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KathmanduCulture & history

Our most recommended Kathmandu Culture & history

Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

1. 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.

From Kathmandu: Nagarkot Panoramic Day Hike with Lunch

2. From Kathmandu: Nagarkot Panoramic Day Hike with Lunch

Your guide will pick up from your hotel (downtown) by a private car and drive (1:30 hr) to Nagarkot view point. Enjoy the view of Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest, Gauri Shanker, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and many more. Continue driving (25m) and start hiking (3 hr approx) to Changu Narayan temple (Unesco World Heritage site). On the way you will see rural life of Nepal, seasonal farming, goat grazing farmers and locally alcohol making. The trail will be flat walking in the begining and hike up and again flat and little down at the end. You will visit a Hindu temple on the way. While arriving to Changu village, you will have a lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit Changu Narayan temple. The temple has some master piece of Nepalese stone carvings, wood carvings and master piece of God and Goddess icons. After exploring the temple, drive back to your hotel and end the tour.

Kathmandu: Private Full-Day Tour

3. 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 Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

4. 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.

Kathmandu: Private One Day Nagarkot Sunrise and Hiking Trip

5. 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.

Spiritual Nepal: Expert insight into Hinduism and Buddhism

6. 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: 3-Day Meditation and Yoga Mountain Retreat

7. From Kathmandu: 3-Day Meditation and Yoga Mountain Retreat

Outline Itinerary Day 1: 14:00 welcome and short hiking to the village mountain 16:30 Kundalini Meditation and Reiki healing for the emotional well-being 18:45 – 20:00 – Evening meditation celebration. 20:00 - Dinner Day 2 07:00 - 8:00 Wake up, Dynamic meditation 8:00 - 09:00 Kriya Yoga 09:00 - 10:00 Hatha Yoga Breakfast 11:30 - 13:00 Philosophy and Meditation 13:00 – Lunch Relaxation and Karma Yoga 15:30 – 16:15 Reiki Healing session 16:30 – 17:30 Kundalini meditation 18:45 - 20:00 Evening Meditation celebratation 20:00 Dinner time 21:00 Bedtime (light off) Day 3 07:00 - 07:30 Wake up, yogic cleanse, herbal tea 08:30 - 09:00 Prayer, warm up, yoga asana 09:30 - 10:00 Reiki practice Breakfast and transfer to your hotel or location

From Pokhara: Guided 3-Days Mardi Himal Trek with Meals

8. From Pokhara: Guided 3-Days Mardi Himal Trek with Meals

Pokhara is a beautiful city in Nepal and serves as a gateway to various trekking destinations in the Annapurna region. The Mardi Himal Trek is one such trek that offers stunning views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. While the standard duration for the Mardi Himal Trek is usually around 6-7 days, it is possible to do a shorter version of the trek over 3 days if you have limited time. However, please note that the 3-day trek will be more strenuous and physically demanding compared to the longer versions. Day 1: Pokhara to Kande and Kande to Forest Camp (2600m) You will begin by driving from Pokhara to Kande, which takes approximately 1 hour. Once you reach Kande, your trekking adventure commences. The trail will lead you through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and charming local villages. As you ascend, you will pass by Australian Camp, which offers mesmerizing panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek from Kande to Forest Camp typically takes around 6-7 hours, and upon reaching Forest Camp at an elevation of 2600 meters, you can rest and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings. The Forest Camp provides a serene environment amidst lush greenery, allowing you to rejuvenate and prepare for the subsequent days of the trek. It is recommended to savor the peaceful ambiance, enjoy a warm meal, and get a good night's sleep to recharge for the upcoming adventures that lie ahead. Day 2: Forest camp to High camp (3500m) You will trek from Forest Camp to the magnificent Mardi Himal High Camp. The trail takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush forests to alpine terrain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. It is a challenging yet rewarding day of trekking, lasting approximately 5-6 hours. Upon reaching the High Camp at 3500 meters, you will be treated to awe-inspiring vistas and a sense of accomplishment. Enjoy a warm meal, and get a good night's sleep to recharge for the upcoming adventures that lie ahead. Day 3: High camp to View point(4200) and back to Seding again drive back to Pokhara On the final day of the 3-day Mardi Himal private trek, you will descend from Mardi Himal Base Camp (view point) back to Siding, followed by a drive back to Pokhara. The descent takes approximately 5-6 hours, allowing you to appreciate the scenic landscapes once more. After reaching Siding, you'll embark on a pleasant drive of around 2-3 hours, enjoying the countryside views. Upon arrival in Pokhara, you can conclude your trek, cherishing the memories of the breathtaking Himalayan adventure you experienced in a condensed timeframe.

10 Days Nepal Adventure Tour from Kathmandu

9. 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.

From Kathmandu: Multi-Day Tibet Highlights Trip

10. From Kathmandu: Multi-Day Tibet Highlights Trip

Spend time traveling around Tibet and experience a truly unforgettable destination. Visit the region's monasteries and temples for awe-inspiring views and explore vibrant markets for a taste of local life. The trip's itinerary includes visits to the famous Potala and Norbulingka palaces, the great Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and a walk in a bustling Tibetan market. See the well-known but rarely visited Shalu and Sakya Monasteries. Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Arrive and be greeted by your guide. Transfer to your hotel and spend the day at your own leisure while acclimatizing to the high altitude. Day 2: Take a sightseeing tour of Lhasa. Visit the Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. Day 3: Continue sightseeing in Lhasa and visit Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace, and the Sera Monastery. Day 4: After breakfast, depart for Gyangtse via Yamdrok Lake. Visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery and see the Gyangtse Kumbum stupa. Day 5: Drive from Gyangtse to Shigatse and stop at Shalu Monastery along the way. Visit the Tashilhunpo Monastery and Shigatse Market as well. Day 6: Drive from Shigatse to Shegar with a stop at Sakya Monastery. Day 7: Drive to Zhangmu and visit the Milarepa's Cave. Day 8: Walk Across Friendship Bridge before driving back to Kathmandu. Get dropped off at your pickup location, or another address within the pickup and drop-off areas.

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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