Kathmandu City Tour

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Kathmandu City Tour
  • Duration4 Hours
  • Difficulty Level Easy
  • Max Altitude 1320 M
  • Group Size 15
  • Starts Thamel
  • Ends Thamel
Kathmandu City Tour Highlights
  • Exploring 4 UNESCO World Heritages site.
  • Understanding the ancient history of Nepalese culture.
  • Glimpse of the living goddess of Nepal “Kumari” while visiting Kathmandu Durbar Square.
  • Historical museums and local artifacts shops.
  • Ancient history rich religious temples, statues, and monuments.
  • Ongoing religious rituals around Pashupatinath Temple.

Also known as Kathmandu valley tour or Kathmandu day tour is a popular sightseeing tour that took place around the Kathmandu valley. Kathmandu city tour takes you to the interesting journey that passes through historical and world renowned heritage sites.

Relived the ancient world while exploring the city’s ancient monuments, temples, palaces, streets. And explore the rich culture and lifestyle of native people of Kathmandu.

This tour basically includes sightseeing around valley and Patan which incorporates many important spots for travelers to visit. Even some of them are enlisted in World Heritage site.

Kathmandu sightseeing tour is a 1-day city tour that includes exploring 4 UNESCO World Heritage site. That consists of Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, or Patan Durbar Square. And listed among “best tour in Nepal”.

Things to do in Kathmandu

The city tour provides various activities to do in Kathmandu. Some are enlisted below;

Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur Durbar Square)(An Optional Place)

Is among the 3 Durbar Square within Kathmandu valley. Also listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. An important historical and religious site for Nepalese people which reflects the historical Malla and Shah period of Nepal.

A number of ancient temples, monuments, statues, courtyards surrounds the Durbar. One of the oldest palaces, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex built during Malla and Shah dynasty period, is a main attraction to Kathmandu City Tour.

Surrounded by some of the ancient and important temples like Jagannath Temple, Mahadeshwara Temple, Kotilingeshwara Mahadev and Taleju Temple which the highly worshipped temple among others. Some other temples built during Shah dynasty includes Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Maru Ganesh, Bhagwati Temple, Saraswati temple, Jagannath Temple, and the Kal Bhairav (which symbolize the Lord Shiva form of destruction).

Kathmandu Durbar Square is home to the Living Goddess of Nepal called Kumari which is worshipped as a living form of Mother Goddess or Adi Shakti. On the festival of Indra Jatra, the living goddess seated on the chariot with other human form gods are paraded throughout the Durbar Square offering blessing in a form of flowers. Thousands of local people, tourists participate in this festivals to enjoy and get blessings from the Kumari.

Boudhanath Stupa ( the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal)

Built around 590 - 604 BCE by Siva Deca is the religious and historical site to many tourists and Buddhist pilgrims. Cited as a center of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

The design and structure of the stupa resembles a “Mandala” and built in a number of section which represents the different aspects of Buddhism.

Circling hundreds of prayer imprinted wheels at the base of the stupa, colorful prayers flags hanging top of the stupa, pleasant scent of Buddhist incense sticks and peaceful chanting of Buddhist monks make this tour more religious and spiritual.

Beautiful rooftop hotels, cafe, local artifacts shops, monasteries surround the main Stupa. The rooftop hotels and cafe are the best ways to view the magnificent Boudhanath Stupa.

Don’t forget to try Buddhists butter milk tea and snacks called “Khapse”  which are famous in Boudha.

Swayambhunath Temple also called The Monkey Temple

Situated on the small hillock of Swayambhu, this monkey temple is a center of peace and prayers. Cited as the oldest stupa in Nepal which dates back to 2000 years.

The forest covers the stupa area which is inhabitants to hundreds of monkey from which the temple gets its name. Travelers and pilgrims climb hundreds of steep stairs to reach the ultimate spot and view the mighty stupa.

Ancient statues, temples, paintings, prayer wheels situate around the stupa area resembling the ancient world. Manuscripts from ancient period offer knowledges about that period. This area is a place of relaxation and meditation to many local peoples.

Being at the top of a hillock, it offers wonderful aerial view of entire valley of Kathmandu. And one of the best view point to observe the Kathmandu valley.

