Kathmandu valley has historically been the
centre of commerce and trade in Nepal. The
fertile valley has always been a centre of
agriculture and still is. Kathmandu is a melting
pot of Hindu and Buddhist culture. Kathmandu and
Patan contain a wide variety of temples,
shrines, monasteries and medieval pagodas. Right
outside the city are numerous chances to enjoy a
glimpse of rural village life the way it has
been for hundreds of years. We offer
opportunities for guided treks around the valley
with a knowledgeable and friendly trekking
guide. We also have programs designed for
touring the famous religious and cultural sites
of Kathmandu. Tours are led by our knowledgeable
and certified guides. Personal transportation is
provided and all tours are private. So please
let us introduce you to our home and history in
Kathmandu.
Here are some options for guided tours in
Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. These are
various packages designed to give you a variety
of cultural experiences during your tour. Each
package is a one day tour.
Kathmandu Durbar Square : The seat of royalty
till the last century Kathmandu Durbar Square is
a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces,
courtyards and streets. The most note worthy
among them are the Hanuman dhoka palace complex,
the living goddess and the Taleja temple.
Patan Durbar Square : No where else can be seen
a compression of marvelous monuments within a
limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square.
Besides the old royal palace, what dominates all
others in grace and grandeur in this complex is
the 17th century Krishna mandir. Other landmarks
within the square are the marvelous Tushahity,
Sundarichowk, Taleju-Temple etc. The Golden
temple and the terra-cotta temple of Maha
Bouddha are the highlights in the vicinity.
Patan Museum : The Patan museum inside Patan
Durbar in the Durbar Square specialises in
bronze statues and religious objects, which add
up to nearly 900 items. Some of the art goes
back to as early as the 11th century. Most of
the statues are of Buddha . Vishnu Lokeswar and
Devi, covering both the Hindu and the Buddhist
iconology.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square : Of the valleys three
Durbar Square, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is
the best preserved. Still emanating the medieval
aura. This splendid palatial complex has its
gems in such artistic masterpieces as the
55-windows palace, the Golden gate and the
Taleju. The 15th century Dattatreya temple and
the world famous peacock window.
Swayambhunath Stupa : One of the world's oldest
Buddhist shrines, the stupa graces a hilltop, 77
m. above the valley bottom. This huge dome-like
structure is surrounded by 13 gilded rings
representing 13 Heavens and an elaborate canopy.
Pashupatinath Temple : One of the most sacred
Hindu shrine in the world. The two – storied
pagoda houses a sacred Clingum or the phallic
symbol of Lord Shiva. Although the temple dates
back to the 4th century, it was brought into its
present shape in the early 18th century. The
temple is most noted for its gold-plated roofs
and silver-coated doors.
Changu Narayan Temple : Which is dedicated to
Lord Vishnu, boasts of being the oldest pagoda
dead 424 AD is the believed to be the oldest of
all such written records. More place to visit
and study in valley and around: (if you have
time and interested):
Dakshinkali : Canopied by four gilded serpents
spiralling up to make up the pinnacle, this open
shrine is dedicated to the ferocious Hindu
female deity. Dakshinkali its location in the
midst of a soothing jungle. Just 20 km. South
from the valley.
Kakani : At 1982 m. sea level is one of the most
remarkable mountain balconies for viewing a
chain of Himalayan peaks and sun set. The place
29 km. to the north of Kathmandu. Godavari :
Godavari is a preferred place for devotees, the
royal Botanical Garden attracts all those who
love nature in its pristine form. The peaceful
garden is also a preferred place for watching
birds and lies 22 km. south of Kathmandu.
Boudhanath Stupa : One of the world's largest
stupa of its kind. The unique aspect of this
great Buddhist monument is that it is set in the
octagonal mandala design. Also set into the
riches around this huge structure are the
hundreds of prayer wheels and the 108 images of
the Buddha adoring the Stupa. Another notable
aspect of the area is the presence of about four
dozen monasteries around it.
Sankhu : Sankhu is north east from Kathmandu.
This unspoiled Newar settlement is best known
for its cultural richness as well as the 17th
century Vajra Yogini shrines atop a nearby
mountain. Adding to its medieval grandeur are
the quaint streets and rows of old artistic
buildings and temples.
Bungamati : This village is has some of the most
defined culture in all Nepal. Its main
highlights are the Macchendranranth temple and a
Buddhist monastery. Bungamati is equally famous
for its dextrous wood-carvers.
Nagarkot : At a height of 1985 meters above sea
level. The hilltop is visited for viewing
beautiful sun rises and sun sets on the clear
day Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Gauri Shanker and the
Everest can be seen.
Surya Vinayak : It is one of the valleys four
main Ganesh shrines. It is in Bhaktapur.
Devotees throng this temple to pay homage and
offer animal sacrifices to the elephant-headed
deity. The place is also pleasant to view the
Bhaktapur city as well as the Himalaya Panorama.
Natural history Museum : It has fine display of
Himalayan butterflies, snakes and plants. Rare
birds and insect species
Dhulikhel : This old Newar town is rich in
culture and for temples and stupas. From here
long mountain range can be seen.
National woodworking museum : The building of
museum itself it the museum and contain very
finely carved pillars, windows, doors and
struts. Also there are wood carving samples that
go back the Pujari Math.
National Bronze Art Museum : It has a collection
of same of the finest pieces of bronze created
by valley artisans and the number of items
(about Hindus and Buddhist religion) is about
900.
Bronze and Brass Museum (Pujari Math) : The
Bronze and Brass museum is housed near the
pujari Math. Much of the displays have been
restored and are in excellent condition.
Chovar Gorge : Manjushri (Buddhist saint) came
upon a huge lake long ago and saw a huge lotus
emanating bright light at its centre. So he cut
a deep gorge in the wall of the lake and let the
water gout in order to observe and worship the
lotus. The bed of the lake because Kathmandu
valley and the place where he cut the lake is
said to be Chovar. An intricate cave is located
there as well as a Ganesh Temple.
Pokhara City Tour : If Kathmandu is the cultural
hub of Nepal, Pokhara is its centre of
adventure. An enchanting city nestled in a
tranquil valley, it is the starting point form
many of Nepal’s most popular trekking and
rafting destinations. The atmosphere on the
shore of Phewa Lake is one of excited vitality
as hipster backpackers crowd the many bars And
Restaurants exchanging recommendations on guest
houses and viewpoints, both by the lake and
above the clouds. Pokhara is a place of
remarkable natural beauty. The serenity of Phewa
Lake and the magnificence of the fishtailed
summit of Machhapuchhre (6977 m.) rising behind
it create an ambience of peace and magic. At an
elevation lower than Kathmandu, it has a much
more tropical feel to it, a fact well
appreciated by the beautiful diversity of
flowers which proper in its environs. Indeed,
the valley surrounding Pokhara is home to thick
forests, gushing rivers, emerald lakes and of
course, the world famous views of the Himalaya.
Finally, Pokhara is part of a once vibrant trade
route extending between India and Tibet. To this
day , mule trains can be seen camped on the
outskirts of the town, bringing goods to trade
from remote regions of the Himalaya. This is the
land of the Magars and Gurungs, hardworking
farmers and valorous warriors who have earned
worldwide fame as Gorkha soldiers. The Thakali,
another important ethnic group here, are known
for their entrepreneurship |