Swayambhunath Temple

Discover 4 different UNESCO listed World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley including the Pashupathinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Learn the history from an English-speaking guide and embark on a 6-hour sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square Begin the tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the royal palaces and known as one of the cultural and political hubs of Nepal. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also one of three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley. Though a few buildings collapsed after the devastating earthquake on April 25th, 2015, you can observe the spectacular art and architecture of the ancient Malla and Shah dynasties. Swayambhunath Temple Continue the tour and head to the Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the “Monkey temple”. Situated on a small hillock on the west of Kathmandu city, it is a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrimages from all over the world. The painted eyes on the 4 sides of the main stupa represent wisdom and compassion. One can still observe the art and architecture at Swayambhunath which is believed to date back to the beginning of the 5th century. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world and a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrimages. Boudhanath is located on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of the Kassapa Buddha. Pashupatinath Temple On the last stop of the tour, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred Hindu shrine Pashupatinath is located on the bank of the Bagmati River to the eastern side of Kathmandu. The main temple of Pashupatinath was built using Pagoda style architecture with four main doors. Though some of the buildings in the Pashupati area were damaged, the main building remained intact during the 2015 earthquake.

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.

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley on this guided tour. After getting picked up from your hotel, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Here, marvel at the architecture of the Royal Palace and admire several other buildings of religious and cultural importance including 3rd-century temples and courtyards. Continue your tour with a visit to Swyambunath Stupa. Here, get up close and personal with the site's resident monkeys and admire a range of shrines and temples before heading to your next stop, Bouddhanath Stupa. At Bouddhanath, pay your respects at the temple, which is considered to be the holiest temple in the world outside of Tibet, and marvel at the architecture at one of the world's largest stupas. Finally, visit Pashupatinath temple, which is one of the biggest Hindus temples in Nepal and believed to be the oldest in the country. Here, immerse yourself in Hindu traditions and learn more about why this temple is frequented by up to 7,000,000 devotees each year on the day of the Mahashivratri Festival. Get dropped off back at your hotel at the end of the day.

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.

Receive a wonderful introduction to the history, culture, and heritage of Nepal on a 5-day tour of the Kathmandu Valley. The tour is designed for those who want a more leisurely holiday with enough time to take in the rich cultural heritage Nepal provides. Start the tour with your arrival in Kathmandu with a meet and greet with your guide and transfer to your hotel. The next day, begin your sightseeing by taking the 8-mile drive outside of the city to Bhaktapur, also known as Khwopa. Then, drive to Nagarkot - a village at the rim of the Kathmandu Valley with exceptional views of the Himalayas. Discover how Kathmandu Valley is illustrated by 7 groups of monuments and buildings: the Durbar Squares of Kathmandu (Hanuman Dhoka), Patan and Bhaktapur, the Buddhist stupas Swayambhunath and Boudhanath and the Hindu temples Pashupati Nath and Changu Narayan.  On day 3, continue sightseeing in Nagarkot then head off to the ancient religious city of Kritipur. Return to Kathmandu in the evening. The next day, continue sightseeing in the city with another overnight stay. On the final day, check-out of your hotel where the tour will end.

Visit four of Kathmandu's top attractions on a private half-day tour. Start by traveling in your comfortable private vehicle from your hotel to the traditional heart of the medieval town. First, visit Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then watch the monkeys frolic around Swayambhunath temple. Next, take in the sacred prayer wheels and incense as you explore the Pashupatinath Temple and then Boudhanath stupa, one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal with roots going back to 600 AD. All along the way, hear informative commentary from your guide on a comprehensive tour of four unmissable sights in the city.

Day 1: Arrival to Kathmandu Following your arrival to Kathmandu, transfer to your hotel to check in. Following that, begin some city sightseeing which includes the Pashupatinath Temple - the most sacred of the Hindu temples in Nepal. Moving on, discover the Boudha Nath Temple, which is the world’s largest stupa. Day 2: Kathmandu Sightseeing Your morning city sightseeing tour visits highlights of the city, including Durbar Square, Hanuman Dhoka, the ancient royal residential quarter, Mahadev, and the Parvati Temple. Later, explore the Swayambhunath Stupa, before moving on to Patan City and Bhaktapur City. Day 3: Kathmandu to Pokhara Following breakfast, check out from your hotel before driving to Pokhara. Enjoy the beautiful 5 to 6-hour drive to Pokhara, where once having arrived you check in to your hotel. Following check-in, enjoy a boating tour of Phewa Lake - the second-largest lake in Nepal. That evening, make the most of free time for personal activities/shopping at the lake-side market, before spending the night in Pokhara. Day 4: Pokhara Sightseeing Before breakfast, drive to Sarangkot for a hike. This area is a popular hilltop which offers superb panoramic view of Annapurn, Machhapuchhre, and the Dhaulagiri Himalayas. Hike to places within the rim of the Pokhara Valley, and walk to the surroundings which offer captivating glimpses of rural life. After traveling back to your hotel, enjoy breakfast before exploring the Bindyabasini Temple, International Mountain Museum, the Seti River, Devi’s Fall, and the Gupteshowre Mahadev Cave. Day 5: return to Kathmandu Following breakfast, begin your 5-hour trip to travel back to Kathmandu or opt instead to take a morning flight. At the conclusion of your day, receive a welcome-back dinner accompanied by a Nepali cultural program. Day 6: Depart from Kathmandu Following collection from your accommodation, your guide drops you off to the airport where your tour concludes.

