Welcome to Nepal sightseeing tours menu of Holiday Mountain treks. The page provides exclusive information of all attractive sightseeing places, combined tours, cultural and historical tours, city tours, ethnical/botanical/bird watching tours in Nepal.

Sightseeing / Tours

Nepal has been an extremely fascinating destination for travelers, scholars, and researchers. For those interested in culture and history, the Kathmandu valley, is endowed with seven World Heritage sites. Sightseeing tour is especially for a family traveling, over aged people, not exceedingly fit for adventure holiday tour and luxury holiday. Holiday Mountain Treks has designed some tours, which include countless architectural monuments, vestiges of varied cultural, religious traditions and most popular gentle sides of a holiday in our Kingdom including the Kathmandu Valley itself and other major settlements of interest in Nepal.

For the sight-seeing tours, here we detail some of the more popular gentle sides of a holiday in our Kingdom including the Kathmandu Valley itself and other major places of interest in Nepal.

KATHMANDU VALLEY
Kathmandu valley (altitude 1,350) has its origins in a lake, which saint Manjushree drained by cutting a gorge through hills or the south. The fertile land supported large settlements, and over the millenniums, the different dynasties that ruled the valley patronized an urban civilization that was intricately woven around Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Gopala and Kirati dynasties of the earliest times were followed by the lichchhavi (300-879A.D.) Trade and crafts flourished under them, and they built magnificent temples, places and mountains. But the valley's fabulous cities with their exquisite architecture, ornate palaces and artistic temples that we've come to appreciate so much owe their ingenuity to the Malla kings who ruled the valley from the 12th to the 18th centuries.

The Kathmandu valley offers an enchanting cultural experience with its artistic monuments and endless ceremonial events. There are three ancient royal cities in the valley – kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur They were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings. There are two other smaller municipalities –Kritipur and thimi. The valley boasts of seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, all located within a radius of 12 km- a unique concentration of cultural edifices. Followings are the places to see here.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
With its numerous pagoda temples, sacred courtyards, the historic Hunuman Dhoka Royal place and the kumari Chhen (residence of the living Goddess), it has been the ceremonial focal point of many state-level ritual and religious festivals since Malla times. The capital takes its name from the kasthamandap pavilion, which is said it have been built out of a single tree.

Swayanbhu Stupa
watching over Kathmandu from a hillock 3 km to the west, the stupa is believed to have evolved spontaneously at the time of the valley's creation. Also known as Sengu, the more than 2,000-year –old stupa is one of the holiest Buddhist shrines in the country. Encircling the base of the structure are prayer wheels which pilgrims spin as they circumambulate the stupa. There are numerous other shrines and monasteries on its premises.

Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is one of the holiest Hindu temples in the world, situated just 5 km to the east of the city center Straddling both shores of the Bagmati River, the gilded –roofed pagoda houses one of only a few multi –faced Shiva lingas (phallic symbol of Lord Shiva). Besides the main temple, there are hundreds of other images, shrines, rest houses and the ghats (platform for cremation).

Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa lies 1 km north of the Pashupatinath Temple and is a center of Buddhist pilgrimage. The stupa is one of the most imposing landmarks in Kathmandu. Around the Stupa are more than 45 monasteries belonging to different Buddhist sects

Changu Narayan Temple
Changu Narayan Temple is one of the oldest specimens of pagoda architecture in the valley. Stone tablets at the entrance have inscriptions dating to the Lichchhavi period. Situated on a hill 12 km to the east of Kathmandu, and over looking Bhaktapur, this Bishnu temple is rich in wood and stone carvings. Around the temple are many fine images dating from the Lichchhavi and Malla times.

Budhanilkantha
Budhanilkandtha Lies 9 km from downtown Kathmandu at the foothills of shivapuri towards the northern end of the valley. The image of the Hindu god Bishnu rests reclining on the coils of an 11-headed serpent in the middle of a pond. The image dates from the Lichchhavi period and draws large numbers of pilgrims and devotes on Balachaturdashi in November.

