Nepal Heritage Tour

<p>On arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. Welcome dinner with typical Nepali Cultural show on your very arrival day your cultural tour in Nepal to explore the world heritage sites in Nepal. O/N at Hotel.</p>

<p>Full day world heritage sightseeing tour of Boudhanath, Pashupatinath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.</p><p>Bouddhanath: – is the largest and the most fascinating religious structure ever built in Nepal. This colossal stupa is known by the name of Boudhanath, the god of wisdom. This stupa stands upon a massive octagonal basement. It is in various levels of terraces, painted in pastel, and adorned with prayer flags of five different colors. The area of Boudhanath is also known as ‘Mini Tibet’ since you will see a large number of monasteries, which were constructed mostly in Tibetan style in last three decades. The settlement of Boudhanath has the largest community of Tibetan refugees.</p><p>Pashupatinath: – Pashupatinath, situated 5 km east of Kathmandu is dedicated to Lord Shiva, with two-tiered golden roof and silver door is considered one of the holiest shrines for Hindus. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and the activities performed in the temple premises from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.</p><p>Kathmandu Durbar Square: – is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. The most noteworthy among them are the Hanumandhoka palace complex, and the Taleju temple. Even to date, all major state and social ceremonies, including the solemnization of coronations, are carried out in one or the other courtyards within this complex.</p><p>The royal enclave presently houses three museums. The monuments in and around the area are so charming that each appears more wondrous than the one next to it. During this tour, you will also visit the Temple of Kumari(the Living Goddess) who represents a very ancient Hindu deity of Nepal locally known as Taleju, is Buddhist by birth. The building has intricately carved wooden balconies and window screens. The Kumari acknowledges greetings from her balcony window. Once a year, during Indra Jatra festival, the King of Nepal seeks the Kumari’s blessings. O/N at Hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Today we drive to Chitwan National Park (932 sq. km) which is the most popular safari destination and natural world heritage site in Nepal. It covers a unique ecosystem in the world containing the Churia hills, ox-bow lakes and flood plains. Dominated by sal forests, the park has 50 species of grasses.</p><p>The 43 species of animals include the endangered one-horned Rhino and Bengal tiger, gharial crocodile and gaur, wild elephant and four horned antelope, striped hyena and pangolin, Gangetic dolphin and monitor lizard and pythons.</p><p>Your stay in Chitwan National Park will be highlighted with the different activities including Elephant back safari and Canoe ride, village tour and jungle walk, bird watching as well as Tharu cultural dance etc.</p><p></p>

<p>Full day jungle activities including the Elephant safari.</p>

<p>Morning drive to Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, the apostle of peace and compassion. It is a place of pilgrimage for Buddhist as well as place of reverence for peace lovers of any religious faith throughout the world.</p><p>In Lumbini the central attraction is the sacred garden with Maya Devi temple depicting the birth of Lord Buddha, Ashoka Pillar pinpointing the birthplace of Buddha and Shakya Tank where Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, is supposed to have taken a dip before bringing forth the baby – Lord Buddha. Around this holy site, there are remnants of Monasteries and Chaityas built over the centuries following Buddha’s birth in 632 BC. O/n at hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Excursion to Tilaurakot (25kms) to the west, the ancient capital of Kapilvastu, the Kingdom of the Sakya Dynasty in which Lord Buddha was born. PM tour of Monastery Zone and the Lumbini Village. O/N at Hotel.</p>

<p>PM: World Heritage tour of Changunarayan and Bhaktapur.</p><p>Changunarayan – is the most ancient Hindu temple in Kathmandu, and is dedicated to lord Vishnu. Another fact is that the complex is built on a peninsula, which was not submerged in water as most of the valley once was. </p><p>The lavishly decorated two-tiered principal temple stands on a spacious courtyard, and is literally littered with artistic and priceless statues, idols and sculptures. Some date back to 4th century AD.</p><p>Bhaktapur – is one of three sister cities, which still, retains a medieval charm and visitors to this ancient town, are treated to myriad wonders of cultural and artistic achievements. </p><p>The past glory of the Malla rulers continues to be reflected at the Durbar Square. Pottery and weaving are its traditional industries. Bhaktapur is famous for woodcarving, the Bhadgaolen top (cap) and curd. O/N at Hotel.</p>

<p>Mountain flight to Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha)</p><p>This is the easiest and quickest way to get a close up view of Mt. Everest (Sagarmatha 8,848the “must-see” landmark of Nepal and the highest mountain of the world. Other breathtaking mountains that can be viewed at close range are Shisha Pangma, Dorje Lakpa, Gauri-Shanker, Melungtse, Numbur, Cho-Oyu, Pumori, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Ama Dablam, Thamserkhu, Kanchenjunga and even glimpses of the Tibetan Plateau. Every passenger is guaranteed a window seat on our mountain flight!</p><p></p>

<p>World Heritage Tour of Patan Durbar Square and Swayabhunath</p><p>Patan – The ancient city of Patan, lying 5km southeast of Kathmandu, is known as the city of fine arts. The city is full of Hindus temples and Buddhist monuments. The diversity of the medieval culture that allowed both Hinduism and Buddhism to flourish has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in this city for today’s visitors.</p><p>Swyambhunath – visible from afar on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu takes pride in being one of the world’s most glorious Buddhist stupas and its existence is linked to the creation of the Kathmandu valley out of a primordial lake. This hill is a mosaic of small chaityas and pagodas.</p><p>Swayambhunath is perhaps, the best places to observe religious harmony in Nepal. It proves excellent views of Kathmandu valley. PM free. O/N at Hotel.</p><p></p>

<p>Transfer to Airport for onward flight/destination.</p>