Early morning, enjoy Optional Mountain Flight for approx. 45 minutes duration by fixed wing aircraft, the flight shall give you an aerial view of Mt. Everest and other Himalayan Peaks.
After breakfast, sightseeing of Kathmandu Valley. This day you will see the following spots; the details are as described below:
Swayambhunath
The four seeing eyes of Swoyambhunath Stupa watch over the valley from the top of 77-m high hillock on western side. This most glorious Stupa in the world, is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal and its establishment is linked to the creation of Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. The surroundings of the Swoyambhunath are covered with small Chaityas & monasteries as well as some Hindu temples. The National Museum and the Museum of Natural History are situated at the foot of the hill.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
This complex of palaces, courtyards and temples, built between 12th and 18th Centuries, used to be the seat of ancient Malla Kings of Kathmandu. It is the place where kings of Nepal are crowned and their coronations solemnized. An intriguing piece here is the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages. Kumari Temple: Kumari temple is the residence of the Living Goddess. Kumari, known as Virgin Goddess has got some specialties, she must be chosen from a typical Newari cast with no body marks & injuries & will be replaced by another Kumari after puberty. Kasthamandap: Kasthamandap is believed to be constructed from the wood of a single tree in the sixteenth century situated near to the Kumari Temple. The name Kathmandu was named after this temple.
Afternoon visit Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhnath Stupa.
Pashupatinath : Situated five kilometers east of Kathmandu on the bank of sacred Bagmati river, the stemple of lord Shiva Pashupatinath with two tiered golden roof and silver doors is famous for its super architecture. It is a centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Maha Shivratri. Entrance to the temple precinct is permitted to the Hindus only however, visitors can clearly see the temple and activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati river.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born. This "Little Tibet" is still the best place in the Valley to observe Tibetan lifestyle. Monks walk about in maroon robes. Tibetans walk with prayer wheels in their hands, and the rituals of prostration are presented to the Buddha as worshippers circumambulate the stupa on their hands and knees, bowing down to their lord.
Many people believe that Bouddhanath was constructed in the fifth century, but definite proof is lacking. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of a Kasyap sage who is venerable both to Buddhists and Hindus. One legend has it that a woman requested a Valley king for the donation of ground required to build a stupa. She said she needed land covered by one buffalo's skin and her wish was granted by the King. She cut a buffalo skin into thin strips and circled off a fairly large clearing. The king had no choice but to give her the land. The Bouddha area is a visual feast. Colorful thangkas, Tibetan jewellery, hand-woven carpets, masks, and khukuri knives are sold in the surrounding stalls. Smaller stupas are located at the base. Gompa monasteries, curio shops, and restaurants surround Bouddhanath. Conveniently situated restaurants with roof-top patios provide good food and excellent views of Bouddhanath. Overnight at Hotel.
1 Comment
5
Amazing trip to Kathmandu and Pokhara with well-planned itinerary, smooth transfers, and comfortable stays. The Sarangkot sunrise and temple visits were unforgettable. Highly recommended!