After morning pickup from select hotels in central Kathmandu, travel in a climate-controlled private vehicle with your guide and driver to Swayambhunath Temple.
During the drive to the hilltop temple, your guide explains the importance of Hinduism and Buddhism in Kathmandu Valley. Upon arrival, ascend 365 steps that lead to a white stupa decorated with fluttering prayer flags. Take in sweeping views from the World Heritage-listed site, which overlooks Kathmandu and the distant snow-capped Himalayas (if the skies are clear). Then see the golden statues of Shakyamuni Buddha at Amideva Buddha Park.
Take a shorter walk back to your vehicle then drive to reach Patan's Durbar Square. Known as Nepal's City of Art, this UNESCO-listed plaza includes ancient temples, a royal palace, a museum, and a maze of fascinating side streets. The earthquakes of 2015 damaged many of the temples in the area, and repairs are underway.
Hear about the long history of Patan Durbar Square and its key highlights, then visit the Patan Museum with your guide. Then you can view works of bronze and copper religious art in addition to other artifacts at the 12th-century Golden Temple.
Your tour ends with drop-off at your Kathmandu hotel.
