Begin your day with an optional but unforgettable experience—a scenic flight over Mount Everest, departing at 6:00 AM (weather permitting). This once-in-a-lifetime 50-minute journey allows you to gaze upon the roof of the world from just 20 miles away, offering breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest and the towering Himalayan range. For those not trekking to Everest Base Camp, this flight offers the rare opportunity to witness the majesty of the world’s highest peak from the sky—an awe-inspiring start to your day.
After returning to your hotel and enjoying breakfast, your guided discovery of the Kathmandu Valley begins. Accompanied by an expert English-speaking guide, delve into the rich tapestry of Nepal’s culture and spirituality as you explore three of its most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), and Boudhanath Stupa.
Kathmandu Durbar Square – Echoes of Royal Grandeur
Step into the heart of historic Kathmandu at Durbar Square, where ancient palaces, sacred temples, and vibrant markets paint a vivid portrait of Nepal’s regal past. Once the royal residence of Malla Kings, the square is home to the exquisite Kumari Bahal, the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari—a revered embodiment of Durga. Admire the intricate wood carvings of Nassal Chowk, the former royal courtyard, and gaze upon the majestic Taleju Temple, a towering pagoda dedicated to the fierce deity Taleju Bhawani. Every step here echoes centuries of tradition, spirituality, and royal ceremonies.
Swayambhunath Stupa – Serenity Above the City
Next, ascend to the forested hilltop of Swayambhunath Stupa, known lovingly as the Monkey Temple. One of the oldest and most revered Buddhist shrines in Nepal, Swayambhunath’s golden spire glistens beneath fluttering prayer flags while its all-seeing Buddha eyes overlook the valley below. Surrounded by a complex of smaller stupas and shrines, the site is alive with chanting monks, flickering butter lamps, and playful monkeys, creating a mystical ambiance that transcends time.
Boudhanath Stupa – A Sacred Sanctuary of Tibetan Buddhism
Conclude your spiritual journey at Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest and most sacred Tibetan Buddhist monuments in the world. Towering above a vibrant circular square, its iconic white dome and gilded tower are adorned with Buddha’s watchful eyes. Encircled by prayer wheels, colourful thangka shops, and Tibetan monasteries, the stupa hums with the rhythm of devotional chants. You may also witness monks in deep meditation or observe a traditional Buddhist puja—a prayer ceremony rich in sound, scent, and symbolism.
As the sun sets behind the valley’s rim, return to your hotel, your heart full with the sights, sounds, and spiritual energy of Kathmandu—a city where the divine is woven into everyday life.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu