha, the Buddha of the third Bhadrakalpa. Boudha Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site significant for its historic and architectural significance, with sprouting monasteries and craftsmanship. It is said that the stupa is built by the mother Jadzima who looked after the chickens. She was very poor despite her poverty she had an intense desire for building a stupa. The mother passed after she completed up to the vase, the dome-like structure. She had four sons, and the construction of the rest of the Stupa was completed by four sons. After they finished it, they all stood up in front of it and made prayers. Everyone made their wishes. When they were praying, all the buddhas and bodhisattvas were absorbed into the stupa, which is why the name of the stupa is also “All-Encompassing.” The stupa is a semicircular white dome and the towering spire, with unblinking eyes painted on each side that stares into the four directions. The overall shape represents a Buddhist mandala (a cosmological map) and the path towards enlightenment, as well as the mythical center of the cosmos, Mount Meru. The four Dhyani Buddha signifies the crucial points, and the fifth, Vairocana is enshrined in the central white hemisphere of the stupa. The base of the stupa consists of three large platforms, decreasing in size. The square tower is topped by a pyramid with 13 steps, represents the stages that human beings must pass through to achieve nirvana. The triangular shape is the abstract for the elements of fire. Every portion has a symbolic significance: the base, dome, spire, and pinnacle represent the five elements. It is said that the stupa contains a piece of bone from the skeleton of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha. There are 108 images of Dhyani Buddha at the base of the stupa, accompanied by prayer wheels organized in a group of four or five in 147 different niches. The prayer flags tied on the stupa are believed to carry mantras and prayers towards heaven. The place is quiet and peaceful to find some spiritual connection with this place. Moreover, the sound of singing bowls and Buddhist chants, mixed with the smell of incense burning creates a kind of healing energy. The place allows visitors to delve into the lives of Buddhist monks and nuns who devote their lives to simplicity and non-violence. Boudhanath is the best place to learn about spirituality, meditation and the history of Buddhist philosophy, there is no other place like Boudhanath to visit. Early in the morning and evening time, Buddhist monks in maroon robes are seen circumambulating the stupa with prayer wheels on their hands. Small peripheral of the stupa is surrounded by the Thanka and rituals objects shop. The spot is favorable to explore both the culture and architectural sites. Numerous small stupas are located at the base.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

- Religious site
Hanuman Dhoka Palace
- Pagoda-style temple

After the visit of Boudha Stupa, we head to Kathmandu Durbar Square known by Hanuman Dhoka, Basantapur. The Royal Palaces used to be the house of kings of Shah and Malla Dynasty, who ruled over the city until the 19th-century. The palaces have since been turned into museums. It is the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev and Parvati Temple, Machhender Bahl - Holy place for the Buddhists and Hindus, Temple House of Kumari, the living goddess. The outer complex consists of numerous pagoda-style temples featuring the meticulously carved facades crafted by Newar artists, dating back to the 16th-century. 

Then we head toward Nagarkot to enjoy the magnificent sunrise and sunset views over the major peaks of eastern Nepal Himalayas including Mt Everest.

[Included meals: breakfast]
Overnight at hotel

03

Day 03

Hike to Dhulikhel

Explore the natural and cultural beauty around, excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. We spend our day amidst the natural surroundings of Nagarkot. Then hike to Dhulikhel. The snow-capped mountain views from Dhulikhel are fabulous. Green hills and beautifully carved agricultural terraces cater to the beholders' pleasure. Climbing steeply up through the beautiful forest, it is pleasant to walk. There is a huge statue of Buddha and a small garden on the way 10-15 min walk to the top. There is a Kali Temple and a view tower. It offers panoramic views of the mountains, many hill villages, and green rolling hills from here. This place is also a popular destination for a picnic.
[Included meals: breakfast]
Overnight at hotel

 

04

Day 04

Scenic drive to Lumbini (150m/490ft. )

After having breakfast at the hotel, we start our scenic drive to Lumbini takes about 7-8 hr from the capital city- Kathmandu. Now entering into the Terai region, which is flat land. The climatic is generally warm and humid. After a long drive, we arrive at Lumbini.
[Included meals: breakfast]
Overnight at hotel

05

Day 05

Explore and Scenic drive back to Kathmandu (1350m/4429ft. )

Lumbini
Buddhist pilgrimage sites

- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Perform chanting and meditation
- Asoka pillar, Holy pond,Maya Devi temple
- Birthplace of Gautam Buddha "Light of the Asia"
- The holy pond where Maya Devi took the ritual dip and where he had his first bath

