Kathmandu-Nagarkot tour

Kathmandu-Nagarkot tour, Tours to Nagarkot

Kathmandu valley is the historical center of Nepal and the place where kingdoms rose and fell, palaces and temples were built and rebuilt, and Nepalese art and culture were developed and refined is equally religious. Kathmandu valley has been called a big museum, a vast store of Hindu and Buddhist art with more shrines and temples per square km than anywhere else in the world. Nepalese culture has immense vitality and countless festivals are celebrated each year, institutions such as the ''Living Goddess'' forms a direct link between the past and the present.

The valley is above 25 km from east to west and 20 km from north to south with an area of 570 square km and a population of 1.1 million. Kathmandu lies at a height of around 1300 meters while the surrounding hills range from 1500 meters to 2800 meters in height. Langtang, Ganesh Himal, Gaurishanker and Everest are visible from different points in the valley.

Patan situated across the Bagmati river to the south of Kathmandu is known to this day for its excellent works of art and carving in wood and bronze.

 

Patan, locally referred to as Lalitpur and situated at the south of Kathmandu is the second largest town valley. Patan's great building boom took place under the Mallas in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries.  Numerous temples of widely diverse style as well as many Buddhist monasteries are scattered around the fascinating town. The city is famous for its crafts and metal works which are wonderful souvenirs to be carried.

Kathmandu Nagarkot Tour

Bhaktapur also known as Bhadgaon is shaped like a conch. It is a medieval city designed in the 19th century by its founder king Ananda Malla, having an area of 139 square kilometer, it is situated at 1331 meter from the sea level and 13 km far from Kathmandu on the east side, linked with a motorable road. Bhaktapur has not yet lost its old traditions, but maintained them very well. Bhaktapur not only grows sufficient food for the city and supports Kathmandu city also, the city's craftsmen build and decorate houses, make pottery and adorn temples, from the very beginning Bhaktapur has attracted the foreigners and local tourists as well. Durbar square, ''palace of 55 windows'', Golden gate leading through to the Taleju temple, National Art gallery having a good collection of thangkas paintings, all are of immense attraction. The ancient Royal palace is remarkable and an excellent example of 18th century architecture made by king Bhupatindra Malla whose statue stands in front of the Golden Gate. Around the Durbar square the curio shops, woods and stone carvings, thankas have become a good attraction.

Nyatapola, Nepal's tallest five roofed temple, stands not far from the Durbar square. the pottery market is very near the Nyatapolatemple. The Akash Bhairav temple, the Dattaraya shrine, pujarinath with excellent wooden works, the famous peacock windows located south of Dattatreya temple, the Bramayani mandir all are of equal importance and work of fine art and culture.

 

Nagarkot located about 14 km north east from Bhaktapur at the height of 1838 meter from the sea level is the best place for countryside walking and mountain viewing. It takes about an hour by car to reach from Kathmandu. On the way to Nagarkot one sees the terraced farmland and pine forest. It is the only place, where from one can view a panorama of the entire eastern central Himalayas like, Everest, Numbur, Chooyu, Nuptse, Lhotse Makalu and to the west Manaslu and Himalchuli five of the world's ten highest peaks. By night overlooking the charming sparkling lights of the Kathmandu valley, Nagarkot is incomparable. One can see many varieties of flowers and can enjoy the songs of the many birds in the morning. For overnight stops, there are every type of accommodation suitable for all kinds  of tourist, budget to Deluxe.

 

Itinerary

DAY 01 : Kathmandu
Arrive at Kathmandu International Airport and get transferred to a hotel.

DAY 02 : Kathmandu - Nagarkot
After breakfast proceed for a city tour of Kathmandu visiting Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Pashupatinath Temple is situated 5 km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is considered one of the holiest shrines of Hindus. The stupa of Boudhanath lies 8kms east of Kathmandu. This ancient colossal stupa is one of the biggest in the world and the center of Buddhism in the world. It was listed in the UNESCO Heritage Monument in 1979. After lunch we will drive to Nagarkot. Nagarkot is situated 32 km east of Kathmandu and at an altitude of 2175 m above sea level, Nagarkot is a popular destination for the view of sunrise and sunset and panoramic view of Himalayas including Mount Everest.

DAY 03 : Nagarkot - Kathmandu
Wake up call early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise view from your room or from the terrace. After breakfast, we have some free time to enjoy a panoramic view of the Himalayas and a short trek. We have lunch and then drive back to visit the ancient city of Patan Durbar Square, Tibetan Refugee Camp and Handicraft Industrial Estate. Patan City is an enchanting melange of palace buildings, artistic courtyard and former palace complex. One remarkable monument here is a 16th century temple dedicated to the Hindu God Lord Krishna, built entirely of stone.

 

DAY 04 : Kathmandu
After breakfast, proceed for a city tour of Kathmandu visiting Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, courtyard and temples, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, used to be the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. In the afternoon visit the Swoyambunath Stupa and Patan City. Swoyambhunath Stupa, atop the hillock is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal enlisted in the World Heritage Site. Free time at Kathmandu until transfer to the airport for departure.