Nepal Tour
SWAYAMBHUNATH.
Archeological evidence suggests that Swayam-bhu-nath, often called the Monkey Temple, is 2,500 years old. This ancient Sacred Space is covered by a thick mud-brick Buddhist Chaitya (reliquary), itself topped by a magnificent tower of 13 shining rings, and a whirling umbrella. Rest for a moment at the top of the 300 steps, and you will feel the Energy! (Or is that just my heart pounding?!)
Swayam = of the Self
Bhu = truth
Nath = sacred grounds
Incense and cymbal-gong pours from the Buddhist temples, while devotees offer marigolds to Hindu statues of bronze and stone. Swayambhunath .is considered a perfect model of Buddhist stupa architecture. It is also a very good place to make a wish.
BODHANATH STUPA
...forms the jewel in the center of Tibetan Buddhist life in the Valley. In Tibetan, Boudanath is called "Jarung-khashor".
Budha = awareness (compare to "Buddha" = awakened one)
nath = sacred grounds
Thousands of worshippers from Nepal, Bhutan, Sikkim, Ladakh, India, and throughout the Tibetan diaspora come to Bodha to do puja.
Set on flat land about 8 km east of Kathmandu, this gigantic whitewashed stupa is ringed by dozens of monasteries, religious shops, and street vendors of all kinds. It's a great place to buy those Tibetan clothes you need for your next Lo-Sar party. In Boudha's monasteries you can request some Lama blessings for your deceased relatives.
PASHUPATINATH
Pashupatinath is a huge shrine of Lord Shiva which is famous throughout the Hindu world. Lord Shiva is the protector of all animals in creation..
Pashu = Animal
Pati = Lord
Nath = Holy Grounds
Thus Pashupatinath means the Holy grounds of the Lord of all animals. (including man)
The inner sanctum of Pashupatinath admits Hindus only. This Nath features an enormous complex of Shiva temples featuring phallic Shiva lingams set in vulva-like yoni's. Pashupatinath also contains popular bathing and funeral burning ghats (broad stairways) on the bank of the sacred Bagmati river.
True to its holy mission, Pashupatinath supports a huge population of monkeys, birds, wandering cows, and other animals.
BHAKTAPUR or BHADGAON
Set along the ancient trade route to Tibet, peaceful Bhaktapur was the capital of Nepal from c. 1200 to 1700.
Bhakta = devotee
pur = old city
Bhaktapur is famed for its traditional Newar wood, stone, and metal carving.
Your guide will point out many glorious masterpieces of Newar art and architecture. UNESCO is working feverishly to protect the oldest and most delicate treasures from the ravages of Kathmandu's air pollution.
Your guide will point out many glorious masterpieces of Newar art and architecture. UNESCO is working feverishly to protect the oldest and most delicate treasures from the ravages of Kathmandu's air pollution.
PATAN or LALITPUR:
"City of Beauty" Patan has been a center of Himalayan Buddhist art since the fifth century. Resting on the southern bank of the sacred Bagmati river, Patan features dozens of ancient Hindu mandirs > (temples) and Buddhist stupas.
Your guide will point out intricate wood carvings, bronzed guardian deity statues, and fabulous arched gateways in this crowded, ancient city. Patan lies about 5 km south of Kathmandu.
Nepal Sherpa Treks can arrange guided sightseeing of ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. and the surrounding hill villages for one-half or one-full day. Prices average $US 35/per person/per day, with group discounts available.
No time to trek in the high mountains? Nepal Sherpa Treks. Kathmandu guides can show you breath-taking, Snow-peak vistas only an hour's drive from Kathmandu.
PROGRAM I
Day 01 : Kathmandu Arrival and transfer to hotel. Sightseeing of Swayambhu and Kathmandu.
Day 02 : Sightseeing of Pashupati and Buddha. Sightseeing of Patan.
Day 03 : Sightseeing of Bhaktapur. Evening free.
Day 04 : Transfer to the airport for return flight.
PROGRAM II
Day 01 : Kathmandu - Transfer to hotel from the airport. Afternoon sightseeing of Swayambhu.
Day 02 : Full day city tour of Kathmandu visiting Pashupatinath temple and Boudha.
Day 03 : Full day sightseeing of places like Patan and Bhaktapur.
Day 04 : Day trip to Nagarkot. Sightseeing of Tibetan camp.
Day 05 : Transfer to the airport for return flight.
Nepal Sherpa Treks can quote you best price for custom itineraries including inner-Nepal transport, guides, porters, and lodging.
NST can help you with additional Himalayan travel services, such as Transport, Kathmandu Hotel , and Jungle Safari elephant safari, trekking and more!