After having breakfast at hotel, we start our scenic drive to Lumbini takes about 7-8 hr from the capital city- Kathmandu. Now entering into the Terai region, which is a flat land. The climatic is generally warm and humid. After a long drive we arrive at Lumbini. Lumbini is one of the four main pilgrimage places in Buddhism and an important place for those Hindus who consider Buddha one of the many manifestations of the god Vishnu. The place is also defined as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The holy site of Lumbini runs ancient monasteries, a sacred Bodhi tree, an ancient bathing pond, the Ashoka pillar, and the Mayadevi temple. Maya Devi Temple is the most important Buddhist temple in Nepal considered as the birthplace of Gautam Buddha "Light of Asia". Visitors will perform chanting and meditation at this site. The birthplace of Buddha has number of older temples, including the Mayadevi Temple, and various new temples, founded by Buddhist organizations. There is an image depicting his birth inside. The current whitewashed temple was built to protect the older temple under it. There’s a small area looking down into the dugout areas where it’s supposed Buddha was born. There’s a small glass panel with some faded painting. Several monuments, monasteries, museums, and the Lumbini International Research Institute are also located in this holy site. We will visit the Holy Pond beside the temple, where Maya Devi took the ritual dip prior to his birth and where he had his first bath. Buddha was born while Maya Devi was traveling to her father's kingdom to give birth. It is said that she gave birth painlessly when the Buddha was born he immediately spoke and then took seven steps north and a lotus flower sprang forth with each step. Most of the Buddha's miracles are seen in Buddhism as being the result of extraordinary supernatural abilities gained through advanced meditation, rather than miraculous powers. Many of the Buddha's followers, as well as some non-Buddhist hermits and yogis who attained high meditative states, also had some of these same abilities. Because some Hindus regard the Buddha as an incarnation of Vishnu, thousands of Hindus come here during the full moon of the Nepali month of Baisakh (April–May) to worship Queen Mayadevi as Rupa Devi, the mother goddess of Lumbini.

In the adjoining sacred garden, we’ll find the pillar of Ashoka, stupas, and maroon and saffron-robed monks congregating under the Bodhi tree. Related to an ancient fig tree and characterized by heart-shaped leaves term given to a tree where the Buddha was said to have achieved enlightenment in India. The Bodhi tree beside the Maya Devi temple is highly regarded and decorated with colorful prayer flags. In both Buddhism and Hinduism, the pillar symbolized the axis on which the world spins. The pillars represent the first evidence of the Buddhist faith and to spread the dharma throughout the kingdom. The Ashoka pillar is the oldest in Nepal erected by Emperor Ashoka who visited the park. The Ashoka Pillar in Lumbini was installed as a sign of respect for the Gautam Buddha after Emperor Ashoka converted to Buddhism. The fascinating history behind the monument and its spiritual significance make the Ashoka Pillar a must-visit site for history, religious and architectural enthusiasts.

Tilaurakot
Sakya palace

Tilaurakot is the capital of Shakya Kingdom extends over an area of two and a half miles. The Kingdom of Buddha’s father located in Kaspilvastu near Lumbini where Siddhartha Gautam spent his first 29 years as a prince. The site of ancient Kapilvastu due to its general accordance with local bearings and geographical conditions as described in the Buddhist texts. The site sits in a peaceful meadow on the banks of the Banganga River. The eternal World Peace Flame is a major attraction of the Lumbini located at the center of the garden. We will observe the flame kept glowing uninterrupted 24 hours a day. The flame represents peace in the world and celebrates the International Peace Year.

Besides the religious and historical significance, the Lumbini sightseeing tour offers cultural insights into the village life of southern Nepal. The Buddhist pilgrimage tour of Nepal unveils how Buddhism was preserved and Buddhist philosophy was developed since the time of Buddha.

We drive to Kathmandu for about 7-8 hours. This is a scenic drive with Himalayan views, Rivers and Jungles. After the arrival in Kathmandu, you will be transferred to the hotel. 
[Included meals: breakfast]
Overnight at hotel

06

Day 06

Sightseeing

Patan

- City of fine arts
-
Three main courtyards

It is one of the three medieval cities in Kathmandu and a destination of fine arts has hundreds of fascinating Hindu and Buddhist monuments scattered in and around. Patan City is an enchanting mixture of palace buildings, artistic courtyards, and former palace complex. Most of the monuments are back to the medieval Malla period 15th to 17th century as the golden period of Nepalese art and architecture. Krishna Mandir- a stone temple of Lord Krishna with its 21 spires and bas-relief art depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and Ramayana epics and surrounding Hindu and Buddhist temples. The main highlights are the Golden Gate and the Golden Window of the old Palace, the beautiful piece of traditional metal crafts, the famed Krishna temple with 21 golden pinnacles, the Royal bath of Sundari Chowk, a perfect piece of the classic work in stone, Royal Taleju temple, Vishwanath Temple and Char Narayan temple are the finest examples of the unique craftsmanship in wood; the temple of Bhimsen with the magnificent golden balcony overlooking the square outside plus many other shrines and sculptures scattered in and around the square.

