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Kathmandu Culture & history

Our most recommended Kathmandu Culture & history

Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

1. Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

See the sights of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal on a 6-hour tour of an area that covers 218 square miles (350 kilometers). Kathmandu Valley contains 3 fabulous cities of great historic, religious, and cultural interest: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). The Kathmandu Valley has often been described as an open-air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick, stone, metal, and wood scattered throughout it. On your tour, you will not be able to see the entire valley, but you will be taken to some of the most important and monumental sites. Many of these are squares or temples that are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square This square is home to a house full of woodcarvings of different gods and goddesses. In this 3-story palace you will also find the living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists venerate her, and she serves as an illustration of the harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist people. One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple, and it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu god Gorakhnath and in the 4 corners of the temple one can see Ganesh statues. The most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The people of Kathmandu Valley believe that the 4 Ganesh statues in the 4 corners of Kathmandu Valley protect the people living in Kathmandu. Every day people go to worship this temple, and especially on Tuesdays, you can see a long line of people waiting for hours to worship. Other interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswoti Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big Drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Tal. Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple Swayambhunath / Monkey Temple is a 2,500-year-old Stupa situated overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Its name comes from the holy monkey living in part of the complex. The painted eyes on 4 sides symbolize the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the site is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath is a temple of Lord Shiva and the most sacred of the 275 Shiva temples worldwide. It is also the oldest temple in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River runs alongside the temple, and is the site not only of pilgrims who bathe in the river, but also contains a special area where members of the royal family are cremated. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the biggest in the world. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come here by the thousands during the winter festival to pay their respect. Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square is home to the former Patan Royal Family. The most photographed of Kathmandu’s 3 Durbar Squares, it features a remarkable display of Newari architecture. Its main attractions include the Krishna Temple, with its 21 golden pinnacles, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, a Buddhist Monastery that houses local treasures, and the central courtyard of Mul Chowk.

10 Days Nepal Adventure Tour from Kathmandu

2. 10 Days Nepal Adventure Tour from Kathmandu

The trip begins with cultural sightseeing of heritage monuments in Kathmandu. On the following days, you experience exciting whitewater rafting in Trishuli River, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, and soft trekking/ hiking to Ghandruk village inside the Annapurna conservation area with stunning views of the Himalayan range, mountain people, culture, and lifestyle. It ends with the taste of Nepalese cuisine with a show of folk dances and music. Nepal Adventure Tour Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport. Meet our representative. Transfer to the hotel. Orientation of the tour program. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 3 Drive to Chitwan National Park. On the way rafting in the Trishuli River. Arrive at Chitwan National Park late afternoon. Briefing of jungle activities by Nature Guide. Evening cultural show of local people. Overnight at a hotel in Chitwan National Park. Day 4 Full-day jungle activities inside the national park (elephant ride, canoe ride in the Rapti River, jungle walk, bird watching, elephant bathing etc.). Overnight at a hotel in Chitwan National Park. Day 5 Morning drive to Pokhara. Sightseeing tour of Davis Falls, Shiva cave, and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Day 6 Morning drive to Nayapul (1 hr). Start hiking/ trekking to Ghandruk. Overnight at a mountain lodge in Ghandruk. Day 7 Hiking from Ghandruk to Pothana. Overnight at a mountain lodge in Pothana. Day 8 Hiking from Pothana to Phedi via Dhampus. Drive back to Pokhara (1/2 hour). Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Day 9 Morning drive back to Kathmandu (6 hrs). Rest at the hotel. Evening farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant with cultural dance and music. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 10 Preparation for your departure. Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for your onward journey.

Spiritual Nepal: Expert insight into Hinduism and Buddhism

3. Spiritual Nepal: Expert insight into Hinduism and Buddhism

Meet up with your guide and fellow travelers at the meeting point and hop in for a ride in a cab (local taxi for up to 2 people, private cab for more than 2 people) to the largest Buddhist Stupa in Nepal: the Boudhanath Stupa. Rotate the prayer wheels along with the locals as you circumnavigate the magnificent white spherical dome and offer prayers to Lord Buddha by lighting a traditional butter lamp. After this spiritual experience, walk for around 15 minutes to Pashupatinath Temple, the largest Hindu pilgrimage site of Nepal. At Pashupatinath, go on an insightful spiritual journey of Hindu beliefs, the cycle of birth and death, and the stories of Sadhus - Hindu Holy Men, who renounce their hedonistic social life to devote their life to Shiva (Hindu God of Destruction). You can also get your future read by a local palm-reader! Witness one of many cremations along the banks of Bagmati River, and interact with soot-smeared, saffron-clad, dreadlocked Sadhus. As the sun goes down, brace yourself to be overwhelmed by throngs of locals as they gather around on the banks of Bagmati River on the eastern side of Pashupatinath Temple. Watch along with them the mesmerizing everyday ritual called “Aarati,” which is an offering of lights to Lord Pashupatinath. Make sure you keep near your guide and your group lest you get lost in the crowd of locals! Return a transformed person after this divine (and truly local) experience!

