Path to a Hidden Monastery

Highlights / General details

Pssssst! Want to go on a nature hike to see waterfalls, bird life, village bazaars and a hidden monastery? Join this Kathmandu tour to spend a day hiking in friendly terrain that is full of spiritual surprises. Experience a ride on local transport. Visit the site of sleeping Buddha. Hike through the last remaining woodloods near Kathmandu. Take in breathe-taking views of the Kathmandu valley and the surrounding hills. On a clear day see snow capped Himalaya. Discover the path to the hidden monastery.

Inclusion

English speaking guide; Entry fees to Shivapuri National Park; Local transport.

Exclusion

Items of a personal nature; Packed Lunch; Beverages; Tips or gratuities for guide.

Hours of operation

Available: Monday, Wednesday, Friday; Start time at 7:00am.

Duration

Approximately 6-7 hours.

Location Meeting point: Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu. Finish point: Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu.

Itinerary Rendezvous at the courtyard of Kathmandu Guest House at 7:00am. Walk to the nearest bus-stand (approximately 15 minutes). Jump on local transport and hobnob with the locals to Buddanilkantha (30 minutes approximately) on our journey to the site of the sleeping Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation). Observe the magnificently carved stone idol of sleeping Vishnu from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside), on which seems to float the sleeping Vishnu - get your cameras out and lend your ears to an interesting story about the sleeping Vishnu. Start the hike through the surrounding farmlands into Kathmandu’s nearest forest reserve - Shivapuri National Park (15 minutes approximately). After registering at the park entry gate, take a pleasant walk through the woods, to a hidden Buddhist monastery - Nangi Gompa (2.5 hours approximately). Set on a pedestal atop the hill offering wide angle view of the Kathmandu valley. Avid bird-watchers will have a field day! Descend down the hill and continue to hike through the woodlands emerging out of the forest reserve at Sundarijal. Enjoy the sights of waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the hike at the bazaar (1 hour approximately). Again, jump on local transport for the journey back to Kathmandu (1 hour approximately).

Participant restrictions

Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusively.

Additional Information When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

Itinerary

Rendezvous at the courtyard of Kathmandu Guest House at 7:00am. Walk to the nearest bus-stand (approximately 15 minutes). Jump on local transport and hobnob with the locals to Buddanilkantha (30 minutes approximately) on our journey to the site of the sleeping Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation). Observe the magnificently carved stone idol of sleeping Vishnu from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside), on which seems to float the sleeping Vishnu - get your cameras out and lend your ears to an interesting story about the sleeping Vishnu. Start the hike through the surrounding farmlands into Kathmandu’s nearest forest reserve - Shivapuri National Park (15 minutes approximately). After registering at the park entry gate, take a pleasant walk through the woods, to a hidden Buddhist monastery - Nangi Gompa (2.5 hours approximately). Set on a pedestal atop the hill offering wide angle view of the Kathmandu valley. Avid bird-watchers will have a field day! Descend down the hill and continue to hike through the woodlands emerging out of the forest reserve at Sundarijal. Enjoy the sights of waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the hike at the bazaar (1 hour approximately). Again, jump on local transport for the journey back to Kathmandu (1 hour approximately).

Participant restrictions Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusively.

Location

Meeting point: Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu. Finish point: Himalayan Encounters, Courtyard, Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel, Kathmandu.

Itinerary Rendezvous at the courtyard of Kathmandu Guest House at 7:00am. Walk to the nearest bus-stand (approximately 15 minutes). Jump on local transport and hobnob with the locals to Buddanilkantha (30 minutes approximately) on our journey to the site of the sleeping Vishnu (Hindu God of preservation). Observe the magnificently carved stone idol of sleeping Vishnu from the outer periphery of the pond (non-Hindus are not allowed inside), on which seems to float the sleeping Vishnu - get your cameras out and lend your ears to an interesting story about the sleeping Vishnu. Start the hike through the surrounding farmlands into Kathmandu’s nearest forest reserve - Shivapuri National Park (15 minutes approximately). After registering at the park entry gate, take a pleasant walk through the woods, to a hidden Buddhist monastery - Nangi Gompa (2.5 hours approximately). Set on a pedestal atop the hill offering wide angle view of the Kathmandu valley. Avid bird-watchers will have a field day! Descend down the hill and continue to hike through the woodlands emerging out of the forest reserve at Sundarijal. Enjoy the sights of waterfalls and follow the pipeline to the end point of the hike at the bazaar (1 hour approximately). Again, jump on local transport for the journey back to Kathmandu (1 hour approximately).

Participant restrictions Children must be between 6 and 11 years of age inclusively.

Additional Information When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout Asia, especially outside major cities. To respect this and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot Asian climate. In many rural areas in Asia women will need to wear modest clothing even to swim. Singlets, tank tops and topless sun bathing are all unacceptable. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong.

Policies This tour is offered on a "join-in" basis. Maximum group size is 12. If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Complete information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, will be included on your Confirmation Voucher.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation