Trip Facts
-
Duration
1 Day
-
Trip Start and End
Kathmandu Kathmandu
-
Difficulty Level
Easy
-
Trip Area
Kathmandu District, Bagmati Province
-
Maximum Altitude
2782m/9,127.30ft - Phulchowki
-
Best Season
September-November and March-May.
-
Meals
Breakfast at the hotel
-
Accommodation
Hotels, Resorts & Lodges
-
Transportation
Car Jeep or Bus
Highlights
The Kathmandu City Tour takes you around Kathmandu Durbar Square in the heart of city where you can explore old medvial period palace and its beautiful courtyard from Malla to late Shah Dynasty of 6th to late 17th Century. The tour continues heading west to visit old Swayambhunath, a main landmark and important site of the country, which was built more than 2,500 years stands on a hillock surrounded by forest facing the grand panorama of Kathmandu city and the valley surrounded by rolling green hills with views of white-snow-capped peaks. Enjoy great views visiting around interesting sites of Swambhunath and its monasteries, then head east for another exciting tour at an important Hindu temple of Pashupatinath. The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is one of the major temples in Hindu religion and is also a famous pilgrimage sites where thousands of pilgrims and devotees from all over India and Nepal visits this holy site. From here tour extends towards Bouddhanath a place with a huge dome or a Stupa regarded as world largest and biggest monuments of this kind, a place for all Buddhism followers. The whole area around Bouddhanath also known as ‘Little Tibet’ due to its strong Tibetan culture of Mahayana Buddhism and people of Tibetan origin that resides within interesting and exciting sites of Bouddhanath Stupa area.
Enjoying fascinating and enjoyable religious and historical sites, transfer back to your hotel, after a great interesting and memorable day on Kathmandu City Tour.
Trip Overview
Kathmandu, the bustling capital of Nepal, is a city that seamlessly blends ancient traditions with modern developments. It is the heart of Nepal's history and culture. The city is renowned for its temples, stupas, and palaces, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It has been a significant cultural and religious hub for centuries, attracting pilgrims, traders, and travelers from all over the world. Kathmandu is a city that offers a unique blend of spiritual richness, historical depth, and lively urban experiences. Whether you're there for adventure, cultural exploration, or relaxation, Kathmandu promises a memorable experience filled with discovery and wonder.
Kathmandu City Tour is a delightful sightseeing tour accompanied by our expert guide to show you the wonders of Nepalese history and religions visiting ancient places listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although a modern metropolitan city as well a living museum where visitors will be overwhelmed overlooking uncountable monuments in the backdrop of interesting cultures.
Kathmandu is a city of contrasts, where ancient temples stand alongside modern buildings, and traditional practices coexist with contemporary lifestyles. Its rich history, cultural depth, and scenic beauty make it a fascinating destination for travelers seeking both adventure and enlightenment.
Detailed Itinerary for Day Trip to Kathmandu
+ Show MoreFrom 8: 30 a.m. or 9 a.m. to maximum 3-4 p.m. with lunch break during the tour. Guided Tour led by our expert guide in a spacious comfortable vehicle as per group size, either car, jeep or bus.
Morning after having breakfast by 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. our guide will come to pick you for exciting and interesting day on Kathmandu City Tour. The tour then continues to the heart of Kathmandu city where ancient and historical monuments listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites are located.
The tour continues to Basantapur area where historical palace and royal courtyard of Malla and Shah Monarch period is situated. You will get to see the House of Living Goddess known as Kumari Ghar, where a young virgin girl regarded as Goddess before reaching puberty resides.
We then move to ‘Kastha Mandap’ a temple built from a wood of a single tree where name Kathmandu name comes from, built by King Laxmi Narsing Malla way back in 1596 A.D.
From here we take a short drive to Swambhunath Stupa, a Buddhist monument or Chorten located west of city perched on a hillock in the midst of serene forest also called ‘Monkey Temple’ due to many Rhesus monkey that habitats around.
Swambhunath Stupa of more than 25 centuries old and stands as one world’s oldest Buddhist Chaitiya. The Great Stupa of Swayambhunath is the wonder that was Nepal, the glory that was Nepal.
Enjoy panaromic views of Kathmandu city from here as we move from here towards the eastern side of Kathmandu city at holy Hindu temple of Pashupatinath.
After Pashupatinath Temple, we take a short drive due north to visit world largest dome Stupa of Bouddhanath.
After enjoying all these wonderful sites we then return back to your hotel as the tour comes to an end.
Cost Includes
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- Sightseeing
- Guided tours
- Daily breakfast
- Guide Services
- Permits and Entrance Fees
- Activities
- Welcome or farewell dinner
Cost Excludes
- International Airfare
- Visa Fees
- Personal Expenses
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Activities
- Gratuities and Tips
- Additional Transport
- Special Permits
FAQs
The best times to visit Kathmandu are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is pleasant, with clear skies and moderate temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Yes, most foreign nationals require a visa to enter Nepal. You can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport or apply for it online before your trip.
Kathmandu is generally safe for tourists. However, like any other major city, it’s important to stay vigilant, avoid isolated areas at night, and keep your belongings secure.
It’s advisable to drink bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Make sure to wash your hands regularly and be cautious with street food. Vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus are recommended.
Key attractions include Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Kathmandu offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget hostels and guesthouses to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts. Thamel is a popular area with a variety of options.
Kathmandu offers diverse culinary options. You can enjoy traditional Nepali cuisine, including dishes like momo (dumplings) and dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), as well as international cuisine in the numerous restaurants and cafes in Thamel and other tourist areas.
Popular items include pashminas, thangka paintings, handmade crafts, Tibetan singing bowls, and silver jewelry. Asan Bazaar and Thamel are great places for shopping.