Kathmandu Day Tour

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Kathmandu Day Tour
Kathmandu Day Tour
Duration1 Days
Trip GradeEasy
CountryNepal
Maximum Altitude1350 m
Group Size1 to 100
StartsKathmandu
Endskathmandu
Travel StyleCity excursion
Best Timeany time

Overview

Kathmandu Day Tour is one of the most popular tour packages, which is a combination of renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites and religious sites. A full-day excursion is appropriate for all age groups of people from all around the world. Mystic Adventure Holidays provides you with a certified tour guide to help you explore the tourist spots and religious, historical, and cultural sites of Kathmandu Valley. Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing blend of ancient heritage and modern charm.

This Kathmandu Day Tour itinerary offers you a complete package of art, architecture, history, culture, and the vibrancy of the city. This tour will let you wander in the popular streets of cities like Thamel and Ason. The local market provides you with unique delicacies like Thakali Thali, Mo: Mo, Local Dal Bhat, Yomari, and the rich aromas of spices with a touch of local hospitality. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, so centralization causes a higher population in the valley. The advancement of commerce, education, health, transportation, and trade makes it a more crowded city.

Kathmandu is the residence of students and workers from every corner of the country. There is calmness within the chaos, and one can find a temple every five steps in the streets. Kathmandu is located in a hilly region, so the weather and temperature in the Kathmandu valley are normal all year. Kathmandu is an ideal destination for a tour every month of the year. Kathmandu Valley consists of three districts: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur.

The Shivapuri, Nagarjuna, and other forests gives a natural touch and add to the beauty of Kathmandu Valley. It offers a concrete jungle full of fresh air, where you can go for a short hike within a 30-minute drive. The indigenous people of Kathmandu are of Newar Communities and the glimpse of culture, literary, artistic, commercial, agricultural, and culinary accomplishments makes them stand tall in the crowd. When booking a tour with us, our experienced tour guide will brief you about the valuable insight of different places and temples.

The Kathmandu Day Tour package is a complete package of art, architecture, history, culture, and vibrance of the city. Our tour package includes a visit to the beautiful Patan and Bhaktapur Durbar Squares. If you are searching for an eligible travel agency to book your day tour to Pokhara Valley, make sure to contact us at Mystic Adventure Holidays. We also offer a Pokhara Valley day tour, 7 nights, 8 days, Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara Tour, Kathmandu, Chitwan, Lumbini, and Pokhara Tour, etc. 

Major Highlights of the Kathmandu 1-Day Tour

1. Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath is commonly known as the Monkey Temple because monkeys have been living in this stupa for more than a century. The word Swayambhu means self-sprung and it is a Hindu name. It is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites and its iconic dome and Buddha’s “ All-Seeing Eyes” on top dominate the city while offering the best panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley. The prayer flags and whirling prayer wheel offer a sense of spirituality and peace. It is one of the seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Kathmandu Valley. 

2. Pashupatinath

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the largest temple complexes in Nepal. It is located beside the sacred Bagmati River and is popular as a temple of Lord Shiva. It was also enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. The Pashupatinath temple was built in pagoda-style architecture and attracts visitors from all around the World. You can see the cremation of dead bodies on the shore of the Bagmati River.

The temple also features other popular temples like the Vaishnava temple complex, Rama Temple, and the Guhyeshwari Temple. It is not known for certain when Pashupatinath Temple was built. However, according to Nepal Mahatmaya and Himvatkhanda, the deity here gained great fame there as Pashupati. Pashupatinath Temple's existence is recorded as early as 400 CE. Visitors from all around the world come to celebrate the Maha Shivaratri in the Pashupatinath. The temple is popular for celebrating the Teej festival of Nepal. 

3. Bouddhanath 

Boudhanath is also known as Bouddha, Khasti Chaitya, and Khāsa Chaitya. Bouddhanath is a sacred religious stupa, and it is one of the largest Spherical Stupa in Nepal as well as of the World. The dome, topped by a square tower, offers the watchful eyes of Lord Buddha. Due to its cultural treasure and tranquil ambiance, it attracts tourists as well as many locals. The monasteries, Souvenir shops, Boudhha garden, and Tibetan artifacts shops surround the Bouddhanath Stupa. The stupa is considered as the tomb of Kassapa Buddha and you can see more than 50 gompas around the Bouddha. 

