Breakfast at the hotel
AM: We proceed slightly early this morning for a guided walking tour of Asan Bazaar highlighting locals markets for around an hour after having breakfast in the hotel.
Asan Tole is an open market located at the intersection of many streets, near the Annapurna temple and the
Ganesha shrine. The distinctive feature of this market is that it's always extremely busy. Besides the traditional goods sold here, you can find - spices, dried fruit, brass pots, and topi – traditional Nepali cap. The guests do enjoy this walk a lot as one gets to see the early morning chores of the city.
AM: Then we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city and Swayambhunath
Kathmandu City: The seat of royalty till the last century, Kathmandu Durbar Square is a wondrous cluster of ancient temples, palaces, courtyards and streets. Kumari, the living Goddess, the stone carved statue of ferocious Kal Bhairav, erotic carvings glorifying the art works in the temples, the giant temple of the Goddess Taleju and image of Shiva and Parvati peering outside through the window are just a few of the most noteworthy attractions in the area. One can't help but admire the exceptionally attractive woodcarvings, statues and buildings that are cluster in the area.
We also have a light experience of the Rickshaw ride.
Continue to Swayambhunath Stupa: A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spires are visible from many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the Stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD.
PM: Visit to Patan city
Patan City: Nowhere else can be seen such a compression of marvelous monuments within a limited space like in the Patan Durbar Square. Besides the old royal palace, which dominates all others in grace and grandeur, here is the 17th-century Krishna Mandir. Entirely made of stone, this shikhara-style structure with 21 pinnacles is dedicated to Lord Krishna, a savior deity in Hindu pantheon, and is equally noted for rare stone carvings on its walls, which depict various episodes of the epic wars of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Other landmarks within the Square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk. The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple), Rudravarna Mahavihar and the terra-cotta temple of Mahabouddha are other highlights in the vicinity.
Lecture program followed by interaction with students
Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu
Read more
Overnight at Kathmandu