Kathmandu City Day Tour
16 Reviews on Tripadvisor
Trip Duration
1 Day
Max. Altitude
1,345m. / 4,413ft.
Nature of Trip
Basic to Luxury
Trip Difficulty
Easy
Group Size
1-20
Best Seasons
All Year Round
Activity
Sightseeing Tour
Start/End
Your Kathmandu HotelKathmandu City Day Tour
16 Reviews on Tripadvisor
Kathmandu is the vibrant capital city of Nepal. Located in a valley, the city is brimming with culture and surrounded by the lush green hills of the Himalayas. It is a fascinating place with a rich cultural heritage and many preserved historical sites to explore. Kathmandu is a perfect destination for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and photographers. It is a hub of UNESCO World Heritage Sites including ancient temples, stupas, and palaces.
On our one-day Kathmandu city tour, you can visit World Heritage Sites, discover different architecture, and get a sense of the daily life of the local people and their Hindu and Buddhist traditions. We have put together a worry-free itinerary that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, all sightseeing entrance fees, and lunch so you can relax and enjoy knowing that everything is taken care of.
Our Kathmandu city tour itinerary showcases some of the main sites including Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath, and Patan Durbar Square.
The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most famous places of faith for Hindu people. Locals and tourists can visit the temple and see Hindus sending their loved ones off with their traditional cremation ceremonies by the river. Swayambhunath and Boudhanath Stupas are important religious sites for Buddhists and there are often monks and visitors praying, chanting, and meditating. Patan Durbar Square is one of three Durbar (royal) squares within the Kathmandu Valley that were once palaces operated by the ancient Mall and Shah Kings. Every brick and carving of the Kathmandu Durbar palaces tell the stories of its unique culture and history.
The full day Kathmandu city tour is led by a local, professional guide and includes all entrance fees and a tasty Nepali lunch. We would be happy to adjust the itinerary to suit your needs and preferences. For example, if you would only like a half day tour or a multi-day tour, we can absolutely accommodate.
There’s no shortage of different sites and activities to add onto your city tour! Perhaps you’re interested in visiting Bhaktapur Durbar Square, attending a local sporting event (Nepal loves cricket and football/soccer!), or visiting a gallery or museum. We would also be happy to arrange other, more immersive, activities such as a Nepali cooking class, a hike in the National Park or a Himalayan singing bowl session.
Nepal has 142 ethnic groups across the country and Kathmandu is traditionally home to the Newars who have their own unique cuisine, architecture and culture. You might also like to try food from the famous Thakali ethnic group or attend a cultural dance which features traditional dances from all over Nepal.
Touring around Kathmandu with a guide is easy and enjoyable. It can be arranged to include limited walking so that people of all fitness levels can join. Some tourist spots can be busy and overwhelming, so having a guide as a liaison helps to facilitate a smooth and peaceful time.
Thamel is likely where you will be staying in Kathmandu. It is the tourist heart of the city with lots to see and do. Its narrow streets and surrounding markets, like Asan and New Road, are fun to walk around and buy locally produced gifts and souvenirs. Walking distance from Thamel, is Kathmandu Durbar Square, another of the three Durbar Squares in the city that were once operated by the ancient kingdom. You can explore Thamel on your own or request a guided tour.
When visiting Kathmandu city, you will get to experience its culture, learn about its history and observe the local way of life. A guided tour of Kathmandu makes for a more easeful, enjoyable experience. Please consider booking your Kathmandu city tour with Himalayan Peace Treks. We are a conscious company that is committed to ethical tours, trekking and travel in Nepal. If you are already trekking or travelling with us, then you can easily add a Kathmandu tour onto your package. You can connect with us here.
Kathmandu City Tour Highlights
- Visit the iconic Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple), which offers eye-catching panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley
- Sightseeing around Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world
- Witness the ancient history and architecture of the royal Patan Durbar Square and its museums
- A visit to Pashupatinath Temple, the most famous Hindu pilgrimage site in Nepal
- Taste the Newari and Nepali dishes at a local lunch that is included in your tour package
- Tour worry-free with an excellent English-speaking guide and all entrance fees included
Photo/Video Gallery
Itinerary of Kathmandu City Day Tour
We are happy to adjust the itinerary based on your needs and preferences. Certain activities can be swapped for other areas of interest within the city. Please note that the times listed are a rough estimate that may change depending on traffic and time of the year.