4. Kathmandu Durbar Square

Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Kathmandu Durbar Square is renowned as Hanuman Dhoka or Basantapur, because Lord Hanuman was regarded as the protector of the entire palace. It was one of the famous trading hubs between Tibet and India, and as of now, it is used for the preservation of the traditional architecture of Newari artists and former rulers of the Royal Palace.

Some of the major attractions of Durbar Square areHanuman Dhoka, Degutale Temple, Taleju Temple, Nasal Chowk, Nine-Story Basantapur Tower, Panch Mukhi Hanuman Temple, Mul Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Sundari Chowk, Tribhuvan Museum, King Mahendra Memorial Museum, Kal Bhairav Temple, Kumari Ghar,etc. 

Other places near to Kathmandu

1: Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, previously known as Bhadgaon or Khwopa, is one of the popular UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu. It is located 13 kilometers east of Kathmandu, which is famous for the 55-window palace built under the rule of King Jitamitra Malla. Durbar Square, Taumadhi Square, Dattatreya Square, and Pottery Square make a whole Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Some of the main attractions of the Palace are the Lion Gate, Golden Gate, Art Gallery, Statue of King Bhupatindra, Nyatapola Temple, and its 55-windowed Malla Palace. You can find the authentic culture and tradition of the Newar community while exploring the streets of this area. 

2: Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is one of the oldest palaces of the kingdom of Patan, which consists of 130 Bahals and 55 major temples. It is located in the Patan district, which is now known as Lalitpur. Some of the popular attraction of Patan Durbar Square are Museum, Mahaboudha Temple, Kumbeshwar Temple, Krishna Temple, Golden Temple/Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, Mulchowk, Jagat Narayan Temple, Big Bell, Pillar of Yoga Narendra Malla, Hari Shanker Temple, Bhimsen Temple, Marga Hiti, Mani Mandap, Cafe Pagoda, Rato Machhendranath Temple, Minnath Rudra Varna Mahavihar, etc.

Highlights of Kathmandu 1-Day Tour

  • Visit the holiest Hindu temple of Lord Shiva, Pashupatinath
  • Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Boudhhanath, Swayambhunath, and Pashupatinath b Temple. 
  • Opportunity to learn about Nepal's art, history, culture and religion
  • Chance to immerse in the serene ambiance and rhythmic chanting of Buddhist Prayers at Swayambhunath Stupa
  • Enjoy local foods like Thakali Thali, Dal Bhat, Mo: Mo, Yomari, etc. 
  • Shopping in the handicraft shops of Nepal like Thangka Paintings, Pottery, and Tapestries
  • Immerse in the Newari Culture and witness the artistic beauty of the Pagoda-style temples and Monuments.
  • Enjoy a panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley from a hilltop
  • Explore the Boudhanath stupa, the largest spherical Buddhist stupa in the world.

WHY CHOOSE MYSTIC ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS FOR THE KATHMANDU DAY TOUR?

3S: Safety, Success, and Satisfaction

Booking a Kathmandu day tour package with Mystic Adventure Holidays offers superior service and benefits. Here's why:
Planning your trip with Mystic Adventure Holidays means paying the lowest cost with no commission fees. Additionally, you'll benefit from:

  • Client Safety: Our trips are organized with the utmost safety in mind.
  • Best Price Guarantee: Ensuring you get the best value.
  • Free Transfers: Complimentary airport-to-hotel and return transfers in a private vehicle.
  • Expert Guides: Trained, government-licensed local guides with extensive route knowledge.
  • Support for Locals: Helping local communities earn a living through tourism.
  • Health Monitoring: Oximeters to monitor oxygen levels during high-altitude treks.
  • Medical Preparedness: Guides equipped with medical kits to handle any situations that may arise. 
  • Essential Gear: Arrangements for sleeping bags and down jackets.
  • Free Storage: Secure storage at our office for extra luggage during your tour.

