Travers Nepal

Kathmandu City Tour

from 1 reviews
Best Price
Duration
1 days
Max. Elevation
1340m
Group size
2 minimum
Level
EASY
Transportation
Private Vehicle/Car
Best Season
Every Day of every month
Accomodation
3*** Star Hotel in Thamel Kathmandu (Optional) 
Meals
Welcome Dinner in Nepali Traditional restaurant.
Starts at
Ends at
Trip Route
Swayambhunath Stupa-Bhaktapur Durbar Square-Pashupatinath Temple-Baudhanath Stupa

Highlights

  • Swayambhunath Stupa: Also known as the Monkey Temple, this ancient Buddhist shrine is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. The stupa is adorned with intricate carvings and painted with brightly colored designs, and offers panoramic views of the city from the top.
  • Patan Durbar Square: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to a number of beautiful temples and palaces, including the Krishna Temple, which is known for its intricate stone and woodwork. The square is also home to the Patan Museum, which displays an impressive collection of art and artifacts from the region's history.
  • Pashupatinath Temple: This Hindu temple, which is dedicated to the god Shiva, is one of the most important religious sites in Nepal. Visitors can watch the daily rituals and ceremonies that take place at the temple, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this sacred space.
  • Baudhanath Stupa: This massive Buddhist shrine, which is one of the largest in the world, is surrounded by a bustling market filled with shops and stalls selling traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Visitors can walk around the base of the stupa, which is decorated with colorful prayer flags and painted with intricate designs, or climb to the top for a bird's eye view of the surrounding area.

Overview

A Kathmandu City Tour is the perfect way to explore the city's top attractions, including the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa.

1. Swayambhunath Stupa: A Spiritual Haven
Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in Nepal. This ancient temple complex is perched atop a hill overlooking Kathmandu, offering sweeping views of the city below. Visitors can climb the steep staircase to reach the main stupa, which is adorned with prayer flags and intricate carvings.

Inside the temple complex, you'll find numerous smaller stupas, shrines, and statues. The atmosphere is serene and peaceful, with the sound of prayer wheels turning in the background. Make sure to keep an eye out for the resident monkeys, who are known for their mischievous antics.

2. Patan Durbar Square: A Living Museum
Patan Durbar Square is located in the heart of the city and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This sprawling complex is home to numerous temples, palaces, and courtyards, all of which date back to the medieval Malla dynasty.

As you wander through the square, you'll be transported back in time to a bygone era. The architecture is stunning, with intricate carvings and detailed artwork adorning every surface. Highlights of the square include the Krishna Mandir temple, the Taleju Bhawani temple, and the Golden Temple.

3. Pashupatinath Temple: A Center of Hinduism
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important Hindu temples in the world and is located on the banks of the Bagmati River. This sprawling temple complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is a pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over the world.

Visitors can explore the various temples and shrines within the complex, including the main Pashupatinath temple, which is adorned with intricate carvings and gold-plated roofs. You may also witness a Hindu cremation ceremony on the banks of the river, which is a powerful and moving experience.

4. Baudhanath Stupa: A Tibetan Oasis
Baudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in Nepal and is a center of Tibetan Buddhism. This iconic landmark is located in the heart of Kathmandu's Tibetan community and is surrounded by colorful prayer flags and bustling markets.

Visitors can walk around the stupa, spinning prayer wheels and taking in the colorful artwork and carvings. You may also witness a traditional Tibetan prayer ceremony, which takes place daily around sunset. The atmosphere at Baudhanath Stupa is vibrant and lively, with a strong sense of community and culture.

Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kathmandu is during the months of September to November and March to May. These months offer clear skies and comfortable temperatures, making it the perfect time to explore the city's many attractions. However, it's important to note that Kathmandu can get quite crowded during peak season, so be prepared for larger crowds and higher prices. If you prefer a quieter experience, you may want to consider visiting during the off-season months of June to August and December to February.

Getting around Kathmandu
Kathmandu is a vibrant city filled with rich culture and history. From the stunning Swayambhunath Stupa to the intricate Patan Durbar Square, there's no shortage of amazing attractions to explore. Getting around the city can be a bit of a challenge, but walking, public transportation, taxis, and rickshaws are all viable options. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Kathmandu is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

Visiting Temples and Religious Sites
When visiting temples and religious sites in Kathmandu, it's important to show respect for the local customs and traditions. Visitors are welcome to explore these sacred places, but it's crucial to dress modestly and remove shoes before entering the temples. In some cases, photography may be prohibited inside the temples, so it's important to be mindful of the rules and regulations. By following these simple guidelines, visitors can enjoy a memorable and respectful experience at these spiritual sites.

