Kathmandu Valley has three main cities that used to be autonomous states in the past and many smaller villages with many interesting sightseeing spots. Below are the most fascinating sites around Kathmandu Valley for day tours.
Kathmandu Durbar Square (1-2 hrs)
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the historic sites in Nepal, located in the central area of the city. It used to be a royal residence until the 19th century. Travellers can see the Hindu temples and buildings with antique wooden carving windows and ornaments. In Kathmandu Durbar Square, you can explore the Newari culture, see the temple of Kumari—the living goddess, the Statue of Hanuman, and many other temples and museums. It is very close to Thamel—the vibrant, main tourist hub of Nepal. Travellers can go there even on foot and buy all the things they will need for travelling or trekking.
Swyambunath (2-3hrs)
Swyambunath is a complex of Buddhist temples situated on top of a hill, ca. 3 km away going straight from Durbar Square. Charming, albeit steep, stairs lead to its entrance. Is it one of the historic monuments of Nepal, combining the elements of both Buddhist and Hindu culture. It is the best example of harmonious coexistence between these two great religions. A large, nearly 2000-year-old stupa is the central point of the hill. Swyambhunath offers a picturesque view of the Kathmandu Valley and the hill.
Pashupatinath (2-3 hrs)
Pashupatinath is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world, which lies on the bank of the holy river Bagmati. This site has been listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites since 1979. You can see a famous pagoda with a golden roof in Pashupatinath, and about 500 temples and monuments exist there. The main temple is exclusively accessible to Hindus. However, people of any nationality can visit the temple premises from the outside. In Pashupatinath, on the bank of the Bagmati River, there is a cremation place for the dead bodies of Hindu people. Watching the cremation ceremony will certainly be an unforgettable experience. Every year, there is a special festival called Shivaratri. On that day, about 700,000 people visit the temple.
Boudhanath (1-2 hrs)
Boudhanath is another unique site in Kathmandu. Listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites, it is an unusual amenity with the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. It is a Buddhist religious center with the greatest number of stores offering Buddhist artistic handicrafts. It is a very popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists. There are 13 steps around the stupa, and it is believed that they are the ladder to enlightenment. It can also be a relaxing place for meditation if you are interested.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square (3-4 hrs)
One of the most fascinating sightseeing spots in the Kathmandu Valley, untouched by civilisation, is Bhaktapur Durbar Square. This is where travellers can experience typical Newari culture, explore their traditions, and see their temples and spectacular architecture. The site is listed among the UNESCO World Heritage sites. It used to be the palace of the royal family of Nepal until 1769. It is one of the most popular sites visited by travellers in Nepal. The main squares in Bhaktapur are Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square.
Best Season for Kathmandu City Tour
Kathmandu is a great place to visit all year, but the best times to see the city are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these times of year, the weather is nice, the skies are clear, and the temperatures are comfortable, making it a great time to visit outdoor heritage sites. The mornings and evenings can be cold in the winter (December to February), but it's still a good time to see the sights. During the monsoon season (June to August), the landscape becomes lush, but rain showers can sometimes ruin your plans.
What Makes Kathmandu City Tour Special?
The Kathmandu City Tour is more than just a tour of the sights; it's a trip through centuries of art, religion, and culture.
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It includes UNESCO World Heritage Sites like ancient royal palaces, sacred temples, and stupas.
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The streets are full of rituals, festivals, and everyday life, so you'll get to experience living culture.
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It is a unique spiritual experience because it combines Hindu and Buddhist ideas.
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The charm is also enhanced by traditional Newari architecture, local markets, and real Nepali food.
How Difficult is Kathmandu City Tour?
The Kathmandu City Tour is simple and suitable for people of all ages. The tour includes light walking around historic sites, with some steps or uneven sidewalks along the way. You don't need to have done any trekking or be in good shape before at all, but it's best to wear comfortable shoes.
Permits Required for Kathmandu City Tour Nepal
You don't need a trekking permit to go on the Kathmandu City Tour, but you do have to pay to get into most heritage sites:
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Kathmandu Durbar Square – NPR 1,000 (foreigners)
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Swayambhunath Stupa – NPR 200
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Pashupatinath Temple – NPR 1,000 (non-Hindus can't go inside the main temple, but they can look around the grounds)
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Boudhanath Stupa – NPR 400
We will get these permits for you and include them in the package.
