Excursions in and around Kathmandu
The ASA-In-Asia Conference has made arrangements with a local tour operator to offer conference participants to
see the sights in and around Kathmandu Valley as well as a Everest Mountain Flight on Thursday, 5 June after the
conference. On offer are two excursions to different World Heritage Sights and two several hour hikes in the hills
surrounding the Valley besides the mountain flight. The details of the tours are below.
All departures will be from Hotel Radisson in the morning of 5 June 2025. To book a spot, please write to Robin at <[email protected]> with the subject line AAS in Asia and mentioning which excursion you would like to take part in. Payments (in cash or by card) will have to be made in person at the conference venue by 1 June to secure your spot.
KATHMANDU VALLEY TOURS
Tour 1
Visit to Boudhanath: Drive on to Boudhanath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) the largest Stupa of Nepal and one of the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is built on a flat surface of various levels of terraces adorned with prayer flags. The unique aspect of this great Buddhist monument is that it is set in an octagonal Mandala design. It is believed to have been constructed in the fifth century and is said to entomb the remains of Kasyap Rishi, a sage respected by both Buddhists and Hindus.
Another notable aspect of this area is the presence of about 29 Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and over 400 houses of Tibetans around it. Hence, it is also known as Little Tibet.
Pashupatinath Temple: Pashupatinath (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world and is devoted to Shiva (the destroyer of evil). It attracts thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year. Shiva is the patron deity of Nepal. Pashupatinath temple stands on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a tributary of the Ganges, and it is surrounded by numerous other temples, shrines, statues, and pagodas making it a temple complex. It is also the most sacred place for cremation and a series of cremation platforms (known as ghats) spread along the river where the bodies of Hindus are burnt and the ashes scattered into the holy river.
The complex swarms with Sadhus or Babas (holy Hindu ascetics). Pashupatinath is also one of the wealthiest temples in Nepal, having received a substantial amount of wealth from kings and aristocrats in devotion to the god. The temple buildings are closed to non-Hindu visitors, but all can enjoy the site.
We then drive to Bhaktapur City: Bhaktapur is 12 km east of Kathmandu city. It is situated at an altitude of 4600 ft, covers an area of 4 square miles, and is shaped like a conch shell. The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with palaces, temples, statues and squares connected by a maze of largely pedestrian-only streets.
Pottery is the traditional industry. This splendid palatial square has its gems in such artistic masterpieces as the 55–Windows Palace, the Golden Gate, Golden Sprout, and Bhairab & Nyatapola-the five-storied temple -in the nearby Taumadhi Square. The city is also commonly known as Bhadgaon. We then drive back to the hotel.
Cost: US$ 65 per person
Tour Duration: 5–6 hours
Includes: One English-speaking cultural guide, private vehicle, entrance fees for three heritage sites mentioned above.
Tour 2
Visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Hanuman Dhoka, is a complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards located in the heart of the capital city of Kathmandu. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Nepal.
The square is known for its intricate architecture, including the Taleju Temple, the Kumari Ghar, and the Kal Bhairav Temple. It is a symbol of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and culture.
Continue to Swoyambhu Nath Stupa: Swoyambhu Nath Stupa, walk up the 200-plus steps to reach the top. Swoyambhu Nath Stupa (UNESCO World Heritage Site) resting on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu is one of the holiest and oldest Buddhist stupas of Nepal. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. It dates back to the 1st century C.E. It is also known as the Monkey Temple as the surrounding forest has plenty of rhesus macaque monkeys. Swoyambhu literally means “self-existent one”. Legend has it that Swoyambhu was born out of a lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of a lake that once spread across the Kathmandu Valley.
Chaityas, statues, and shrines of Buddhist and Hindu deities fill the stupa complex. The base of the hill is almost entirely surrounded by prayer wheels and deities. Devotees, both Nepalese and Tibetans, can often be seen circumambulating the stupa.
We then drive to Patan city. Patan is the most ancient city of Kathmandu Valley. It is also known as Lalitpur, the city of fine arts, and is about five kilometers southeast of Kathmandu. The city is full of Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments. The whole Durbar Square (ancient Royal Palace complex), is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are several temples in the Square. There is a 16th-century Krishna temple which is entirely made of stone, with rare stone carvings on its wall. Other landmarks within the square are Tusha-hity (water spout), Sundari Chowk, Taleju Temple and the Keshav Narayan Chowk.
The Hiranyavarna Mahavihar (Golden temple) is also a short walk away. Patan is also known as the metal city and the Himalayan Healing Bowls are made here. The bowls have been used for meditative and medicinal purposes for over two thousand years and is used to relax, unwind and cleanse/balance our Chakras (the seven energy centers in our body). Guests can enjoy a Healing Bowl Therapy, if interested. We drive back to the hotel.
