Overview:

Day : 1

ARRIVE KATHMANDU (3 NIGHTS)

Number of Days : 1

Follow in the footsteps of pilgrims throughout the ages, travelling to the Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal and its capital, Kathmandu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and later join your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner in a local restaurant.

Day : 2

KATHMANDU AND PATAN SIGHTSEEING

Number of Days : 1

Kathmandu's golden roofs glow brightly on your City Tour to the heart of its old town and Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will gain a deeper understanding of its role in the centuries of rule over this mountain kingdom. Admire the traditional pagoda-style architecture reflected in the temples and palaces that surround the square - the Hanuman Dhoka palace complex, the Mahadev Temple, the House of the Goddess Kumari and Taleju Temple. Journey to nearby Patan next, renowned for its collection of ancient temples, carvings and palaces, which you will see first-hand during a visit to Patan Durbar Square, a generic name given to plazas and areas located opposite Nepal's old royal palaces. Delve into the ancient Buddhist heritage of the City of Beauty and visit the Krishna Temple and Golden Temple. The delicate art of thangka painting takes centre stage next, as you continue to a painting school to observe students painting religious scenes on cotton and silk. Later, 'Make a Difference' with a visit to the Tibetan Refugee Camp which features a handicraft centre and provides shelter to the families of Tibetan refugees who fled the Chinese occupation of Tibet in 1959. Among these were gifted Tibetan carpet weavers whose talents remain on display today at the Jawalakhel Handicraft Centre, along with traditional Tibetan handicrafts.

Day : 3

KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING

Number of Days : 1

Looming over Patan lies the UNESCO-listed shrine of Swayambhunath, which you will have an opportunity to visit today. Uncover its history spanning millennia and admire the galleries of prayer mills and gleaming white stupa, whose gilded spire provides the colourful eyes of Buddha a lofty vantage point from which to survey the surrounding valley. Share the intricately carved stone façades with the resident monkeys and admire the artistry of Nepalese craftsmanship as you walk through the remnants of Buddhist and Hindu iconography, said to be around 2000 years old. Then, visit a local market in the Thamel area and stroll through its narrow alleyways in search of the perfect mementoes of your trip. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure or consider joining one of Trafalgar's recommended Optional Experiences.

Day : 4

DEPART KATHMANDU

Number of Days : 1

Your soulful encounter with Nepal at its end, take a transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

Dining Highlights

First class travel Highlights

Sightseeing Highlights