Kathmandu - First Encounter

What to Expect

Kathmandu through the centuries
You will visit all the city's 'must-see' sights. The tour program includes:

• Swayambhunath Stupa - you will climb the hilltop stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from a bird's-eye view. Swayambhu translates as 'self-arisen.' I will tell the legend according to which the crystal stupa appeared on the hilltop by itself. It is from this mountain that the history of the ancient city, which spread at the bottom of a huge mountain lake, began.

• Durbar Square - the largest of the three palace squares in the Kathmandu Valley. Key events of the country took place here, heirs to the throne were born and crowned. I will tell you about the goddess Kumari, who lives in a wooden palace adorned with intricate carvings, in the form of a little Newari girl. You will learn about kings and dynasties, spicy historical details, intrigues, the past and present of modern Nepal. You will also try traditional yogurt drink Lassi at the first street cafe in Kathmandu.

• Thamel - a labyrinth of narrow streets, through the local urban market, you will move to the tourist district, beloved by hippies since the 1960s. The 'hippie' atmosphere still reigns here. I will tell you about the best bars and restaurants, souvenir prices, and the peculiarities of trade in Nepal.

• Boudhanath Stupa - the largest and oldest stupa in Kathmandu, over 2500 years old. It is located in the Tibetan area of the capital - you will feel that the atmosphere there is very different from the city center. The stupa is located on the former trade route from Tibet to India. I will tell you how travelers stopped here for prayers before and after difficult Himalayan passes. Many expats say that the stupa like a magnet attracted dozens of people from different countries to stay in Kathmandu for many years.

• Pashupatinath Temple Complex - the main temple of the Hindu god Shiva in one of his many forms - Pashupati, the protector of animals. Near the amazing architectural monuments on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, you will feel the proximity and practical fusion of two religions - Hinduism and Buddhism. You will see meditating yogi-hermits living on the mountain. I will show you the so-called 'ghats' on the riverbank, where cremation ceremonies of the deceased take place on large pyres. In the evening, you can attend a colorful service with hymns, lighting fires, and incense.