Your Tour Itinerary
Enjoy breakfast in the morning before our experienced Kathmandu Day Tour guide picks you up from your hotel at 9:30 AM.
1. Drive from the hotel to Swayambhunath.
2. Drive from Swayambhunath to Boudhanath.
3. Drive from Boudhanath to Pashupatinath.
4. Drive from Pashupatinath to Kathmandu Durbar Square.
5. Return to the hotel, or if your hotel is conveniently located, you may choose to walk through the Ashan Bazaar local market.
Details Itinerary of Kathmandu Day Tour
We have provided a detailed itinerary for your Kathmandu valley day tour. This itinerary offers proper details and insights into the full-day tour of Kathmandu. To learn more, please read further below:
Drive from the Hotel to Swayambhunath (first place)
This one-day city tour of Kathmandu allows you to experience the vibrant essence of this beautiful city. You will visit a variety of locations throughout the day. Please note that the roads can be quite busy during the first hour, so the Kathmandu day tour begins early.
During this hour, the roads are less crowded, resulting in minimal traffic jams. As you enjoy the views outside, you can arrive at Swayambhunath with ease. Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient complex located on a hill on the west side of the city. It is one of the sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Kathmandu.
The site features a stupa surrounded by various small shrines that date back to the Licchavi period. The stupa is adorned with the eyes, nose, and eyebrows of the Buddha, each facing one of the four cardinal directions.
There are two access points to reach the stupa. One is a long staircase on the east side, and the other is a roadway that circles the hill to the south. You will be using the road that leads to the southwest entrance. This location is quite popular among both tourists and locals. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful city.
Typically, the area is very crowded during the early morning and evening, as many locals come here for their walks. However, you won’t have to worry; you'll have the chance to enjoy the views with minimal disturbance.
Drive from Swayambhunath to Boudhanath (second place)
After enjoying a wonderful time at Swayambhunath, it’s time to head to your next destination on a day tour of Kathmandu. The drive to Boudhanath may take longer than expected due to the likelihood of traffic jams along the route.
As you navigate through the busy streets, take a moment to observe the lively and bustling atmosphere outside your window. After approximately an hour of travel, you will arrive at Boudhanath Stupa.
Boudhanath Stupa, also known as Boudha, is a sacred site for Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Located about 10 kilometers from the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, this stupa is a massive mandala, making it one of the largest circular stupas in Nepal.
This stupa is located along the ancient trade route connecting Tibet to Kathmandu, passing through Sankhu village. It is one of the most popular sites in the Kathmandu Valley, and an entry fee is charged for tourists.
Surrounding the stupa are various houses that contain shops and restaurants. Upon entering through the gate, you experience a satisfying sense of peace, accompanied by the holy chants playing from the shops.
If you wish, you can purchase souvenirs for your loved ones from any of the local shops. The ground and first floors are accessible, allowing you to stroll along the sidewalks. After exploring, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast while taking in the marvelous view from the rooftop.
Drive from Boudhanath to Pashupatinath (Third place)
After enjoying a healthy lunch at Budhanath (Buddhist restaurant), you will head to your next destination in Kathmandu: Pashupatinath. This site is not far from Boudhanath and takes about half an hour to drive there.
To get to Pashupatinath, retrace your route back to Chabahil, then take a left turn toward the temple. Be prepared for bumpy and dusty roads in some areas, so it's a good idea to carry a mask or scarf.
Pashupatinath is a sacred Hindu temple and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located about 5 km from the eastern valley, along the banks of the Bagmati River.
The main temple is surrounded by several smaller temples and ashrams. It serves as the holy shrine of Lord Shiva and is frequently visited by his devotees. This site tends to be very crowded with worshippers. Inside the main temple, visitors are not permitted to wear shoes or take photographs, although there are no restrictions on photography outside the main gate.
The temple features pagoda-style architecture, with four doors, one facing each direction. In front of the western door, there is a large bronze statue of Nandi. In total, there are 518 temples and monuments within the temple complex.
One of the major attractions here is the evening arati, which takes place daily at the same time. People gather around the temple to witness the arati performed on the opposite side.
Drive from Pashupatinath Temple to Kathmandu Durbar Square (Fourth place)
You are now on your way to the final destination of your Kathmandu Valley day tour: Kathmandu Durbar Square. This location is approximately a half-hour drive from Pashupatinath, although you might encounter traffic jams in the evening, which could cause delays.