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Tour of Kathmandu, Patan, Bungmati, Khokna & Bhaktapur

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  • Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview

The Kathmandu Valley has three medieval towns, namely Kathmandu (the capital city of Nepal), Patan and Bhaktapur. Kathmandu valley is an open museum of medieval arts and architecture. On your tour you will get to see historic monuments, temples, monasteries, palaces and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kathmandu Durbar Squares- is the old Royal Palace (Hunman Dhoka), numerous interesting temples, the Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal (House of the Living Goddess and the Kasthamandap (House of wood) from which Kathmandu derived its present name. An inquisitive exploration in the Durbar Square reveals the ancient art and Architecture of Nepal which has proved to be a masterpiece to everyone accepting its genuineness. Buddhist stupas of Swayambhu- one of the world's most glorious Buddhist Chaitya and you will gain an invaluable insight into Buddhism. This may make you feel like you have just been to spiritual journey and Boudhnath- one of the biggest stupa in the world, Hindu temples of Pashupatinath- one of the most sacred Hindu Pilgrimage. As you travel along the exotic locales of Kathmandu, more diversified cultural settings in the valley welcome you with warmth and hospitality.

Patan is rich in Newari arts and sculpture with lots of masterpiece decorations carved in stones, metals and wood sculpture. Patan is the place to see a marvel the ancient temples, courtyards and monuments built during the Malla period, the golden art era. The Patan Durbar Square, which is enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage site, stands proof of the great arts and craftsmanship achieved during the Malla civilization. During the Malla civilization, the art flourished greatly with different cultural monuments erected by different Malla kings in the 16th, 17th, and 18th century. The four Stupas constructed on the four corners of the city by the great Buddhist emperor Ashoka during his pilgrimage to Nepal in 250 BC add to the historical appeal of this city of art.

Bungamati is knowns as the Bunga in local Newari language. Bunga means a pit.It is 12 km. south from Kathmandu and 6 km south from Patan. On the way to Bungamati , we can see the river named Karmanasha, which is the only one river , flows from south to the north in Nepal. The ancient village spreads over an area of 7.2 sq. km. Bungamati is a classic village dated from 16th century. Still the people are living in traditional way. Almost 80% people have engaged in wooden carving.

Khokana is a kilometer far from Bungamati. We can visit one of the four famous Ganeshas in the Kathmandu valley named Karyabinayak on the way to Khokana. Khokana resembles Bungamati in many ways. This place is famous for Mustard oil. There are still old styled wooden mill to produce oil. There is a pagoda style Shekali Mai temple known as Rudrayani. It was built in 17th century in Malla period. The newar people in Khokana do not celebrate the national festival Dashain. They are different than the Newar in Kathmandu in many ways.

Famous for being the ancient city of Nepal, Bhaktapur is located around 20 kilometres outside of Kathmandu city. This is the 3rd largest city of this country and renown as being a city of craftwork, traditional & beautiful temples, gilded roofs, open courtyards and rich culture. Our Bhaktapur tours not only focus on “Bhaktapur Durbar Square” but also offering you a great chance to discover this living museum on every corner, bustling street markets and arts. This is a perfect destination for those who are interested in Nepali culture & heritage.

 

 


Trip highlights

  • Introduction to Nepal’s history and culture on a trip that starts from Kathmandu
  • Visit typical Newari villages Bungmati and Khokhana
  • Discover the art and architecture of the Malla era
  • Immerse yourself in the valley’s rich Newari culture during your Patan Durbar Square Tour
  • Visit the home of the valley’s rain god, Rato Machhindranath

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m). Overnight in Hotel

As you fly into Kathmandu, you'll have beautiful views over the valley, the snow capped mountain peaks in Himalaya, and of the terraced fields below. As per your arrival time, our representative will be at the airport to receive you and transfer you to your booked hotel.

Day 02: Fully day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu. Overnight in Hotel

Pashupatinath Temple
Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river, the temple built in pagoda style has jilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of Bagmati River, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds.

Boudhanath Stupa
This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhis Stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priest.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath is located approximately 4 kilometers and this Buddhist Stupa is said to be 2000 years old. The Stupa which forms the main structure is composed of a solid hemisphere of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. Painted on the four sided base of the spire are the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda temples

Kathmandu or Basantapur Durbar Square
Listed as a cultural World Heritage site by UNESCO, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets that dates back to12th - 18th centuries. At the square, you will find Hanumandhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, KumariGhar(House of the Living Goddess), Kasthamandap and other temples and buildings as old as the city itself.

Day 03: Drive from Kathmandu to Bungamati, then visit Khokana and drive back to Patan for sightseeing tour. Overnight in Hotel

We set out from hotel at 9 am for the sightseeing. We drive to Bungamati which is 12 km south and takes about 45 minutes. Bungamati and Khokana are typical Newari towns where people are following the old tradition, occupation and living as same as they were in the past. There is less effect of modernization. We can find people are getting engaged on wood carving. They make very artistic doors and windows.

There is Khokana after a kilometer in distance. We can visit one of four Ganeshas named Karya Binayak on the way to Khokana. Bungamati is famous for the summer home of Red Machhindranath. Khokana has unique cultural celebration ever year. Khokana is famous for mustard oil crushing in the traditional wooden mill.

Then we proceed to Patan Durbar Square which is located in the heart of old Patan city, the Patan Durbar Square is a quadrangle filled with several temples, palaces, and courtyards. Most of the structures date back to the Malla era. Patan Palace, which now houses a museum, used to be the royal residence of the Malla kings ruling over Patan. Surrounding the royal palace are the octagonal Chyasin Dewal, Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), etc. Inside the Patan Palace are courtyards (Keshav Narayan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Mul Chowk) with gilded doorways and decorative stone baths and wells.

