If you are looking forward to making the most of your day in Kathmandu, our specially curated Kathmandu Day Tour package is a perfect fit for you. A brief visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath is included on this day tour.
Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal is an incredibly diverse historic city often described as "an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures". Our guided Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour offers a fascinating opportunity to explore the historical and cultural wonders of this ancient city.
The day tour is led by a professional English-speaking guide with in-depth knowledge of the history, culture and significance of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is situated at the heart of Kathmandu city in Basantapur. Also known as Hanuman Dhoka Square, this world heritage site was the historical seat of royalty where the city’s kings were once crowned and legitimized. The square showcases the sensational legacy of traditional Newari architecture with intricately carved temples, courtyards, and palaces.
The Hanuman Dhoka Museum, located on the Kathmandu Durbar Square is a major attraction for visitors to learn more about this ancient place, including deep insights into the Malla and Shah dynasties. Moreover, you can also explore the temple of Kumari - The Living Goddess. The square provides a different cultural vibe altogether during the celebration of the prominent Hindu festivals like Dashain, Holi and Indra Jatra.
Pashupatinath Temple
The magnificent temple of Pashupatinath is situated approximately 5 km north-east of Kathmandu valley, near the banks of the sacred Bagmati River. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu. This temple of Lord Shiva is considered one of the most sacred Hindu shrines in the world. The sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions, raised over the centuries along the banks of the holy Bagmati River is the glaring attraction of Pashupatinath.
Hindu devotees all across the world dream of visiting and praying at the Pashupatinath Temple at least once in their lives; such is the significance of this historic temple. Pashupatinath becomes a center of devotion even more during Maha Shivaratri, drawing not only pilgrims, but thousands of sadhus in celebration.
Swayambhunath Stupa
The Swayambhunath Stupa is an ancient religious Buddhist shrine that sits on a hilltop in the western part of the Kathmandu valley. It is believed to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. This world heritage site is also known as the iconic Monkey Temple, as there are holy monkeys living in the north-west parts of the temple.
Swayambhunath is surrounded by prayer wheels, stupas, and shrines. The golden spire of the stupa represents the world, whereas eyes symbolize wisdom. It is a peaceful spiritual site sacred to both Buddhists and Hindu devotees in Nepal. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of Kathmandu valley from the hilltop.
Bouddhanath Stupa
The colossal and ancient Bouddhanath Stupa is the biggest stupa of Nepal. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is believed to have the remains of Kassapa Buddha. The Stupa in Bouddhanath is the focal point of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu, where all major Buddhist holy events and festivals are celebrated. There are lots of monasteries around Bouddhanath, which serve as a center for learning and practicing Buddhism.
The symmetrical Mandala layout of the Boudhanath Stupa includes a white dome, Harmika with Buddha’s eyes, a 13-tiered spire, a lotus base, prayer wheels and flags. The architecture of the stupa is not only visually striking but also carries spiritual symbolism, making it one of the most iconic Buddhist structures in the entire world. The constantly spinning prayer wheels, soothing scent of incense, and monks' chants create a peaceful atmosphere around the stupa.