Day 1 - Included flights from Beijing to Kathmandu

On arrival in Kathmandu we will be met and transferred to our hotel.

Hotel: Sacred Valley Inn

Day 2 - Everest flight option, Kathmandu, Swayambhunath and Patan (B)

There is an optional one hour early morning flight over the Mt Everest area costing approximately 1230RMB. This morning we have a guided tour of Kathmandu, and the Swayambhunath Stupa. A golden spire crowning a conical wooded hill, Swayambhunath Stupa is the most ancient and enigmatic of all the holy shrines in Kathmandu valley. Its lofty white dome and glittering golden spire are visible for many miles and from all sides of the valley. Historical records found on a stone inscription give evidence that the Stupa was already an important Buddhist pilgrimage destination by the 5th century AD. Its origins however, date to a much earlier time, long before the arrival of Buddhism into the valley. There are many legends about the site, especially that of a miraculous lotus flower. Swayambhunath's worshippers include Hindus, Vajrayana Buddhists of northern Nepal and Tibet, and the Newari Buddhists of central and southern Nepal. Each morning before dawn, hundreds of pilgrims will ascend the 365 steps that lead up the hill. This afternoon we visit Patan City and Museum. Patan is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts.

Hotel: Sacred Valley Inn

Day 3 - Dakshinkali Temple, Bungamati and Khokana (B)

This morning we visit the Dakshinkali Temple. The sanctuary and its surroundings are dedicated to goddess Kali, the deity who claims at least twice (Tuesday and Saturday) a week a good portion of fresh animal blood. Usually cocks, but only male goats are sacrificed, for in Hindu tradition, a female animal should never be killed. On the way, the sight of the gorge is impressive and it is worthwhile to walk down and across the old suspension bridge, throwing a glance down into the very narrow and deep chasm. This afternoon we visit Bungamati and Khokana. Bungamati is a classic Newari village dating from the 16th century. It is perched on a spur of land overlooking the Bagmati River and is shaded by large trees and stands of bamboo. Fortunately, the village streets are too small and hazardous for cars. There are quite a few woodcarving shops in the village and a couple of carpet looms but visitors have yet to arrive en masse, so tread gently. In these villages on can see typical Newari houses. These villages are popular for chilly and mustard oil.They hang red chilly garlands from the top floor to the ground floor in the whole village. Most of the farmers in these villages are either involved in spinning or the oil pressing business.

Hotel: Sacred Valley Inn

Day 4 - Bhaktapur to Nigarot (B)

Bhaktapur is in many ways the most medieval of the three major cities in the Kathmandu valley. Much of its glorious architecture dates from the end of the 17th century. Nagarkotis one of the most scenic spots in Bhaktapur district and is renowned for its spectacular sunrise view of the Himalayas when the weather is clear. Visitors often travel to Nagarkot from Kathmandu to spend the night so that they can be there for the breathtaking sunrise. Nagarkot has become famous as one of the best spots to view Mount Everest as well as other snow-topped peaks of the Himalayan range of eastern Nepal. It also offers an excellent view of the Indrawati river valley to the east. With an elevation of 2,195 meters, Nagarkot also offers a panoramic view of the Valley and is described by visitors as a place whose beauty endures year round.

Hotel: Niva Niwa Lodge

Day 5 - Hike from Nigarot to Sankhu (B,L)

The hike is mostly gently downhill and can last up to five hours, depending how much of the scenery we want to take in. We will pass meadows, streams, simple farms, forests, and there will be spectacular views along the way. So a pack lunch will be provided. On arrival in Sankhu we will make a short visit. Sankhu was once called Sankhapura, ‘Conch City’ and lies some 22km from Kathmandu. Once an important trading centre between today’s capital and Lhasa like Bandipur further east its fortunes faded. Nevertheless a visit reveals old houses, beautiful carved temples and old stone water spouts. We will be met in Sankhu and driven back to Kathmandu.

Hotel: Sacred Valley Inn

Day 6 - Pashupatinath temple and Bodnath Stupa (B)

Pashupatinath is one of the holiest pilgrimage destinations for all Hindus. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the trinity and the guardian (patron) deity of Nepal and one of the biggest temple complexes in Nepal. The houses ringing the Bodnath stupa comprise a huge bahal (average diameter 120 m (394 ft)). The stupa itself is a symbol of enlightenment and at Bodnath the symbolism is particularly clear. Each different shape represents one of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air and sphere, which are also the attributes of the five Buddhas. Brought together in the form of the stupa, their unity reflects in abstract fashion the structure of the universe itself. This afternoon is free.

Hotel: Sacred Valley Inn

Day 7 - Depart on included flights for Beijing. (B)

Free time until our transfer to the airport.