THE THREE KINGS
$2500
Day One: Arrival, Bodnath
Arrival
Afternoon Visit – Bodnath
Arrive and meet our representative at the airport before you are transferred to your hotel.
BODNATH
At sunset you start with a visit of the imposing Bodnath , the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal.
At this hour monks in red robes circle the stupas with the all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Drums beat and prayers are chanted at all times of the day and devotees can be seen taking up to a hundred and eight rounds of the structure, praying Om Mane Padme Om.
Return to your hotel for the night.
Day Two: Bungamati, Patan, Pashupatinath, Kathmandu
Breakfast at the Hotel
Morning Sightseeing - Bungamati, Patan Durbar Square
Afternoon Sightseeing – Pashupatinath, Kathmandu Durbar Square & The Old Market, Thamel
BUNGAMATI
After breakfast, start off at the village of Bungamati. One of the better preserved Newari villages , Bungamati is centered around a sunny central square and is a center for woodcarving . The area is renowned for its mustard oil, and in season, the presses run full swing. Little has changed in this settlement that still thrives on agriculture, and you become witness to a way of life that goes back a 100 years.
PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
A short distance away is the city of Patan. Located in the second town of the Kathmandu valley. Patan, the city with a 1000 golden roofs, is a veritable pile of pagodas, temples ad palaces – predominantly Buddhist, and famous for its craftsmen, carpenters, and masons.
Here, you visit the old palace complex and the renovated Patan Museum and the Golden Temple.
PASHUPATINATH
In the afternoon, drive to Pashupatinath, one of the most prominent Hindu temples in Southeast Asia. Hinduism has been dominant in Nepal but is inextricably intermingled with Buddhism. Faith is an important aspect of Nepali life, as you will see in any religious site.
Pashupatınath is dedicated to the Hindu God of destruction Shiva and attracts thousands of worshipers from all over the world. The inner courtyard is accessible to Hindus only. Clouds of grey smoke rise above wooden pyres where the deceased are cremated to continue the endless cycle of life and death.
KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE
Finish up the sights of the day at Kathmandu Durbar Square, the sister square of Patan. You will walk from Kathmandu Durbar Square which is home to the Living Goddess to Asan - the old market lying in the heart of Kathmandu.. This traditional market leads to many intriguing sights and is a maze in itself with the narrow streets and alleys, the temples, the people milling around, colorful shops offering a variety of spices, dry fruits, color powders, incense, and many more things. Every day fresh fruit and vegetables are carried to this market place from all over the valley.
THAMEL
Finish in the energetic tourist hub of Thamel. Thamel contains a large number of lodges, restaurants, bookshops, travel and trekking agencies and shops selling handicrafts. Connected to the Old Market, Kathmandu Durbar Square, the hippie haven of Freak Street back in the 60s and 70s, the vibrancy of Thamel is a mixture of energizing chaos in the main streets and quiet seclusion in the back alleys. The entire area has a distinct character of its own, and one can spend hours perusing the wares being peddled, or simply soaking in the atmosphere.
Return to your hotel for the night.
Day Three: Nagarkot, Changunarayan, Bhaktapur
Breakfast at the Hotel
Morning – Hike through Nagarkot
Afternoon Sightseeing – Changunarayan Temple and Bhaktapur
NAGARKOT
Have breakfast at the hotel,. Just an hour’s drive out of the valley, the metalled road to Nagarkot winds through terraced fields, unspoilt countryside and small villages, climbing up to 1300 meters where a large number of resorts, both big and small have flourished. To the south, the whole Kathmandu valley is spread out, while to the north is a stunning view, that on clear days, includes the dark pyramid of Everest amidst an entire horizon of snow clad peaks. A beautiful sight that one can never tire of seeing. Then continue the day with an energizing walk through the hills of Nagarkot.
Hike through the quaint, cool countryside through gently rolling hills and small villages till you reach Telkot, from where you will drive on to Changunarayan
CHANGUNARAYAN
Located in proximity of Bhaktapur and Nagarkot, Changu Narayan is the very first pagoda roofed temple in Nepal, dating back to the AD 300. It is one of Kathmandu valley's oldest monument. It is a place of worship and pilgrimage given prominence because of its elevation (153 m above Kathmandu valley). The temple is located at the end of a long ridge which runs well into the valley and said to have been built by King Han Dutta Verma in fourth century AD. It is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings and said to be the oldest temple in the valley. The area commands a splendid panoramic view of surrounding countryside, especially in late afternoon, when the meandering Manohara River turns into a golden ribbon.
BHAKTAPUR
Arrive at the last of the three sister cities: Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur is known today as an “open museum” and a “living heritage“. Brick paved enclave of old royal palace buildings dating back 13th to 14th centuries, artistic temples and exquisite artwork offers a picture of the grandeur of medieval Nepal. Bhaktapur will surprise visitors with its presentation of innumerable temples and other architectural showpieces – Nyatapola, Bhairavnath, Dattatraya, Pujari math with its peacock window and many more.
The houses with their tiled roofs and carved wooden balconies and brick walls are adorned with drying vegetables. Bricks made from the rich soil of Bhaktapur are used everywhere – houses, paved lanes and courtyards. The streets are paved in herring-bone brick and the lanes are invariably filled with men carrying loads of vegetables, hay and pottery.
The jewel of Bhaktapur is the Nyatapola – a pagoda type temple built on plinths standing aloof and deservedly proud as one of the most beautiful medieval squares in the world. Religious processions, dancers, musicians, holy chariots, funerals, marriages- they all pass by this beautiful square, appreciating the world as it keeps turning.
Return to your hotel for the night.
Day Four: Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Checkout.
At leisure till departure
Enjoy your final breakfast in Nepal, finish packing your bags, check out and enjoy the memories in the years to come.