Holiday Treks & Expedition

Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu City

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from 3 reviews
Days
1
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US$ 20
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From US$ 70
US$ 50
  • Best price guaranteed
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No of people Price per person
1 - 1 $70
2 - 2 $50
3 - 5 $40
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Max. Elevation
1320 m / 4330 ft
Group size
Min 1+
Level
Beginner
Transportation
All ground transportation as per itinerary
Best Season
All around year
Starts at / Ends at
Kathmandu / Kathmandu
Accomodation
3*** Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals
Breakfast in Kathmandu
Trip Route

Highlights

  • Ancient royal palace complex.
  • Intricate architecture and woodcarvings.
  • Houses the Kumari Chowk, residence of the Living Goddess.
  • Iconic Buddhist stupa atop a hill.
  • Panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley.
  • Sacred monkeys roaming freely.
  • Largest stupa in Nepal.
  • Important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists.
  • Surrounding area filled with monasteries and Tibetan shops.
  • Holiest Hindu temple in Nepal.
  • Cremation ghats along the Bagmati River.
  • Intricate pagoda-style architecture.
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • Rich in ancient palaces, temples, and courtyards.
  • Fine examples of Newa architecture.
  • Vibrant tourist hub with shops, restaurants, and bars.
  • Known for its bustling streets and lively atmosphere.
  • Witness traditional Newari culture and architecture.
  • Stunning views of the Himalayas from viewpoints around the valley.

Overview

About Kathmandu City
The ancient history of Kathmandu is described in its traditional myths and legends. According to the Swayambhu Purana, present-day Kathmandu was once a huge and deep lake called "Nagdaha" because it was full of snakes. Bodhisattva Manjushri cut the lake empty with his sword and the water was evacuated from there. He then founded a city called Manjupattan and made Dharmakar the ruler of the valley state. After some time, a demon named Banasura closed the exit and the valley became a lake again. Krishna came to Nepal, killed Banasura and emptied the water again by cutting the edge of the Chobhar mountain with his Sudarshana chakra. He brought cowherds and made Bhuktamani the king of Nepal.There is little historical record of the history before the medieval Licchav rulers. According to Gopalraj Vansawal, genealogist of the Nepalese monarchy, the rulers of the Kathmandu valley before the Licchavis were the Gopalas, Mahispalas, Aabhirs, Kiratas and Somavanshis. Yalamber founded the Kirata dynasty. During the Kirata era, there was a settlement called Yambu in the north of old Kathmandu. In some Sino-Tibetan languages, Kathmandu is still called Yambu. Another smaller settlement called Yengal was located in the southern part of old Kathmandu near Manjupattan. During the reign of Jitesdasti, the seventh Kirata ruler, Buddhist monks arrived in the Kathmandu Valley and established a forest monastery at Sankhu.

Kathmandu, officially Kathmandu Metropolitan City, is the capital and most populous city approximately 4 million people in its urban agglomeration. It is located in the Kathmandu Valley, a large valley in the high plateaus in central Nepal, at an altitude of 1,400 meters (4,600 feet).

The city is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world, founded in the 2nd century AD. The valley was historically called the "Nepal Mandala" and has been the home of the Newar people, a cosmopolitan urban civilization in the Himalayan foothills. The city was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Nepal and hosts palaces, mansions and gardens built by the Nepali aristocracy. It has been home to the headquarters of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) since 1985. Today, it is the seat of government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, established in 2008, and is part of Bagmati Province.

Kathmandu is and has been for many years the center of Nepal's history, art, culture, and economy. It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy in the city. In 2013, Kathmandu was ranked third among the top ten upcoming travel destinations in the world by TripAdvisor and ranked first in Asia. The city is considered the gateway to the Nepal Himalayas and is home to several World Heritage Sites: the Durbar Square, Swayambhu Mahachaitya, Bouddha and Pashupatinath. Kathmandu valley is growing at four per cent per year according to the World Bank in 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in South Asia, and the first region in Nepal to face the unprecedented challenges of rapid urbanization and modernization at a metropolitan scale. It is the largest metropolitan area located in the Himalayas.

Important Note

Entrance Fee structure: 
  • Boudhnath Stupa Rs 400 (USD 3 .07 Approx.)
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Rs 1800 (USD 15 Approx.)
  • Pashupati Nath Temple: Rs 1000 (USD 7.7 Approx.)
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: Rs 1000 (USD 7.6 Approx.)
  • Patan Durbar Square; Rs 1000 (USD 7.6 Approx.)

