1
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Kathmandu Day Tour

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A one-day tour of Kathmandu in Nepal is a popular choice for both international and domestic tourists. This trip typically includes visits to several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the city, such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa (also known as the Monkey Temple), Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. An experienced guide from Nepal Spirit Adventure will provide you with insights into the history, culture, and religious significance of each site. You can expect to spend approximately 4 to 5 hours exploring these attractions.

Trip Highlights of Kathmandu Day Tour 

  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • Immerse yourself in the lifestyle of the capital
  • Learn about the rich history of the area
  • Sample traditional Nepalese cuisine
  • Visit cultural and historical sites
  • Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley from the hilltop
Duration
1 Days
Trip Grade
Easy
Country
Nepal
Maximum Altitude
1315m / 4314 ft
Group Size
1 - 30
Starts
Kathmandu
Ends
Kathmandu
Activities
Cultural Tour
Best Time
All Around the year

Are you interested in exploring the most popular local attractions in Kathmandu during your visit to Nepal? If so, consider our Kathmandu Day Tour package. In just four to five hours, we will take you to some of the most historically significant and captivating ancient sites in the city. Nepal Spirit Adventure offers you a memorable day trip experience with our 1 Day Tour of Kathmandu.

Kathmandu is a beautiful city that is home to a diverse range of ethnicities, cultures, and government sectors. It serves as the capital of Nepal and is located in the Bagmati Zone of Province No. 3. The city is rich in cultural and traditional heritage, making it a popular holiday destination for tourists over the years. Visitors will find an abundance of temples, monuments, and heritage sites throughout Kathmandu.

If you have a day to spare, a one-day city tour of Kathmandu is an excellent choice for sightseeing. The city offers many attractive sites, ranging from religious landmarks to cultural experiences.

The Kathmandu Day Tour offers exciting cultural experiences. Don’t miss this marvelous opportunity to learn about the city, its lifestyle, traditions, and much more.

During the tour, you will be guided by an experienced and knowledgeable tour guide who will explain the history, cultural significance, and key facts about these sites. Let’s take a look at the highlights of this fantastic package.

What Do You Need to Bring with You During the Kathmandu Day Tour?

  • Kathmandu Valley city map
  • Sunglass
  • Hand sanitizers
  • A cap or hat
  • Comfortable day clothing and footwear
  • Umbrella or Raincoat (sunny/monsoon season)

When is the Best Time to Visit Kathmandu Valley for a Day Tour?

Kathmandu is not situated at a very high altitude, making it a suitable destination for a day tour year-round. You can visit the valley in any season, including winter, spring, autumn, and monsoon.

Spring and Monsoon are the best times for a one-day tour in Kathmandu, as the weather is neither too cold nor too hot. Additionally, the climate is suitable for walking around during this period.

Winter and monsoon seasons are both suitable for a one-day tour in Kathmandu. However, during winter, the weather is cold and chilly, though the days can be warm. In the monsoon season, heavy rainfall makes the roads muddy, which can be disappointing for travelers.

How Many Places Can We Visit During the Kathmandu Day Tour?

The Kathmandu Day Tour features four ancient sites. Let’s explore the highlights of the Kathmandu Day Tour possible to visit within a day tour.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

After breakfast, the tour guide will pick you up from your hotel at 9:00 AM and visit Kathmandu Durbar Square. You will be captivated by the numerous monuments in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Notable sights include the house of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), the fierce deity Kal Bhairab, the red monkey god, and a multitude of erotic carvings. These buildings represent the pinnacle of the Malla dynasty's achievements, arising from the intense rivalry among the three palaces of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a vibrant hub filled with colorful life. At its center is Kastamandap, a rest house constructed from the wood of a single tree, which is also the source of the name for the Kathmandu Valley. Nearby, large drums were once beaten to announce royal decrees. The area is renowned for its exquisite wood carvings, statues, and architecture, making it one of the most significant attractions for travelers.