Pashupatinath Temple

The most holy place for Hindus, situated near the banks of river Bagmati. Dedicated to one of the supreme gods of Hindu “Lord Shiva”. Built around the 5th century, Pashupatinath temple enlists among the “4 pilgrimages of Lord Shiva” in entire Asia.

The main temple designed in pagoda style with its top section gold plated and 4 side doors silver plated also with wooden carved deities design.

Stone and wooden carved temples surround the Pashupatinath Temple. Various ashrams built around the temple area provides shelter to elders, homeless, tantrics, gurus and more.

Center of many Hindu rituals. People visit this temple to perform rituals and praying to Lord Shiva for better health and betterment of family. As the ritual’s center, here we can experience the birth and death, which is an important life cycle of a human. Various people perform funeral here as per the Hindu traditions.

During the month of Shivaratri, Shrawn and Teej the entire Pashupati area filled with thousands of visitors all over Nepal and India to participate in this events to enjoy, worship and experience the divine festival.

Patan Durbar Square(an optional place)

Located at the heart of the city of Lalitpur, is among the 3 UNESCO world Heritages enlisted Durbar Square. This area consists of many impression of Malla dynasty. The Durbar Square showcases the beautiful architectural skills of Newari people as the square itself was built in Newari style. Various Newari style houses, temples, idols, monuments surrounds the main durbar square.

The city of Patan is one of the oldest Buddhist city which resides in many ethnic groups living for hundreds of years. The durbar area has some of the historical temples which are Krishna temple, Bhimsen temple and more.

Patan Durbar Square has a museum that possess the artifacts, statues, painting, coins, wood carvings, manuscripts of Malla period and even older periods.

Let say,

As a result, Kathmandu City Tour is a  mixture of religious, ancient, historical, spiritual and short journey experiences to the beautiful city of Kathmandu.  

We, Nepal Everest Base Camp designed the Kathmandu City Tour Package focusing the traveler's time and cost value so they can enjoy their tour at fullest. We provide private Kathmandu day tours or Kathmandu Day Tour to Bhaktapur and Changu Narayan Temple as well.

FAQ For Kathmandu City tour

1. How to Reach Kathmandu?

By Air

From Europe and other Asian countries, you can have a direct flight to Kathmandu. Whereas, from Australia and the USA there is no direct flight to Kathmandu. Thus, you have to take multiple flights to reach Kathmandu, Nepal.  

By Land

India surrounds Nepal from three sides: east, west, and south. Through these borders, you can enter to Nepal. From China, you can either take a direct flight or drive along the Friendship Highway to Kathmandu.

2. How to get a Visa for Kathmandu?

To enter Nepal, you need to have a valid passport and visa. You can acquire it from your country through Nepal Embassy or you can get it upon your arrival at Kathmandu International Airport or Nepal border. Visa has a period of either 1 week or 1 month. Therefore, you can choose the time frame depending on your choice. You can even extend your visa period after paying some charges on a daily or weekly basis.

3. How to find and book the best travel agency in Nepal?

Every Trekking and Travel Agency in Kathmandu or other tourist spots in Nepal, all are best in their own fields and spots. All of them are certified and recognized by Nepal Government and Nepal Trekking and Tourism Association and Ministries. Among them, Nepal Everest Base Camp has our unique spots. We have been serving hundreds of visitors for a decade now and we are a complete package of experienced and skillful team members.    

We believe in high-quality service, client satisfaction, and safety. Thus, we would like to invite you to join us on an incredible journey around Nepal.

4. How is the weather like in Nepal?

Nepal has four types of seasons: Summer/Monsoon, autumn, winter, and spring season. Therefore, the weather differs for different seasons and different geographical locations. The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu lies in the hilly region of Nepal. At average, its weather is neither hot nor cold, thus making a perfect atmosphere for Kathmandu City Tour.

Travelling Nepal is possible throughout the year. However, for trekkers and climbers, the best season to visit Nepal is spring and autumn season.

5. What to expect from Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour?

Well, you can expect unique and exciting experiences from this Kathmandu City Tour. It will amaze you places, which you cannot find in other parts of the world.  This wonderful tour around Kathmandu valley will offer you unique and rich cultural, religious and historical experiences of Nepalese people.

