Nepal, the landlocked multiethnic, multilingual, multi-religious country, is situated north of India in the Himalayas where the Indian subcontinent crashed into Asia millions of years ago. Home to eight of the world's fourteen highest peaks including Mount Everest (8,848m), Nepal is a land of breathtaking contrasts. The Kathmandu Valley, at 1,400m, is the historic and cultural heart of Nepal, where Hinduism and Buddhism coexist in harmony. This tour combines the valley's seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites with the serene hill station of Dhulikhel (1,550m), 30 km south-east of Kathmandu. Dhulikhel offers some of Nepal's most spectacular Himalayan panoramas β from Langtang Lirung in the west to Gauri Shankar and Numbur in the east. From the bustling markets of Kathmandu Durbar Square to the sacred energy of Pashupatinath, the medieval charm of Bhaktapur to the breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, this tour weaves together Nepal's cultural and natural splendour.
β Included
- 2 nights accommodation at hotel in Kathmandu
- 1 night accommodation at hotel in Dhulikhel
- Daily breakfast (3 breakfasts)
- Air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers & sightseeing
- English-speaking local guide for all sightseeing tours (Kathmandu)
- English-speaking representative for airport transfers
- Monument entrance fees (one-time entry per site)
- All applicable government taxes
β Excluded
- Nepal visa fee (free for Indian nationals)
- International airfare
- Optional Everest Mountain Flight (can be arranged on request)
- Lunch & dinner (unless specified)
- Tips for guide, driver & supporting staff
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, phone calls)
- Travel insurance
Nepal, the landlocked multiethnic, multilingual country, is situated north of India in the Himalayas where the Indian subcontinent crashed into Asia. The Kathmandu Valley, at 1,400m, is a bowl-shaped valley where Hinduism and Buddhism have coexisted from time immemorial.
- Fly to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal
- Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, having cleared immigration and collected your luggage, our representative will greet you with a paging board bearing your name
- Transfer to your pre-booked hotel
- Rest of the day at leisure β settle in and explore the neighbourhood
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Swayambhunath literally means 'Self-Existent One.' Believed to have been established more than 2,500 years ago, an inscription dated 460 AD states that construction was carried out by King Manadeva. By the 13th century it had developed into an important Buddhist learning site. Also known as the Monkey Temple for the holy monkeys living in the North West.
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Morning: Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square (UNESCO) β located in the heart of the old city, home to around 50 temples. Explore the 17th-century Durbar complex, Hanuman Dhoka, Parvati Temple, the Great Bell and Drum, Bhairav, and Taleju Temple. All around, the hustle & bustle of the market place
- Swayambhunath Stupa (UNESCO) β the ancient Buddhist stupa atop a hill, featuring the iconic all-seeing eyes of the Buddha. Known as the Monkey Temple, it offers panoramic views of the entire Kathmandu Valley
- Afternoon: Visit Patan Durbar Square (UNESCO) β the old Newar city showcasing the historic Durbar Square, the Golden Gate, the sky-piercing Temple of Taleju, the statue of Yogendra Malla, Krishna Mandir, Sati Temple, Hiranya Varna Mahabiar (the Golden Temple), and Mahabouddha
- Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
The 45-minute Mountain Flight offers the closest possible aerial views of Mount Everest and the Tibetan Plateau. You'll see peaks like Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m), Makalu (8,463m), and Annapurna (8,091m) β the next best alternative to climbing for those restricted by time.
- Early Morning (Optional): Everest Mountain Flight β a 45-minute flight offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range including Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Annapurna. *Weather permitting*
- After this lifetime experience, return to the hotel for breakfast
- AM: Visit Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO) β the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, dating back to 400 AD. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, the richly-ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga of Lord Shiva. Thousands of pilgrims from across the world come to pay homage
- Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO) β the Vatican of Tibetan Buddhism, the world's largest Buddhist stupa built in the 14th century. Circumambulate the base surrounded by 108 small images of Dhyani Buddha Amitabha and prayer wheels. Explore the surrounding monasteries of the four Tibetan Buddhist orders
- PM: Drive 30 min east to Bhaktapur Durbar Square (UNESCO) β one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the Valley. Highlights include the Lion Gate, the Golden Gate, the Palace of Fifty-five Windows (built in 1427), and the magnificent Nyatapola Temple
- After Bhaktapur, transfer to Dhulikhel (30 km, approx. 45 min drive). Dhulikhel is located 30 km south-east of Kathmandu valley, offering picturesque views of the high Himalayas from Langtang Lirung in the west to Numbur in the east
- Enjoy the sunset view over the Himalayas if time permits
- Check into your hotel in Dhulikhel
- Overnight: Hotel in Dhulikhel
Dhulikhel is famous for its Himalayan views β the peaks at sunrise are a magnificent sight to behold. The ranges include Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Jugal, Rolwaling, and even the Everest range (Mahalangur) on clear mornings.
- Early morning: Enjoy the sunrise view from Dhulikhel (1,550m). The Himalayan panorama at dawn β with peaks glowing gold against the deep blue sky β is an experience to treasure forever
- Breakfast at the hotel
- Free time till departure β take one last walk through this charming hill town
- In-time transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport to connect your onward flight
- Tour concludes. Carry with you the timeless beauty of the Kathmandu Valley β the chanting at Swayambhunath, the wood carvings of Bhaktapur, the sacred energy of Pashupatinath, and the unforgettable Himalayan sunrise from Dhulikhel.
Hotel options can be customised to your preference β contact us for details.