Explore Kathmandu: 8-Day Cultural Tour from Istanbul

Flight times may change. Please confirm 1 month before departure. Flight 6E-12 departs from Istanbul (IST) at 17:55 and arrives in Delhi (DEL) at 05:05 (+1). Flight 6E-1153 departs from Delhi (DEL) at 11:10 and arrives in Kathmandu (KTM) at 13:05. Today we begin our journey towards the Himalayas. We meet Ejder Turizm representatives at the Istanbul Airport International Terminal at 15:00. After passport control and check-in, we depart for Kathmandu with Indigo Airlines, connecting in Delhi. We spend the night on the plane.

After completing passport formalities and collecting our luggage, we travel to the city centre in the private vehicle waiting for us. Along the way, we pass through narrow streets decorated with prayer flags and past traditional Nepalese houses. Before heading to the hotel, we take a short panoramic city tour. During the tour, we see Durbar Square, home to former royal palaces and temples. Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), a Buddhist temple on a hill overlooking the city, is one of Kathmandu's main landmarks. Thamel District, with its shops, cafés and colourful markets, is also one of our stops. After the tour, we head to the hotel. There is free time to rest. In the evening, we attend a welcome dinner featuring Nepalese dishes. Overnight in Kathmandu at the 4-star Lo Mustang Hotel or a similar hotel. Dinner included.

After breakfast, we begin our full-day cultural tour of Kathmandu. Through temples across the city, the scent of incense, the sounds of monks praying and the cool breeze from the Himalayas, we explore Nepal's cultural life. We visit Boudhanath Stupa, the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia. At this sacred site, known for its large depictions of eyes, we observe monks walking in prayer. We then head to Pashupatinath Temple on the banks of the Bagmati River, a tributary of the Ganges River. At this site, the most important Hindu temple, we watch sacred ceremonies from a distance and learn about the religious side of Nepalese culture. Our tour also includes a visit to Patan (Lalitpur) Royal Square. This former royal city, known for its stone carvings and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, gives us a closer look at the architecture of the Kathmandu Valley. At the end of the day, we return to Kathmandu and check in to our hotel. In the evening, we taste traditional Nepalese dishes at a specially selected restaurant. Overnight accommodation is at the 4-star Lo Mustang Hotel in Kathmandu. Breakfast and dinner are included.

After breakfast, we set off for Bhaktapur. The journey to the city in the Kathmandu Valley takes approximately 1 hour. Bhaktapur is one of the places where Nepal's traditional architecture and handicrafts are preserved. The city has red-brick streets, wood-carved windows and workshops producing handmade pottery. We visit the UNESCO-protected Bhaktapur Royal Square to see the old palace buildings, the golden gate and its decorations. We observe local daily life and watch traditional pottery makers at work. We explore Taumadhi Square and Nyatapola Temple. An example of Nepalese architecture, Nyatapola Temple is the tallest pagoda temple in the Kathmandu Valley. On our way back from Bhaktapur, we make a short stop at the House of Arts and Crafts to learn about woodcarving and mandala art. In the afternoon, we return to Kathmandu. After a short rest, we have free time for shopping and a coffee break in the Thamel District. We have dinner featuring Nepalese dishes at a traditional restaurant in the city centre. Overnight in Kathmandu at the 4-star Lo Mustang Hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.

After breakfast, we depart for Chandragiri Hill. The journey to this scenic natural spot near Kathmandu takes approximately 1 hour. As we ascend to the 2.500-metre summit by cable car, we look out over the Kathmandu Valley. On clear days, it is possible to see the Himalayan peaks and the silhouette of Everest in the distance. We walk around Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple at the summit and take in the views of the Kathmandu Valley from the viewing terrace. Guests who wish to join us can take a coffee break with views of the surrounding scenery. Around midday, we descend from the hill and stop at the historic town of Kirtipur on our way back to Kathmandu. Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur is known for the traditional stone houses and narrow streets of the Newari people. We take a short walk here to observe daily local life. In the late afternoon, we return to Kathmandu and check in at the hotel. In the evening, we attend a special dinner arranged in the city centre. Overnight in Kathmandu at the 4-star Lo Mustang Hotel. Breakfast and dinner included.

After breakfast, you have free time in Kathmandu. Guests who wish can explore the city streets, walk around the temples or do some final shopping in the Thamel area. Throughout the day, you can visit traditional markets, buy Nepalese handicrafts as souvenirs or sit on a café terrace and spend time in the Himalayan air. We then say goodbye to Kathmandu and the people we have met in the city. Overnight in Kathmandu at the 4-star Lo Mustang Hotel. Breakfast included.

After breakfast, you have free time in Kathmandu. Guests can explore the city's streets, do some last-minute shopping or rest at the hotel. We depart for the airport transfer at the time our guide will announce. We depart from Kathmandu (KTM) Airport at 20:50 on Indigo flight 6E-1162 and arrive at Delhi (DEL) Airport at 22:25. Our journey continues through the night. We spend the night on the plane.

We arrive in Delhi early in the morning. According to the Indigo flight details, our flight G9 0284 is scheduled to depart from Delhi (DEL) at 07:40 and arrive in Istanbul (IST) at 14:20. We arrive in Istanbul in the early afternoon at 14:20. We conclude our journey with memories of Nepal's temples, the sounds of prayer and the Himalayas.