By choosing Mystic Adventure Holidays, you ensure a safe, successful, and satisfying adventure in the Himalayas.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all

1. Tour of Swayambhunath Temple/Stupa

 The Kathmandu Day tour starts with a 15-minute drive to Swayambhunath Temple from your hotel premises. According to the number of travelers, a vehicle will be chosen. The vehicle will drop you off at Budhha Park and you will explore the parking area before heading towards the hilltop. Swayambhu means "self-existent" and was believed to date back to 460 A.D. King Manadeva constructed it in the 13th century, and it later developed into a significant Buddhist center.

There are plenty of prayer flags in the NorthWest of Swayambhunath, where you can find peace. Monkeys have been living here for more than a century, which makes it the “Monkey Temple.” It is quite far from the residence area, so you can see the Panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley from the top. The stupa is a foundation of faith and harmony and you can see visitors from different religions and cultures. Foreign nationals have to pay NRS 200 to enter the stupa, while it drops to NPR 50 for SAARC nationals. The premises of Stupa offer the following attractions: 

  •  Harati Temple is a two-story pagoda-style structure gilded with gold.
  • Anantapur and Pratappur Temples
  • Statue of Dipankar Buddha
  • The Vajra (Lightening Bolt)
  • Dewa Dharma Monastery.
  • Amideva Buddha Park
  • World Peace Pond

2.  Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square 

Located in the heart of Kathmandu Valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square lies just in front of the royal palace of the valley. It is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is popular as Basantapur Durbar and Hanuman Dhoka. The beauty of this UNESCO site has been destroyed due to a major earthquake on April 25, 2015. It was built during the 4th to 8th centuries, when Licchavi used to rule the valley. After that, King Pratap Malla further designed the property in the 17th century. There are more than 50 temples in the square, so it is renowned as the Museum of Temples, along with several palaces, courtyards, and monuments. The Gaddi Baithak area is full of Handicraft and souvenir shops. Some of the popular temples located in Kathmandu Durbar Square are: 

a. Taleju Temple: In 1549 AD, King Mahendra built the Taleju Temple, which is one of the tallest of all structures. The temple is closed for most of the year and will be open to the public during the Dashain festival.

b. Kumari Temple: Kumari temple was built in the 17th century and is used as the residence of the Living Goddess. It is an absolute example of highly developed craftsmanship where visitors can see and receive blessings during special hours. 

c. Jagannath Temple: The Jagannath Temple is known for the fascinating erotic figures carved on the wooden struts, which were built in the 16th century. 

d. Nasal Chowk: It was built during the Malla dynasty, which is the first thing you will see as soon as you enter the historical royal palace. Most of the temples were built during the Rana period; this chowk was used for the king's coronation until the end of the Rana regime in 2001. 

e. Narsingha Statue: In 1673, Pratap Malla made a stone image of Lord Vishnu in his man-lion avatar and disemboweled a demon. According to the inscription on the monument, Pratap Malla did so to upset Lord Vishnu by dancing in Narsingha attire. 

f. Swet Bhairav: Swet Bhairav is an avatar of Lord Shiva. It is a statue of Bhairav which is open to the public once a year on the occasion of Indra Jatra from August to September. 

g. Shisha Baithak: Shisha Baithak is an open courtyard where there is a display of the Malla throne along with the Shah King's picture.

h. Tribhuwan Museum: Here, you can see the memorial of King Mahendra and Birendra, the offspring of King Tribhuvan.

i. Kal Bhairab: It is one of the largest stone statues made in the 17th century. This statue represents the terrifying aspect of Lord Shiva.

The entrance fee for   SAARC country nationals is NPR 150 and  NPR 1000 for Chinese nationals and other foreigners.