Kirtipur
It lies 6 km to the southwest of Kathmandu, just past the prestigious Tribhuvan University. The town, which dates the town, which dates from 1099A.D., straddles two hills with a large pond in between. It is a natural fortress with steep hillside. It offers quaint streets leading to temple squares. The people here have a reputation as weavers and builders. Things to see here include the Chilamchu Sputa atop the southern hill and the temple of Bagh Bhairav on the northern one. The Shiva Parvati Temple offers a magnificent view of the capital. If you have time, take a walk to the nearby village of Panga.

Dakshinkali
The highly popular Dakshinkali shrine is located 22 km from the city on the southern rim of the valley. It is particularly crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays when animal sacrifices are made. Because of its scenic location, surrounded as it is by mustard fields and trees, it is also a favorite picnic spot.

Chobhar
On the way down, stop at chobhar gorge. It is the place where Manjushree cut a slash to empty the lake that was once the Kathmandu valley. To the south is Taudaha Lake that Manjushree created as a home for the serpents who lost their home when the lake was drained.

PATAN DURBAR SQUARE
Once the seat of the Malla kings, it is a compels of palace buildings, courtyards with exquisitely carved sunken baths and pagodas. The Krishna Mandir is one of the finest of specimens of shikhara architecture in the country. you can take a tour of the palace complex as well as the nearby monasteries of Oku Baha, Mahabouddha and Accheswar Mahavihar and the Hindu temple of kumbheswar. Also known as lalitpur, Patan is situated to the south of kathmadu across the Bagmati River. Followings are the places to see here.

Iba Bahi is one of the oldest monasteries of Patan dating from 1427. Situated just two minutes walk to the south of Durbar square, or Mangal Bazar, there is a shrine of Shkyamini Buddha's across the entrance flanked by two stone lions.

Mahabouddha from the center of the courtyard raises the imposing terracotta Buddhist in the from of a shikhara. The 14th –century shrine is also called the Temple of the Thousand Buddhas since each brick on the temple has an image of the Buddha. There are several doors and windows along the entire height of the structure.

Oku Bahal a few steps past the Mahabouddha Temple, is one of the best maintained monasteries in Patan. The two-story building with gilded roofs has struts very fine carving of the five Buddha.

Kwa Bahal or the Golden Temple is one of the most vibrant and lavishly decorated monasteries in the valley. Located about 200 m to the north and west of Durbar Square, the monastery courtyard dating from the 12th century is rich in woodcarving and gilt reposes work. Facing the temple with three gilded roofs is smaller images scattered around the courtyard.
Kumbheswar is one of only three temples with five roofs in the Kathmandu valley. The Shiva Temple dates from 1392, making it the oldest temple of Patan the two large ponds (Kwanti) here is said to draw its waters from the holy Gosainkunda lake, several days trek to the north of kathmandu. Within the walled compound of kunbheswar is the shrine of Bagalamukhi, dedicated to goddess Parvati, and is especially crowded on Thursdays and Saturdays.

The Central ZOO
at Jawalakhel is Nepal's only zoological garden. It is home to 670 different animals and 160 species of birds. In the midst of the zoo is a pond where you can go boating. Open daily, except Mondays, from 10 am to 4 pm.

BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE
Bhaktapur lies 12 km to the east of Kathmandu on the Arniko Highway, which retraces the legendary trade route to Tibet. followings aee the places to see here.
The showpiece of this place complex, with its many courtyards and pagoda and shikhara style temples, is the 15th –century Place of 55 Windows and the Golden Gate, which is rich in reposes art.

Taumadhi Square To the east of the Durbar Square lies this square over which presides the five-roofed built in 1702, one of just three five-roofed temple in the entire valley. Set on a five-level plinth, the leading to the shrine is flanked by stone figures of mystical beasts, each 10 times stronger then the one just below.

Dattatreya Square A web of narrow brick-paved streets lead to this square lined with houses that have intricately carved wooden windows and tiled roofs. Also known as Tachapal Square, it was once the center of Bhaktapur ad is still an important venue to important festivals as well as culture, social and political gatherings. The famous Peacock Window graces as math, or Hindu monastery.

Siddha Pukhu or locally known as Ta Pukhu meaning big pond, dates from the Lichchhavi period. It is perfect place to spend an afternoon or evening in peace and quiet and relieve your tensions. The wall around the pond has images pf different Hindu and Buddhist deities.

