Today, we will stroll around Kathmandu and explore all 4 World Heritage Sites, including Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Swayambhunath. This ancient sacred Buddhist stupa, known as the Monkey Temple, dates back to the 5th century CE. This is sacred for Buddhists and Hindus, as you’ll find sculptures, paintings, and carvings of stone and wood that illustrate many facets of Buddhism and Hinduism. You can explore and witness the ancient Nepalese structure, religious significance, and history, including the ancient Dewa Dharma Monastery, the sacred World Peace Pond, the powerful Harati temple, the ceremonial instrument Vajra, and several more undiscovered treasures.
Then, we will drive to Kathmandu Durbar Square, which was registered as a world heritage site in 1979 and known as the Museum of Temples. It houses about 50 temples and is rich in historical, architectural, and cultural value. Besides exploring the whole Durbar Square area, you can try the local foods, buy some souvenirs, and capture the beauty of the square. The few attractions of this Durbar square are the Shiv Parbati Temple, Jagannath Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Temple, Kumari Ghar, and Kaal Bhairav Statue. But you will see the most bustling area in the courtyard of the central Durbar square area.
After exploring and spending quality time at Kathmandu Durbar Square, we drive to Bouddhanath Stupa. Boudhanath Stupa is an old Buddhist stupa in the valley that dates back more than 2500 years. It symbolizes a constant watchfulness over people and their actions with four sets of Buddha’s eyes, each oriented in one of the cardinal directions. In addition to enjoying the tranquility and spirituality, you may also explore the local market, which is home to several traditional stores offering trinkets like prayer flags and Buddha sculptures, among other items.
We drive to the well-known and sacred Pashupatinath Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Shaktipeeth for Hindus. Besides being the most sacred Hindu temple, it represents togetherness, faith, and dedication. Only Hindus can enter the temple and worship, while others can stroll outside the main temple and admire the spirituality and beauty of the surroundings. We will visit the temple in the evening, which means we will witness and experience the Sandhya Aarati. If lucky, you will be part of the celebration and around the Maha Shivratri period.
Overnight at Kathmandu.