3. Tour of Bouddhanath Stupa

After visiting Swayambhunath Stupa, we will visit another Buddhist stupa known as Bouddhanath Stupa. It is famous as Bauddha, Khasti Chaitya, and Khāsa Chaitya. It is located 8 km away from the main city area and is one of the most popular destinations in Nepal. It is one of the largest stupas in South Asia because of its height, which is 36 meters. Bauddha is famous for Tibetan Buddhism, and other countless religious groups also come to visit for worship purposes.

In April 2015, Nepal suffered from a catastrophic earthquake, which led to severe cracks in the spire. In November 2016, the stupa again opened for visitors after the reconstruction of the dismantled structure above the dome area. Buddha Purnima is celebrated in this stupa with great devotion in the Bouddhanath premises. You can visit nearby shops, cafes, and handicraft shops and enjoy the beauty of Bouddhanth during your visit. You need to pay 400 NPR if you belong to a foreign nation, and the fee drops to 100 NPR for SAARC country nationals. 

4. Tour of Patan Durbar Square

Patan Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar Squares located in the Kathmandu Valley. It is situated in Lalitpur city and is one of the eight UNESCO World Heritage sites of Katmandu Valley. Previously, Malla King used to rule Lalitpur while living here. The architecture of Patan Durbar Square dates back to the reign of King Siddhi Narsingh Malla and his son Srinivasa Sukriti from the 1600s.

You can see many Hindu and Buddhist temples and monuments with a marvelous design of wood carvings, bronze gateways, and guardian deities. Patan Durbar Square features 136 "bahals" (courtyards) and 55 major temples. The main courtyards of the Palace are Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk. You can find temples, religious shrines, and historical architecture in this periphery. The most popular and important temple in the premises of Patan Durbar Square are: 

  • Krishna Mandir 
  • Bhimsen Temple 
  • Vishwanath Temple, 
  • Taleju Bhawani Temple

5. Tour of Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is the last destination of the day tour in Kathmandu Valley. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva and is located in Gaushala, near the Bagmati River. The fifth century saw the construction of Pashupatinath, and Malla King later renovated it. You can find Shiva Lingam, which existed a thousand years ago. It was built in pagoda style and is one of the largest temple complexes in Nepal. The four Pashupatinath doors are covered in silver and the roof is plated with gold along with exquisite carving in the woods.

You can find several small temples of other Hindu and Buddhist deities in the periphery of Pashupatinath. Every year, a large number of Hindus from all around the world pay a visit for worship. If you belong to another religion than Hinduism, you can’t enter the temple but can stroll on the temple premises. Pashupatinath is famous for Maha Shivaratri, which commemorates the day that Lord Shiva executed the Tandava and married Goddess Parvati. Teej, the festival of married women, is celebrated in this temple. After visiting Pashupatinath Temple, our tour guide will drop you off at your hotel premises. Visitors from foreign countries and SAARC countries have to pay NRS 1000 to enter, while the nationals of India are free. 

Optional: Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square is one of three religious heritage sites of Nepal. It lies in Bhaktapur district, where Malla King conquered from the 14th to 15th century. From the 15th to 18th centuries, the King of Bhaktapur used to live here, ruling the district. The Archeological Department of Nepal and the Bhaktapur Municipality are in charge of its management, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Bhaktapur Durbar square was damaged by earthquakes two times one in 1934 and the other in 2015. It features palaces, temples, and other historical monuments like

  • Statues of Ugrachandi and Ugrabhairava,
  • Char Dham and the Krishna temple, 
  • Nhēkanjhya Lyākū palace, 
  • Lun Dhwākhā (Golden Gate), 
  • Yakshasvara Temple, 
  • Vatsala Temple, 
  • Statue of Bhupatindra Malla,
  • Palace of fifty-five windows

The entrance fee for foreigners is NPR 1000 and NPR 250 for SAARC nationals. 

Max Altitude: 1400 m Duration: Full day
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Cost Details
Included
  • Pick-up and drop-off to and from hotel
  • Full-day private vehicle tour (6 to 7 hours)
  • English-speaking professional tour guide throughout the tour.
Excluded
  • Entrance fees for different places like the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple. 
  • Tips from the guides.
  • Any sorts of extra expenses that you make beyond the package details.
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