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UNESCO has enrolled 7 World Heritage Sights in Kathmandu Valley. All these 7 are Cultural World Heritage sites. These all sites are fascinating man-made awe which is still stature regally. Some of them are built-in the 3rd century. These Heritage sites are the main attraction of Kathmandu valley. Here are seven UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site of Kathmandu Valley :

Swayambhunath ( Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath is known as holy religious places for Buddhist peoples, where large of both Hindus and Buddhist people like to visit, Known as a Monkey Temple. It is built by king Manadeva, and it becomes an important center of Buddhism. It believes that Swyambhu was born out lotus flower that bloomed in the middle of the lake that spread across the Kathmandu valley. People believe once Kathmandu was full of water with beautiful lake, and Manjushree emptied the lake by using sword to cut a hill in Chovar and let go passed all water, so people to able to stay at this beautiful place. Buddha’s eyes on the middle point of Stupa and also shop, restaurant and hostels make more attractive. Panoramic view of Kathmandu, and beside mountain range is another highlight of that Stupa. Since 1979 This Stupa was listed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

UNESCO world heritage swyambhunath temple.
view of swyambhunath temple.

Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa was built in the 14th century (various interesting legends are told regarding the reasons for this construction) which is one of the most famous places for Tibetan Buddhism. In 1979 this stupa was listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today it becomes an important place for Meditation and excursion. This is one of the most Tourist attractions in Kathmandu, and only 7km away from the center of Kathmandu (Thamel).

UNESCO world heritage Boudhanath stupa

Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is a famous and most sacred religious temple for Hindus people, which is situated beside the Holy River Bagmati. The big and largest Hindus temple offers to experience cultural, religious and spirituality about Hindus people. There are around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas, and 12 Jyotirlinga. Every year in Maha Shivaratri thousands of devotees visit Pashupatinath Temple, the night when LordShiva performed the Tandav (The cosmic dance). Pashupatinath Temple is dedicated to lord shiva, one of the most important religious places for the devotee of Lord Shiva. This temple has been listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

UNESCO world heritage pashupatinath temple
pashupatinath temple

Changu Narayan Temple
One of the most ancient temples of Nepal is Changu Narayan Temple which is in Changu village of Bhaktapur district. The temple demonstrates fifth-century stone label which is the oldest revelation of Nepal. Changu Narayan temple was constructed in the 3rd century about sixteen hundred years ago. This temple boasted the best crafting of wood, stone, and metal. Changu Narayan temple is a double-roofed temple devoted to Lord Vishnu personification as Narayan. The temple is adorned with ten embodiments of Narayan. Stone lions guard all the four doors of the temple. It has been listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.
UNESCO world heritage Changunarayan temple
Changunarayan Temple

Kathmandu Durbar square
Kathmandu Durbar Square known as Hanuman Dhoka Square is one of the major attractions for travelers In Kathmandu. The palace is named Hanuman a monkey god, as a stone statue of hanuman placed to the main entrance as protecting the whole palace, establishing by King Pratap Malla in 1672 A.D. The whole complex is known as Kathmandu Durbar Square, surrounded by Buddhist and Hindus temple, ancient Newari architecture and old Royal Palace at heart of Kathmandu. And also listed on UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today Kathmandu Durbar Square is using for a religious ceremony, including kumari(living Goddess).

UNESCO world heritage kathmandu durbar square
kathmandu Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square
One of the oldest city in Kathmandu valley is Patan which is also known as Lalitpur. The main attraction of this city is Patan Durbar Square which is 8 km southeast of Kathmandu city. Patan Durbar Square has been listed on the UNESCO World Heritage site since 1979. It is an open museum and home of beautiful Newari craft. Some of the diversion of Patan Durbar Square are:

Royal Palace
Krishna Temple
Museum
Ashok Pillar
Keshav Narayan Temple
Royal Bath of Sundaru Chowk
Patan Bhaktapur Tour
UNESCO world heritage Patan Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square

UNESCO World Heritage site Bhaktapur Durbar Square is situated in the center of Bhaktapur city located east of Kathmandu. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is home to antique arts that showcase antique handmade design. The word Bhaktapur refers to “The City of Devotees”. Bhaktapur is known as the historical and cultural gems of Nepal. The main attraction of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are:

Nyatapole Temle
Bhariab Nath Temple
Vastala Temple
55 Window Palace
Golden Gate
The Lion Gate

UNESCO world heritage Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur durbar square

When is the best time for trekking?

Everest Base Camp Trek, From March to May and from September to December is the best time to do trekking at Everest Base camp. It might little hot in May, but the view will stunning. And December time temperature will below -0 but the view will awesome with lots of snow.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Winter

Trekking to Himalayas at winter time is more challenging then comparing other season, the temperature drops -30 degree, heavy snow falls and windy. It may huge  snow on path while you are walking, and also chances to burning a skin because of reflecting a sun light on snow, but night time will more cold. Heavy snowfalls on trails, it requires trekking pole and crampons. You will need a good boot (waterproof) which makes your feet warm and dry. And also requires warm gloves, down jackets, fleece jacket, trousers, layers and  sleeping bag for protect from cold. Because of too cold there will very less tourist during winter time, but if you want a trekking in peace it will be perfect time for trekking to Everest Base Camp. This is a best time for good photography with clear sky and panoramic view with huge snow on mountain.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Monsoon