The complex also features the Tribhuvan Museum, which showcases mementos from various Shah Kings. Other noteworthy sites within the square include the Akash Bhairab Temple, Hanuman Dhoka, the Temple of Kumari, and Kastha-Mandap.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Next, we will visit the Swayambhunath Temple, which is situated on a hill in the vibrant city of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is commonly known as the "Monkey Temple for foreigners." This historical site is believed to be 2,500 years old, and this ancient Buddhist shrine is not only a sacred site but also an architectural marvel, steeped in history and mystery.

As you explore the complex, you'll uncover many treasures, including smaller stupas, shrines, and statues decorated with vibrant prayer flags and offerings left by devotees. You may also see worshippers engaging in rituals, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting mantras, all of which will immerse you in the rich Buddhist culture and traditions.

It is a place where the past and present meet, where nature and spirituality come together, and where the mystique of the East emerges in all its glory. You can see the best view of Kathmandu from the Swayambhunath Stupa.

Boudhanath Stupa

Next, you will enjoy a short drive to Bouddhanath, the third stop on the Kathmandu Day Tour. This holy site, Boudhanath Stupa, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Nepal, this majestic stupa is a haven of peace, serenity, and religious devotion, captivating visitors for centuries.

As you approach the Boudhanath Stupa, you will be struck by its impressive size and grandeur. Standing 36 meters tall and measuring 120 meters in diameter, Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest stupas in the world and serves as an iconic symbol of Tibetan Buddhism.

The ancient and massive Chorten was built in the 6th century A.D. by King Man Deb. It rests on a series of three terraces, and when viewed from above, it resembles the shape of a lotus flower. This shape is considered a very sacred symbol for devout Buddhists around the world.

Boudhanath Stupa will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul. Enjoy your visit to the magnificent stupa and experience the magic of spiritual awakening!

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath Temple is a renowned Hindu temple and cremation site where the last rites of departed souls are performed according to Hindu customs. Only Hindus are allowed to enter the temple's main courtyard. Non-Hindu visitors can view the temple from the eastern side of the Bagmati River.

A visit to the Pashupatinath Temple is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a spiritual journey that deeply resonates with the soul and creates a lasting impression. This sacred site is where ancient traditions meet modern life, embodying a profound sense of faith and devotion. At Pashupatinath, the mystique of Hinduism is vividly expressed in all its glory.

We have now concluded the Kathmandu Day Tour overview. You can select any date for this tour, and we will arrange it for you!

Short Itinerary

Kathmandu Day Tour Itinerary

Start Point:Kathmandu
End Point:Kathmandu
Day01

Kathmandu Day Tour Itinerary 05 Hours Trip

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.

Still Confuse?
No worries — we’re here to help. Whether you have questions or just need a bit more clarity, feel free to reach out. Our team is ready to guide you every step of the way.

Cost Details

Includes

  • Private vehicle guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu city.
  • Entrance fees for temples and monasteries are included during the tour.
  • Experienced historical tour guide with salary, lunch, and insurance covered.
  • Professional driver with his day wages: Salary and insurance.
  • Fueling and car parking fees
  • Government and company service charge

Excludes

  • Kathmandu's accommodation
  • Yours Meals
  • Tip for the tour guide/driver

What Our Guests Say?

Amazing day tour

We had really amazing day tour of Kathmandu valley, guide shree must be the best tour guide for Kathmandu valley, he knows all about monkey temple, Pashupatinath temple, Boudhanath stupa, and Kathmandu durbar squire. If you were trekking in the Himalayas...

read more +
J
Julie -United States
January 07, 2023
Awesome Experience Service

First time in Nepal, we book our tour holiday- Kathmandu city sightseeing tour-Pokhara trip-River rafting, and Chitwan jungle safari tour with Nepal Spirit Adventure. Ram was so friendly and swift email replied whatever we had a question regarding of our...

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M
Ms. Hari Padma -United States
March 23, 2021
Amazing Experience Renjola Pass Trekking

We had the best time on our Renjola pass trek and temple tour in Kathmandu. The service from Ram was amazing, right from the beginning, he made us feel like family. I can’t rave enough about how amazing our guide Tul was!...

read more +
K
Kim -United States
March 17, 2019
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