Embarking on the Classic Nepal Tour offers a captivating journey through the cultural marvels of the Kathmandu Valley, a region steeped in profound historical significance. This tour introduces you to Kathmandu Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Each adorned with magnificent temples, palaces, and awe-inspiring architectural gems that continue to radiate their charm and glory. An additional highlight is the opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage spanning centuries in the Kathmandu Valley. This includes visits to the revered Pashupatinath Temple, the Bouddhanath Stupa, and the Swoyambhunath Stupa. These sites, recognized for their importance, have earned UNESCO’s distinction as World Heritage Sites. This cultural exploration immerses you in the history and civilization of this ancient city.
Furthermore, our itinerary guides us to the remarkable Chitwan National Park – a distinguished UNESCO-listed site in Southeast Asia. Here, an extraordinary wildlife safari experience awaits, encompassing activities . The activities are elephant and Jeep safaris, bird watching, canoe rides, jungle walks, and a captivating Tharu Cultural Dance Program.
In the span of six days Classic Nepal Tour, you’ll be able to witness many of Nepal’s most captivating highlights. From bustling markets, revered temples, and cultural sites to the unique Chitwan Safari, this tour encapsulates the diverse essence of Nepal.
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. After check in formalities and some refreshment, we will have a pre-departure meeting regarding the details of your trip.
In the evening, we will take a 15 to 20-minute stroll from your hotel to reach Kathmandu Durbar Square, an UNESCO-listed World Heritage site. Found in the heart of old Kathmandu at Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square consistently leaves a strong impression on first-time visitors. It showcases a collection of palaces, courtyards, and temples constructed during the Malla era. Notable features of the Durbar Square include the Hanuman Dhoka Royal Palace, which holds historical significance as the royal seat; the impressive Taleju Temple standing at over 40 meters in height; Kumari Ghar, the dwelling of the Living Goddess, Kumari; Ashok Vinayak, also known as Kathmandu Ganesh, a temple without a roof; and Kal Bhairav, the deity of fury. The city’s name is derived from the towering pagoda of Kasthamandap, believed to have been crafted from a single tree. Throughout the reign of the Malla kings, the Durbar Square has served as the core of the city’s social, religious, and political activities.
We will then make our way back to the hotel via Asan, which has been the main marketplace of the city for ages. Asan offers a wide array of goods for sale, spanning from edibles, spices, and textiles to electronics and precious metals. Due to its architectural attractions and delightful atmosphere, Asan has become a popular destination for tourists in the city.
Situated approximately 13 kilometers east of the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur is renowned for its rich Newar tradition, delectable cuisine, and exceptional craftsmanship in wood, metal, and stone. Our exploration of Bhaktapur encompasses four main squares: Durbar, Taumadhi, Dattatreya, and Pottery. During this tour, we’ll have the opportunity to visit significant landmarks such as the Golden Gate, the Palace of 55 Windows, the Lion’s Gate, Nyatpola Temple (Nepal’s tallest of its kind), Bhairab Temple, and Dattatreya Temple.
Our next destinations take us to revered Pashupatinath Temple, located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River. This temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, holds the title of ‘The Temple of Living Beings’. As Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple, it also holds the distinction of being the most sanctified abode of Lord Shiva globally. Its origins date back to 400 AD, and its impressive architecture, following the traditional Nepalese pagoda style, showcases intricate carvings, gilded roofs, silver-adorned entrances, and a sanctified linga of Lord Shiva.
Continuing our journey, we arrive at Bouddhanath Stupa, radiating spiritual energy. Located 7 kilometers to the east of the city, Bouddhanath Stupa, also referred to as Khasti Chitya, stands as Nepal’s largest stupa. This stupa holds historical significance due to its location along the ancient trade route linking Tibet and Kathmandu. Throughout history, Tibetan merchants have found solace and offered prayers at this revered spot. In modern times, it stands as the preeminent Tibetan temple beyond Tibet’s boundaries. Each day, Tibetan and Sherpa pilgrims gather for a kora, a ritual circumambulation, around the stupa. Its design embodies the mandala concept, symbolizing the entire Buddhist cosmos.
In the morning, we’ll pick you up from your hotel and set off on a scenic drive to Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the southern central Inner Terai region of Nepal. Along the journey, you’ll pass through charming villages, observe turbulent rivers, and catch glimpses of mountains.
During our stay at Chitwan, an array of captivating activities awaits. These include guided jungle walks, village exploration, and visit to an elephant breeding center, canoe rides, elephant back safaris, elephant bathing, bird watching, and cultural dance. You can choose to participate in all or some of these activities, according to your preferences. In the evenings, there’s ample time to relax by the riverside and witness the beautiful sunset on the horizon.
The Chitwan Safari trips wraps up with an optional bird-watching tour in the morning.
After breakfast, we will embark on a one-hour drive to Bharatpur and then take a 45-minute flight to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, we will transfer you to your hotel, granting you the freedom to either explore, go shopping, or simply relax and unwind at your discretion.
In the morning, we will visit Swayambhunath, also referred to as the Monkey Temple because of the monkey tribe that guards it. It is one of Nepal’s most sacred Buddhist Chaityas, and it is perched on a hill 3 kilometers to the west of Kathmandu. It is claimed to have spontaneously evolved when the valley was formed more than 2,000 years ago from an ancient lake. This stupa, the first of its sort in Nepal, is surrounded by numerous temples and monasteries.
As per your scheduled flight time, we will provide transportation to the airport for your departure.