Changunarayan temple situated on the hillock of Dhaulagiri to the north of Bhaktapur is the oldest temple in Nepal. Changu Narayan temple has a distinct historical and architectural significance. The authentic and oldest ever inscription is located in the precinct of Changu Narayan. The oldest inscription dated 464 AD is credited to have been set up by Lichchshavi King Mahadeva. The erection of Garuda Pillar by Manadeva is an expression of his devotion and reverence to Changu Narayan as learned from the inscription, points out that the temple of Changu Narayan was built sometime before 464 AD.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

- City of Devotees
Shape of conch shell

Bhaktapur is 16 km far from Kathmandu known as Bhadgaon. The meaning of Bhaktapur is the ‘City of Devotees’. Bhaktapur is the most picturesque town, streets paved with bricks, in herringbone and parquet patterns, artistic door and windows, Newar city dwellers, with no industrial zone, feels like a big village than a city. We visit four magnificent courtyards named – Dattatraya Square, Taumadhi Square, Pottery Square, and Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is said to have been built in the shape of a conch shell, a sacred symbol of Lord Vishnu. Before the unification of Nepal, Bhaktapur was an independent principality ruled by the Malla Kings, who were devoted to religion, culture, and art. During the period many magnificent temples and mansions were built. That period is remembered as the golden period in Nepalese art and remains a unique example. It has remained a model for heritage conservation since then. At the Bhaktapur Durbar Square, we will find many fine examples of sculpture, woodcarving, and pagodas dedicated to different gods and goddesses – the Nyatapol & Dattaraya Temples, Golden Gate, Palace of 55 windows, etc.

07

Day 07

Final departure, transfer to Airport

A representative of IHSA will drop off you at the airport by private vehicle.
[Included meal: breakfast]

 

Location

 

 

Our Offer

+ All airport transfers. We’ll pick you up personally
+ Accommodation in a quality 3* hotel with breakfast in Ktm as per the itinerary [upgrade possible]
+ Sightseeing tour in private vehicle by professional city guide
+ Necessary paper works, all government, and local taxes
+ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with host family

 

Excluded Services

- International Airfare to and from your country
- Lunch & Dinner during tour
- Nepal Visa fee for on arrival entry visa (US$ 25 or equivalent for 15 days, US$ 40 for 30 days & US$ 100 for 90 days. You also require 2 passport sized photos)
- Tipping is a culture in Nepal and is expected by your staff (guides, porters, drivers)
- Any alcoholic beverages, cold drinks and boiled water as well as snacks, deserts etc.
- Any other costs not specifically included. Please feel free to ask if in doubt

Equipment

Tour Equipment

Please bring following stated equipment. The equipment you can buy in Kathmandu with different quality in good price.

  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
 

Information

Nepal Visas

You need a visa for Nepal, which can be obtained in advance or on entry. If you wish to apply before departure the current visa cost is £20 for a 15-day visa and £35 for a 30-day visa for UK passport holders. The current cost of a visa on arrival is US$25 for 15 days, US$40 for 30 days or if extending your stay $100 for 90 days. All are multiple entries. The visa on arrival fee can be paid for in cash in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros. You will also need a passport photo. For further information, visit this Nepal govt. official site Department of Immigration Nepal. Application forms are available in the immigration hall (or for electronic passports, there are visa registration machines which, after inserting your passport, automatically fill out a form for you). You must firstly join the queue to pay the visa fee and then go to the relevant immigration desk to obtain your 15, 30 or 90-day visa stamp. There can be long queues for visas on arrival.

Travelers Insurance

While you do trips through Incredible Himalayan Sherpa Adventure, you will submit a copy of your insurance certificate. Your insurance policy must coverage accidents, medical expenses and emergency evacuation including helicopter rescue and then personal liability. At the time of you do Insurance you should read the policy carefully whether your requirements are included or not. Incredible Himalayan Sherpa also advocated your Insurance policy coverage cancellation curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have must proof of the Insurance receipt, you will do initiative otherwise you can’t get any compensation.

Money and Gratuity

Gratuity is, Since the 1960s when trekking in Nepal was developed, there has been a tradition for groups and independent visitors to graduate their crews at the end of a trek. Money and Gratuity; it is best to bring a mixture of cash, USD, GBP, CAD, EUR. Ensure you have also small denominations. As a guideline for baseline spending money we suggest USD 12 - 20 per meal in Kathmandu(if you drink or smoke or plan some major shopping this could be higher). You should exchange enough money into Nepalese Rupees to last the entire time of your trek BEFORE leaving Kathmandu. There are no exchange facilities in the villages along the trail but plenty of money changers in KTM.

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Duration

7 days

Season

All months

Region

Kathmandu-Nepal

Grade

Easy

Altitude

150m - 2175m

Walking

3-4hr drive

Accommodation

Hotel

Trip Type

Private & Group Join

Transportation

Sharing & Private Vehicle

Certificate of Excellence

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Trek Map

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Mr. Tsering D. Sherpa

(National Mountain Leader)
Mountaineering, Treks & Tours

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