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Here’s a fantastic opportunity to visit the extraordinary Kathmandu Valley on a cultural tour designed for us by our favourite tour and trek operators in Nepal – the renowned Tiger Mountain Group.
We were fairly staggered to find out that there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the relatively tiny area of the Kathmandu Valley. And, on this trip, you’ll get to see them all and some world-class scenery to boot!
Here’s how:
Day 1: Arrive in Kathmandu and settle into your very comfy twin/double room at the 5-star Hotel Soaltee Crowne Plaza where you’ll stay for the next four nights.
Day 2: You’re touring Kathmandu City and the famous pilgrimage sites of Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath and Bodhnath. If you’d like you can take an optional Mountain Flight – huge fun and a wonderful way to get another perspective on this amazing valley and the magnificent Himalaya mountain range.
Day 3: You’ll be visiting Dakshinkali with its regularly used sacrificial ground and Chovar Gorge, the only outlet for rivers draining from the Kathmandu Valley. Legend has it that a Tibetan God hove the mountains in two with his sword, creating the gorge and draining the lake that once filled the valley. Then you’ll be off to the typical Newari villages of Bungamati and Khokana both giving a fascinating glimpse into rural Nepalese life.
Day 4: Today’s trip is a full day touring Bodegaon villages and visiting the VajraVarahi worshipping site in the Chapagoan forest – the most important Tantric temple in the valley, complete with erotic imagery.
Day 5: Pack your bags as you’re off to explore the medieval city of Bhaktapur, followed by a drive to Dhulikhel where you will spend the night. Dhulikhel is renowned for its views of the Himalayas so set your alarm clock to watch the day dawn. It’s an absolute must!
Day 6: You can either drive to Panauti or hike there. Not that your racing snake figure actually requires any exercise – we just don’t want you to miss the scenery! The going’s not tough (7km of gently undulating terrain) through terraced farms and the path joins up with the Punyamata River which you can follow into Panauti. After looking around Panauti, you will head for Nagarkot to stay at Club Himalaya.
The views at Nagarkot are breathtaking in the truest sense of the word. You can see for 130 miles – a huge expanse of the Himalaya including Everest. The view is glorious at any time of day but do have your cameras ready at sunrise and sunset.
Day 7: You’ll have the chance to walk to Changu Narayana, which is the most ancient temple in Nepal. It dates back to the 4th century and the stone statuary is amazing. The most ancient inscription so far discovered in the Valley is also here...
Then it’s back to Kathmandu , rounding off your stay with a final night at the Soaltee Crowne Plaza. This is one tour that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
So get bidding here for something truly eye-opening!