kathmandu sightseeing tour

Itinerary

Explore the culture or history of Kathmandu by visiting the Durbar Square. Located in front of the former Kathmandu Palace Kingdom, the Durbar Square is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is originally known for vivid showcases of artists and craftsmen.

The palace here is stunningly decorated and the overall areas reflect the beauty of Nepalese culture. The palaces and the square itself have gone through reconstruction on several occasions.People of finer taste should add this place to their list of best places to visit in Nepal trip.


Duration: 3 hours

Location: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

One of the largest Buddhist Stupas in the world keeps an eye out in every direction.

For hundreds of years, the Boudhanath Stupa has stood as a beacon of Buddhist belief, towering over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace and beauty and also giant eyes.

Built some time around the 14th century, the huge meditative monument is said to have been created just after the passing of the Buddha. The huge offering site quickly becomes an focal point of worship and offering in the area. The structure of the building consists of a giant dome, on the top, which sits a Buddhist pyramid tower. All of this sits on top of huge steps shaped like mandalas themselves. Originally the stupa’s spot was on an important trade route, which allowed for a steady stream of possible converts.

Among the Nepalese in Kathmandu, the stupa is simply referred to as “Chorten Chenpo” which translates to “Great Tower” or just “Great Stupa.” No matter what pilgrims called it, they flocked to the monument in droves.

Despite having existed for years, the site did not truly become the center of Tibetan Buddhism until the 1950s as refugees from China immigrated over to Katmandu. Temples and devotional sites began to spring up throughout the surrounding city and further far afield, strengthening the power and importance of the site immeasurably.


Duration: 3 hours

Location: Boudhanath Stupa, Boudh Boudha, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

It is the holiest Hindu pilgrimage spot situated 5km east of Kathmandu, the temple of Lord Shiva. The richly ornamented pagoda houses, the scared linga, or phallic symbol of Lord Shiva fascinates everyone. There are also small temples dedicated to other deities. The temple was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Monument List in 1979. Near the temple at the edge of Bagmati River lies "Arya Ghat" where cremation is performed. Colourful market surrounds the temple.

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Pashupati Nath, Gaushala Pasupati Nath, Kathmandu 44600 Nepal

Patan is an ancient Buddhist city dominated by Bahal & Bhai (Newari monasteries). Some of these monasteries are over 1,000 years and are still intact. Patan’s original Sanskrit name is ‘Lalitpur’ meaning the city of fine art. No wonder, Patan has got collection of the most beautiful temples and monasteries and most of the natives still carry on the lost wax process of metal sculpting.

Duration: 1 hour

Location: Patan Gate, Patandhoka Road, Patan (Lalitpur) 44700 Nepal

The hamlet of Bhaktapur in the east of Kathmandu valley is cultural gem of Nepal. The town is known for its tremendous culture, graceful art and self-sufficient medieval lifestyle. The town of terracotta commonly exhibits fine wood carving in its overhanging balconies, doors and struts supporting projected roofs. Sunken water spouts found in ample displays exquisite stone sculptures. Communities inside the protective Mandala of Asta Matrika (group of eight mother goddesses), socialize in their pavilions, dry crops, give bath and massage in their courtyards and celebrate at local shrines in their traditional attire. No wonder Bhaktapur is a living museum

Duration: 2 hours

Location: Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bhaktapur 00977-1-4701148 Nepal

Swayambhunath Temple, which is also known as the monkey temple is a vital tourist attraction in Kathmandu. The Swayambhunath Temple is perched on top of a hill west of Kathmandu from where there are splendid views of the city. The Swayambhunath Temple got its name “monkey temple” due to a large presence of resident sacred monkeys all over the temple.

The around area around the Swayambhunath Temple has a Tibetan name which refers to sublime trees because of the abundance of an assortment of trees on the hill. The Swayambhunath Temple is also one of Kathmandu’s oldest and most holy temples. The Swayambhunath Temple was a vital destination for Buddhist pilgrimages and is today still a very important destination for religious adventurers.


Duration: 2 hours

Location: Swayambhu Maha Chaitya, Kathmandu 44600, Nepal