Cost: US$ 65 per person
Tour Duration: 5–6 hours
Includes: One English-speaking cultural guide, private vehicle, entrance fees for three heritage sites mentioned above.
HIKING AROUND KATHMANDU VALLEY
Hike 1
Nagarkot to Changunarayan day hike
Pick up at 7:30 am from hotel, drive (1.30 hr) to Nagarkot and explore, 3-4 hrs hiking from Nagarkot to Changunarayan.
The Nagarkot to Changunarayan day hike is an excellent walking day tour on the outskirts of the Kathmandu valley, Nepal. This hiking is an opportunity to explore the countryside. Along the trail remain the countryside still exhibit their traditional countryside lifestyle even though they are so close to Kathmandu.
The hiking trail gradually descends through the terraced fields of the ‘Tamang Village.’ The thatched houses, painted are built with local stone hand-hewn by local craftsmen. Local wine-making is pretty common throughout the year on this day hike trail.
The first part of the hike is largely a fascinating cultural encounter, while the second part is more natural, as the trail follows the ridge through a rich deciduous forest. The Himalayas appear in the distance remote and undisturbed and can be visible weather permitting. The walking is easy with gradual downhill and fairly level paths. Lunch before reaching Changu Narayan Temple with views of the Himalayas (weather permitting). The Changu Narayan Temple is the oldest pagoda-style Hindu temple in Nepal. After visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site, we drive back to Kathmandu.
Cost: US$ 80 per person
Grade of Hike: Easy
Duration: 3–4 hours
Lunch Type: Buffet lunch
Includes: One English-speaking trekking guide, 3-5 Sherpas (assistant guides), buffet lunch, private vehicle, and temple entrance fee.
Hike 2
Sundarijal to Budhanilkantha day hike
The Sundarijal to Budhanilkantha day hike (5-6 hours walk) is a popular trekking route in Nepal that takes you through the lush forests of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park, offering stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a refreshing escape from the city. It offers a blend of waterfalls, forests, mountain views, and cultural experiences.
The hike begins at Sundarijal, renowned for its waterfalls and hydropower station. The tour enters Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park from here. The initial part of the trail consists of stone steps and a steep ascent along the water pipeline supplying drinking water to Kathmandu.
The walk passes small waterfalls, bridges,and streams. The forest is dense with oak, pine and rhododendron trees. Mulkharka, a traditional Tamang village, is an hour or so of steady climbing.
The village offers stunning views of Kathmandu Valley. It is a great place to experience Tamang culture and hospitality. After enjoying the surroundings and views, you climb through Shivapuri National Park.
The trail then ascends gradually through dense rhododendron, oak, and pine forests with birds chirping, and there may be langurs (monkeys), deer, and colorful Himalayan birds sightings. After about two hours, we arrive at Tarevir (2200 m), a scenic ridge with breathtaking panoramic views.
The Langtang mountain range is visible on clear days, along with the green hills stretching toward Nuwakot and beyond. After having packed lunch at this scenic spot the trail descends gently through rhododendron and oak forests. The peaceful atmosphere and fresh air make this a perfect nature walk. About an hour and half of hiking downhill through dense forests is Nagi Gumba (1,650m), a Tibetan Buddhist monastery, home to many nuns.
The monastery offers a serene environment, stunning valley views, and a chance to experience Buddhist culture.
A further descent of about 45 minutes the forest trail ends at small settlements near Budhanilkantha. The hike ends at Budhanilkantha Temple, famous for the Sleeping Vishnu statue, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site. From here we drive back to the hotel.
Cost: US$ 80 per person
Grade of Hike: Easy
Duration:
5–6 hours
Lunch Type: Packed lunch
Includes: One English-speaking trekking guide, 3-5 Sherpas (assistant guides) to carry packed lunches and serve, private vehicle, and Shivapuri National Park entrance fees.
MOUNTAIN FLIGHT
Early in the morning, you will be picked up from the hotel to go to the domestic airport for the most thrilling
and mesmerizing Everest Mountain flight. Everest Experience is a close-encounter mountain
flight-seeing tour. A flight that takes you deep into the Himalayas, flying into valleys close to the rock face, as
close as five nautical miles from the Everest itself. You can see the stunning beauty of nature; raw, undiluted, and
truly majestic. After approximately of an hour amazing flight you get back to the hotel.
Cost: US$ 250 per person
Tour Duration: 55-60 minutes
Includes: Private vehicle to and from
the airport and Everest Mountain flight fare.