Kathmandu Heritage: A Cultural Journey

Upon your arrival at Tribhuwan International Airport, a representative from Ambassador Himalaya will warmly welcome and assist you with a seamless transfer to your hotel.

Kathmandu, Nepal’s vibrant capital and largest urban hub, lies at the heart of the Kathmandu Valley, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Shivapuri, Phulchoki, Nagarjun, and Chandragiri mountains. Standing at an elevation of 1,400 meters (4,600 ft), the city serves as the cultural and historical epicenter of Nepal. It encompasses not only the Kathmandu Metropolitan City but also its sister cities Patan, Kirtipur, Bhaktapur, Thimi, and several newly recognized urban areas, including Shankhapur, Karyabinayak, Banepa, Dhulikhel, and Panauti. As the starting point of your Kathmandu Odyssey Tour, Kathmandu’s rich blend of history, culture, and tradition will set the tone for an unforgettable journey through Nepal’s unique heritage.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

Discover the timeless charm of Nepal’s cultural heart with our Kathmandu Heritage and Cultural Tour, an immersive exploration of the city’s most iconic historical and religious sites.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
As Kathmandu’s premier tourist attraction, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a bustling center of life and culture. While some of the over 50 monuments date back to the 12th century, most of them were constructed during the reign of the Malla Kings. Among the most famous is the Kumari Ghar, a stunning building adorned with intricate wood carvings. It serves as the residence of the Royal Kumari, the living goddess and embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju. Nearby, you’ll find the former Royal Palace, a historic Malla dynasty residence. Inside the Nasal Chowk courtyard, once the stage for Indrajatra festival performances, you’ll now see the coronation site of the Shah Kings. The area also houses the 14th-century Jagannath Mandir, the oldest temple here, and the Taleju Mandir, one of the finest temples in the valley.

Kumari Ghar
The Kumari Ghar, also known as the Kumari Bahal, is a richly designed town house and the sacred home of the Living Goddess or Kumari, a prepubescent girl believed by devotees to be the earthly incarnation of the Hindu goddess Durga. Built in 1757 by King Jay Prakash Malla, this historic structure is the first you’ll encounter at Basantapur Durbar Square and has housed goddess-children for centuries.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Perched atop a forested hill, the Swayambhunath Stupa is one of the valley’s oldest and most revered religious sites. The golden-spired stupa, dating back to the 5th century, is a symbol of Kathmandu’s spiritual significance. As the valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine, it draws Vajrayana Buddhists from northern Nepal and Tibet, with the Newari Buddhists being its most devout followers.

Patan Durbar Square
Across the Bagmati River, lies Patan, an ancient city and once a kingdom of its own. Patan Durbar Square showcases some of the finest examples of Newari architecture in Nepal. The square features temples dedicated to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh, and Vishnu, each actively worshipped by both locals and visitors. At the northern end, the ancient sunken water tap has been restored and continues to serve residents. The Royal Palace courtyards, with their intricately carved windows, arcades, and sunken royal bath, are among the most beautiful in Kathmandu.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

Pashupatinath Temple
Located approximately 4 km east of Kathmandu, the Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most sacred Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Nestled in a lush, green setting along the banks of the holy Bagmati River, the temple is an architectural masterpiece, built in the pagoda style with a gilded roof and intricately carved silver doors. While non-Hindus are restricted from entering the temple, visitors can admire its grandeur from the eastern bank of the river. Pashupatinath is the focal point of the annual Maha Shivaratri pilgrimage, drawing thousands of devotees in February/March. Behind the temple, the cremation grounds offer a profound insight into Hindu rites and rituals.

Boudhanath Stupa
Located about 7 km east of the city center, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist stupas in the world. Built by King Man Deva following the guidance of Goddess Mani Jogini, this majestic stupa stands on an octagonal base adorned with prayer wheels. The structure’s four pairs of eyes, gazing in all cardinal directions, symbolize vigilance and promote righteous behavior and prosperity. The stupa is encircled by homes and monasteries of Lamas and Buddhist monks, creating a spiritual atmosphere that is both calming and captivating.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Just 13 km east of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur Durbar Square offers a journey into a world filled with vibrant culture, traditional craftsmanship, and a well-preserved way of life. The square is home to generations-old architecture, festivals, and indigenous lifestyles that have remained largely untouched by modernity. As you enter the square, you are greeted by the impressive Palace of 55 Windows, constructed by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754. The palace is complemented by the Golden Gate (Sunko Dhoka), a stunning example of repoussé art. Surrounding the palace is a collection of temples of various designs, each contributing to the unique atmosphere. Among the three Durbar Squares in the valley, Bhaktapur Durbar Square is the best preserved, offering an authentic glimpse into Nepal’s rich history and cultural heritage.

Overnight at Hotel in Bhaktapur 

A sightseeing tour to Namobuddha and Panauti, beginning with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Namobuddha. This sacred site, nestled in the hills, is renowned for its rich spiritual significance and breathtaking views. Here, you can explore the ancient stupa, which commemorates the Buddha’s previous life and his act of compassion towards a starving tigress and her cubs.

After immersing yourself in the tranquility and heritage of Namobuddha, continue your journey to Panauti, a historical town steeped in culture and tradition. Wander through its charming streets, where ancient temples and traditional Newari architecture tell stories of the past. Visit the exquisite Panauti museum delve into the local history and heritage. Following your exploration of these remarkable sites, return to Kathmandu, enriched by the spiritual and cultural experiences of the day.

Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

Departure transfer to the international airport to connect the flight to the onward destination.