Kathmandu Valley Day Tour

Your Kathmandu day tour begins early to avoid morning traffic. After breakfast, your guide will meet you at the hotel at 8 AM. Don’t forget your cameras and phones as you board the tourist bus to Swayambhunath.

Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple, is perched on a hill to the west of the city. This sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site features a stupa and various shrines dating back to the Licchavi period, with the Buddha’s eyes, nose, and eyebrows painted on the stupa in four directions. You'll take the road to the south-west entrance, avoiding the crowded morning and evening hours, and enjoy panoramic city views from the hilltop.

Next, you head to Boudhanath, a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhism. The drive may encounter traffic jams, but you can observe the busy streets along the way. Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s largest spherical stupas, lies 11 km northeast of Kathmandu. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, it offers a peaceful atmosphere with holy chants filling the air. Explore the area and enjoy a rooftop breakfast with a view.

After breakfast, a short drive takes you to Pashupatinath, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sacred Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located 5 km from the eastern valley on the Bagmati River, the temple complex includes numerous shrines and ashrams. Note that photography and shoes are not allowed inside the main temple. The site is renowned for its evening arati, a major attraction for devotees and visitors alike.

Travel to Patan in Lalitpur district, south-central Kathmandu Valley. Known for its cultural heritage, Patan is home to the Newari people and features Patan Durbar Square, a historic landmark showcasing Newari architecture. Key sites include Krishna Mandir, Bhimsen Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple, and Vishwanath Temple. You can also visit Pimbahal Pokhari, a short walk from the square.

Your final destination is Kathmandu Durbar Square, also known as Basantapur Durbar Square. The drive may take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. This square, once a royal palace for the Malla and Shah kings, is surrounded by Newari architecture. Highlights include the Kumari Temple, home of the living goddess, and Kasthamandap, a shelter made from a single tree. The area is popular with both tourists and locals, and you’ll have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants.

After an enriching day, you return to your hotel, having experienced the culture and history of Kathmandu. We hope this tour met your expectations and that you enjoyed exploring the city.