Surya Binayak this temple dedicated to Lord Ganesh is set in a grove to the south of Bhaktapur and is especially crowded on Tuesdays and Saturdays. From the trolley bus terminal, it is mere 20 minutes walk. Because of its peaceful location, it is a famous picnic spot as well.

Thimi
lies 8 km to the east of Kathmandu on the way to Bhaktapur. Life in this typical Newar town revolves around the Balkumari Temple, dedicated to the mother goddess. Thimi is famous for its papier-mache masks and earthenware, which is often let out to dry in the sun; this temple of karunamaya, the Buddha of Compassion is another important temple here.
Near Thimi are the farming villages of bode and Negates, which give a glimpse of everyday life of the newar farmers. Bode is famous for its beaten rice. Here you can visit the Neel Barahi Temple while Siddhi Ganesh is the main shrine in Mnagadesh.

Phulchoki
at 2,762 m is the highest of the peaks ringing the Kathmandu valley. This vantage point offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the valley's clustered settlements and the expensive Terai to the south. A 320-km panorama of the Himalayas from Annapurna to Everest can also be enjoyed from this hill-top Other attractions of Phulchoki are the varieties of flora fauna, many of them are and endangered ones, which abound here. The area is home not only to many types of butterflies, birds (over 250 species) and month, but also to a number of mammals including leopards and barking deer. The presence of lush vegetation atop and around is equally appealing. The pink, white and red rhododendrons and a variety of colorful orchids covering the area enthrall visitors. Such opulent vegetation, rich in color and fragrance, has helped it to earn the name Phulchoki, which literally means “ the peak of flowers”.

Godavari
Godavari is a perfect delight for those who wish to get lost in the blissfulness of nature. The greenery is situated here. Spread over 24 hectares of land, the garden has a fascinating collection of plants including orchids, ferns, cacti and lotuses. It is also a favorite spot for picnickers from Kathmandu. The other enticement of Godavari is its sacred pond at Panch Dhara. A grand festival is held here once every 12 years. Hindus believe that a ritual bath in the sacred pond during the festival absolves them from all sin.

Shivapuri
Shivapuri at the northern end of the Kathmandu Valley is a terrific hilltop retreat. At 2,732 m, it is second only to Phulchoki in height, but its richness in flora and fauna as well as the views it offers are certainly not diminished by the 30 km it lacks. The area encompasses a protected reserve, which harbors many rare and endangered animal and bird species. Spread over 144sq km, the Shivapuri Watershed and Wildlife Reserve is home to the sloth bear, languor monkey leopard and barking deer among others. Its rich flora includes orchids, rhododendrons and a variety of medicinal and herbal plants.

Budhanilkantha
Situated at the foot of Shivapuri hill, Budhanilkantha is one of the most important Bishnu shrines in the Valley. The spot is a pleasant getaway and lies some 9 km directly north of Kathmandu city. Getting there on a bicycle or in a car makes for a scenic trip .The main shrine at Buddhanilkantha consists of a giant granite image of Lord Bishnu recline on abed of snakes in the middle of a pond. The deity is also known as Bhuijasi Narayan The five-metter long stone statue dates back to the Lichchhavi period (300-879A.D). The image is said to have been discovered buried under a field by a farmer and later installed here. Carved out of a single block of stone, the impressive image appears afloat on the water.

Places of Interest outside of the Kathmandu Valley

Nagarkot:
Nagarkot at 2229 m. above sea level is a hill station for Mountain and sunset/sunrise views. It is about 32km. east of Kathmandu between the Kathmandu valley in the west and Indrawati in the east and nowadays there are from simple guest house to 5 star standrard resorts and hotels providing luxsury accommodation and verities of dishes for the ttravellers. Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks can be seen from here.

Dhulikhel:
Dhulikhel is located 30 km east of the kathmandu. It is an old Newari trade station en route to the Tibetan plateau and today it is an ideal place for tourists to enjoy natural environments, the local lifestyle, old newri culture and spectacular views. Dhulikhel is in between Nagarkot and Nomobuddha/Panauti and offers best sunset view and gentle hiking in the culturally rich environment and natural beauty of Dhulikhel.

Daman:
Situated at 2100m. above sea level, 80 km. From Kathmandu, Daman is known for its views of Himalayan peaks Everest, Annapurna, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Dorje Lakpa , Gauri Shanker, Cho Oyu,can all be seen. The viewing tower offers an amazing panoramic view of 300 miles of the Himalayan range. Horse riding, rock climbing and hiking are the extra attraction.