Safety and Precautions
Kathmandu is mostly safe for tourists, but taking a few safety measures will make your trip go more smoothly:
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Be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables safe.
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When you go into a temple, follow the rules of the area: take off your shoes, dress modestly, and don't take pictures that are not allowed.
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To avoid stomach problems, drink bottled or filtered water.
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Bring small bills for entry fees, donations, or things you buy on the street.
Internet and Mobile Phone Network in Kathmandu City Tour
Kathmandu has good mobile phone coverage all over the city, and major providers like Ncell and Nepal Telecom offer strong 4G services. You can easily get prepaid SIM cards at the airport or in the city if you have a valid passport. Most hotels, restaurants, and even many historical sites offer free Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected and share your experiences right away. But during busy times, connectivity may slow down, so having a local SIM card makes sure you can always access navigation, communication, and travel updates.
Training and Preparation for Kathmandu City Tour
You don't need to be in shape to go on the Kathmandu City Tour.
However:
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Wear shoes that are comfortable to walk in when you visit sites.
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Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
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To stay hydrated, bring a water bottle along with you that you can use again and again.
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If you're allergic to dust, wearing a mask might help on busy streets.
Mountain Views
The Kathmandu City Tour is mostly about cultural sites, but some places, like Swayambhunath Stupa and Boudhanath, let you see the Himalayan ranges on clear days. Your guide may take you to places around the city where you can see a lot of things at once. If you want to explore and see mountain view up close firsthand then you can also try out Annapurna Base Camp Trek package, Everest Base Camp trek package and Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek and much more.
What to Expect
You can expect a full day of cultural immersion, including visits to old palaces, temples, and monasteries, guided tours of Nepal's history, and the lively atmosphere of local markets. You can choose how fast or slow you want to go on the tour, whether you want to take your time or see everything in depth.
Things You Should Know
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Traffic in Kathmandu can be heavy, so give yourself extra time for transfers.
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When you go to a religious site, dress modestly.
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There are a lot of places you can walk to, but having a car makes the day more comfortable.
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Most places let you take pictures, but look for signs that say otherwise.
Is Kathmandu City Tour for Me?
This tour is great for people who like history, art, culture, and architecture. It's also great for people who don't have a lot of time to travel or who want to learn about the culture before or after their trek.
Meals
Most packages come with breakfast at the hotel. You can have lunch at a nearby restaurant, where you can try real Nepali or Newari food.
Accommodation
Depending on your package, your stay will usually be in a comfortable hotel in Kathmandu, from a standard 3-star to a luxury 5-star one.
Plan Your Kathmandu City Tour Today
Making a reservation ahead of time makes things go more smoothly because all of your entry fees, permits, and transportation will be taken care of. Planning ahead helps you make the most of your time, whether you're going on a private or group tour.
Highlights of Kathmandu City Tour
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Visit various UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
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Get to know Nepal's history, culture, and religion from knowledgeable guides.
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Try real delicious Nepali local food and experience the markets here.
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Enjoy seeing the contrast of old monuments and busy city life.
Why Choose Kathmandu City Tour
This tour is the best and easiest way for you to see the cultural heart of Nepal without having to hike. Before or after going to the mountains, you'll have a better understanding of Nepal.
Packing List, Gears, and Equipment
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Shoes that are easy to walk in
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Light clothes that cover a lot of skin
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Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
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A small daypack for water and personal items
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Camera or smartphone for photos
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Money for snacks or souvenirs
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A light jacket (it can be cool in the mornings and evenings
Why Choose Nepal Excursion for Kathmandu City Tour
Nepal Excursion's offers a Kathmandu City Tour that is smooth and full of interesting things to see and do, led by licensed cultural guides who know the area well. We offer comfortable transportation, flexible itineraries that are based on your interests, and all the permits and entry fees you need. You'll find both famous landmarks and hidden gems, as well as real local restaurants, so you can really experience Kathmandu's lively culture. So book now by contacting us today!
