Nepal Hidden Stories Tour

Friday 3rd July – Kathmandu, Nepal

• Arrive at your own leasure in Kathmandy, Nepal. The airport is well-connected to many cities across Asia. A pre-arranged transfer will be organized for you.
• A pre-tour meeting will be held at the lobby of our hotel at 10:00am to discuss the tour itinerary and to meet your fellow travellers and YPT guide.
• It wouldn’t be a YPT trip if we didn’t stop first by the Narayanhity Palace. This palace was the home of the Nepalese royal family until in 2007 the Maoist leader and new Prime Minister Prachanda gave King Gyanendra 15 days to leave. In 2001, 9 members of the royal family were killed including the King, Queen and Prince in what’s known as the Nepalese royal massacre. A huge mystery is behind the incident and still divides the Nepalese people today. It was essentially what brought the monarchy crumbling down. The palace was turned into a ‘People’s Palace’ and is now a museum where we can check out throne room, banquet halls, royal baths, bedrooms and the massacre site.

Afternoon

• Lunch in Kathmandu
• Visit the Pashupatinath Temple, famous for its superb architecture, two–tiered golden roof and sliver doors. Built in 1696 and dedicated to Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath is the most sacred of Nepal’s Hindu temples and a famous pilgrimage site. Here weddings, cremations and all celebrations of life are held.
• We’ll then make a special visit to Boudhanath, nothing less than one of the world’s largest stupas, and a site of great veneration for Buddhists. You’re welcomed to circumambulate the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere.
• Return back to the hotel to freshen up.
• Dinner of traditional Nepali food in Kathmandu, as we’ll have a feast of local specialities!
• We’ll use the evening to explore Kathmandu’s unsuspectingly busy nightlife and try out the local drinks.
• Overnight in Kathmandu

Saturday 4th July – Kathmandu – Nargarkot

• Breakfast at hotel and begin this morning by visiting  Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. It’s located on top of the hill offering great views of the Kathmandu Valley. As we ascend the steps to reach the stupa, we’ll no doubt encounter mischievous monkeys. Hence the name.
• We’ll then head to Patan, an artistic and architectural jewel founded in 250AD, and previously known as Lalitpur. Sometimes it is known as the “Town with a Thousand Golden Roofs.” Here we shall visit the Durbar Square which is being reconstructed since a devastating earthquake.
• Patan is known to have some of the most incredible temples of Nepal,
• The wildest temple we’ll visit today, certainly, is the Hirayana Mahabihar Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. What so special about it? Well believers feed rats, the local inhabitants of the temple here!

Afternoon

• Lunch in Patan and begin our scenic drive to Nagarkot – located approximately 1.5 hours’ drive from Kathmandu.
• On our way we’ll stop to visit a local ethnic village called the Tamang.
• Arrival in Nagarkot for lunch time and check-in into our hotel to freshen up.
• Nagarkot is renowned for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain range, including the mighty Mt. Everest. From our vantage point, you’ll be surrounded by the beauty of the snow-capped peaks, and we’ll catch the sunset. This is as idyllic as it gets!
• We’ll take a stroll through the Bazaar and to a view point where you can enjoy the sunset view.
• Dinner and later hit the town with the locals for drinks!
• Overnight in Nagarkot

Sunday 5th July – Nargarkot – Namobuddha – Kathmandu

• For those early rises you can catch the sunrise from our hotel
• After breakfast, we’ll drive to Namobuddha (2 hour)
• Namobuddha is renowned for an ancient Buddhist monastery situated at an elevation of 1750 meters. It holds great spiritual significance and is considered a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists across the globe. The monastery is nestled amidst picturesque surroundings and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan Mountain range.

Afternoon

• Lunch in Namobuddha and continue making our way back to Kathmandu (2 hours)
• On our journey back we’ll stop at Bhaktapur Durbar Square – a UNESCO site it showcases the grandeur of the Newar Kingdom with its palaces, temples, and intricately carved woodwork. The square’s stunning structures, including the 55 Window Palace, Nyatapola Temple, and the Golden Gate, provide insights into the country’s history and artistic traditions.
• Arrive and check-into our Kathmandu hotel.
• Head out for dinner, drinks and overnight in Kathmandu

Monday 6th July – Kathmandu

• Breakfast at hotel and begin our walking tour of Ason, known as the Old Market area, here we’ll pass through traditional shops, street vendors, and local markets where you can find a wide variety of goods, ranging from spices and vegetables to handicrafts and souvenirs. It’s a solid spot to experience the lively atmosphere of everyday life in Kathmandu and interact with local vendors.
• Continue onwards to Kathmandu Durbar Square area. This UNESCO site is located in the heart of the city and is home to numerous temples, palaces, and courtyards that reflect the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Nepal. As you explore the square, you’ll come across historical structures such as the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Temple, and the famous Kumari Ghar (House of the Living Goddess).

Afternoon

• After lunch, we’ll head to Pharping, a lesser-known but deeply sacred Buddhist site on the southern edge of the Kathmandu Valley. Pharping is home to the Neydo Tashi Choeling Monastery. The area is also believed to be where Guru Rinpoche attained enlightenment, making it one of the most spiritually powerful spots in Nepal.
• We’ll then explore Kirtipur, a historic Newari town perched on a ridge with panoramic views over the Kathmandu Valley. Once fiercely independent, Kirtipur resisted conquest for centuries, and its layered temples, alleys, and red-brick architecture still carry that rebel spirit. We’ll walk past pagodas and shrines, take in the scent of spice markets and incense, and maybe even join locals for a cup of strong Newari-style tea as the sun sets over the hills.
• We’ll then head back to Karthmandu for our farewell dinner!

Tuesday 7th July – Kathmandu

• Our last breakfast in Kathmandu. Tour concludes
• You can continue your Himalayan adventure on our Sikkim trip or on our Tibet Roof of the World & Everest Base Camp Tour
• YPT can also help you organize other activities in Nepal, such as a visit to the Chitwan national park.