Day 1: One-Day Kathmandu City Tour
8:30 am: Pick Up At Hotel
To begin your day tour of Kathmandu, you are warmly greeted at your hotel by your guide. Together, you take your private vehicle (private bus, taxi or jeep depending on your group size) to the first stop of the day, Swayambhunath also known as the Monkey Temple. Heading west of Thamel, it is a 15 to 20 min drive through the streets of Kathmandu.
9:00 am: Swayambhu Mahachaitya (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath (also written Swoyambhu) is an ancient Buddhist site perched on top of a hill in the western part of the Kathmandu valley. Its elevated location offers an expansive view of the valley in all directions.
The temple is quite large and has many stupas, temples, statues and viewpoints of the city. Swayambhu is one of the oldest religious sites in Nepal and is revered by Buddhists and Hindus.
Enjoy walking around the complex, taking photos, browsing the souvenirs, and seeing all of the monkeys that have called this site home for centuries. Be sure not to feed or approach the monkeys.
10:00 am: Drive to Boudhanath Stupa
At this time of day the roads will be busier than earlier in the morning so the drive will likely be slow through the bustling streets of Kathmandu. Relax and enjoy sightseeing and people-watching out the window.
11:00 am: Boudhanath Stupa
Next on the Kathmandu tour, you have the opportunity to visit Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest stupas in the world. A stupa is a Buddhist shrine that is usually dome-shaped and painted white.
Many stupas, as is the case for the Boudhanath Stupa, contain sacred relics and are important spiritual landmarks. The stupa was built in 600 AD by a Tibetan monarch and named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979.
Your guide will obtain your entrance ticket and then you are welcome to take your time to walk around the gold adorned stupa and feel the depth of spirituality in this location. Around the stupa are many small shops and restaurants.
11:30 pm: Lunch
While in the Boudhanath area, we will stop for lunch and enjoy some local Nepali cuisine. Lunch is included in the price of your Kathmandu City Tour with us.
12:30 pm: Drive to Pashupatinath Temple
If all goes well, the drive takes around 30 minutes to get to Pashupatinath Temple, another renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site.
1:00 pm: Pashupatinath Temple
Arrive at Pashupatinath Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu Valley. Your guide will obtain your entrance tickets and then you are welcome to walk around and explore the area. It is quite large, with an astounding 518 temples and monuments.
Central to the area is the holy Bagmati River, where local Hindu people perform cremation rituals for their loved ones. Many people gravitate to the temple so it is often busy. If you visit during festival time, you will see festivities and ceremonies taking place here.
Every evening, at 6pm there is an aarti offering ceremony. This is a Hindu ceremony of worship, in this case to the deity, Lord Shiva. It includes offerings of flames, smoke and performative movements. If you would like to adjust your
2:00 pm: Drive to Patan Durbar Square
Relax on the drive from Pashupatinath Temple to Patan Durbar Square. There are three famous Durbar (royal) squares in the Kathmandu Valley: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square and Bhaktapur Durbar Square.
Our Kathmandu city tour includes a visit to Patan Burbar Square because Bhaktapur Durbar Square is much further away and Kathmandu Durbar Square is walking distance from Thamel, so many guests like to visit it on their own.
2:30 pm: Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is yet another impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient site is incredibly artistic with three main courtyards that showcase impressive Newari architecture and hand carvings.
Throughout the area there are many gorgeous temples, shrines and statues to observe. Take your time wandering around and snapping photos that capture the unique heritage and culture on display.
3:30 pm: Drive Back to Thamel
The drive back to Thamel is around 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
4:00 pm: Return to Hotel
You will be returned to your hotel and the rest of the day is yours to rest and reflect upon the exciting day that you’ve had.
Includes/Excludes
What is included?
