This private cultural extension takes you to the Kathmandu Valley, where you’ll explore the iconic architectural and artistic achievements for which the region is famous. With an expert local guide, you’ll learn about the significance of each historic site, and gain a deeper understanding of this unique destination, where Buddhism, Hinduism, and traditional beliefs have coexisted peacefully for centuries.
Arrival in Kathmandu
Welcome to Nepal! Upon arriving in Kathmandu, you are transferred to the 5-star Dwarika's Heritage Hotel. If time allows, you may choose to explore Kathmandu independently this afternoon.
This evening, enjoy a six-course dinner of traditional Nepali cuisine at DwarIika's Krishnarpan Restaurant.
Dwarika's Heritage HotelKathmandu, Nepal
Dwarikas is a five-star heritage hotel, espousing Newari-style architecture and Nepalese charm and hospitality. It is well-located near the famous Pashupatinath and Boudanath Temples, as well as the international airport. Unwind over live music at the fusion bar or dine at the famous Krishnapan restaurant, featuring the best in contemporary Nepali cuisine. Choose to relax at the swimming pool or treat yourself to a traditional ayurvedic treatment at the Pancha Kosha Himalayan spa.
Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Bhaktapur
Begin your exploration of important religious and cultural sites in and around Kathmandu with a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu temple complexes in Nepal. Pashupatinath is the site of many religious festivals throughout the year where devotees come to worship.
Next, visit the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa. This iconic stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Thousands of pilgrims circle the stupa in a clockwise direction each day spinning the prayer wheels.
The final stop on today's cultural journey is Bhaktapur. one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in the region. Many local artisans still practice their trades here.
Patan and Swayambunath Stupa
Early this morning, there is an opportunity to experience one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world. This optional scenic flight departs Kathmandu and flies east along the Himalayas, giving eye-level views of the highest peaks on earth, including Mount Everest.
Your cultural journey continues as you explore the fascinating sites that neighbor Kathmandu. First visit Patan, an ancient city of temples and old palaces renowned for its fine works in bronze, silver, and copper. Here you may visit a singing bowl workshop to learn about how these bowls made from the local metals have been used for centuries for religious, meditative, and healing purposes.
Next, head to Swayambhunath Stupa, an important holy site for locals to come and practice their faith. This hilltop stupa is also home to a troop of monkeys, earning it the nickname "Monkey Temple".
Departure
Today depending on your departure flight time, enjoy breakfast at your leisure before your transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary due to weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these or the order visited should the need arise.
4 Days
Dates on request to coordinate with your Boundless Journeys tour.
From $1995 Per Person
$800
See single supplement policy below.
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Accommodations are based on double occupancy. A single supplement is paid by participants who specifically request single accommodations, subject to availability.
Single Supplement for Scheduled Group Departures. If you reserve at least 120 days prior to departure, you may be eligible for a reduced or free single supplement. This is generally limited to the first one or two solo travelers to reserve, and the reduction is outlined in the pricing for each trip. Free or reduced single supplements are not combinable with other offers or promotions.
If you are traveling alone and wish to share accommodations, we will try to match you with a roommate of the same gender. If you reserve at least 120 days ahead and request a roommate but one is not available, you will receive a $500 reduction from the standard single supplement (unless otherwise noted in the detailed itinerary for your specific trip).
Single Supplement for Custom Tours. Custom Tour prices are generally based on two or more participants; therefore, single supplements for “solo” Custom Tours will vary and are available upon request.
Boundless Journeys' trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. Kathmandu Cultural Exploration is rated 1, easy, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The walking on this tour is slow paced, primarily on the flat terrain of city streets, but does involve some stone steps. The sightseeing consists of 4-6 hours per day, broken up by breaks and meals.
You will be met at the airport upon arrival.
You will be transferred to the airport in time for your departure.
Most Convenient Airport for Arrival: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (airport code KTM) Most Convenient Airport for Departure: Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (airport code KTM)
Temperatures in Nepal tend to be quite cool in the mornings and evenings, but heat-up at midday due to strong direct sunlight at high altitudes. These mountainous areas have pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from October through May. Again, days tend to be warm with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly. Any time of year, dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add layers as the day heats and cools.
The driest weather and clearest skies are typically in October and November during the harvest season. During March through May, beautiful flowers are in bloom and it is the planting and ploughing time of year. The months of December through February are clear and cool (and can be below freezing at night); it is the shoulder season, so you will encounter fewer visitors. June through August is the monsoon season and it is generally not recommended to travel to Nepal at this time of year.
Kathmandu
High: 70 Low: 50
High: 77 Low: 57
High: 74 Low: 59
High: 68 Low: 49
The flight lasts approximately one hour, and the cost is $250 per person. The mountain flight may be scheduled on the morning of the last day before your departing international flight, if time allows. International departure flights should be scheduled no earlier than 2:00 p.m. to allow enough time for the mountain flight. Alternatively, this flight can be arranged on post-tour days if you are spending extra time in Kathmandu. Please note: You may have the opportunity to see some of these mountains on your flight to Nepal; however, it will be from a much greater distance.
Nepalese cuisine is not well-known in the rest of the world. While the food in Nepal is plentiful, healthy, and flavorful, it is not the reason anyone should plan a trip to this country. Kathmandu has a surprising variety of restaurants serving many types of international cuisine. Remember that Nepal is a relaxed culture and service is usually much slower than Westerners are used to. Outside of the cities, the food is primarily a combination of Nepalese (which has a large Indian influence) and Tibetan. Rice, lentils, and vegetables are staples, with a variety of meats, which are used somewhat sparingly. Tasty soups, fried breads, and steamed dumplings filled with meat or vegetables are among the local favorites. The national drink is sweet tea brewed with milk. The local beer is quite good, though it's not always served ice cold.
Please call our office with any questions or concerns about our ability to meet your needs.
With a Boundless Journeys guide, your experience is that of friend and local adventurer. We believe strongly in working with local guides, experts in the areas to which we travel, and they hold the keys to unlocking the hidden delights of your chosen destination. Although you will never know they are at work—the mark of a truly great leader—our guides make magical things happen and add a dimension to your trip that you could not experience on your own. Over the years we have forged bonds with some of the best guides in the world, and we typically work with a small team of guides in each region. You will be informed of the guide for your trip one month prior to your departure.
Join Boundless Journeys for an awe-inspiring adventure that combines the highlights of the Dragon Kingdom—Bhutan—with hikes through the foothills of the Annapurna Mountains of Nepal. This is truly an epic journey through Himalayan landscapes, infused with harmonizing cultures, beautiful vistas...
Walking, 4-6 hours per day on city streets
This trip can be your own adventure by taking over one of our scheduled dates, or we can request a fresh one.
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