Trip Overview
Kathmandu is the first stop for nearly everyone entering Nepal. While this capital city is known for its dust, traffic jams, and concrete buildings, it is also home to rich culture and colorful shrines. There are thousands of Hindu and Buddhist temples and other sculpted monuments among the narrow streets and red-brick buildings.
While some are quite ordinary, others are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, some of which are the holiest places in Hindu and Buddhist cultures. Nepal Hiking Team’s Kathmandu Day Tour covers many of these important locations, including four of the seven world heritage sites: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Temple.
No matter where you look across this fascinating city, there are quaint temples and stupas around every corner, giving visitors a glimpse into an important part of Nepali culture. Many temples had considerable significance in the royalties who once ruled in various kingdoms across the Kathmandu Valley, in addition to providing incredible illustrations of Hindu mythology. Our guide will ensure that all questions about the history and importance of such places are answered and that you end your day feeling more connected to Kathmandu and its rich culture.
Highlights of the Kathmandu Day Tour
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is located only 1.5 kilometers south of the tourist hub of Thamel. This is the first destination of the Kathmandu day tour. The architecture is mainly mystical, dating back to the medieval era. Also known as Basantapur or Hanuman Dhoka Palace (Literally translating to the gateway of Hanuman, the monkey god in Hindu mythology), the square boasts a giant statue of Hanuman at the front gate in addition to many other important sites.
The temples and surrounding buildings are covered with fascinating carvings, intricate windows, and pillars. Dating back to the 14th century, these were the crowning spots for kings for generations. The entire area was the residency for the royals of Kathmandu.
Swyambhunath Stupa
Swyambhunath is a Buddhist Stupa situated at the Nagarjun Hill hilltop on the north-western edge of the city. On clear days, the stupa offers incredible views of Kathmandu. With the stupa adorned with a golden pinnacle dedicated to Lord Buddha and several other temples devoted to Hindu gods, this is a perfect place to see people of all faiths practicing their religion.
The stupa is often known as the monkey temple due to the abundance of monkeys at the temple and surrounding area. There is a myth that the stupa grew on its own when the Kathmandu valley was created from a lake over 2,000 years ago.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is on the northeast side of Kathmandu and is one of the largest stupas in South Asia. The mandala structure is the largest of its kind in the world, making this a special destination. An important pilgrimage for Buddhists from around the globe, it is common to see many monks in maroon robes and other pilgrims circling the stupa and spinning prayer wheels.
The area of Boudha was once a trade route to Tibet, which has created a significant amount of Tibetan culture. This includes many restaurants serving a unique combination of Nepali-Tibetan cuisine.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is located on the banks of the Bagmati River, which later glows into the Ganges in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the holiest sites in the world for Hindu followers. The grounds cover a vast area with various shrines, temples, and statues. Open cremations also occur beside the temple, as this is the location all Hindus in Nepal wish to be their final resting place. There are also many rituals performed before cremations which are often interesting to watch.