Day 01: Kathmandu (1,320m)  Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) where you will be received by a representative and transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay at 3-star hotel. Day 2 : Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi (2,581m)  Take an early drive from Kathmandu to Syabru Bensi via Dhunche (1,966m). Drive through scenic foothills and ridgeline vistas to Dhunche. The first part of the drive up to Trishuli Bazar is quite smooth. Syabru Bensi is a beautiful village stretched out along the ridgeline and is the starting point of your trek. Overnight stay in Syabru Bensi at a teahouse lodge. Day 3: Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2,470m) Trek from Syabru Bensi to Lama Hotel (2,470m). The trail goes along the ridge of Syabru Bensi’s main street, drops to the Ghopche Khola (2,050m), and then to Pairo (1,810m). From this point, the trail goes to Rimche (2,400m) through Bamboo (1,960m) and finally ends at Lama Hotel. Along the way, you may see red pandas, monkeys, and bears. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 4: Lama Hotel to Langtang Village (3,430m) After having lunch at Lama Hotel, trek to Langtang village (3,430m) via Ghore Tabela (3,000m) which takes about 6 hours. See the grazing grounds of yak on the way where local people bring their livestock in the high pastures during the summer months. Pay a short visit to a monastery before reaching the destination of Langtang village. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 5: Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m)  Trek from Langtang Village to Kyanjin Gompa (3,870m). It takes about 3 hours to reach the destination. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 6: Kyanjin Gompa Excursion Day  Acclimatize at Kyanjin Gompa and go for an excursion to utilize your time. Walk up the moraine to see the spectacular icefalls and tumbling glaciers of Langtang Lirung, or ascend Kyanjin Ri (4350m). Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 7: Kyanjin Gompa to Lama Hotel (2,470m) From Kyanjin Gompa, have lunch at Ghora Tabela then trek the steep descent to Lama Hotel. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 8: Lama Hotel to Sybru Bensi (1,460m)  Trek from Lama Hotel to Sybru Bensi (1,460m). Along the way, see red pandas, monkeys, and various species of bird. You may also be fortunate to experience the rich culture of the Tamang people and see how they weave clothes. Overnight stay at teahouse lodge. Day 9: Syabru Bensi to Kathmandu (1,320m)  Drive back to Kathmandu from Syabru Bensi, passing through the rural settlements on the way back to the hotel. Overnight stay at 3-star hotel. Day 10: Sightseeing in Kathmandu  Enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu, including Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square. Overnight stay at 3-star hotel. Day 11: Transfer to Kathmandu Airport You’ll be dropped off at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) where the tour will officially end.

Take a simple yet exciting full-day tour of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The city is brimming with ancient history and fascinating culture, and full of must-see sights on any visit to Nepal.   To start the day, your tour guide will pick you up at your hotel in Kathmandu or Patan (Lalitpur) and take you first to visit the oldest temple in Nepal, Swayambhunath. Here, you’ll spend about an hour exploring the ultimate pilgrimage site and get amazing views of the capital from the top of the hill. Then, drive to Patan, a city known for its cultural and artistic heritage. Visit some of the city’s temples and admire its ancient architecture before enjoying a lunch of local cuisine.   Next up is a visit to Pashupatinath Temple, one of the most famous and sacred Hindu shrines in the world. Take a spiritual swim in Bagmati River, thought to wash away all sins. Learn from your guide about Lord Shiva's importance to Hinduism here. Finally, calm your mind and soul by visiting the nearby peaceful Boudhanath stupa. Famous for its 4 pairs of eyes facing 4 directions, this shrine is thought to be eternally watching over the people and their doings. Explore the Boudhanath spinning prayer wheels and take beautiful pictures to remember this experience. Your guide will drop you off at your hotel at the end of the day.

Take a full-day private tour to experience the magic and the history of Kathmandu. In the company of an expert, local guide see sights like Durbar Square, the Monkey Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple. Experience the diversity of this historic city where breathtaking Newari architecture and centuries-old Hindu and Buddhist religious sites nestle alongside dedicated tourist-friendly accommodations and restaurants. Your tour will take you to the following locations: Kathmandu Durbar Square See this vibrant and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of this city. Locally known as Hanuman Dhoka Palace Square, this is the ancient seat of Nepalese Royalty. Swyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple) Marvel at this fascinating architectural jewel, located on a lovely little hill rock. The main feature of this Buddhist temple is the white dome identified with a spotless jewel of nirvana and a thirteen-tiered golden spire. Boudhanath Stupa Encounter one of the biggest Buddhist monuments ever built in Nepal, with its imposing structure standing some 36 meters tall. The site is considered much like Mecca for the Tibetan Buddhists and every year tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over the Himalayan region visit it. Pashupatinath Temple Explore what is considered one of the holiest shrines of all the Hindu temples. Located on the banks of the Bagmati river, this two-tiered golden temple with four triple silver doorways is a unique example of Nepalese architecture.