From Kathmandu: 8-Day Tibetan Excursion Fly-In Drive-Out

4. From Kathmandu: 8-Day Tibetan Excursion Fly-In Drive-Out

Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp is the most demanding and popular tour to Tibet, where you’ll be embarking on a journey on a 920 kilometers stretch of road, known as the Friendship Highway between Lhasa to Kathmandu. Tibet with Everest Base Camp Tour allows you on several detours to the highlights of the Tsang Province and natural exploration of the central part of the Tibetan Plateau surrounded by mountains of 5,500 meters of a forgotten world. Explore various settlements along the way towards the Tibet Everest Base Camp which offers a spectacular view of Mt. Everest from the southern side with other endless rows of mountains, get insight into the life and culture of the friendly Tibetan people, discover ancient monasteries, observe the sacred chanting of the monks, hiking along the tranquil shores of the Turquoise Lake Yamdrok Tso. This Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp is designed as an opportunity to learn about various traditions and cultures of people along with natural wonders. Day 1: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3,650m) Get picked up from your hotel in Kathmandu and taken to the airport. Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and arrive at the Gonngar Airport. Transfer one hour to Lhasa and enjoy a full night's rest for acclimatization at a hotel. Day 2-3: Two days of sightseeing in Lhasa Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar, Drepung Monastery, and the Sera Monastery with a guide. Stay overnight at a hotel. Day 4: Lhasa - Gyantse (3,950m) - Shigatse Drive to Gyantse via Yamadroke Lake and the high passes, Kora LA (5,010m) and Kamba La (4,794m). After breakfast, enjoy some sightseeing in Gyantse with visits to Pholkor and Kumbum Monastery. In the evening, take a 1.5-hour scenic drive to Xigatse through the typical Tibetan countryside. Stay overnight at a hotel. Day 5: Shigatse - Xegar (4,200m) Wake up and head off to visit Panchen Lama’s Tashilhumpu Monastery. Then drive to Xegar, crossing over Gyatchula, a pass of 5,200m. Settle in for an overnight at a hotel. Day 6: Xegar to Ronbuk (4,980m), 90 kilometers  Embark on a scenic drive to Ronbuk through the beautiful Tibetan countryside. Explore Ronbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world, and enjoy an overnight at a guest house.   Day 7: Ronbuk - Everest Base Camp - Kerong Hike up to Everest Base Camp and explore the surrounding area. Travel back to Ronbuk and then drive to Kerong for overnight at a hotel. Day 8: Kerong to Kathmandu Head toward the Rasuwagadi border and, after necessary border formalities, drive to Kathmandu on the magical Friendship Highway to conclude the tour with hotel drop-off.

Kathmandu Valley, Namobuddha and Panauti Tour

5. Kathmandu Valley, Namobuddha and Panauti Tour

On the first day of the tour, be picked up by your guide at 10:30 AM and begin your exploration of Kathmandu valley. First visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pashupatinath Temple. This temple is one of the most sacred locations in Hinduism, and is the oldest of its kind within Kathmandu, dating back to the 5th century. Afterwards, travel to see Swayambhunath Stupa, one of the most spectacular monuments within the valley. See also Boudhanath Stupa, one of largest stupas in Nepal. Visit Kathmandu Durbar Square in front of the old royal palaces, another World Heritage Site. This site is notable for being the cultural and historical hub of the valley. After exploring all of these landmarks, be returned to your hotel or residence to complete the first day of the tour. Start the second day with a pickup by your guide at 10:30 AM. Travel for one hour southeast to Panauti, one of the oldest towns in Nepal. Here there are many temples dating back to the 15th Century or earlier. Visit Brahmayani Temple as you cross the Rosi and Punyamati rivers. Continue then towards Indreshwor Temple and Unmatta Bhairav Temple. Observe the various idols of Hindu gods and goddesses and wood carvings within the temples. Travel onwards to Namobuddha where the site of the Thrangu Tashi Yangtse Monastery is located. This is one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. It is known as the place where the Buddha, in a previous life, gave his body to a starving tigress and her cubs. Commemorating the famous story, there is a shrine and stone slab on the top of hill with great panoramic views of the Himalayas and surrounding villages. After exploring both towns, return to your hotel or residence.

Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

6. Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains 7 monuments and historic sites that have been recognized by UNESCO. These monument zones are the Durbar squares of the three cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and the religious temples of Swayambhu, Bouddha, Pashupati, & Changu Narayan. Pashupatinath Temple As one of the must visit legendary Hindu temple, this site welcomes millions of visitors every year. The temple is located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, which runs down to the Ganges. Here, you get a chance to witness open public crematorium with all the rites and rituals being performed. You come to see even the holy men posing for pictures with painted face, dreadlocked hair & ash-applied body. Swayambhunath Temple Swayambhunath is approx. 2600 years old Buddhist Stupa, looking over the entire Kathmandu valley. It is often referred to as the Monkey Temple due to the hundreds of monkeys- the local dwellers. The main Stupa, ancient sculptures, temple of child protector goddess, monasteries, etc are the main attractions here. Boudhanath Bouddhanath is considered as one of the largest Stupas in the world, constructed back in the 4th century. The shrine itself resembles a Tibetan village since the locale comprises Tibetan monasteries. Besides this, there are a no. of painting schools with Lamas painting Thanka, the best souvenirs from Nepal. Patan Durbar Square Located about 5 km away from the capital city in the district of Lalitpur. It is a fusion of two influential religions, Buddhism and Hinduism. The town of patan perfectly showcased the genuine art, architecture, culture, religion and heritage. The classic architectural design displayed on the houses, fine handwork on the doors & windows represents the aesthetic ancient beauty. Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic site situated in the heart of old Kathmandu city. The durbar square is surrounded by palaces, courtyards and temples. It is a pleasant place to visit due to its historical significance, magnificent Newari architecture, & bustling bazaars. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur Durbar Square located in Bhaktapur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, temples, palaces, & intricate artwork. It is filled with numerous other shrines, statues, and courtyards, each displaying remarkable architectural and artistic craftsmanship. Changunarayan Temple Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Nepal, is located on a hilltop in the village of Changu Narayan, near Bhaktapur. It is believed to have been built in the 4th century during the Lichhavi dynasty, making it one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Nepal. Outline Itinerary: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your pick up point and your guided sightseeing tour starts. You will have a lunch break between the tour and you will be escorted to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Kathmandu: Private UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour 5-6 Hour

7. Kathmandu: Private UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour 5-6 Hour

Discover the charm of Kathmandu on a private sightseeing tour that unveils four of the city's most renowned attractions. Begin your journey at Pashupati Nath Temple, a spiritual epicenter of Nepal where you'll witness ancient Hindu rituals and soak up the spiritual vibes. Next, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Boudha Nath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world, and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere while observing the vibrant Tibetan Buddhist culture. From there, make your way to Kathmandu Durbar Square, an impressive complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that showcase the city's rich history and architecture. Finally, ascend to Swyambhu Nath Stupa, famously known as the Monkey Temple, perched atop a hill that offers breathtaking views of the city. With an experienced guide accompanying you throughout the tour, you can delve into the captivating tales and traditions of each site. Moreover, you'll have the flexibility to personalize the itinerary as per your preference and pace. Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity to experience the best of Kathmandu on a private tour that guarantees a memorable and enriching experience.

Kathmandu Walking Tour

8. Kathmandu Walking Tour

Start your tour by walking from your hotel to the nearby busy Ason, the oldest market place in Kathmandu, where you can witness the daily lives of the locals. As you walk, pass along busy streets, shops, squares, and ancient temples. Next, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical and religious location where many temples, palaces, shrines are located. Take a trip to the nearby famous Freak Street, the most popular junction during the Hippy era. Afterward continue to the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the top of a hill that will give you the most spectacular panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Then, walk back to Thamel or alternatively, you can take a taxi from Swayambhunath to Thamel.

Kathmandu: Private Full-Day Tour

9. Kathmandu: Private Full-Day Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, get picked up by your guide and head out on your guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. See some of the major historical, cultural and religious centers in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can admire temples dating back as far as the third century. Then, head to the Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest stupa in South Asia. Your next stop is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. From here, move to the Swayambhunath Stupa, and get the chance to play with the monkeys who gave this stupa the nickname of Monkey Temple. Your tour guide will explain to you the cultural, historical and religious significance of these places during this tour. Get dropped off at your hotel in the evening after a full day of sightseeing.

Kathmandu: Private One Day Nagarkot Sunrise and Hiking Trip

10. Kathmandu: Private One Day Nagarkot Sunrise and Hiking Trip

Nagarkot is located 25 miles east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 2200m above sea level. Here you can stop at the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for sunrise views of the Himalayas. You can see Mount Everest with its snow-topped peaks from an observation tower. Enjoy the nice hiking passing through local villages and green forests towards the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan. This shrine is dedicated to lord Visnu and held in special reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal.

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What people are saying about Kathmandu

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 49 reviews

The guide was excellent, and so was the driver. The guide was flexible, nice, and very knowledgeable. I liked the tour because it covered the main sites but the extra time - doing it over a full day vs. A half-day tour - meant that I had more time to enjoy each site and time to explore the city a bit more - walking from one site to the next to explore off the beaten track, seeing a temple that was not in the itinerary, etc.

We had a great day tour of Kathmandu with Kapil as our guide. We were promptly picked up from our hotel in a comfortable car with a/c. We spent 6 hours exploring Kathmandu’s main attractions, and loved seeing everything! Kapil has a great amount of knowledge, and is very personable and friendly - we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the tour company and in particular Kapil.

I had such a great time on this tour. My guide was so knowledgeable and friendly, answering every question I had. There was no need for rushing and I had plenty of time to see everything. It was definitely a pleasant and fun experience! 10/10 would recommend!

Had a great time learning about the various temples and religious sites around Kathmandu. Bhim, my guide, is very knowledgeable and generous with sharing more information of Kathmandu, together with suggestions on what else to do/visit around town.

Super competent and friendly guide, I enjoyed the tour, learning a lot of new facts about Kathmandu, the religions in Nepal and the daily life. Pick up on time and he also dropped me off at the hotel. Highly recommend