Social Tours and Sightseeing

Discover Kathmandu Valley and its Surroundings through the Technical / Social Tour (November 16, 2024)

Join us on an enriching social/technical tour through the Kathmandu Valley and its surroundings on November 16, 2024. Starting with an early morning departure from the conference hotel, we will head to Nagarkot for a breathtaking sunrise over the Himalayas, followed by a visit to the Nagarkot Geodetic Observatory. From there, our journey continues to Bhaktapur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient architecture and vibrant Newari culture. We will then visit the Land Management Training Center and Kathmandu University in Dhulikhel.  Enjoy lunch amidst a serene environment before traveling back to Kathmandu to experience the lively atmosphere of Handigaun's car-free streets, filled with local food, crafts, and cultural activities.

Please note that while the travel time is estimated at around 3.5 hours but it may take longer due to traffic, so we recommend preparing for some flexibility in the schedule.

Detailed Itinerary for the Social Tour

4:45 AM	Depart from the conference hotel (Timely departure is essential, as any delay will result in missing the sunrise)
06:00 - 07:00	Arrive at Nagarkot and enjoy the sunrise and sightseeing Sunrise view at Nagarkot (Source) Nagarkot is a popular hill station located about 32 kilometers east of Kathmandu, renowned for its spectacular sunrise view over the mountains. When the weather is clear, it offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas including Mount Everest. Nagarkot is known for its peaceful surroundings, green landscapes, and hiking trails, making it a favourite escape for locals and tourists from the busy streets of Kathmandu. It also offers short treks and is close to ancient temples and traditional villages, adding to its cultural importance.
07:00 - 08:00	Visit the Nagarkot Geodetic Observatory
08:00 - 09:00	Light breakfast (will be covered from the fee)
09:00	Travel back to Bhaktapur (14 km)
10:00 - 11:00	Visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square and its surroundings Bhaktapur Durbar Square (Source: Nepal Tourism Board)
		Bhaktapur is a must-visit destination for tourists looking to explore Nepal’s historical and artistic treasures, along with experiencing the vibrant local culture and crafts. The city is also famous for its pottery, wood carving, and Nepali yogurt (juju dhau). Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is renowned for its stunning ancient architecture, temples, palaces, and courtyards, showcasing the artistic legacy of the Newar community. The major attractions of Bhaktapur Durbar Square are 55-Window Palace, Vatsala temple, Nyatapola Temple, and Dattatraya Temple.
11:00 - 12:00	Travel to Dhulikhel (16.5 km)
12:00 - 13:00	Visit Land Management Training Center (LMTC) and Kathmandu University (KU) (Although the office remains closed, we can arrange for LMTC to open for the guests) Lunch at the LMTC canteen (will be covered from the fee)
	Land Management Training Center and its premises
	Kathmandu University and its premises (Source)
13:30 - 15:00	Travel back to Kathmandu (31 km)
15:00 - 17:00	Visit Handigaun, a vehicle-free area (on Saturday), and roam around the city, enjoying the indigenous culture
	Some glimpses of car-free Saturdays in Hadigaun, Kathmandu (Source)
	Car-free Saturdays in Hadigaun, Kathmandu, are a community-driven initiative designed to reclaim public spaces and celebrate local culture. Activities range from traditional games and slow-cycle races to cultural exhibitions and storytelling sessions that highlight the area's rich history. It also offers a lively and diverse street food experience. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local delicacies from food stalls set up along the vehicle-free streets. In addition to food, there are also handicrafts, pottery classes, and live performances, making it a full cultural immersion
17:00	Return to the hotel / personal schedule

Sequential Route Map for the Social Tour