DAY 1: ARRIVE KATHMANDU

Arrive Kathmandu. On arrival meet our tour representative at Kathmandu International airport and transfer to the hotel, take some rest and freshen up.

Kathmandu – Locked between India and Tibet, the tiny kingdom of Nepal is a country full of diversity and fascination. It is a hidden Kingdom of great beauty embracing eight of the world's ten highest mountains including Everest, Annapurna and Kangchenjunga. The scenery is stupendous, from the highest point on earth (Mount Everest) to the fertile-jungle lowland. Although its people are predominantly Hindu, there is a considerable overlap with Buddhism, and it is this vibrant mix of religion and culture which characterises the allure of Nepal and, in particular, its capital Kathmandu. It has an artistic and architectural tradition that rivals anything you will find in the great cities of Europe. Beyond the temples and bustle of the towns of the Kathmandu Valley rise the mountains of the Nepal Himalaya - the 'Abode of Snows'.

This afternoon visit:

Boudhnath Stupa - it is among the largest stupas in South Asia, and it has become the focal point of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal. The white mound looms thirty-six meters overhead. The stupa is located on the ancient trade route to Tibet, and Tibetan merchants rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many of them decided to live around Bouddhanath. They established many gompas, and the "Little Tibet" of Nepal was born.

Also visit Pashupatinath Temple  - a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and one of the most sacred Shrines in the world, on the banks of Bagmati River. Although only Hindus are allowed inside the temple, visitors can clearly see the temple and activities performed inside, from the eastern bank of Bagmati River.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

DAY 2: DISCOVER KATHMANDU

After breakfast, pick up from hotel for sightseeing tour of Kathmandu:

Sawayambhunath - The monkey temple, with its commanding views of Kathmandu, its whitewashed stupas and its unique synthesis of Buddhist and Hindu religions.

Hanuman Dhoka – a temple complex in the middle of the old city. Built during the Malla period, the area consists of a number of different monuments & image of Lord Hanumana.

Later on Kathmandu Durbar Square - a number of interesting pagodas and Indian style temples (Sikhara), the House of Kumari (the living Goddess) and the Kasthamandap (or wooden house which is the origin of the word Kathmandu) and many more things to see.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

DAY 3: DISCOVER KATHMANDU AND EXCURSION TO BHAKTAPUR (18 KMS / 30 MINS)

Today excursion to Bhaktapur:

 Bhaktapur - The most attractive tourist spot in this grotesque city is the Durbar Square. The Golden Gate in the square, with its intricately carved deities and monsters is one of the most richly carved gates of its kind in the world. The gate leads to the Palace of 55 windows, which has a balcony with 55 windows wand is a masterpiece of woodcarving. The stone temple of Batsala Devi at the square is a beautiful example of the Shikharal style of architecture. The temple also has a colossal bell on the terrace called the ‘Bell of the Barking Dogs’. A magnificent statue of King Bhupantindra Malla praying has been placed in the column facing the palace. Bhakatapur's second main square is Taumadhi Tole, which is home to Nyatapola, the highest temple in the valley and Til Mahadev Narayan, an important place of pilgrimage. At Taumadhi Tole, you can also find Potters' Square, where thousands of clay pots are made and sold. East of Taumadihi Tole, through narrow snaking streets of the old city centre, lies Tachupal Tole, another square containing temples and monasteries and a number of craft museums.

Driver back to Kathmandu, visit Patan Durbar Square, which is one of the most historically important cities of Kathmandu Valley. Patan is known as the centre of fine arts and for the superb craftsmanship of its artisans. Patan Durbar Square has been acclaimed as one of the finest urban streetscape in the world.

Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

DAY 4: DEPART KATHMANDU

After breakfast, checkout from hotel and transfer to Kathmandu airport to catch your flight for onward destination.