Kathmandu: Kathmandu & Patan Full Day Tour
- Duration
- 9 Hours
- Prices:
- On request
Start today's exploration by visiting Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, which houses the former royal palace as well as several renowned temples and shrines. Enter the Nasal Chowk courtyard and proceed to the Temple of the Living Goddess, or Kumari House, where you will find Hindus worshipping young girls thought to be representatives of divine female energy. Visit Swayambhunath, a 2000-year old temple with a magnificent white dome, known as the "monkey temple". Painted on its base are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, and above each pair of eyes is the third eye, which signifies the wisdom of looking within. Next, visit Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world, located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This temple has a richly ornamented pagoda which houses the sacred linga of Lord Shiva. (Please note that non-Hindus are not permitted to enter the temple but can view it from a special vantage point.) You will also witness devotees taking ritual dips in the Bagmati River, a place of cremation where thousands of pilgrims come to pay their respects. After a break for lunch at a local restaurant (own expense), travel a short distance to Patan, one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. Sometimes referred to by its old name of Lalitpur, "city of beauty", Patan is known for its fine arts as well as for its spectacular Durbar Square. After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site and its surrounding courtyards and temples, spend some time browsing at the Tibetan Handicraft Centre, a fair trade cooperative which benefits Tibetan refugees.
Duration: 9 Hours
Departs: 8 a.m. - Returns: 5 p.m.
From: Kathmandu