Monsoon in Nepal start from June to August, (less or more). It is uncertain, means it can be raining anytime anywhere, so it will perfect to have your raining stuff with yourself on bag. You need to carry Rain coat, rain proof jacket, umbrella and more which makes you feel more secure from rain. It is not a best time to see snowy mountains because of too foggy weather, but green scenery will awesome with lots of waterfalls surround there. The frequently landslide chances obstruct the path sometime, and also slippery, you need trekking pole for your more safety. And sometime there will problem for flight from Kathmandu to Lukla due to bad weather.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Spring

From March to May is the best time to go trekking to Everest Base Camp. Where it offers you majestic   snow-covered peaks surround us in all directions as the isolated confines of the Himalayas are a load of the senses. The sky clears up and weather is chilly whereas, in spring, the decors of rhododendron are enchanting. This region is pretty cold where the temperature can drop below zero while travelling to higher altitudes. With good and warm clothes, you can enjoy the trek with lush forests and flowers with the magnificent view on background.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Autumn

This is the favorite season for locals and tourists alike in Nepal. The months right after the monsoon from September to December before the cold sets in are Autumn months in Nepal. The temperature ranges from -10 to 12 degree Celsius and days are warm with no sign of rain making it a perfect time for all the treks in Nepal.

Do I need a guide and porter?

It will very awesome to have a guide with you, but still possible to go without guide, but you have to know very well about the route. Nepalese government is considering making the hiring of a guide compulsory from coming season, after the disappearances of some lone trekkers on the route, but still possible to go alone. But hiring a guide has many advantages for you, like they will explain you amore about local lifestyle, their cultural existence and natural environment. Whom will make your trip easier and keep you safe from danger of being lost. A local trekking company offers you everything arrangement for you, including all kind of accommodation, guides and porters and their insurance. You can book local, before you go to western company, which offered you less cost booking in Kathmandu, which is protected with the Trekking Agencies Association of Nepal (TAAN). www.taan.org.np

Accommodation

Accommodation in Everest Base Camp randomly change, depends on high season and low season. On high season it is difficult to find a room so advance booking is best way to solve this matter, but in low season is not problem to get a room.

Be vegetarian.  As appealing as trying a yak meat, buff and chicken, be aware that all kind of that meat is carry from porters, yak, and donkey below Lukla due to non- sacrifice policy in Khumbu region (Sagarmatha National Park). So all the meat available in this region are not a fresh one, it may stock from long time. It will better to try fresh local food.

What should I take?

Pack lightly- Target for maximum 15 kg, which is domestic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla can allow 15 kg maximum, but also possible to carry more but they will charge you about 1$ per kg. And also consider with your porter, they don’t feel to carry to extra load.

Everest Base Camp packing list

• Two pair of thermal pants( base layer)
• Three short sleeve trekking shirts
• Two quick drying long sleeved base layer shirts
• A down Jacket
• Shade hat
• Warm winter hat/beanie
• A pair light weight warm gloves.
• Three pairs of woolen trekking socks
• Two pairs of liner socks
• Fleece jacket.
• A pair’s nylon hiking shorts quick drying one
• Underwear
• Two pairs lightweight long underwear.
• Two pairs of trekking pants with zip off bottom
• A pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots.
• A pair light trekking shoes for camp/lodges
• A pair sandal/sneakers (for wearing in and around the lodges)
• A water bottle.
• Head/torch Light.
• One wind/rain proof overlayer- jacket and pants
• One pair of down booties (great for keeping feet warm in room and around the lodges)
• One pair of trekking poles
• Water purification tablets
• One pair of sunglasses
• One sleeping bag

Climbing Island Peak accounts for a unique adventure in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. Island Peak Climbing is one of best experiences of trekking in the Himalayan Region of Nepal. One can relish views of magnificent mountains from various points en route and pass through culturally rich Sherpa villages. On top of Island Peak, a 360^o view of the entire valley awaits you along with some of the towering peaks of Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,414m), Ama Dablam (6,856m), and Makalu (8,463m).

The 20-day Island Peak Climbing begins upon your arrival in Kathmandu City. You will do a full-day sightseeing tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu namely Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and Swayambhunath. The next day, you will take a short flight to the small Himalayan village of Lukla. The trek begins at Lukla and gradually advances up north through the scenic Sherpa villages of Phakding, Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep. You will head up to Everest Base Camp from Lobuche passing Gorakshep on the way. You return to Gorakshep and start an early morning hike to Kalapatthar (5,545m) the next morning.

The summit offers glorious views of the mesmerizing Himalayan ranges including the Mt. Everest (8848m) itself. Thereon, you descend to Chhukung via Dingboche and head to the Island Peak Base Camp. The entire climbing may last around 12 hours. Once at the summit, enjoy the view of the entire valley and that of towering peaks like Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,414m), Ama Dablam (6,856m), and Makalu (8,475m). Afterward, you will descend to Dingboche village and prepare to trek downhill to reach Lukla via Namche Bazaar. The trip comes to an end with your return from Lukla to Kathmandu. You can climb Island Peak during two different seasons namely spring (Mar-Jun) or autumn (Sep-Nov) season. These seasons guarantee best weather and accessibility.

Danphe Adventure Treks has been specializing in peak climbing around Nepal for many years. You can join our fixed groups or undertake an entirely private trip at a reasonable cost. Our all-inclusive package covers transportation inside the country, experienced guides, permits, and logistics.