When you make your way to Nepal, Kathmandu will be the first land you’ll step on. Along with being the hustling administrative capital of Nepal, Kathmandu is packed with antique-inherited ethos from centuries ago. Although the rising skyscrapers have engulfed the valley floor, you’ll find brilliantly sculptured monuments in every nook and corner of the city. While some of these stand in an alley as an ordinary old fella to the locals, some covering wider zones have made themselves into the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Day Tour covers an amble excursion to four out of seven world heritage sites that Kathmandu fosters: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swyambhunath Stupa, Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath Temple.
Beyond the hurly-burly streets of Thamel, a tourist centered neighborhood in Kathmandu, there are quaint temples and stupas speaking of the bygone royalties who once ruled the Kathmandu kingdoms. There are plenty old-world temples and stupas that have shaped the cultural stature of the livings. There fascinating structures are also the illustrations of religious harmony that prevails in Nepal. Kathmandu day tour is a total worth it during your Nepal trip. And with Nepal Hiking Team there shall be no room for the tour to get any better!
Highlights of Kathmandu Day Tour
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is a centrally located heritage site which sums up in mystical architecture dating back to the medieval era. Locally, it is known as Hanuman Dhoka Palace which literally translates to the gateway of Hanuman- the monkey god in Hindu mythology. There is a big statue of Hanuman surmounted at the front gate of the palace. This makes all the sense to where the pet name came from!
The temples and buildings with fascinating craft works all over the doors and windows and pillars are the major attractions in this square. They date back to 14th century and were the crowning spots of ancient kings. In fact, the entire palace was a residency to the royals of Kathmandu.
Swyambhunath Stupa
Swyambhunath is a Buddhist Stupa situated at the hilltop in Nagarjun Hill range that surrounds the Kathmandu Valley from the north-western boundary. Its location is a perfect vantage point that offers a wide-angle view of the vibrant valley beneath. Besides, Swyambhunath is a perfect replication of Nepal’s religious harmony. There is a big-dome with tall golden pinnacle, dedicated to Lord Buddha. The miniature structures of temples and stupas give the place a vibe of the Lilliput.
Swyambhunath is often known as ‘the monkey temple because of the abundance of monkeys around the area. There is a widely believed myth that the stupa sits on the same place when legendary Manjushree has encountered a lotus when the valley used to be a lake.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath Stupa is another Buddhist Stupa situated at the heart of Kathmandu. This is one of the largest Stupas in South Asia and its Mandala structure is the largest of its kind in the entire world. The stupa is a holy pilgrimage to Buddhists and you’ll see monks draped in maroon robed doing the Kora while chanting prayers. (Kora is a sacred term for orbiting the Boudha Mandala)
Boudha used to be a trade route to Tibet during ancient times. So, there is an apparent influence of Tibetan culture. Here you can find many restaurants serving Nepali-Tibetian cuisines.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated at the bank of Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is a holy pilgrimage site popular to Hindus all over Nepal and most part of South Asia. The temple is just 1 kilometers west of Tribhuwan International Airport and its premise covers a massive area. Tourists can check in to admire the religious values and aesthetics of the temple. Additionally, Bagmati riverbank in the temple’s premise hosts Hindu ritual of crematorium. This can be one rare site to tourists.