Trip Itinerary

Bhoothnath Stupa

The Boudha Stupa was recorded as a UNESCO World Legacy Location in 1979 and is one of the foremost well-known traveler attractions in Kathmandu. The Stupa dates back to 600 Advertisement. and was built by a Tibetan king. The Stupa could be a memorable put of journey for all Buddhists around the world. Numerous kilograms of gold were utilized for enhancement amid the development of the stupa. The gigantic Boudhanath Stupa is the portal to paradise, acting as a skyline between soil and paradise. The base of the stupa structure comprises of three expansive stages of diminishing measure. Those planes symbolize the sky, whereas the circular vessel supporting the side of the equator speaks to water. The eyes of the Buddha painted on the stupa are differently depicted as invulnerable, uninterested, sympathetic and brilliantly. Stupa engineering contains the five most promising components speaking to the Buddha, ie. soil, discuss, water, fire and space.

Boudha may be a wonderful and otherworldly space conjointly one of the holiest Buddhist journey destinations in Kathmandu, Nepal. Amid the complete moon, friars supplicate, sing tunes and all the Buddhists come as portion of their heavenly visit. As a every day custom, numerous individuals walk around the Stupa at slightest three times and rehash the mantra "Om Mani Padme Murmur" in "heart". Supplication banners tied to the Stupa drift in the wind, carrying mantras and supplications to the sky.

 Although it may be a sacred put for Buddhists, we too see numerous individuals from diverse societies imploring at the Stupa. The put found at a stature of 36 meters is completely mysterious, images and curiously energies are found at each step.The lanes and limit back streets around Boudhanath Stupa are lined with colorful houses, Tibetan Buddhist religious communities and road merchants. The Stupa is encompassed by different eateries, cafes, coffee shops, visitor houses, Tibetan craftsmanship and make shops, Buddha statue shops, etc. Tibetan nourishment like lafado, thukpa, alu roti, khapse etc. can be found within the locale of Boudha Stupa exceptionally popular among local people. There are numerous eateries where you'll discover diverse cuisines other than Nepali. Among them, Roadhouse Cafe, La Casita, Pho99 are exceptionally popular among sightseers and Nepalis as well. We too have the conventional Nepalese nourishment Daal Bhati and thus Thasang Thakali food may be a favorite.

Boudhanath is additionally a shopping center for numerous individuals. We discover different shops that promote both nearby and branded products. Tara Oriental is popular for its cashmere items, Drchu shop is celebrated for its carefully assembled dress and conventional Thangka canvases which are celebrated all over the world. You'll too visit the Thangka Study Center in the Stupa location. There are numerous extravagance lodgings around Boudhanath such as Hyatt Rule Kathmandu, Inn Tibet Universal, Ghangri Boutique Lodging and Shambaling Boutique Lodging. Amid the Losar (Tibetan Unused Year) celebration in February or Walk, Boudhanath has Nepal's greatest celebration. Boudhanath Stupa is open 24 hours a day and invites thousands of guests each day. In spite of the fact that it is swarmed, it is still a really serene region. Individuals of all ages come here to hang out, walk, press pictures, eat tasty nourishment, and most importantly, for peace of mind. It is exceptionally simple to induce there since it is found within the center of Kathmandu, the airplane terminal is additionally only some kilometers absent. Ready to moreover see Boudhanath from far off tall buildings, flats and lodgings. This can be one of the must visit places in Kathmandu.

However, due to the Nepal earthquake of April 2015, the Boudhanath Stupa was badly demolished. The entire structure above the dome and the religious relics it contained had to be removed. The reconstruction work started in June 2015 and ended in November 2016. The renovation and reconstruction was organized and implemented by the Boudhanath District Development Committee. The renovation was funded entirely by private donations from Buddhist groups and volunteers. Now, after renovation, the stupa is open to everyone.Boudhanath is a World Heritage Site, it represents Buddhist culture, tradition and lifestyle, so it must be preserved. Therefore, it is a must-see destination for both domestic and international tourists. 

Bhaktapur Darbar Square

"Bhaktapur Durbar Square" is known as a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculptures, wood carvings and huge pagoda temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. It is about 12 km from Kathmandu city. It is a combination of pagoda and shikhara. -style temples grouped around a brick and wooden palace with 55 windows. This square is one of the most charming architectural displays of the Bhaktapur Valley as it highlights the golden statues of the Nepalese kings, the stone monoliths, the guardian deities watching from their sanctuaries, the ubiquitous wooden carvings - buttresses, camomiles, gables, tympanums. , gates and windows - all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony. Ceramics and weaving are its most important traditional fields. 

