.:: Nepal | WORLD HERITAGE SIGHTS

World Heritage Sights

Trip code:	VTNEP.WHS
Total Days:	4
Type:	Cultural Tours
Grade:

The rich tapestry of the cultural heritage of Nepal is synthesized in the Kathmandu Valley. The three ancient cities of the Valley Patan, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur represent an epitome of harmony in urban design, elegant architecture and refined culture. These cities pack a concentration of religious monuments unequalled in the world.

Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by seven groups of monuments and buildings which display the full range of historic and artistic achievements for which the Kathmandu Valley is world famous. UNESCO has declared 7 World Heritage Sites, all inside Kathmandu Valley. These seven Worlds Heritage Sites are all amazing man-made wonders still standing majestically – some of them as old as 2500 years. Once you take this tour, you will get the full experience of each location after visiting this World Heritage sights with its unique built up.

Itinerary

DAY	ITINERARY
1	Arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight at Yak & Yeti or Dwarika’s Hotel. (B/-/)
1	You will be met by our representative at the airport and transferred to the hotel. On your arrival, you will visit Old Kathmandu City. Old Kathmandu City: Lies in the heart of the capital and is popularly known as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace - the Gateway of Hanuman - an ancient seat of Nepalese Royalty. The Palace consists of the huge Royal Square imposing a tremendous variety of the temples dedicated to different Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Most of the buildings were constructed from the 15th - 18th centuries. The Palace is named after the Hindu Monkey God, Hanuman, and is painted completely red right next to the main entrance (the Golden Gate) of the Palace. He is regarded as the protector of the entire Durbar Square. Also at this location, you'll see the Taleju Temple, Jaganath Temple, Kal Bhairav; statue of the King Pratap Malla in praying gesture (see above left), a 17th Century Kumari Temple and the Kasthamandap from which the city got its name.
2	Full day sightseeing tour. Overnight at Yak & Yeti or Dwarika’s Hotel. (B/-/)
2	Visit Swayambhunath, Boudhanath Pashupatinath and Patan City. Swayambhunath: A Buddhist stupa on western hills of Kathmandu. The 2,500 year old monument is a holy site replete with symbols. The mound represents the four elements of earth, fire, wind and water. The 13 gilded rings of the spire symbolize the 13 steps of the ladder leading to Nirvana, the final salvation. The shrine is bedecked in colorful prayer flags. Pilgrims and tourists pass to Swayambhunath’s holy premises through a path of 365 steps. Boudhanath Stupa: One of the oldest and the biggest Buddhist monument ever built in the Himalayan Kingdom it is 36m high. The stupa is unique with its three levels, mandala style, platforms. The structural features of the stupa are somewhat similar to the Swayambhunath stupa. It was built around the 5th century A.D. As Mecca is to the Muslims so is the Boudhanath Stupa for Tibetan Buddhists. Every year thousands of pilgrims flock here from all over the Himalayan region. During the Buddhist festivals, listed with Swayambhunath above, pilgrims gather to celebrate with great reverence to all Buddhist deities. Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. It is 6km. east of downtown Kathmandu. The temple has remained the presiding deity of ruling Nepalese Royalty. The two tier magnificent golden temple, with four triple silver doorways, is a unique example of the Nepalese temple architecture. It is one of the largest Hindu temple complexes in South-Asia with hundreds of Shiva Lingam shrines and icons Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The temple is spread out over a large area. The main entrance, for Hindu people only, is on the western side. Tourists may peak inside, or go on the other side of the river to have a glimpse of the temple complex from above. During the festival of Shivaratri, 10,000's of devotees and pilgrims visit this temple and make ceremonial fires. Patan Durbar Square: Situated on a little plateau across the river Bagmati river, Patan is only 7.8km south-east of Kathmandu city. This city is considered one of the oldest among the three cities of Kathmandu Valley. The city was founded in 3rd century by King Veera Dev and has the distinction of being the home of the finest Newari craft. The finest Hindu and Buddhist monuments are scattered around but the most important monuments are in the square or close by. Other features like the Golden window, the royal bath of Sundaru Chowk, the Taleju Temple, and Keshab Narayan Chowk are worth visiting. The four stupas, located in the four cardinal directions, were erected by Indian Emperor Ashoka the Great.
3	Full-day sightseeing tour. Overnight at Yak & Yeti or Dwarika’s Hotel. (B/-/-)
3	Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and Changu Narayan Temple. Bhaktapur Durbar Square: This is a unique city located east of Kathmandu at 1,400m above sea level. With an area of 5 sq. kms, this unique city is divided into 24 traditional localities. It was founded by King Ananda Dev in 889 A.D. Bhaktapur in supposed to have been built in the shape of a conch shell, a scared symbol of Lord Vishnu. The world Bhaktapur means the City of Devotees. Bhaktapur; at one time an independent city, was ruled by the Malla Kings. They were very religious and gave importance to their artistic heritage which is evident throughout the city. Some of the significant monuments here are: Changu Narayan Temple: Situated on a small hillock overlooking the Kathmandu Valley, this temple is 12km. east of Kathmandu. The temple is decorated with magnificent art works in metal and wood. This famous temple was built in the 3rd century A.D. An inscription opposite the temple tells about a historic event which is the first epigraphic evidence of Nepali history.
4	Departure. (B/-/-)
4	Transfer to the airport for your flight home.