in traditional dress take you to your unique hotel in the heart of Kathmandu. The Kantipur Temple House was only built 3 years ago, but its exquisitely polished brick, finely carved wood, traditionally dressed staff and attention to detail transports you into a rich cultural heritage.

The gentle sound of the courtyard fountain can be heard throughout the hotel and the roof terrace provides stunning views of the mountains. The Valley's culinary traditions are celebrated in a recently restored former residence of Royal Priests, also with its own courtyard and fountain, and now a multi-halled restaurant serving marvellous local food. We shall visit many of the valley's villages and small towns, exploring the local traditions, handicrafts, rich monuments and fantastic scenery, meeting local people and enjoying local foods.

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Itinerary of Cultural Heritage Of Kathmandu Valley In Detail.

Days 01 : Arrive Kathmandu. Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel, Dinner in the Bhojan Griha restaurant, a beautifully restored 180-year old former residence of Badaguruju (Royal Priests).

Days 02 : Your day starts with a sightseeing tour of the city, including such sights as Durbar Square, the Temple of the Living Goddess and the Royal Palace. We will also visit Kasthamandap -- a temple built from a single tree, and from which the city of Kathmandu derives its name. Continue for to Swyambhunath, thought to be the oldest Buddhist shrine at some 2000 years old. The views over the city from the hilltop on which the stupa is situated are magnificent, and looking east we can see the entire Kathmandu Valley spread out below. Just a short distance from the city is Bhudhanilkantha, a remarkable 5th century statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on the coil of the snake king, and a famous place of pilgrimage.

Days 03 : Today you explore the lovely artistic and architectural treasures of Patan City. Founded in 250 AD and previously known as Lalitpur, Patan City is often referred to as the "Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs." Here we shall visit Durbar Square, the Royal Baths, Mahaboudha, Krishna Mandir and Hirayana Mahabihar Temple (The Golden Temple). Rich local handicraft traditions are very much in evidence and you shall also visit a Tibetan Handicraft centre. Your cultural explorations continue in Bungamati, a typical Newar village. Bungamati is home to one of the most important Gods of the Kathmandu Valley known as Matsyendranath - the God of Rain and compassion, worshipped equally by Hindus and Buddhists. Local people believe that it was Matsyendranath who introduced rice plantations to the valley. The nearby village of Khokana was founded by the mighty 7th century Lichchhavi rulers of Nepal and remains relatively isolated from modern life. Exploring these lovely villages and meeting with local people offers beautiful insights into traditional Newari village life.

Days 04 : This morning you visit the valley痴 most perfectly preserved medieval city, Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon, and one of the three historic kingdoms of the Mallas. The town痴 exquisite temples and palaces show off Newari craftsmanship in their beautiful carved wooden windows and latticework. From Bhaktapur you continue to Thimi, where the Newari villagers maintain traditional crafts skills and are especially renowned for the making of paper masks and pottery. Before returning to Kathmandu, visits to a Hindu temple and Buddhist stupa enable us to explore the differences in style between Nepali Hindu and Buddhist sites. 17th century Pashupatinath Temple is the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal dedicated to Lord Shiva, and an important pilgrimage site for Indian Hindus, while Boudhanath is the world痴 largest, and a site of great veneration for Buddhists.

Days 05 : Today you visit Changu Narayan, at the end of a long high ridge which runs well into the valley. Believed to have been built in the 4th century by King Hari Dutta Varma, the temple is richly decorated with sculptures and carvings, and affords a beautiful view of the surroundings countryside. You shall enjoy further magnificent views towards the peaks of the Himalayas, including Sagarmatha (Mt Everest), before returning to Kathmandu.

Days 06 : Surrounded by ancient lush forests, the temple of Dakshinkali is dedicated to Goddess Kali " The Terrifying " who requires sacrifices once a week, and where pilgrims congregate on Tuesdays and Saturdays. You also visit Pharping, the shrine of Shekh Narayan on a hill surrounded by pools, which is richly endowed with history and art. Then go to the dramatic Chovar Gorge, said to have been created by Lord Manjushree striking his sword upon the hills to drain the vast lake that legend says filled the valley. On the top of the hill stands a small pagoda dedicated to Adinath, and from here there are yet more fantastic views of the snow-capped mountains peaks. On our way back to the city we visit Kirtipur, a delightful medieval village, sited on a low hill. The village people still wear traditional costumes, and you shall see them working on their ancient looms.

Days 07 : Today痴 visit is to Dhulikhel, an ancient and scenic small town on the Arniko Rajmarg (Kathmandu - Kodari Highway). From here one can have a complete panoramic view of the snowy ranges of the Himalayas from east to west. We then drive through beautiful countryside to Panauti, a thriving village just off the main road with some very lovely temples and old houses.

Days 08 : Transfer to the airport for departure, or continue for optional extensions on your trip to Nepal.

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Cost Of The Trip

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Includes & Excludes

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