Asaan Bazaar - Kathmandu & Patan Durbar Squares - Swayambhunath Tour with Newari cooking class and audience with Living Goddess Kumari
After breakfast, we will embark on a guided walking tour to Asaan Bazaar, a historic marketplace teeming with residents. On both sides of the narrow alley are numerous old shops selling spices, brassware, textiles, and a wide range of household goods. Farmers with their freshly picked vegetables and locals making their way through the market make it equally charming and chaotic.
At the end of the bazaar lies the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, an old palace courtyard. Although the UNESCO heritage site was mainly refined in the 16th century during the Malla Kings, archaeologists have found some of the architecture dating back to as early as the 4th century. Besides the palace, even temples and houses are built in traditional Nepalese architecture and decorated with intricate arts and ornately carved windows. Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Taleju Mandir, Kasthamandap, and the sacred residence of the living goddess Kumari are some of the most prominent attractions on the site.
Next, we will drive towards Swayambhunath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple. The iconic Buddhist site is almost 2500 years old. According to myth, the stupa rose spontaneously from a primordial lake, giving it the name “Swaym-bhu-nath,” literally meaning “Self-Existent One”. Surrounded by forest, the hilltop stupa is unique because of the Buddha’s all-seeing eyes, where in most other Buddhist domes, the eyes are usually closed, depicting the meditative form and enlightenment. From the top, we can enjoy the tranquil and spiritual ambiance while taking in the sweeping view of Kathmandu.
After the sightseeing, our drive continues and, on the route, we will stop for Lunch in Sanepa. Newars, one of the oldest inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, are renowned for their rich culture, vibrant festivals, and distinctive culinary heritage. So, rather than just bringing the variety of Newari cuisine, we will prepare time-honored dishes under the guidance of a local chef.We will learn about the local spices and traditional Newari kitchen rituals. It surely will enhance our dining experience because we participated in making those lunches for ourselves.
In the late afternoon, we will visit the “City of Beauty” - Patan Durbar Square. The UNESCO heritage site is a treasure trove of art and architecture. The gilded Golden Temple, Krishna Mandir, featuring carvings of the Mahabharata story (a Hindu religious text), and Pimbahal, believed to have been created by a demon who fell in love with a human girl, are among the major attractions of the area. Besides the beauty of exquisitely carved temples and palaces, the site is also significant for its blend of Hindu and Buddhist iconography. Temples and stupas are intertwined in the same vicinity – a true testament to religious harmony.
In the context of the coexistence of Hinduism and Buddhism, Kumari also plays an important role. The living goddess is believed to be the embodiment of the Hindu Goddess. Despite this, the candidates hosting the presence of the goddess are chosen from the Shakya and Bajracharya Clans, who are Buddhists living in the same community. We will have an audience with the living goddess of Patan and will receive blessings from her. We will conclude the day after the sightseeing and will return to our hotel for dinner.
Overnight: Accommodation in Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast