Highlights
- A perfect day activity for travelers who have a free day in Kathmandu
- Guided tour of Swayambhunath Temple, Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square
- Get to know Nepali culture, history, art, and architecture during the tour
- Explore ancient temples, palaces, courtyards, monasteries, and shrines
- The tour is easy, and there are no age restrictions
- Explore Nepali markets, try local dishes, and buy souvenirs
- Pick up and drop off service from your hotel
- Easy to book, English-speaking guide, and affordable cost
Overview
The Kathmandu sightseeing day tour is a half-day program. It is a perfect activity for foreigners in Kathmandu who have a free day. This is a guided tour of four famous historical sites in the city- Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple), Pashupatinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, and Patan Durbar Square.
These are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites and some of the most important religious sites for the Nepalese people. The tour is designed to provide you with an overview of Nepali culture, history, art, and architecture. If you want to learn more about the Nepali people and explore more historical sites, then let us know. We can customize the tour package as per your wish.
People of all ages can join this tour. There is no restriction on age. A professional tour guide will accompany you during the tour, along with a private four-wheeler and professional driver. The tour starts early in the morning. The guide will pick you up from your hotel and drop you there after the tour ends.
We have the best Kathmandu sightseeing cost in the market. Bookings are open. You can book the tour even one day ahead or on the same day. Just contact us at our given number, and we will arrange the Kathmandu sightseeing tour for you.
What are the places you will visit during the Kathmandu sightseeing day tour
Swayambhunath Temple
The Swayambhunath Temple is one of the oldest temples in Nepal. Its legends go back to the time when the Kathmandu Valley was believed to be covered with water. Foreigners famously know this place as a Monkey Temple. The temple is important to both Hindus and Buddhists.
Swayambhunath Temple is situated on a hilltop and offers a superb view of Kathmandu Valley and surrounding Himalayan ranges. There is a long staircase that leads to the top of the temple. Alternatively, you can drive to the western side of the hill, which offers easy access to the temple.
History: The history of Swayambhunath Temple goes back to the 5th century. According to one legend, once, the entire Kathmandu Valley was a lake, and a lotus bloomed in the center of the lake, emitting a divine light. The bodhisattva Manjushri cut the gorge at Chobhar that drained the lake, and the lotus transformed into a hill. The light became the Swayambhunath Temple.
Architecture: The Swayambhunath Temple's architecture includes a large main stupa and several smaller stupas, shrines, and temples around it. A handful of shops sell souvenirs and puja essentials around the temple complex. The main stupa is a large white dome with a gilded spire on top of thirteen pinnacles.
The base of the stupa is whitewashed, and each side of the dome is painted with the eyes of Buddha. Likewise, the stupa is adorned with colorful prayer flags. You can see many prayer wheels around the stupa that pilgrims spin as they circumambulate the stupa.
Monkeys around the temple: Monkeys are one of the most famous factors of this temple, which has given it its nickname, the Monkey Temple. Locals consider these monkeys holy. We recommend travelers not disturb the monkeys while visiting the temple. Just watch them from afar. They can be quite mischievous and may try to take food from your hand, so it is better not to carry any food openly.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of the three durbar squares in Kathmandu Valley. It is an architectural treasure located in the city of Patan, aka Lalitpur. Note that the Kathmandu Valley is divided into three cities- Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.
In Patan Durbar Square, you can explore the exquisite Newari architecture, intricate wood carvings, centuries-old paintings, statues, murals, and many other antiques.
Back in the day, Patan Durbar Square was a royal residence for the Malla Kings (14th to 18th century). They built most of the structures that we see today. Now, Patan Durbar Square is one of the open museums in Kathmandu Valley. You will explore temples, palaces, courtyards, and local markets here.
Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk are a few renowned courtyards and galleries. Likewise, you will visit the Krishna Mandir, Golden Temple, and Mahaboudha Temple. See some unique examples of Shikhara-style architecture. Krishna Janmashtami and Rato Machhindranath Jatra are the two major festivals celebrated in this durbar square.
Bouddhanath Stupa
Bouddhanath Stupa, or Bouddha, is the heart of Kathmandu Valley. Everyone loves this place. It is the biggest Tibetan Buddhism pilgrimage site in Nepal. The large dome-shaped structure with prayer flags and the eyes of Buddha is magnificent. The Bouddhanath Stupa is located on the northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu.
These days, the Bouddhanath Stupa has become one of the biggest attractions of Kathmandu Valley. Both locals and foreigners love to spend their mornings and evenings here.
The bustling markets, souvenir shops, and numerous eateries around the main stupa lit up the place every day. During Buddhist festivals like Lhosar, Buddha Jayanti, and Kora, devotees gather here to perform rituals and celebrate together.
History: The origin of this place is not clear, but it is believed that the stupa was built in the 14th century. Some accounts even say the Bouddhanath Stupa was built in the Licchavi period around the 6th century. The entire stupa architecture showcases the deep symbolic representation of the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
Architecture: The main stupa is built on a three-level mandala-style platform. It represents the earth, and the huge dome represents the womb of creation. Above the dome is a square tower painted with the eyes of Buddha on all four sides.
In between the eyes is a nose in th eshape of a question mark. It means unity and a path a path to enlightenment. Likewise,there is a 13-tiered sprital staircase above the square tower adorned with p[rayer flags.
The Tibetan Community: The Boudhanath Stupa is also home to a large Tibetan refugee community who fled Tibet during the 1959 Chinese invasion. You can see many Tibetan shops and feel the Tibetan atmosphere here. There are small monasteries around the main stupa, so do not forget to explore them during your visit.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the last monuments you will explore during the Kathmandu sightseeing day tour. The temple is situated in the eastern part of Kathmandu Valley at the bank of the holy Bagmati river.
It is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, dedicated to Lord Shiva. The origin of Pashupatinath Temple is also not clear. Many legends around its roots suggest the temple has been around since at least the 5th century. Many suggest it's much older.
Non-Hindus are not allowed to enter the main temple. However, they can explore other temples and shrines scattered around the temple complex. There are many small temples dedicated to numerous Hindu deities. During festivals like Shivaratri and Teej, the temple sees thousands of pilgrims. You have to wait in line for hours to worship and get blessings.
Architecture: Pashupatinath Temple is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. Its intricate wood carvings, beautiful pagoda-style structure of the main temple, and exquisite murals and statues around the temple complex are outstanding.
The main temple has a gilded roof, four silver-plated doors, and complex wood carvings. Inside the temple is the four-faced (chaturmukha) linga of Lord Shiva, known as the Pashupatinath.
Cremation Ghats and Souvenir Shops: One of the most fascinating parts of the Pashupatinath Temple is the cremation ghats along the Bagmati River. It is in the back of the temple where a special aarti is performed every evening. It is attended by hundreds of locals.
You can see life and death in the same place, which is quite a thrilling sight. Likewise, there are many shops around the temple that sell puja essentials, flower garlands, statues, etc.
Kathmandu sightseeing
Kathmandu is known as the city of temples. Every corner of this city has some sort of temple. The city is huge, and there is a lot to explore. Of course, half a day or even one full day will not be enough to explore every place. Still, travelers who are in a short time yet want to explore some of the sites can join the Kathmandu sightseeing tour with us.
We have many other day activities in Kathmandu, such as Chandragiri Hill Day trip, Dakshinkali hike, Bird Watching, Nagarkot Day trip, Manakamana Darshan Day trip, and Rafting Day trip. All these are easy day trip packages.