AM: Half day tour of Kathmandu city + Swayambhunath PM: Half day tour of Patan city KATHMANDU CITY: known as Kantipur, the capital of the Kingdom of Nepal. Here you will visit the temple of the Living Goddesses, who acknowledges the greetings of the devotees from the balcony of her temple residence. Kasthamandap-the source of the name Kathmandu Supposed to be made from the timber of a single tree and the Durbar Square are with its array of temples overlooked by the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. SWAYAMBHUNATH: The most ancient and enigmatic of the Valley’s holy shrines the golden spired stupa of Swayambhunath tops a wooded hillock. Records of its history date as far as the 5th century, but its origins are believed to be older. It is the Kathmandu Valley’s most sacred Buddhist shrine and whilst its worshippers include the Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, Newari Buddhists are the most fervent devotees. The mission of the museum of Nepali art is to collect, preserve, documents, research, and exhibit Nepali art and artistic practices. It aims to educate visitors on Nepali art leading to an understanding, appreciation and the promotion of our artistic heritage. The Museum of Nepali Art (MoNa) occupies a unique position in the art world because of its focus on Nepali artistic practices and traditions. Nepali art is a reflection of the country’s culture and soul, with an artistic history spanning over two millennia. The museum houses a collection of Nepali art that covers both its religious traditions and more recent secular manifestations. Through regular exhibition, it explores the historic and cultural influences on Nepali art practices to encourage a better understanding, appreciation and promotion of Nepali art and artists. Situated in the Kathmandu Guest House, Museum of Nepali Art (MoNa) aims to make the art works of past and present Nepali master artists easily accessible to everyone. It seeks to expand knowledge, interest and awareness around these artistic practices. Most great works of Nepali art have been denied a wider audience, being housed in private collections or as a part of limited exhibitions in Nepal and abroad. MoNa breaks this barrier, presenting masterpieces to a wider and all – inclusive public. The museum documents, conserves and preserves the country’s artistic heritage. Periodically changing thematic exhibitions on Nepali art will run throughout the year to keep visitors engaged and encourage them to revisit the museum. PATAN: Patan, the ancient city, once a kingdom in itself, is situated across the Bagmati River to the south of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square offers the finest display of Newari urban architecture in Nepal. There are temples devoted to Shiva, Krishna, Ganesh and Vishnu all actively visited by residents and visitors. At the northern end of the square the ancient sunken water tap has been restored and is still in use with young girls filling huge jugs from the carved stone waterspouts. The courtyards of the Royal Palace with their ornamented windows, columned arcades, shrines and sunken royal bath are amongst the loveliest in all Kathmandu. Overnight at Hotel in Kathmandu

AM: Half day tour of Bhaktapur city PM: Half day tour of Pashupatinath + Bouddhanath BHAKTAPUR DURBAR SQUARE: As you walk in, you cannot but be overcome by a feeling of inner harmony. Such is the art and architecture and the special layout here. The Palace of 55 Windows built during the period of King Bhupatindra Malla in 1754 situated to the left as you enter through the city gate, inspires admiration. The National Art Gallery is also housed inside. The palace entrance, the Golden Gate known as Sunko Dhoka in Nepali is a masterpiece in repousse art. In front of the palace building is a medley of temples of various designs. Amongst the three Durbar Squares in the Valley, the Durbar PASHUPATINATH: situated approx. 4 km east of Kathmandu city, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated, amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors will be permitted to view the temple from the east bank of river Bagmati, entrance in the temple being strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is the centre of annual pilgrimage on the day of Shivratri which falls in the month of February/March. Behind the temple are the cremation grounds. BOUDDHANATH: This stupa, approx. 7 km east of Kathmandu city is one of the biggest in the world of its kind. It stands with four pairs of eyes in the four cardinal direction keeping watch for righteous behaviour and human prosperity. This Buddhist stupa was built by King Man Deva at the advice of Goddess Mani Jogini. It is built on an octagonal base inset with prayer wheels. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests. Rest of the day at leisure Evening: 06 course typical Nepali farewell dinner at Krishnarpan Restaurant

Departure transfer to the International airport to connect flight for onward destination Check In 1400 hrs Check Out 1100 hrs