Trip Facts

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Trip Duration 1 Day
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Trip Difficulty Easy & Enjoyable
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Maximum Altitude 1,302 m
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Best Season To Visit All the year round

Trip Overview

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Our tour is designed to take you on a fascinating journey through the history, art, architecture, and traditions of this vibrant city.

Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can marvel at the intricately carved temples and palaces that date back to medieval times. Explore the sacred Hindu temple of Pashupatinath, where you can witness traditional cremation rituals and learn about Hindu customs and beliefs. Discover the serene Buddhist stupa of Boudhanath, one of the largest stupas in the world and a hub of Tibetan Buddhism in Nepal.

Delve into the local culture as you stroll through the UNESCO Heritage sites in Kathmandu. Learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Nepal, such as wood carving, and Thanka painting, as you visit local workshops and interact with local artisans.

Our knowledgeable guides will provide insights into the rich history and culture of Kathmandu, and share stories about the city’s legends and folklore. Get an opportunity to interact with the friendly locals, taste local delicacies, and experience the warm hospitality.

Join us on our Kathmandu cultural tour and discover the hidden treasures and fascinating stories of this ancient city. Contact us to book your tour with us today and create unforgettable memories of Nepal’s rich cultural heritage!

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: Local Market Tour - Kathmandu Durbar Square -Swayambhunath- Boudhanath-Pashupatinath Sightseeing

Tour Duration:  Approx. 8 hours

9:00 AM: After breakfast, we start our guided cultural tour around Kathmandu Valley. On this cultural tour, you will experience the numerous colors, sounds, and tastes of authentic Kathmandu and its surroundings. Our experienced tour guides will tell you all you need to know and answer all your curiosities regarding those sites.

You will start the morning by wandering Ason and Indrachowk marketplaces to get a glimpse of traditional Nepalese life. You’ll witness the bustle of the market, see how locals purchase the products, and haggle for a bargain. Whilst walking around, enjoy the lively and vibrant atmosphere this local market has to offer.

Observe first-hand the local produce people from Nepal actually purchase. You will also take in the sights and smells of the market. Your friendly tour guide will explain in full detail all the products and procedures you will see. There are lots of photo opportunities to capture with your camera.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Next, we head towards Kathmandu Durbar Square, also called Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. This ancient site used to be the residence of the Nepali royal family and administrators. It incorporates an architecturally extraordinary complex of ancient palaces, temples, courtyards, and shrines dating from the 15th to the 18th century.

The prominent sites of Kathmandu Durbar Square are Kumari Ghar or the house of the living goddess.  Kasthamandap is a huge rest house that is said to have been built with wood from a single tree and is the source of which Kathmandu Valley got its name. Other sites around Kathmandu Square are the ferocious Kal Bhairab – the red monkey God- Hanuman, hundreds of erotic carvings, temples, and statues dedicated to different deities.

Swayambhunath:

Swayambhunath (monkey temple), is the magnificent ancient religious architecture and center of faith of Hinduism and Buddhism. Its lofty white dome and dazzling golden spire are visible from far and wide. Swayambhunath is the ideal place to observe the religious harmony in Nepal. In the shadows of the imposing structure and besides the integrated architecture can be found the daily surge of devotees faithfully offering their prayers to the gods. Upon arriving at the top, you can hear the Buddhist song “Om Mani Padme Hum” resounds everywhere. The candles and the aromatic fragrance of incense that burn constantly create a serene vibe and enormous prayer wheels which encircle the stupa.

Boudhanath

We drive towards a beautiful Boudhanath stupa.  From the moment you step into the sanctuary, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual energy that comes from the place. Boudhanath is one of the biggest stupa in Nepal, built in the 5th century and listed on the world heritage list by UNESCO in 1979. The surrounding area is a central spiritual hub of Tibetan life and culture in Nepal. You can see the beautiful dome-shaped structure stupa surrounded by brilliant colorful prayer flags. It is believed that prayer flags convey mantras and prayers into the universe while fluttering in the wind. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.

You can witness monks draped in maroon robes rolling the prayer wheels, burning incense, and flickering butter candles. Moreover, it’s fascinating to see the people feeding grains and maize to hundreds of pigeons around stupa areas. The devotees turn the prayer wheels & chant, which is humbling to see such dedication to their beliefs.

Delight in the serenity as you hear the Buddhist mantra ‘Om Mani Padme Hum’ being chanted by devotees, alongside the echo of music streaming out from the nearby shops.

Pashupatinath

Moving on, you will visit Pashupatinath temple, a Hindu shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva located on the bank of the Bagmati River. The word Pashupati means “the king of animals” and the temple is famous for its monkeys. You will be visiting Pashupatinath area to indulge in the spiritual journey.

Pashupatinath is more than just a religious destination. It is a combination of religion, art, and culture. The temple is spread across 246 hectares of land and abounds with temples and monuments. Hundreds of rituals are performed here every day. You will get to witness people performing the religious ritual and funeral pyres burning at open-air cremation. Also, witness elaborately dressed holy men meditating outside the temple and pilgrims placing offerings at the shrines.

After touring around prominent sites, you will be transferred safely back to your hotel.

Price Included

What's Included

  • Private Transfer
  • English Speaking Guide
  • Entrance fees

What's not Included

  • Beverages
  • Lunch
  • Personal Expenses
  • Tips

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Affiliations & Recommendations

Kathmandu Cultural Introductory Tour