08 Days Kathmandu Valley & Chitlang Cultural Tour

Once you arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport, Kathmandu, our representative will welcome you and drive you to the hotel. You can be refreshed and rest at the hotel.

In the evening, you can roam around the city’s lively areas, Thamel and Durbarmarg.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we will visit Kathmandu City today, featuring three major attractions: Basantapur, Swayambhu, and Boudhanath.

We will pick you up early and drive you to Swayambhunath. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is a revered sacred site that both Hindus and Buddhists revere. This stupa is believed to be approximately 2500 years old, and worshippers of various religions, including Newari nuns, Tibetan Monks, and Brahmin priests, are drawn to it. Nearby the stupa, there is a monastery that houses Nepal’s largest image of Shakyamuni Buddha.

Then, we will drive to Basantapur, also known as Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical palace in Nepal that dates back to the 12th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historical palace is now the center of arts, culture, and history. You will be amazed by the beauty of this Durbar Square, where you can explore the Kasthamandap (Wood House), the ancient museum, the Krishna Octagonal Temple, and the Kumari Ghar, where the living Goddess, Kumari, of Nepal resides.

Later, we will drive to the Bouddhanath Stupa, the largest stupa in South Asia, which is built in an octagonal mandala structure. There is a dome-shaped structure on the octagonal foundation where people recite mantras while walking in a clockwise direction. There are several nice prayer flags, prayer wheels, and butter lamps on site. In the vicinity of Bouddhanath, there are around fifty monasteries devoted to Lord Buddha. Since it offers a view of Tibet, the location is sometimes known as “Mini-Tibet.” The stupa was allegedly constructed around 590 A.D. by Shiva Dev, a Lichhavi king; however, this has not been confirmed. This stupa is also renowned among photographers, and the best photography of it can be captured from the rooftops of nearby cafes and restaurants.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

We will start early today, as we will be driving to Chitlang, which is 2-3 hours away from Kathmandu. Chitlang, situated at an altitude of 1,833m, offers a unique blend of ancient Newari culture, traditions, and community, set against a stunning natural backdrop.

You can savor the village’s traditional, well-known Newari dishes, including Yomari, Chatamari, and Bara. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to taste and purchase the renowned Chitlang goat cheese, crafted using traditional methods and famous for its distinct flavor.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the temples and chaityas in the area, learning about the way of life of the Newari people who reside there. You will visit historical places such as Shiwalaya, Pauwa, Saat Dhara (seven water taps), and several other ancient structures in Chitlang village.

We will stay till afternoon, capture the moments, and experience the Newari culture more closely. And after noon, we will head back to Kathmandu.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Today, we will explore another beautiful, ancient, and culturally rich village, Khokana. Khokana, a typical Newari community, is renowned for its long history of producing mustard oil.

You’ll witness the organic mustard oil-making process and contribute to this historic community by making a purchase.  Then, we will visit the Rudrayani Temple, where you can witness a magnificent pagoda-style structure dedicated to the Goddess of Harvest.

Additionally, we will visit the nearby pond, which will be one of the unforgettable memories. Here, villagers sacrifice goats to the gods during their yearly celebrations, and if you are lucky and arrive during the celebrations, you can witness it too.

Once we finish visiting the village, we will head back to Kathmandu.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

After breakfast, we will drive to Dhulikhel, a quaint hill, renowned for its serene surroundings, panoramic view of majestic Himalayas, and rich cultural heritage. You will witness the traditional Newari architecture around Dhulikhel and multiple resorts around, and nothing could be better than this environment for leisure and cultural immersion.

We will then hike to Namobuddha, a monastery situated on a hill at an altitude of 1,750m, offering stunning views of the neighboring valleys and distant Himalayan peaks. The serene ambiance, spiritual significance, and breathtaking beauty of this area make the experience all the more enriching and unforgettable. This monastery is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. It is believed to be dedicated to the selflessness of a young Prince, Mahasattva, who gave his own body to a famished tigress and her cubs here.

Here, you will witness the panoramic Himalayas, along with the monks doing daily rites, chanting, or meditating. Later, we will head back to Dhulikhel and enjoy the evening settings of the hotel.

Overnight at Dhulikhel.

Today, we will explore Dhulikhel in the morning, and after lunch, we will drive back to Kathmandu. The remainder of the day is yours to spend whatever you choose.

You have the option to relax at your hotel, stroll through the lively alleys of Thamel, buy some last-minute trinkets, or visit any of your favorite landmarks. Additionally, this leisure time is ideal if you are seeking spa treatments and massages, or enjoy authentic Newari cuisine.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Today we will do some sightseeing inside Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Early in the morning, we will drive to Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. With its elaborate wood carvings and silver-plated doors, the temple’s architecture is a magnificent example of historical artistry, embodying the Nepali pagoda style. There is a cremation ghat next to the temple on the eastern side and on the bank of the Bagmati River, where Hindus cremate their departed loved ones as a last farewell ceremony. For non-Hindus, the entrance to the main temple is strictly prohibited. Still, you can witness multiple temples, shrines, and ashrams, including the Ram Mandir, Rajheswori Temple, Guhyeshwari Temple, Gorakhnath mandir, and more.

Then, we will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a historic palace that holds a wealth of history, culture, and traditions, featuring exquisite craftsmanship. You will get to see four different squares within, including Durbar Square, Pottery Square, Natapole Square, and Dattatreya Square. Along with these squares, you will witness the 55-story Palace, Golden Gate, and more. This place is a collection of art, including architectural showpieces, wood carvings, metal sculptures, stone sculptures, and terracotta sculptures. Don’t overlook the undiscovered treasures in the back lanes of Bhaktapur Durbar Square. There are temples, shrines, and traditional homes here, each with a special tale to tell.

Later, we will visit the Changunarayan temple, which is about a 15-minute drive from Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Changunarayan Temple, dedicated to the Hindu Lord Bishnu, was built in the 3^rd century. In 1979, Changu Narayan was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List in the Kathmandu Valley. Built in the pagoda style, the temple has two stories, a pinnacle, and a roof made of gilded copper. This is a well-known religious site in Nepal, attracting both Buddhist and Hindu devotees. While Buddhists worship Hari Hari Vahan Lokeshwor, Hindus dedicate it to Lord Narayan (Bishnu). There are several well-preserved stone inscriptions and stone and bronze idols of gods and goddesses from the 4th to 5th centuries AD, scattered throughout the temple grounds.

After a full day of sightseeing, capturing the beauty, culture, and history of Nepal with a camera, and witnessing the way of life, we will have the opportunity to get hands-on in the making of pottery (if time permits). We will then head back to Kathmandu.

Overnight at Kathmandu.

Today is the farewell. We are cautious about departure so that we will drop you off at the airport three hours before departure.

Hope you enjoyed your time with us. Safe journey.

Note: If you want to prolong your stay, we can assist you with further planning for your trip to Nepal.