Go back

Kathmandu City Tour

Trip code GTN-TIN-KCT-01
Package name Kathmandu City Tour
Duration 4
Max. elevation m
Level EASY
Transportation Private Vehicle
Accomodation 2-3 Star Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu.
Starts at Kathmandu
Ends at Kathmandu
Trip route [ Kathmandu - Patan -Bhaktapur ]
Cost USD 0 per person

Highlights

Overview

Experience the cultural and historical treasures of the Kathmandu Valley on this carefully designed 4-day Kathmandu city tour. Explore the three ancient cities of Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur, each offering a unique blend of history, art, architecture, and living traditions.

Begin your journey with a full-day exploration of Kathmandu's most iconic landmarks. Visit the sacred Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal's most revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, followed by the magnificent Bouddhanath Stupa, one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world and a major center of Tibetan Buddhism. Continue to the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient temples, royal courtyards, and the residence of the Living Goddess, Kumari. Conclude the day at Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), where you can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley.

On the second day, visit the beautiful city of Lalitpur to explore the artistic wonders of Patan Durbar Square, renowned for its exquisite temples, royal palace, traditional courtyards, and exceptional Newari craftsmanship. Later, continue to the medieval city of Bhaktapur Durbar Square, celebrated for its remarkably preserved palaces, pagoda-style temples, pottery square, and vibrant local culture. Wander through its narrow alleys and admire centuries-old architecture that reflects Nepal's glorious past.

This 4-day Kathmandu city tour is perfect for travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience, offering a fascinating journey through Nepal's UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the rich traditions that continue to thrive in the Kathmandu Valley.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu.

On your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, you will be welcomed by our airport representative with flower garlands and then transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll around and visit shops in Thamel. Stay overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2 : City Tour of Kathmandu

After breakfast on your second day, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for a day of sightseeing in Kathmandu. You'll visit several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple), Budhanilkantha, and Pashupatinath Temple. You’ll return to your hotel by late afternoon. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Brief Description of The Places: 

  1. Kathmandu Durbar Square:
    Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the major attractions in the Kathmandu Valley. A world cultural heritage site, the Durbar Square carries a rich history in its exquisite art and architecture engraved in the struts, sculptures, palaces, courtyards and temples. Some of the major monuments within Kathmandu Durbar Square are:

  2. Kumari (The Living Goddess) Ghar
    At the west end of the square is a beautiful house full of woodcarvings of different Gods and Goddesses. This house, called Kumari Ghar, is three storied high and is home to Kumari, the famous living Goddess of Nepal. Both Buddhists and Hindus equally venerate her. Kumari is a young pre-pubescent girl regarded as the manifestation of the goddess Taleju. She is chosen from a Buddhist family, especially from Shakya and Bajracharya clan of Newari community. During the festival of Indra Jatra, the head of the country visit the Kumari Ghar for blessings.

  3. Kastha Mandap
    One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kasthamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal, built in 12th century. It is believed the city of Kathmandu was named after Kasthamandap temple, which is one of the largest and well-known pagodas. Kastha means wood and Mandap means pavilion. And it is said that the whole temple was built from just a single Sal (shorea robusta) tree. A statue of Gorakhnath stands in the center of this temple while the statues of God Ganesh guard the four corners. 

  4. Kal Bhairav:
    Kal Bhairav is one of the largest stone idols in Kathmandu located in Hanuman Dhoka. The statue, which is 3.7m high, depicts the terrifying manifestation of Shiva. It is believed that people will die if they speak lie in front of this statue. The statute is believed to be sculpted in 5th or 6th century. 

  5. Boudhanath Stupa:
    This Stupa, 8 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, is one of the biggest Buddhist stupas. Similar in structure to Swoyambhunath Stupa, it is highly revered by Buddhists in Nepal and Tibet. The shrine is ringed by houses of Lamas or Buddhist priests. 

  6. Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple): 
    Located approximately 4 kilometers west of tourist-hub Thamel, this Buddhist Stupa, also popularly called ‘Monkey Temple’ is said to be over 2000 years old. The dome shaped white washed Stupa is composed of brick and earth supporting a lofty conical spire capped by a pinnacle of copper gilt. The all-seeing eyes of Lord Buddha rest on all four sides of the conical base. This hill is a mosaic of small Chaityas and Pagoda and is the most important Buddhist site in Nepal. Enjoy the views of sprawling Kathmandu from the top of this world heritage site monument.

  7. Budhanilkantha Stupa:
    Budhanilkantha literally means “old blue throat’ features a sleeping statue of the Hindu god Vishnu on a pond of water.  Located approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Kathmandu near Shivapuri hill, the statue is 5 meters in length carved out from a single block of black basalt stone. Vishnu’s legs are crossed and the eleven heads of Shesha cradle his head. Vishnu’s four hands hold objects that are symbols of his divine qualities: a chakra or disc (representing the mind), a conch-shell (the four elements), a lotus flower (the moving universe) and the club (primeval knowledge). During the festival of Haribondhini Ekadashi that falls in October/ November, pilgrims in large numbers visit the temple to worship and offer their respect to Lord Vishnu.

  8. Pashupatinath Temple:
    Situated 5 kilometers east of Kathmandu City, Pashupatinath temple is one of the holiest temples of Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. Situated amidst a lush green natural setting on the bank of the sacred Bagmati River, the temple built in pagoda style has a gilted roof and richly carved silver doors. Visitors are permitted to view the temple from the east bank of the Bagmati River, as entrance to the temple is strictly forbidden to all non-Hindus. Pashupatinath is the center of the annual pilgrimage of thousands of Sadhus and pilgrims from Nepal and India on the day of Shivaratri which falls in the month of February/March. The temple has been inscribed in the World heritage list. 

Day 3 : City Tour of Patan and Bhaktapur

On the third day, after breakfast, your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel for a tour of Patan, one of the three medieval cities in the Kathmandu Valley. Explore the architectural marvels of Patan Durbar Square, such as Krishna Mandir, the statue of Bhupatindra Malla and the Golden Temple. Strolling through the narrow, cobblestone streets and immersing yourself in the rich culture and traditions of the local people will transport you back in time. 

Later in the day, you will visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bhaktapur offers an abundance of attractions, from medieval temples and statues to Pottery Square and various museums. The Nyatapola Temple and the 55-Window Palace are prime examples of the unique Himalayan architecture that makes this city one of the top destinations in the Kathmandu Valley. After your visit, you will be driven back to Kathmandu.  Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 4 : Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for final departure.

As per your flight schedule, our airport representative will transfer you to Kathmandu international airport for your final departure to your home. 

Inclusions

What is included?

What isn't included?

Complimentary

Go back Go to top