Major attraction of Bhaktapur Darbar Square area: 

55 Window Palace

The main architectural structure dominating the entire Durbar Square. This magnificent monument was built in 15th century AD. Seated on a huge column top in a position of prayer to God is King Bhupatindra Malla.

Golden Gate

This is the main entrance to the palace. The craftsman who worked on this wonderful gate must be from Heaven. It is an eternal beauty.

 Lions Gate

Lion gate has two beautiful stone statues of Hindu deities installed on its either side. It is said that the hands of the artisans who produced this were cut off immediately after he gave a finishing touch to them. A jealous Bhadgaon King did this so that the artisan could not produce any more of such art.

Mini Pashupati Temple

Some people call it a royal dream temple. Folklore says - once a Bhadgaon King who was a great devotee to Lord Pashupati had a dream in which Lord told the king to build a temple for Pashupati right in front of this palace.

Vatsala Temple

This temple dedicated to a mother goddess is full of intricate works on stone. This temple is known for its dog-barking bell. This bell is believed to produce a death knell when it is rung up.

Nyatapola Temple

This is the most famous pagoda of Nepal. Nyatapola in Newari language means fie tires - the symbolic of five basic elements. This is the highest pagoda of Nepal ever built with such architectural perfection and artistic beauty. This temple is dedicated to Sidhilaxmi, the tantric goddess of supreme power and success.

Bhairava Nath Temple

This temple is dedicated to Bhairava the God of terror and death. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Built between the 12th and 18th centuries, this complex of palaces, courtyards and temples was once the seat of the ancient Malla kings of Kathmandu. A fascinating piece is a stone inscription from the 17th century placed on the wall of the palace with inscriptions in 15 languages. Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the social, religious and civic center of the city.

Swayambhu Nath

This 2,000-year-old hilltop stupa is the world's grandest Buddhist shrine and is surrounded by several small pagodas. The lid of the main temple is a gilded copper brash and the all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha are painted on its four sides.

Pashupatinath

The temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is the holiest and most famous temple in Nepal. Located 5 kilometers northeast of Kathmandu on the banks of the sacred Bagmati River, it is an impressive pagoda-style structure with a gilded roof and richly carved silver doors. There are baths and cremation places, which are of interest to tourists especially in the morning and during festival days.


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Includes

  • New and Clean Private transportation.
  • Excellent English-Speaking Tour Guide.
  • Per Person 1/1 bottle Mineral water.
  • Kathmandu City map.

Doesn't Include

  • Entrance fees.
  • Personal Expenses.
  • Tipping for tour guide.

Entrance Fee structure: 

  • Boudhnath Stupa Rs 400 (USD 3 .07 Approx.)
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Rs 1800 (USD 15 Approx.)
  • Pashupati Nath Temple: Rs 1000 (USD 7.7 Approx.)
  • Kathmandu Durbar Square: Rs 1000 (USD 7.6 Approx.)
  • Patan Durbar Square; Rs 1000 (USD 7.6 Approx.)
  • Swyambhu Naath (Monkey Temple) USD 2 Approx.)
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  • Excellent customer service. Our travel experts are ready to help you 24/7.
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  • Environmentally-friendly tours.

Temple Tours

Kiran and his team put a lot of effort into ensuring my friends and I had the best experience in Nepal. The Eco Hotel was in a great location close to markets and restaurants. I felt very safe and comfortable. The service provided was amazing, the food was delicious and the people were very lovely and welcoming.

C
Cindy L

Kiran is amazing, so helpful and great attention to detail

We spent 3 and a Half weeks exploring Nepal and Tibet. Will definitely go back and use Kiran at Holiday Treks and Expedition for our booking. Kiran was so helpful and made sure every bit of our trip went smoothly, especially our visa entry to Tibet which could have been really tricky. Namaste Yasmin x

Y
Yasmin

Highly recommend!

Owing to Kiran and his highly knowledgeable and punctual team, I had fantastic time in Kathmandu. Myself and other tour members also enjoyed our stay at Eco Hotel, thanks again!

S
Sean F
Australia
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Art representing various natural and cultutal heritages of Nepal