Wings International Travels Pvt. Ltd.

Adventure Trips "Wings Travels" offer a Kathmandu Valley Tour to explore the historical centres of Nepal, where two of the world's great religions (Hinduism and Buddhism) come together in one busy town. Main attractions include: The Pagoda, Shikhar and Stupa styles of architecture; Hindu and Buddhist arts; and the cultural mix of Nepal's northern and southern ethnic groups. Many of the monuments date as far back as the early 18th Century and the Malla dynasty, as the three princely states of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan competed architecturally.

Kathmandu
The ancient history of Kathmandu begins from Manjushree (The Buddhist Saint). Legend has it that before Manjushree came to Kathmandu it was a lake. Manjushree then opened up the Southern shore of the lake, draining it of water and making it into the habitable valley from which the metropolis of Kathmandu has emerged. Kathmandu contains three fabled cities named Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur. Their local names are Yoe, Yela and Khwopa respectively. Many dynasties came and went. Trade and arts flourished. There are seven UNESCO heritage sites in the valley.

Kathmandu Durbar Square
A designated world heritage site, Kathmandu's Durbar Square is the social, religious and urban focal point of the city. Called Hanuman Dhoka, the site dates back to the Middle Ages and is said to be guarded by the monkey god Hanuman. As well as the of palaces, temples and traditional art, it is also home to the Royal Kumari (worshipped as a Living Goddess in Nepal). The Kumari's palace is known as Kasthamandap, after which the word Kathmandu is named, and is adjacent to a number of other palaces and temples.

Swayambhu Nath
Believed to be more than 2000 years old, this ancient stupa (a Buddhist shrine, said to contain relics of the Buddha) sits atop a scenic hill on the edge of the city. It's main feature are the all-seeing, four-sided eyes of the Buddha on the central stupa. A acred site for both Buddhists and Hindus, the main stupa is surrounded by many other smaller stupas and a Hindu pagoda-style temple. In addition to the colony of monkey that live on the hill (giving the stupa its popular name "The Monkey Temple", Tibetan pilgrims and evening prayers an also be seen.

Patan
5 Kms south of Kathmandu and the across Bagmati river is the unrivalled Newari architecture of Patan: The best place to see Buddhist and Hindu temples, monasteries and traditional Nepali artisans at work, it. The centuries old Durbar Square palace and the octagonal Krishna Temple (a masterpiece of Multishikara temple) are not to be missed. For lovers of cultural and religious architecture, there is a variety of different forms of temple to be seen, such as the temple of thousand Buddha Maha Bouddha temple, Hiraya- Varna Mahavir and Khumbeswor temple etc.

Pashupati Nath

The Pashupatinath temple stands alongside of Bagmati river. Dedicated to Lord Shiva (in his manifestation as Lord of the Animals), it is the holiest temple for the Hindus in Nepal and a site of pilgrimage for Hindus across Asia, as well as a sacred place of cremation. The biggest festival to be held at Pashupati is Maha Shiva Ratri, during which crowds from across Asia, sadhus (Hindu wandering holy men) and pilgrims flock to the sacred waters of the Bagmati river.

Boudha Nath
Possibly the world's largest stupa and the centre of Tibetan Buddhist Culture in Nepal, Boudha Nath is one of Buddhism's holiest sites in Nepal. During Lhosar(Tibetan New Year) especially, it is the focal point of Buddhist pilgrims. In addition to its stunning architecture and rich culture, the stupa is also surrounded by many gompas (monasteries) and antique/souvenir shops.

Bhaktapur
The city of Bhaktapur, known also as Bhadgaon "City of Devotees", is 14 Kms east of Kathmandu. A world heritage site and place of the pagoda's invention, it is one of the culturally richest cities in the world and best preserved historical city in Asia. Sights include: The exquisitely carved 55 windows palace; The Golden Gate palace; the 5 storey Nyatapola temple and Bhairav temple nearby; and Duttatray (Pottery) square etc. Changu Narayan Temple (just north of the city, on a ridge overlooking the valley) can also be visited from Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur has been the set for numerous Hollywood films including "Little Buddha".

Nagarkot
About an hours drive, passing Bhaktapur through beautiful countryside, takes you to the top of Nagarkot (2157m). Famous for its spectacular views of the Himalayan Range from Manaslu to Everest and eastwards including. Ganesh Himal, Langtang, Himal chuli, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) etc. Nagarkot is also a convenient base for day-hikes to Bhaktapur, Changu Narayan and Kathmandu itself. Numerous hotels can be found in Nagarkot.

Dhulikhel
30Km east of Kathmandu valley, on the road to Tibet, is one of the most scenic spots of valley: Mt. Langtang to Mt. Everest can easily be viewed from Dhulikhel. As well as a good choice of hotels and lodges to stay, the town itself is host to some interesting temples and traditional houses. Dhulikhel is also a good base for a short day hike to Namabudha (a Buddhist pilgrimage site)

Lumbini
Buddha

The birth place of Buddha (known as the light of Asia and a popular symbol of peace and harmony) and one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world lies in the western part of Nepal. Lumbini contains historical and religious monuments, such as Maya Devi temple, the Ashoka pillar the sacred Viharas. A combining round trip of 1-3 days rafting, Chitwan, Lumbini, Tansen, Pokhara and back to Kathmandu can be made. Please contact us for the time planning.

Pokhara
Pokhara is situated in 200 KM west of Kathmandu; a valley of lakes and mountain. This city is developing as a major destination for tourist. This city is the western headquarter of administration and the base station of the trekkers of Annapurna Himalaya. There are many interested places to visit like mountain museum, peace pagoda, lakes, caves and waterfall.

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