Kathmandu altitude (1300m/4260 ft.)
Upon arrival at Kathmandu airport, clear immigration and customs process and you will be met by our representative at the arrival gate and transfer to your hotel in the city. You will have time to settle into your room. After some rest, your guide will take you on the sightseeing of Kathmandu.
First, visit the 2000 years old, legendary Swayambhunath Stupa, also nick-named as "Monkey Temple" due to a good monkey population in the area. Besides the main shrine, there are two active Buddhist monasteries and several other temples. The stupa sits atop a hill 80m (262 ft.) above the valley floor and provides an excellent view over the valley.
Next, we visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square, the former capital of Nepal, where we visit the old Royal Palace complex and cluster of temples. Parts of the palace and some temples suffered damages during the earthquake of Apr 2015. We visit the temple of Kumari - the Living Goddess of Nepal, among others.
Now, we take a rickshaw ride through Indrachowk and Asson - the traditional business hub of medieval Nepal. The streets are vibrant with the activities of vendors and buyers.
Nearby Thamel is the Garden of Dreams-a neo-classical garden in 6,895 square meters (74,220 sq ft) with three pavilions, an amphitheater, ponds, pergolas, and urns.
In the evening, enjoy Nepali welcome dinner hosted by our local representative.