KATHMANDU VALLEY DAY TOUR

"The Kathmandu Valley day Tour includes the visit of Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa ( Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa."

Kathmandu is the Capital city of Nepal and a gateway to all parts of the Nepal Himalaya which is surrounded by four hills-Fulchowki, Chandragiri, Shivapuri and Nagarjuna. The three major cities of Kathmandu Valley are  Bhaktapur, Patan, and Kathmandu itself. Situated the altitude of 4,500 feet above the sea level, Kathmandu is home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites Kathmandu Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Chagu Narayan Temple, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath Stupa. other popular landmarks like Ranipokhari, Dhara Dhara, Sundhara, Ghantaghar, Singadurbar and Budhanilkantha among others. Kalanki, Sundarijal, Balaju park, Chobhar, and Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park among others are some of the major gateways in Kathmandu. In the 18th century before the unification of Nepal, these major cities were independent states ruled by the Malla Kings.

Trip Highlights of Kathmandu Valley Tour

• Kathmandu Durbar Square
• Bouddhanath Stupa
• Pashupatinath Temple
• Monkey Temple

KATHMANDU DURBAR SQUARE:
The Kathmandu Durbar square is the ancient place of Malla Rulers of Kathmandu Valley. The palace is the combination of many temples and monuments reflecting archaeological importance and cultural richness prevalent during the days of Malla rulers. Some of the attractions of Kathmandu Durbar Square are the nine-storied place, Kastamandap Temple, Kumari Ghar, Kal Bhairabh and the museum inside the palace.

PASHUPATINATH TEMPLE:
Pashupatinath temple is located in Kathmandu is the biggest temple complex in South Asia. The temple is the ultimate pilgrimage site for Hindus throughout the world. As a result, the area is always swarmed in by Hindus from a different part of the country as well as from India. located at the banks of holy Bagmati River, the two-storied pagoda temple of Pashupatinath, house the five-faced statue of Lord Shiva. Apart from the main shrine, there stands the great golden bull of Nandi - Shiva's vehicle and numerous temples dedicated to different gods and goddesses in and around the Pashupatinath temple area.

SWAYAMBHUNATH STUPA
Historians believe that the history of Swoyambhunath Stupa is as old as the history of the Kathmandu Valley. It is said Swayambhunath was immersed below water when the whole Kathmandu Valley was a big lake. According to Swayambhu Purana, a stupa was built around the lotus that emitted brilliant light after Manjushree cut a gorge and drained the water of the lake. There are numerous monasteries in and around the Swoyambhunath Stupa area. The area as a landmark in Kathmandu Valley as it provides an excellent view of the Kathmandu Valley.

BOUDHANATH STUPA:
The great stupa of Boudhanath is one of the largest stupas in entire South Asia. Situated in Bouddha, a short drive from the city center, the white mound looms 36 meters overhead. It is believed that Boudhanath was constructed in the 5th century, many monasteries around the stupa are to be found as the area has been inhabited by people having faith in Buddhism. Usually, Buddhist monks on maroon robes are seen circumambulating the stupa with prayer wheels on their hands. Numerous small stupas are located at the base.

BUDHANILKANTHA TEMPLE:
The most enigmatic statue of Hindu God Bishnu, Budhanilkantha statue is located at a distance of  10 km from the center of Kathmandu. It is located at the base of the Shivapuri Hill and is the largest and most beautiful stone carving in all of Nepal. It is also the most enigmatic. Carves from a single block of black basalt stone of unknown origin, the statue of Budhanilkantha is 5 meters in length and it lies in a reclining position inside a recessed tank of water also representing the cosmic sea which is 13 meters in length.
Also referred to as the Sleeping Bishnu, or Jalakshayan Narayan, the statue, depicts the deity reclining on the twisting coils of the cosmic serpent Shrestha, the eternal, multi-headed king of the serpent deities known as Nagas, and also is the servant of the Lord Bishnu. With crossed legs and eleven heads of Shesh cradling his head, the statue of Bishnu’s four hands hold objects symbolizing his divine qualities: a chakra representing the mind, a conch-shell; the four elements, a lotus flower; the moving universe and the club; primeval knowledge. Budhanilkantha receives large numbers of pilgrims during Haribondhini Ekadashi, which takes place during the 11th day of the Hindu month of Kartik (October-November). It is the major festivals for the year in celebration of the awakening of the lord Bishnu from his long sleep.