Kathmandu, often referred to as a living museum, has served as the cultural heart of Nepal for thousands of years. With its rich history, timeless architecture, and vibrant traditions, it’s no surprise that the city is filled with beautiful treasures. Among the many things to explore, sightseeing stands out as a way to experience the city’s fascinating culture, art, and the precious history of its past. This tour offers a perfect opportunity to delve deep into Kathmandu’s historic and cultural richness.
This cultural tour of Kathmandu offers a rare opportunity to delve deep into Nepal’s heritage, allowing you to explore the diverse and vibrant religious traditions that make this city and its surroundings so unique. From ancient temples to royal palaces, this journey will leave you with lasting memories of Kathmandu’s historical and spiritual beauty.
Tour itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, where you will be warmly welcomed by our tour officer. You will then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. Upon arrival, your guide will provide you with a brief overview of your exciting itinerary for the upcoming days.
Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing
- Optional Early Morning Mountain Flight: (Optional) Begin your day with an unforgettable mountain flight over the majestic Himalayas, offering a stunning aerial view of the towering peaks, including Mount Everest.
- Kathmandu City Tour: After breakfast at your hotel, embark on a day of exploration, starting with some of the most famous landmarks in the Kathmandu Valley.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: This historic square is home to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, which was the royal residence until the 19th century. This sprawling palace complex, with its intricately-carved wooden windows and panels, was built in the 16th century and expanded by the Shah and Rana dynasties. Among its many attractions are the Kumari Chowk, where you can see the Kumari, the living goddess, who is chosen through an ancient process, and the King Tribhuwan Memorial Museum.
- Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple): Perched atop a hill, this sacred site is one of the most iconic symbols of Nepal. The golden spire of the Swayambhu stupa, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags, offers panoramic views of Kathmandu. This 5th-century stupa is revered by both Buddhists and Hindus and is steeped in myth and legend. The temple’s monkeys, giving it the nickname “Monkey Temple,” add to the lively atmosphere of the site. The painted eyes of Buddha watching over the valley are a true representation of the religious harmony that defines Nepal.
- Patan City: Just a short drive from Kathmandu, Patan (also known as Lalitpur) is an architectural marvel. Its central Durbar Square is filled with temples and showcases the artistic beauty of Nepal’s Newar architecture. Among the many temples, Krishna Mandir, built in 1637, is particularly remarkable for its stone construction, while the Golden Temple is an important Buddhist monastery with intricate carvings and a copper gilded facade.
Day 03: Kathmandu Sightseeing
- Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel before setting off to explore more of Kathmandu’s sacred sites.
- Pashupatinath Temple: This revered Hindu temple is one of the holiest temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and attracts pilgrims from all over Nepal and India. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, the ancient temple, originally built in the 5th century, was later rebuilt in the 16th century. The cremation ghats along the river are also an integral part of the temple complex, where you can witness traditional Hindu cremation rituals, a deeply spiritual experience for visitors.
- Bouddhanath Stupa: As one of the largest stupas in South Asia, Bouddhanath is an important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists. Standing at 36 meters tall, this stupa is surrounded by monasteries and gompas, where you can observe Buddhist rituals. The stupa’s location along the ancient trade route to Tibet makes it a cultural melting pot, where monks, locals, and pilgrims from Tibet come together in prayer and reverence.
- Bhaktapur City: Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, Bhaktapur is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing pagoda and shikhara-style temples. The Bhaktapur Durbar Square is particularly renowned for its stunning wooden carvings and ancient temples. Key sites include the Golden Gate, one of the most intricate gates in the world, and the Palace of Fifty-Five Windows, a masterpiece of woodcarving dating back to the 15th century.
Day 04: Departure from Kathmandu
After a day full of cultural immersion and exploration, your driver will transport you to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward flight, bringing your unforgettable journey through Kathmandu to a close.
Tour Highlights
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: A historical square featuring the royal palace, museums, and the living goddess Kumari.
- Swayambhunath Stupa: Offering breathtaking views and home to the sacred Monkey Temple, a symbol of Nepal’s religious unity.
- Patan Durbar Square: An architectural gem filled with temples, shrines, and the impressive Golden Temple.
- Pashupatinath Temple: One of the holiest Hindu temples in Nepal, set along the banks of the sacred Bagmati River.
- Bouddhanath Stupa: A prominent Tibetan Buddhist site with a fascinating history and rich cultural experience.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Renowned for its beautiful architecture, wood carvings, and the Golden Gate.
Price
COST: US$ 429 per person (Standard Accomodation)
COST: US$ 629 per person (Deluxe Accomodation)
*(Single Supplement applicable)
Service Includes
- Airport Pickup and Drop
- Required accommodation with breakfast as per service catogery
- Private Car with Driver for the Entire tour
- A professional City Tour guide with in-depth knowledge of Nepali culture, history, and architecture.
- Entrance Fees to Temples and Monuments: All entrance fees for the heritage sites, temples, and monuments included in the tour.
Service excludes
- Lunch: Meals are not included in the package. However, lunch will be provided at a fine local restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Nepali food (at your own expense).
- Personal Expenses: Any personal expenses, such as souvenirs, snacks, or other items purchased during the tour.
- Tips and Donations: Gratuities for the guide or driver, as well as any donations at temples or religious sites, are not included.