After breakfast, today, get set for an unforgettable day being chauffeured to the must-see sites of the Kathmandu Valley.

First, we make our way to the Swoyambhunath Temple. Also known as the Monkey Temple for the many resident monkeys that scamper around the myriad of small shrines and temples, this ancient Buddhist Stupa is perched on a hilltop overlooking the valley and is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists.

From here we drive through Kathmandu and across it to the Boudhanath Stupa, 8 km east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest in the world. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal directions keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist Stupa was built by King Man Deva on the advice of the Goddess Mani Jogini. Boudanath is part of the shared history of Nepal and Tibet, with Tibet having held ruling privileges over the site until the last century. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels and the stupa is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests, monasteries and shops.

Your last exploration takes you to Pashupatinath temple, one of the holiest temples in the Hindu religion. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the three main gods in Hinduism, as his birthplace. Situated on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is the main cremation site for Hindus in the Kathmandu Valley, with cremation ghats lining the Bagmati River below the temple. It is such an important pilgrimage site that any Hindu should visit it once in their life and there is a constant stream of sadhus coming and going from Nepal and India.

From here you continue on to Lakuri Bhanjyang a beautiful spot overlooking the entire Kathmandu valley. Here we will stay at The Terraces a modern resort where we can enjoy being back close to Kathmandu.

Accommodation: The Terrace Resort & Spa
Meals included: Breakfast

Painting the Stupa © Dan Barham

This morning after breakfast your guide will meet you and we will walk along the ridge towards Bhaktapur. This is a great way to get a feel for the Kathmandu valley rim, the lungs of Kathmandu. Up hear in the forest above the city it is a completely different world than down in the chaos of the city. At Ranikot still high above the valley floor we will meet our car and drive 10 min down to Bhaktapur, one of the three ancient cities within the Kathmandu Valley. It is also known as Bhadgaun, meaning the city of devotees and is the home of true medieval art and architecture in the Valley. Lying 14 km east of Kathmandu city, Bhaktapur was founded in the 9th century and is shaped like a conch shell. Not only because of its famous carved peacock windows but also due to its museum, Bhaktapur is the centre of traditional Nepalese wood carving. Compared to other royal cities in Patan and Kathmandu, Bhaktapur is the most original and is without a doubt the most historically authentic as it is literally a living museum where farmers dry their harvest, potters turn their wheel and people go about live as they have done for so long. We will have lunch here overlooking a classic ancient town square and then continue our exploring.

Note: For those who like mountain biking, it is an option to mountain biking along the valley rim and ends up in Bhaktapur instead of the walk. Talk to us if you would like to plan this option instead of walking.

Another Note: It is also possible to have a helicopter pick you up at the hotel for a sightseeing flight up over Everest BC and have breakfast at the famous Everest View Hotel before returning to Kathmandu.er Note: It is also possible to have a helicopter pick you up at the hotel for a sightseeing flight up over Everest BC and have breakfast at the famous Everest View Hotel before returning to Kathman

Accommodation: Milla Guest House
Meals included: Breakfast

KTM Valley and mountain © Mads Mathiasen

Enjoy your last moments in Bhaktapur with breakfast in a café, a city stroll, and/or souvenir shopping. A representative will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the airport for your return flight home. It’s good to be at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure.

From Bhaktapur, the drive back to Kathmandu is approximately half an hour.

Bhairabnath temple © Rocky Prajapati