- A local, professional, English speaking guide
- Pick-up from and return to your hotel in Thamel
-If outside of Thamel, hotel pick-up can be arranged for additional cost - All transportation for the day (bus, car or jeep depending on group size)
- All entrance fees for the sites including:
-Swayambhu Mahachaitya, Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple and Patan Durbar Square
-Your exact itinerary is customizable based on your interests so price might varying depending on the activities you choose - Lunch
- Company fees, administration, and government tax (VAT)
- A tree planted in your name
- A minimum of 1% of profits donated to schools and orphanages in Nepal
What is not included?
- International flights to and from Nepal
- Tourist visa to enter Nepal (can be obtained on arrival at the airport)
-US$30 for 15 days, US$50 for 30 days, US$125 for 90 days - Airport pick up for international flights (available upon request)
- Accommodation in Kathmandu (available upon request)
- Breakfast on the first day, all lunches and dinners
- Personal costs such as souvenirs, donations and snacks
- Personal insurance, personal expenses, loss of property and theft, etc.
- Staff tips
-Many Nepalis guides rely on tips to supplement a lower wage. With Himalayan Peace Treks, you will be able to travel knowing that the team is being paid fairly and that any tip you want to give is a reflection of your experience - We can arrange extra activities that you might like such as museum visits, a Nepali cooking class, a Himalayan singing bowl session, or anything else that sparked your interest
US$ 80
Standard trek price (per person)
-
1 person
US$ 130
-
2 -
3 people
US$ 95
-
4 + people
9999
US$ 80
Total Cost:
US$ 130
Trip Information
Major Attractions on the Kathmandu City Tour
Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
Swayambhunath Mahachaitya, also known as the Monkey Temple, is an ancient Buddhist site located on a hilltop in the west of Kathmandu Valley. You might also see it written as Swayambhu Mahachaitya or Swoyambhu). The temple area has various shrines, stupas and prayer wheels. The entire site is adorned with colourful Buddhist prayer flags. There are many monks chanting and meditating on the soothing sound of Buddhist mantras.
The panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley is truly amazing and the surrounding environment of nature and monkeys running and jumping around gives a lively ambience. It is one of the most popular places for locals from all over the country and foreigners from around the world to visit in Kathmandu.
Bouddhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is another vibrant Buddhist pilgrimage site located in Kathmandu, Nepal. You might also see it written as Buddha Stupa or Boudhanath Stupa. It is one of the largest stupas in the world, surrounded by images of Buddha and prayer wheels. It is an important UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The atmosphere here is peaceful yet lively with monks and visitors chanting, meditating, and spinning prayer wheels. Nearby monasteries, Tibetan shops, and restaurants serving traditional Tibetan and Nepali cuisine are the additional attractions of the place.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest Hindu sites in the world. It is dedicated to Lord Pashupatinath, a form of Lord Shiva, located on the bank of the holy Bagmati River in Kathmandu, Nepal. The temple is said to be the oldest Hindu temple in the city and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. It is a great place to witness festivals like Mahashivaratri and Haritalika Teej (the biggest festival for Nepali Hindu women).
People can also watch local people performing cremation ceremonies for their loved ones on the bank of the river. The nature surrounding the temple provides opportunities for deer, monkeys, and birds sightings. In the evenings, there is a daily aarti offering at 6 pm. This is a Hindu ceremony of worship, in this case to the deity, Lord Shiva.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is located in the heart of Lalitpur (Patan) about 5 km southeast from the Kathmandu city center. It is a UNESCO World Heritage that showcases Nepal’s cultural history and architectural design. It is also known as a “city of fine arts” and a central hub for Newari culture, art, and traditions. The square served as the royal palace during the reign of the Malla Kings from the 14th to the 18th century.
It was an independent kingdom before being united by King Prithivi Narayan Shah. Major attractions of Patan Durbar Square include Krishna Mandir (Temple), Bhimsen Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple, Patan Museum, Art galleries, and Sudari Chowk. The square hosts vibrant festivals like Rato Machindranath Jatra, which is the longest chariot festival of Nepal.
