Take a guided tour of the royal city of Bhaktapur and visit the most ancient shrine in Kathmandu, Swayambhunath Temple. Enjoy a cooking demonstration and learn how to make Nepalese momos (dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during an authentic local lunch. The evening is free to do as you please. Take a tour of the world heritage site of Bhaktapur and visit Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the monkey temple, the oldest shrine in Kathmandu. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles! Later, opt to visit Pashupatinath, the most famous Hindu temple in the country, located on the banks of the holy Bagmati River.
Accommodation:
Hotel Traditional Stay
Included Meals:
Lunch
Included Experiences
- Bhaktapur Excursion: Visit this unique old town known as the City of Devotees. Explore Hindu temples, pagodas, palaces, and monuments, including the beautiful wood-carved palace in Durbar Square. You can pick up clay pots and other souvenirs in the colourful open markets and taste home made yogurt, known as khopa dhau, which Bhaktapur is famous for.
- Nepalese Dumplings Cooking Demonstration: Enjoy a cooking demonstration at a local establishment and learn how to make momos (traditional dumplings). Afterwards, taste the delicious dishes made during a Nepali lunch.
- Swayambhunath Temple Visit: Visit Swayambhunath Buddhist temple and Unesco World Heritage Site, the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu. Explore the structure and be sure to check out the Buddha's eyes painted on each side of the Stupa. The site is also known as the monkey temple, for the vast amount of creatures who call the complex home.
Optional Experiences
- Everest Flight: Get a close look at awesome Mt Everest, the highest mountain in the world, without having to do any climbing; this one-hour plane tour will give you an unforgettable experience. At times, the weather may cover Everest, but the surrounding view is still worth the ride!
- Boudhanath Stupa Visit: Enjoy a visit to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Built in the 5th century, it still attracts many pilgrims, particularly Tibetan Buddhists and local Nepalis, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. See the compassionate eyes of Buddha gazing from the facade and take in the peaceful atmosphere and observe Buddhist monks at prayer in the monasteries surrounding the stupa. Follow the pilgrims walking clockwise around the stupa, rotating the prayer wheels and chanting "OM MANI PADME HUM" meaning "diamond on a lotus." Continue through the thriving market surrounding the area which is alive with chants, singing bowls, monasteries, shops selling Tibetan wares and cafes serving authentic Tibetan cuisine.
- Pashupatinath Ghats and Temple Visit: Visit Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred Hindu temple complexes in Nepal. Located on the banks of the Bagmati River, this is the final stop for many Hindus, who's families bring them here to set funeral pyres on the ghats to cremate their loved ones. Respectful viewing from across the river is culturally acceptable, you also will see sadhus (Hindu holy men) and pilgrims perform bathing rituals. Please note the inclusion of a taxi costs extra.