Pokhara:
Most treks in the Annapurna region commence from the beautiful lakeside town of Pokhara with arguably the most impressive mountain backdrop anywhere on earth . Pokhara provides a perfect setting to prepare for and relax after your trek and access to the mountains is easy.It is also an ideal place to do very little in but relax,perhaps some boating on the huge lake or just relaxing in one of the many lakeside restaurants.

Gorkha:
is situated 156 km to the west of Kathmandu at an altitude of 1135. Gorkha is the ancestral home of the Shaha dynasty and home of the original Gorkha soldiers. The Shah dynasty of Nepal descends from the Gorkhas. Points of interest include ornate ancient temples and mandu, Gorkha Durbar, which is a fort, a palace and a temple with excellent views of the surrounding valley and the Manaslu range. Gorkha is a picturesque hill resort steeped in ancient history.

Lumbini:
Lumbini, (the birthplace of Lord Buddha) is situated on the South-Western plains of Nepal. Lumbini gardens, dotted with holy shrines, stupas, monasteries and the temple of Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, are the principal attractions. A great pillar from 250 B.C. carries an inscription signifying the birth of Lord Buddha. Beside the Maya Devi temple to the south is a sacred pole where Lord Buddha received his first purification bath. Close to Lumbini is Tilaurakot, an archaeological site over 2000 years old.

Tansen:
One of the largest hill towns in Nepal, Tansen (1371 m.) is some 300 km. southwest of Kathmandu. Tansen served as the capital of the tiny Kingdom of Palpa before it was annexed into the unified Nepal. Nestled on top of the highest hill in the area, Tansen offers a breathtaking view of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, and Manasalu to the north contrasted by the forests and valley farm houses to the south. The town is rich in ancient temples and other places of historical and cultural interest.

Janakpur:
-the bithplace of Sita, heroine of the great Hinduepic Ramayan, is situated in the Terai palins. Thousands of pilgrims flock here throughout the year to pay homage at the Janaki Mandir, Ram Sita Bibah Mandap and Hanuman Temple. Janakpur is the center of Maithili culture, and the magnificent Janaki mandir is one of nepal's architectural showpieces. It is 375 km southest of kathmandu.

Bandipur:
is a hilltop town situated midway on the Kathmandu-Pokhara highway at an altitude of 1000m overlooking the marshyangdi River Valley. In the early 188s, the ordinary mountain village was transformed into a vibrant commercial center on theTibet-India trade route after Newar trades from Bhaktapur moved here. Bandipur offers mountain views, artistic house and pagoda temples. It has the largest cavern in the country, the Siddha Gupha, which is full of stalactites and stalagmites.


Sightseeing Tour Program

Kathmandu at Galance

Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu and transfer to hotel, tour briefing.
Day 02: Full day sightseeing of the Kathmandu Valley
Day 03: AM-Mountain flight over the mountain and rest. Late afternoon-drive to Dhulikhel (32 km), enjoy the sunset view.
Day 04: Am drive to Nagarkot. After sunrise over the Himalayas return Kathmandu en route visit Changunarayan and Bhaktapur city.
Day 05: AM-Excursion to Dakshinkali, Bungamati and Kirtipure village then at leisure.
Day 06: Souvenir shopping and get prepare for return flight.
Day 07: Transfer to the airport for onward destination

Kathmandu Excursion

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport and transfer to hotel, tour briefing and over night at hotel.
Day 02: After breakfast, visit of Pashupatinath Temple and Patan. Lunch at Patan Durbar Square. Continue visit of Khokana and Bungamati. Over night at hotel.
Day 03: Leisure in the morning, Late afternoon-drive to Dhulikhel (32 km), enjoy the sunset view. Over night at hotel.
Day 04: Early morning drive to Nagarkot. After seeing sunrise views over the Himalayas return Kathmandu en route visit Changunarayan and Bhaktapur city. Over night at hotel.
Day 05: In the morning, excursion to Dakshinkali and Kirtipur village. Over night at hotel.
Day 06: Souvenir shopping and get prepare for departure. Over night at hotel.
Day 07: Transfer to the airport for return flight.