100% customisable travel idea
Peaks, temples and villages of the Kathmandu Valley The essence of Nepal
Nepal - Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Namo Buddha
100% customisable travel idea
Nepal - Kathmandu - Nagarkot - Namo Buddha
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the next day.
Meet and greet in English at the airport. Transfer to the hotel. Cocktail briefing with our Concierge. You will spend four nights near Boudhanath Stupa, a Buddhist monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a neighbourhood like this, your retreat is bound to be a bit different. It comes as no surprise then that it has a spectacular Buddhist meditation hall. Whether you use it or not, it’s an impressive sight. The hotel itself is set in a simple brick building. Inside, the lobby has a certain decorum. The style is cosmopolitan, with a Nepalese touch. The restaurant serves international cuisine (vegetarian options available on request). The decor features bricks, wood and fabrics. The rooms overlook the garden, with a swimming pool where you can actually swim. There is a spa and yoga classes are available.
In your itinerary - Private tour of Durbar Square and Swayambunath. The main attractions on Durbar Square are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kasthamandap is an ancient wooden temple dedicated to Shiva and founded in the 16th century featuring ancient architecture. Hanuman Dhoka is a palace complex from the 16th and 17th centuries which is home to various temples. Kumari Chowk is the residence of Kumari, a living goddess embodying Durga, an avatar of Parvati, and a consort of Vishnu. Swayambunath is a Buddhist temple founded at the beginning of the 5th century. On each of the four sides of the great stupa are three eyes representing wisdom, compassion and the all-seeing ability of the Buddha. Next, meet a monk from Palnge Monastery, which is attached to the hotel. This is a chance to get to know more about Buddhism, with your guide helping to translate.
In your itinerary - Private tour of Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa. With its riverside location, cremations, sadhus, cows and atmosphere, Pashupatinath Temple is a bit like Benares. Its current Nepalese pagoda style dates from the 17th century. Lord Shiva is worshipped in the temple as Pashupati, the "Lord of Animals". The monumental Boudhanath Stupa dates from the 14th century. The stupa represents the five Buddhist elements with earth at the base, then water, fire, air, and ether, and the path to enlightenment. It was the inspiration for many of the Tibetan monasteries founded nearby. After all that sightseeing, a Nepalese cookery class with a local family is a unique opportunity to learn more about the country’s way of life, chatting while you prepare and eat food together. Concentrate while you cook, because the resulting meal will be served to everyone! The Nepali chefs are helpful and accommodating and the atmosphere is particularly friendly.
In your itinerary - Private tour of Patan and Lalitpur. The country's third largest city has a rich cultural heritage in its historic centre. Around Durbar Square, there are over 130 towers and 55 temples. The Royal Palace overlooks the square, as does Krishna Mandir, a 17th century Shikhara style temple. From the same period, there is also the Bhimsen temple, dedicated to Bhimsen a heroic warrior from the Mahabharata, and the Newar the god of commerce and trade, and the Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The erotic sculptures found in the Vishwanath Temple are an interesting example of exquisite craftsmanship With your guide, you’ll also learn about Buddhist monasteries. You’ll visit the Hiranya Varna Mahavihar or Golden Temple from the 15th-century, and Minnath Temple from the 16th century, both dedicated to Avalokitesvara, the bodhisattva of compassion.
Optional extra - Kathmandu with a local.
In your itinerary - Thimi, a Newari village. Thimi is on the road from Kathmandu to Bhaktapur. It has long attracted merchants and Hindu devotees. People come here to worship the goddess Balkumari, as well as Lakshmi, Kali, Shiva, Ganesh and many other deities in numerous shrines. The village has preserved its beautiful traditional architecture. As for Bhaktapur, Nepal’s most important city until the 18th century is renowned for its ancient Newari culture. The old urban layout is very much in evidence here, with buildings developed logically around a square with a well. Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is particularly enchanting. Just to the north of Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan Temple, one of the oldest in Nepal, has an important place in the history of Nepalese architecture. It is dedicated to Vishnu. <
Transfer to Nagarkot. Stay for two nights in a truly modern property with elegant rooms, a restaurant, spa, jacuzzi, barbecue, outdoor infinity pool more. The mountain views are phenomenal too.
In your itinerary - Hiking around Nagarkot. The area around the hill station is perfect for walking. And walking is made even more special by the mountain scenery, both near and far. So set off along the trails with a private guide. The twelve kilometre (7 mile) hike is not particularly difficult. Good physical fitness is all you need. Along the way, you pass through villages where life seems to move at an unchanging pace. The modern world has not made much effort to infiltrate them. At every turn, your eyes are filled with unimaginably vast landscapes. The views are better than you could ever imagine. It's a short trip but big on thrills.
Optional extra - Body treatments at the hotel spa.
Transfer to Namo Bouddha. Stay for two nights at moderate altitude. The Newari style cottages are dotted across a wild garden. They feature traditional stone roofs and wooden doors and windows hand crafted by artisans. Nonetheless, they are well suited to the demands of modern travellers. The rustic design features natural touches. You feel as if you’re experiencing Nepal as it should be, and it feels wonderful. In the restaurant, vegetarian cuisine is served, with ingredients sourced from the local sustainable kitchen gardens and orchards. The chef never misses the chance to add some European flavour. This openness is a guiding principle. While the atmosphere is distinctly Himalayan, featuring yoga and Ayurveda, a Finnish sauna and a sensory deprivation tank are also part of the experience.
Optional extra - Private yoga class.
In your itinerary - Private meditation session. It takes about thirty minutes on foot to reach Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Tibetan monastery. The meditation session takes place in its gardens. The temple is said to have been founded by a prince so charitable that Siddharta Gautama recognised him as a reincarnation. Two hundred and fifty monks live here. Once one of the monks has explained the principles of Buddhist meditation, you should experience an inner sense of awakening. Back in kâmaloka, you set off on a hike between Namo Buddha and Dulikhel. This is a beautiful part of Nepal, both vast and shaped by generations of farmers working the land with their hoes. On foot, with a private English-speaking guide, you can explore it thoroughly. Old Dulikhel, with its narrow lanes, temples and merchant houses, will spark your imagination. You might come across Tibetan herders who have come down from the high plateaus for Dashain, the celebration of Rama’s victory, merchants from India or pilgrims and more.
Transfer to Kathmandu airport and flight home.
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
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