4 h

Instant confirmation

About this activity

Meet your guide at the centrally located Kathmandu Guest House and hop on a local bus to Pashupatinath, a significant Hindu temple devoted to the god Shiva. Your expert guide will explain the Hindu spiritual beliefs surrounding the cycle of birth and death.

You’ll also have the chance to interact with the colorfully dressed Sadhu monks. Learn why the holy men give up worldly goods to signify devotion and liberation.

Outside the 17th-century temple, along the banks of the Bagmati River, cremation ceremonies regularly take place. Respect mourning families by refraining from photos or watching the ritual.

Next, travel by local transport for a short distance to Bodhnath. The shrine is an important religious site for Tibetan Buddhists, and one of the only places in the world that you can see the daily routines of Tibetan monks. The stupa sits along a historic trade route that stretches across Lhasa, Tibet, Nepal and India. Today, people still come to Bodhnath to pray before undertaking a daunting journey such as climbing the Himalayas.

Marvel at one of the world’s largest stupas as your guide explains Tibetan traditions. You might even see pilgrims spin prayer wheels as they circle the stupa. You’ll also have the opportunity to talk with resident monks about Buddhism and the practices you witness at Bodhnath.

After wrapping up at Bodhnath, enjoy a relaxing lunch at a nearby rooftop restaurant with a fantastic view overlooking the stupa (own expense). Then walk to the home of a renowned astrologer who will do a reading for you (own expense), if you wish!

After an enlightening day exploring Kathmandu’s spiritual side, your guide returns you to your hotel.

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Included

Local English-speaking guide
Entry fees to Boudhanath and Pashupatinath
Transportation from the meeting point to Boudhanath
Transportation from Pashupatinath temple to the end point
Entry/Admission - Pashupatinath Temple
Entry/Admission - Boudhanath Stupa

Not included

Lunch
Alms to holy men and monks
Gratuities
Dinner
Palm reader’s fees.

Additional

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
A moderate amount of walking is involved; comfortable shoes are recommended
Please note that dress codes are conservative throughout Kathmandu; modest and respectful clothing that covers the shoulders and knees are recommended
Please note that there has been significant damage to some of the sites visited on this tour due to the earthquakes in April and May 2015
Maximum group size is 12.
Please bring comfortable walking shoes and your own water-bottle. (If you’re travelling during monsoon season you might want to carry a rain-proof jacket or an umbrella!)
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the rate listed above. Please select ‘child’ above when booking. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 2 travelers

Features

Tourism

95%

Cultural

85%

Reviews

4.8

8

P

Peter W

5 | 2017-04-23

You are an amazing guide Bipin. He knows this town, it's little alleyways and the best locations for that special photo. Loved it, recommend it.

E

Ekaterina A M

5 | 2014-08-06

Exceptional tour. I had a very knowleageable guide all to myself. I was the only one tourist that day. We actually went for plam reading on top of the program.

T

Tracy F

4 | 2014-04-13

Nice friendly local guide. Be prepared for a lot of walking. You also catch a local taxi but which is an experience in itself. You get a good over view of each of the temples. Its not a huge group of people on the tour just how many you book with so it is very personal. The guide was willing to answer any questions.

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