Yesterday, you must have caught a small glimpse of the Kathmandu valley. Today, you will unveil the beauty of the valley and learn the stories tucked away in every nook and corner. You will be exploring 4 culturally and historically enriched places.
Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
The northwest of the Kathmandu valley is beautified with the hillock of Swayambhunath Stupa. This is one of the oldest and holiest Buddhist stupas that overlooks the entire valley, offering an expansive view. The iconic big dome surrounded by small temples offers spiritual serenity. Since, many monkeys live in and around the temple complex, this world heritage site is also majorly known as Monkey Temple.
Patan Durbar Square
Next, you will move towards the Patan Durbar Square, located at the heart of Lalitpur. This is one of three iconic Durbar Squares inside the valley, where echoes the history in every corner. Every part of the square looks unique, adorned with metal, stone, and wood carving. Some of the main highlights of the place include Krishna Mandir, Keshav Narayan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Golden Temple.
Khokana
Moving towards Khokana can give you a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Tucked in the south of Kathmandu, this village provides you quick glimpse of the authentic lifestyle and well-preserved Newari culture. This village is mainly known for the Sikali Jatra, which takes place during September/October every year. The locals believe that during this festival, the gods fly near the Sikali Temple in human form.
Bungamati
After catching a glimpse of the local way of living, it's time to visit the nearby ancient Newari town, Bungamati. Visiting this place is more than exploration; it's about diving into the past. One of the main highlights of this place is the Machhendranath temple. During your visit, you can also learn about Newari musical instruments and puppet making by locals.
After a full day of cultural discovery, you’ll return to the hotel to relax and reflect.
Overnight stay in Kathmandu
Breakfast included.