Culture and Heritage of Nepal

The Kathmandu Valley can surprise visitors with its rich heritage of artistic brilliance, its cultural richness within a modern city and traditions that refuse to die. A tour of the monuments begins with centuries-old temples and stupas and visits to old palace squares, all designated as World Heritage Sites. Outside the valley, there are delightful resort towns and the enchanting Pokhara valley to visit.

NEPAL’S CULTURAL TREASURE TROVE

From the bustling historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley to the tranquil Pokhara Valley, this journey of discovery gives us many moments of joy and contemplation as we go from centuries-old monuments to placid lakes and gaze at giant snow-capped peaks in the horizon. A tour of Kathmandu Valley will charm you with its rich tapestry of interwoven cultures and architectural wonders. The fascinating stupas of Swoyambhu and Boudha, the two most important Buddhist shrines in the valley, then Pashupatinath, a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva dating back to the 12th century. All these shrines display the religious harmony prevalent in the valley for centuries. Bhaktapur, the most beautiful of the historical cities of the valley on the other hand retains much of its old-world charm. Wind off the tour with a drive to Pokhara for two days of exciting excursions amongst the villages in the shadow of Mount Macchapuchare.
HIGHLIGHTS
- A discovery of Nepal from all perspectives in just ten days.
- Well-known and lesser-known cultural hotspots like Namobuddha, Bandipur and more.
- Accessible to all during most of the year.
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Gallery

Itinerary

  • Level of Trek: Easy
  • Best Period: February - April & September - December
  • Duration: 10 Days
  • Number of walking days: 3
  • Highest Altitude: 1750 Meters
  • Flights: Pokhara - Kathmandu
  • Accomodation: Hotels
Leave No Trace

For your next trek with us in the Himalayas, travel light and aware: Base Camp offers you a biodegradable soap made in Nepal, to leave no trace ...

Day

Arrival in Kathmandu and check-in at the hotel. Rest and local tours.
- Accommodation: Hotel 

Begin with a tour of Patan, one of the three ancient royal cities of the valley, known for excellent statue makers. We drive on to Bungamati, a 15th-century village populated by typical, traditional Newari craftsmen. Walk across terraced rice fields to reach the peaceful village of Khokhana. Drive back to the hotel in the late afternoon.
- Meals on your own
- Duration of hike: 1hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day
We visit one of Hinduism’s major shrines, Kathmandu’s Pashupatinath, where Hindu cremations take place by the holy Bagmati River. Dating back to the 12th century, this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, is where pilgrims come to bathe in the holy river. Then we drive to Bhaktapur, 15 km away from Kathmandu, a laid-back pedestrian town and the most beautiful of the three royal cities of the valley. Overnight in Bhaktapur to enjoy a peaceful stay!
- Lunch on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, take a stroll down the alleys of the old city of Bhaktapur, discovering its secrets. Then drive to nearby Changu Nararayan, the oldest pagoda temple still standing in the valley. Enjoy panoramic views and check out the old stone carvings that are a highpoint of this temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The next stop is Dhulikhel from where the panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains are incredible. Then move on to Namo Buddha, a Buddhist pilgrimage site and beautiful viewpoint over the snowy peaks. (It is possible to hike up to Namo Buddha).
- Lunch on your own
- Accommodation: Namo Buddha Resort

This morning’s hike takes us to the village of Balthali where we enjoy our lunch. Then another walk to Khopasi, followed by a short drive to Panauti, a delightful settlement with remarkable temples that were recently renovated. We return to Kathmandu and head for the great stupa of Boudha located in the heart of the Tibetan district. The massive stupa is surrounded by many Buddhist monasteries where monks teach Tibetan Buddhism.
- Meals on your own
- Duration of hike: 3 hr
- Accommodation: Hotel

We drive for 4 ½ hr from Kathmandu to Bandipur, a charming little village of Newari traders with many tourist facilities; superb views of the Himalayan range.
- Accommodation: Old Inn or Gaun Ghar

Take an easy stroll from Bandipur to Chirkini via Ramkot, a typical Magar village. Then drive to Pokhara. Overnight in a hotel by the Phewa Lake.
- Duration of hike: 3 hr
- Accommodation: Hotel

Take a morning drive to the Gurung village of Bhumdi, and climb up to the heights. We enjoy superb views of the Annapurna range and the Machhapuchhare along with views of the verdant valley below. Then head for the Shanti Stupa, a.k.a. "The Peace Pagoda". Then we descend to Phewa Lake where we take a boat across the lake and head back to lakeside. Free time in Pokhara.
- Meal on your own
- Duration of hike: 4 hr
- Accommodation: Same as the previous day

Catch the mid-morning flight to Kathmandu from Pokhara Airport. Once in the city, visit the great, old Buddhist stupa of Swoyambhu overlooking the Kathmandu valley. Afterward, visit the old quarter of the city of Kathmandu with its narrow streets and tiny, mysterious alleys, the crowded, noisy market place and then walk up to Thamel, the tourist district where you can do some intense souvenir shopping. Free time in town.
- Meals on your own
- Accommodation: Hotel

In the morning, free time in Kathmandu. In the afternoon, transfer to TIA (Kathmandu Airport) for your return flight.

What's included

- All transfers by Air-conditioned private vehicle as per the itinerary
- 3 night in hotel Manaslu 3* on BB in Katmandu
- 1 night Shiva guest house on half board in Bhaktapur
- 1 night in an old inn on half board in Bandipur
- 2 nights in Lakeside retreat on BB in Pokhara
- English speaking cultural guide for the entire trip
- Monument Entrance fees as per visit program

What's not included

- Lunch and dinner in Katmandu and Pokhara
- Nepal visa ($30 + photo)
- insurance
- Flights
- Personnel expenses, tips, drinks, etc …
Question? Make an inquiry or call (977-1) 451 55 73