Impressions of Nepal

Situated between India and Tibet, is the Kingdom of Nepal, home to Mount Everest and known as the Shangri La of the East. Upon arrival into the airport, you will be met by Goway's representative and transferred to your hotel. Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal and is rich with temples. The valley has seven World Heritage Sites and the city uniquely blends culture with the modern world. This evening you may wish to explore the popular Thamel area.

This morning visit Swayambhunath, the 2000 year old, world famous Buddhist Stupa also known as the "monkey temple". Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles from all sides of the valley. Painted onthe four-sided base of the spire are the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. Above each pair of eyes is the 'third eye' signifying the wisdom of looking within. Continue on to Durbar Square, or "meeting place", very much the centre of old Kathmandu. Here you will find a gathering of temples and shrines with intricate carvings, the temple of Kasthamandap, which is believed to be made from the timber of a single tree; the three storied Akash Bhairav (God of the sky) Temple and Hanuman Dhoka, the old royal palace, named after the monkey god. From the entrance gate of the Hanuman Dhoka you will enter the Nasal Chowk. Although the courtyard was constructed in the Malla period, many of the buildings around the square are later Rana constructions. During that time Nasal Chowk was used for coronations, a practice that continues to this day on the coronation platform in the centre of the courtyard. Just by the entrance there is a surprisingly small but beautifully carved doorway, which once led to the Malla King's private quarters. There is a tradition of worshiping young girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or "Devi" in Hindu religious traditions and your tour also includes a visit to the Kumari House (Temple). This afternoon visit Patan City, also known as Lalitpur and one of the oldest Buddhist cities in the world. It is best known for its fine arts and crafts and rich cultural heritage. Here you will see the Durbar Square and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Your tour ends with a visit to the Tibetan Handicraft Centre where you can witness the hand- weaving techniques used to make Tibetan carpets and the moulding of metal statues. Its main objective is to help the Tibetan refugees by providing them job opportunities.

Today you will visit one of the World Heritage Sites of Nepal, the Pashupatinath Temple. This is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The richly ornamented pagoda houses the sacred linga, or phallic symbols, of Lord Shiva. It stands as a symbol of unity bringing the different sects of Hinduism under a single fold and is situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River. Non-Hindus are not permitted to enter, so for these guests, you will only be able to view the temple from a special vantage point. From here devotees can be seen taking ritual dips in the holy Bagmati river banks. Bagmati is also important because Hindus are cremated on the banks of this holy river. According to the Nepalese Hindu tradition, the dead body must be dipped three times into the Bagmati River before cremation. Continue to Boudhnath, one of the largest stupas of its kind in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directionsy. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. This afternoon, visit Nagarkot, which is one of the most scenic places in Bhaktapur and is renowned for the spectacular view of the sun rising over the mighty Himalayan ranges. Situated at a height of 2,195 meters Nagarkot offers panoramic view of the valley and is one of the best places to view Mount Everest and others snowcapped peaks of the Himalayan ranges. Overnight in Nagarkot.

Today, return back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival proceed to your hotel and the rest of the day is at your leisure to enjoy this bustling city.

Today you will be met and transferred from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight.