Day 14
Bid farewell to the Himalayas as you fly back to Kathmandu (1,400m) this morning. In the afternoon, explore the capital city with your private car, driver, and guide. Visit Swayambhunath Stupa, the Monkey Temple, a complex of temples of different faiths dating back to the 5th century. Then head out to Patan city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history that stretches back to the third century BC. Also known as Lalitpur, this ancient city contains many beautiful monuments, including the stone temple of Lord Krishna and Tushahity, the Royal Bath. Here you will have the unique experience of meeting with Patan’s Kumari “living goddess,” followed by a blessing ceremony and chat with the goddess’s guardians.
Day 15
This morning, visit Bhaktapur, the former capital of Nepal and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur has remarkable examples of wood, stone and metal artwork, plus ornate ancient temples and perfectly preserved traditional architecture. Sites of note here include the intricately-carved Golden Gate and the Palace with Fifty-Five Windows. Then, return to the city and visit Kathmandu’s prominent holy sites, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. At Pashupatinath temple, make your way to the ghats that line the river. Local Hindus cremate their dead at these burning ghats and the ashes are carried away by the water. This evening, join your fellow travelers for a final farewell reception and dinner with a special guest, an ex-Kumari, and live entertainment by a team of Tibetan performers.
Day 16
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before a private transfer to the airport for your international flight home.