Conclusion
Kathmandu is a city that will captivate your senses and leave you with a newfound appreciation for Nepali culture and history. Whether you're exploring ancient temples, sampling local cuisine, or simply wandering the winding streets, there's no shortage of things to see and do. So pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through this vibrant and enchanting city.

Important Note

There are a few important things to note when planning a Kathmandu City Tour that includes the Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Baudhanath Stupa:

  • Respect local customs and traditions: These are sacred sites for many Nepalese people, so it's important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting. This includes dressing modestly, removing your shoes before entering temples, and avoiding touching or taking photos of people who are participating in rituals or ceremonies.


  • Consider hiring a guide: While it's possible to visit these sites on your own, hiring a local guide can enhance your experience and provide valuable insights into the history and significance of these landmarks.


  • Plan your itinerary: These attractions can be spread out across the city, so it's important to plan your itinerary carefully to make the most of your time. Consider hiring a private driver or taking a guided tour to save time and energy.


  • Respect the environment: These are all outdoor attractions, so be sure to dress appropriately and bring plenty of water and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun. Remember to also dispose of any trash responsibly and do your part to preserve the beauty of these sites.

Overall, a Kathmandu City Tour is a great way to experience the city's rich cultural heritage and learn more about Nepal's history and traditions. Just be sure to plan ahead and respect local customs to make the most of your visit.

Trip Itinerary

7:00 am - Pick up from the hotel and transfer to Swayambhunath Stupa


8:00 am - Explore Swayambhunath Stupa, including climbing to the top for panoramic views of the city


10:00 am - Transfer to Patan Durbar Square


11:00 am - Explore Patan Durbar Square, including visiting the Krishna Temple and Patan Museum


1:00 pm - Lunch break (not included in the tour)


2:00 pm - Transfer to Pashupatinath Temple


3:00 pm - Explore Pashupatinath Temple and witness daily rituals and ceremonies


4:00 pm - Transfer to Baudhanath Stupa


5:00 pm - Explore Baudhanath Stupa and browse the surrounding market


6:00 pm - Transfer back to the hotel

Max. altitude

1400m

Accomodation

None

Meals

None
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Includes

  • Private vehicle with English-speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees to Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, and Baudhanath Stupa
  • Hotel-to-hotel transfers

Doesn't Include

  • Lunch and other personal expenses
  • Gratuities for tour guide (optional)

Memorable Tour

I had an incredible experience with Travers Nepal's Kathmandu City Tour! The well-organized itinerary allowed us to explore the rich cultural heritage of the city, from ancient temples like Swayambhunath and Pashupatinath to the bustling streets of Thamel. Our knowledgeable guide shared fascinating insights about each site, enhancing our understanding of Nepal's history and traditions. The tour's seamless arrangements and friendly staff made it an unforgettable journey. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a captivating and authentic Nepalese adventure!

Erica Fend
New Zealand
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Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2021, the population of Kathmandu is estimated to be around 1.5 million.

Kathmandu has a subtropical highland climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The average temperature in Kathmandu ranges from around 15°C (59°F) in the winter to around 25°C (77°F) in the summer. The city also receives a significant amount of rainfall, with the monsoon season occurring from June to September.

Kathmandu is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and there are many things to see and do. Some popular attractions include the Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Temple, the Boudhanath Stupa, and the Pashupatinath Temple. There are also many parks and gardens, such as the Garden of Dreams, that offer a peaceful respite from the city. In addition, Kathmandu is known for its vibrant nightlife, with many bars, restaurants, and clubs to choose from.

The most common way to get around Kathmandu is by taking a taxi or using a ride-hailing service like Tootle or Pathao. There are also public buses and microbuses that operate throughout the city. In addition, it is possible to hire a private car and driver for sightseeing or longer trips through the Tour Agency. 


Overall, Kathmandu is a safe city to visit, but it is important to take precautions as you would in any other city. Be aware of your surroundings, and avoid walking alone at night in deserted areas. It is also a good idea to keep your valuables secure and to be cautious when using ATMs or carrying large amounts of cash.

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