Day 04: Full day sightseeing tour to Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Overnight in Hotel

Bhaktapur Durbar Square in the center of Bhaktapur city showcases the architecture that dates back to the Malla period. The square is the most charming with wide open spaces. In this ancient town Bhaktapur, you will see some of the finest medieval arts of Nepal. Most remarkable are The Golden Gate, Fifty-five Windows and the beautiful statue of King Bhupatindra Malla mounted on a giant stone pillar. The Golden Gate was erected by King Ranjit Malla as the entrance to the main courtyard of the Fifty-five Window Palace. The Palace of Fifty- five Windows was built during the reign of King Yakshya Malla in 1427 A.D.and was re-modelled by King Bhupatindra Malla in the 17th Century. The Art Gallery has a fascinating collection of ancient manuscripts, thangkas, centuries-old stone sculpture, antique paintings that belong to the Hindu and Buddhist traditions of various periods. This whole square is an open museum in itself.

Day 05: Fly out from Kathmandu

As per your flight time you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home or any other destinations. The airport check-in is 3 hours prior to the departure time and the hotel checkout time is 12 PM.

Or inform us if you want to stay longer for short tours such as Jungle Safari at National Parks, Mountain Biking, Rafting, a Tibet tour, a Tour to Bhutan or India Tour. We will be happy to assist you.

  • Trip facts

  • Trip duration : 5 days
  • Grade : Easy
  • Activity : Cultural Sightseeing Tour
  • Starts in : Kathmandu
  • End in : Kathmandu
  • Trek Type : Day Tour
  • Accomodation : -
  • Max Altitude : 1310 m
  • Location Covered: Kathmandu, Patan, Bungmati, Khokna & Bhaktapur
  • Best Season: All Year Round

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop off services by private A/C vehicle
  • 4 nights accommodation in Kathmandu on twin /double sharing basis with breakfast only
  • An English Speaking local Tour Guide
  • Entry fees for sightseeing monuments
  • Air-conditioned private tourist vehicle
  • Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with live cultural performance at authentic Nepali restaurant on the last evening

Cost Excludes

  • International Flight & any other airfares
  • Nepal visa
  • Tips for Guide, Porters, Drivers etc.
  • Lunch & Dinner


Extension Tours

Paragliding
Jungle Safari
Pokhara Tour
Rafting

Necessary Information

1. Visa to Nepal

You can obtain the Nepalese visa from Nepalese consulate in your country easily or upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. For that, you require a valid passport with 2 copies of passport size photos. Similarly, a visa for Nepal can be obtained at Nepal India border entry point at Birgunj, Nepalgunj, Kakadvitta, Bhairahawa, Gaddachowki and Kodari on the Nepal China border. A15/30/90 day multiple entries Nepalese visa can be obtained by paying USD 30/50/125 or equivalent foreign currency respectively. For more information, please visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

2. Welcoming upon your arrival in Nepal

We will be at the airport to welcome you upon your arrival to Nepal. We will be carrying the Raj BalaTreks & Expedition placard with your name underneath. From airport you will escorted to your hotel and we help you to check-in.

3. Tour Guide

We have a team of highly experienced and multilingual guides who are certified and are experts in culture and history of each place in this itinerary.

4. Tour Availability

We operate Nepal Tour throughout the year.

5. Accommodation

There are different categories of hotels, from budget tourist standard hotels to 5 star hotels along with boutique hotels in Nepal.

6. Transportation

We use comfortable and reliable private tourist car, jeep, vans or microbuses to transport our guests. These lightweight vehicles are maneuverable in the narrow roads of Nepal. You will have a vehicle, a guide and a licensed driver at your disposal at all times. We use our own Fleet service for Transportation.

Size and type of vehicle depend on size of your group. We use two-seater car for 1-2 persons, micro luxury 6-seater van for 3-5 persons, 10-seater van for 6-9 persons and tourist coach or coaster for group size above 10 persons. Our drivers are specially trained to serve in the hospitality industry. The vehicles are checked carefully before assigning to your service.

7. Tipping

Tips are not mandatory. However you can tip your support team if you wish for, according to your budget and appreciation of their work. Normally, tip amounts for 5-10% of your total budget. All fees to sightseeing places stated in tour package are included in our cost.

8. Clothing

Clothing varies with the type of tour and season. From April to the end of October, it is warm in Kathmandu. In Nepal clothing for traveling purpose should be comfortable and light. You can also wear longer shorts provided that it is weather- friendly. In the months of November to the end of March, days are usually warm and evenings are cool. Put on your summer clothes during the day time but in the evening and night it is advisable to carry a light jacket. Winter season starts from December to February. One must be equipped with sufficient winter wears like jackets, sweaters, trousers etc to stay protected from the cold. In accordance to Nepali weather you can have your clothes well-packed in your luggage or you can also purchase clothes of your choice and needs from the clothing stores in Nepal.

9. Booking Procedure

Your booking of this tour will be confirmed by email once we receive your deposit of 20% of the total trip and the signed copy of booking form and contract. The balance is due no later than two months prior to departure. If you book a tour less than 2 months prior to departure, you must send the full payment within 7 days of confirmation by us.

10. Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your booking, the following scale of charges will apply:

  • 2 months before departure – Loss of deposit (20% of the total trip)
  • 29 days to 2 months before departure – 30% of total trip cost
  • 10 to 28 days before departure – 60% of total trip cost
  • Less than 10 days before departure – 100% of total trip cost

 

 

 

Additional Information