Nepal is a country that can offer you every aspect of traveling and adventure. From trekking and climbing around the Himalayas to sightseeing tours, jungle safari, paragliding, rafting, bungee jump, canoeing, nature walk and many more.

Kathmandu City Tour Itinerary

Outline Itinerary
  • Day 01:Kathmandu city tour with guide.

Detailed Itinerary of Kathmandu City Tour
9:00 A.M:  Pickup from your Hotel and Drive to Swayambhunath Temple
The Kathmandu City Tour kicks off after an early morning breakfast. Our crew member i.e. tour leader/guide pick you up from your hotels. And, then we drive to one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Swayambhunath Temple (The Monkey Temple). 

Distance between your hotel (Thamel) to Swayambhunath is 4 km. And  takes 14 minutes to reach the base of Swayambhunath Temple hillock. This Buddhist Stupa is one of the oldest stupas in Nepal. Here, you can experience the ancient, religious and spiritual vibes omitting from this divine temple. For an hour we stay here for exploring, praying, photography, etc. 
And, from the temple of Swayambhunath, we drive to Patan Durbar Square.

10:30 A.M: Drive from Swayambhunath Temple to Patan Durbar Square
Our Next Stop is one of the oldest palaces of Nepalese Monarchy i.e. Patan Durbar Square. Also, included in UNESCO World Heritage Sites along with other Durbar Squares of Kathmandu valley.

 Via Museum Marg, the total distance from Swayambhunath Temple to Patan Durbar Square (Lalitpur) is 8.1 km. And it takes 30 minutes to reach if no traffic jams on the way. This historical site is full of ancient temples, statues, buildings, artifacts etc. Also, can experience the ancient vibes of this region.

After exploring this historical site, we head towards the sacred Shiva Temple of Pashupatinath.

12:00 P.M:  Drive from Patan Durbar Square to Pashupatinath Temple
Then we drive to Pashupatinath temple. About 7.7 km north from Patan Durbar Square lies the famous Hindus temple of Pashupatinath. Takes 25 minutes to reach the holy place which is also listed in the UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1979.

The entire area of Pashupatinath Temple incorporates numerous temples, Shiva lingas, ashrams, centuries-old statues, sculptures, inscriptions, etc. While the main temple lies near the Bagmati river which is an excellent example of ancient Nepalese Architecture skills. 

You can explore, worship, interact with local gurus and sadhus. Pashupatinath temple is a place where you can encounter birth and death life cycles of human.
From here, we move towards the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal, Boudhanath Stupa.

13:30 P.M:  Drive to Boudhanath Stupa from Pashupatinath Temple
Following the Tusal Marg from Pashupatinath Temple, we arrive at the Largest Stupa of Nepal i.e. Boudhanath Stupa. Here, you can explore the 118ft tall stupa, nearby gumbas, and local antique/artifacts shops. You can enjoy magnificent views of Boudhanath Stupa from rooftop cafes. Also, feel the Buddhist chantings coming from the monastery, which is enough to make your mind and soul peaceful and relaxed. After an hour of Boudhanath sightseeing, we head back to your hotel (Thamel).

14:30 P.M:  Drive back to your Hotel
From Boudhanath Stupa, our crew member will guide you to your hotel which is the ending spot for Kathmandu City Tour.  

Note: This Itinerary is an outline itinerary of Kathmandu City Tour. Patan Durbar Squire or Kathmandu Durbar Squire is an optional place of client. the client will choose one of the places from the 2 different places. 

    Cost Details
    What is Included
    • Sightseeing in Kathmandu valley with private vehicle( Kathmandu Durbar Squire and Patan Durbar Squire  is an options. you can choose any 4 Places) 
    • Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley with a tour guide
    • salary for tour guides. 
    • Company service charges and fees
    What is not Included
    • Personal expense on a trip.
    • The entrance fees for different visiting monuments.
    • food, and Hard and soft drinks during the tours.
    • Tips etc.

     

    Note: As per the client's needs we can manage the same 1 day City Tour package to a Full Kathmandu City Tour package that includes pickup/departure, hotel booking facilities, a guide, and more. We provide private Kathmandu city tours or Bhaktapur Day tours to Bhaktapur Durbar Squire and Changu Narayan Temple as well. The tour cost will depend on the facilities and service. 

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