boudhanath stupa

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrival: Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.
Transfer: Installation at your hotel and rest after your trip.
Evening: Relax and take a leisurely stroll through Thamel, the lively district known for its shops, cafes and local culture. Dine at a traditional Nepalese restaurant.
Day 2: Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa
Morning:
Pashupatinath Temple: Visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Spend time exploring the temple complex, admiring the intricate architecture and observing religious rituals. If you are there in the morning, you can attend the Aarti (morning prayer) at the temple.
Arya Ghat: Take a stroll along the river and discover the Arya Ghat, where cremations take place. This area forms an important part of Hindu funeral rituals.
Afternoon:
Boudhanath Stupa: Visit the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most important Buddhist stupas in Nepal. Walk around the stupa and observe the prayer flags, mantras and rituals performed by Buddhist monks.
Visit the nearby Boudha Monastery for a more peaceful and reflective experience.
Evening:
Enjoy a relaxed dinner at a restaurant overlooking the Boudhanath Stupa, giving you wonderful views of the area while the stupa’s lights illuminate the surroundings.
Day 3: Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Morning:
Visit Kathmandu’s Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the heart of the city. Explore Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kasthamandap and Kumari Ghar (Residence of the Living Goddess).
Visit the Maju Deval Temple, a historic site on the square.
Afternoon:
Head to Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stupa offers a panoramic view of the Kathmandu valley. The temple is famous for its monkeys and the large golden stupa at the top.
Spend time observing Buddhist and Hindu spiritual practices at the site.
Evening:
Explore Thamel in the evening for shopping and local experiences. You can find beautiful souvenirs, handicrafts and Nepalese art there.
Day 4: Day trip to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Morning:
Take a short drive (around 45 minutes) to Bhaktapur, a medieval town known for its preserved Newar culture. Start by exploring Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main attractions include the Palace of 55 Windows, Vatsala Temple, Bhairab Nath Temple and Nyatapola Temple (the five-story temple).
Afternoon:
Visit the Pottery Square in Bhaktapur, where you can watch local potters at work.
Explore the Golden Gate and Pujari Math for a deep dive into the region’s ancient art and culture.
Evening:
Savor a local meal in Bhaktapur, such as king curd (juju dhau), a specialty of the city, before returning to Kathmandu.
Day 5: Visit Patan Durbar Square and Garden of Dreams
Morning:
Drive to Patan, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its Newar architecture. Start your day with a visit to Patan Durbar Square, home to magnificent temples, the royal palace and the Patan Museum, which displays ancient artifacts, woodwork and ironworks.
Explore the magnificent Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple) and Mahabouddha Temple.
Afternoon:
Visit the Garden of Dreams, an oasis of peace in the heart of Kathmandu. It’s a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing.
Evening:
Dine in Patan or Kathmandu, perhaps trying Nepalese specialties like momo (dumplings) or dal bhat (lentil soup with rice).
Day 6: Day trip to Nagarkot or Sundarijal
Morning:
Take a day trip to Nagarkot (1.5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu), known for its stunning sunrise views of the Himalayas (weather permitting). On a clear day, you can see Mount Everest and several other peaks of the Himalayan range.
You can also visit Sundarijal, a popular natural spot 1 hour from Kathmandu, for a trek and visit Sundarijal Waterfall and Chandragiri Hills.
Afternoon:
In Nagarkot, visit the Nagarkot Observation Tower for a panoramic view or explore the peaceful surroundings of Nagarkot. If you are in Sundarijal, explore the natural beauty and enjoy a peaceful walk in the forested area.
Evening:
Return to Kathmandu in the evening and enjoy a relaxed dinner, perhaps in the Boudhanath area or in Patan.
Summary of key sites in Kathmandu:
Pashupatinath Temple: The holiest Hindu temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.
Boudhanath Stupa: The largest Buddhist stupa, a key Buddhist pilgrimage site.
Kathmandu Durbar Square: historic palace complex and cultural heart of Kathmandu.
Swayambhunath Stupa: Also known as Monkey Temple, panoramic view of the city.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Ancient city with well-preserved medieval architecture.
Patan Durbar Square: ancient temples, palaces and rich Newar heritage.
Nagarkot: Mountain viewpoint to admire the view of the Himalayas and the sunrise.
Garden of Dreams: Beautiful serene garden in the center of Kathmandu.
Additional travel tips:

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Nepal is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is clear and pleasant.
Clothing: Comfortable walking shoes are essential for visiting temples and historical sites. Also bring layers, as the weather can change quickly in the Kathmandu Valley.

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