The ambiance of the square is tranquil and quiet in the soft light of the morning, and then turns to an exciting, bustling environment throughout the day with cultural activities and markets in the evening. Daily rituals and ceremonies provide an ideal glimpse into the local religious practices. It is a perfect photography spot for capturing the best moments of Nepalese culture, heritage, and daily life of local people.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is in the heart of Kathmandu; just a short walk from the tourist hub of Thamel. Although not included in the standard day tour of Kathmandu it absolutely can be! It is easily accessible from most parts of the city by foot, rickshaw, or taxi. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with rich cultural and historical heritage.
Kathmandu Durbar Square served as the royal palace of the Malla Kings from the 12th to the 18th century, then for the Shah Kings from the 18th to the 20th century. Now, visitors can witness major festivals celebrated here such as Indra Jatra and Kumari Jatra with grand processions, dances, and rituals. Traditional weddings, religious rituals, and cultural shows are regularly performed in the Square. You might be interested to visit the major attractions of the square including Taleju Temple, Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (the residence of a living goddess, Kumari), Kala Bhairav, and Jagannath Temple.
There is a vibrant mix of tourists and locals amongst the vendors, and artists. The sound of temple bells and chants adds a unique spiritual atmosphere whenever present. It is another perfect spot for witnessing Nepali culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any time off year would be appropriate for a Kathmandu tour. Spring and autumn tend to have the warmest and driest weather.
To visit the main sites on a Kathmandu tour it takes one day to complete. Starting at 8:30pm you will be returned to your hotel by 4pm. The timing also depends on how you would like to customize the itinerary. We are happy to add or remove any stops to accommodate for a half day or multi-day tour.
Yes, it’s a family-friendly experience. That being said, strollers would not fare well on the many stairs and uneven ground. You might feel more comfortable carrying your children in the busy areas. Parents need to be aware that there will very likely be visible cremations happening at Pashupatinath Temple and people begging for money at some of the tourist sites.
Although you will be driving from site to site, lots of walking is a natural part of a tour of Kathmandu city. To access the monkey temple via the main gate there are 365 steps. You can request a drive up to the backside of the temple where there are fewer steps.
Be sure to bring personal spending money (in local Nepali rupees), a reusable water bottle and any snacks you might like. Wear comfortable footwear, and dress for the weather. During spring and autumn you’ll need to protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. During monsoon season you might want to bring a rain jacket or umbrella. It is requested that you cover your knees and shoulders when visiting spiritual sites.
A one day city tour of Kathmandu costs anywhere from $80-130 depending on how many people are in your group and what you would like to include. With Himalayan Peace Treks, your tour cost includes the price of entrance fees and lunch so you can sightsee worry-free.
There are entrance fees for the various attractions, however, the entrance fees are all included in the price of your Kathmandu tour package. Your guide will obtain all entry tickets on your behalf to make things simple and enjoyable for you.
Yes, you can take photos but some areas may be restricted for photography. You must ask for permission before taking pictures or people and certain temples. Look for signs that say “no photos” or ask your guide.
In general, it is safe to eat street food but use your discretion to assess the spot and choose clean places. We will choose a reputable restaurant for lunch.
Of course a guide is not mandatory to see the sites of the city, however, being guided can make your entire Kathmandu tour more comfortable and enjoyable. A guide will explain the significance of the sites, obtain your entry tickets for you, help you navigate the busy areas and offer a local’s perspective. Some tourist spots can be busy and overwhelming, so having a guide as a liaison helps to facilitate a smooth and peaceful time.
Yes, a tourist visa can be obtained at immigration on arrival. Options include a 15 day visa for $30, a 30 day visa for $50, and a 90 day visa for $125. You can pay the USD equivalent in any major currency. Although credit cards are accepted, cash is recommended.
Yes, if needed you can extend your tourist visa at the Department of Immigration in Kathmandu. It is about a 10-15 min drive from Thamel, depending on where exactly you are staying. There is also an immigration office in Pokhara. The extension cost is a minimum of $45 for up to 15 days and then an additional $3 per day.
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Total Cost:
US$ 130
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