Our one-day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Day Tour covers 4 UNESCO World Heritage sites. This package covers the holy Pashupatinath Temple revered for its religious significance among Hindus. Also, the city of Patan will take you back in time with its fusion of Hindu and Buddhist Monuments. Let’s not forget the center of Tibetan Buddhism- Swayambhunath and Boudhanath. This package is a dive into the history of the two most prolific religions with the mix of culture and traditions of Nepalese.
The Kathmandu Valley in Nepal is a region that comprises three major cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur. As the capital city of Nepal, this valley holds immense historical importance. It has seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. These sites present a unique blend of cultural heritage and old traditional architecture. The streets of Kathmandu showcase a harmony of ancient traditions and modern advancements. Exploring this city allows you to witness religious sites like the renowned Pashupatinath Temple. This temple holds a deep reverence and is one of the most sacred Hindu temples worldwide.
Beyond its historical significance, the Kathmandu Valley is a melting pot of various ethnic groups. The valley is home to Newars, Tamangs, Brahmins, Chhetris, and many other communities. Each of them has its distinct culture, traditions, and vibrant festivals. During festivals like Indra Jatra, Ghode Jatra, and Bisket Jatra, the streets come alive with traditional rituals. The dances and traditional music is full of vibrant energy. It is a remarkable opportunity to immerse in the local culture.
Let's have a detailed look at the sites we will be visiting in the Kathmandu Package:
Swayambhunath is one of the most sacred religious sites of Buddhists. It rests on a hillock 3 km west of Kathmandu. Prayer wheels and deities surround the base of the hill. The name "Swayambhu" means self-sprung. It is said that the stupa was self-created as a lotus from the big lake, which was once Kathmandu. It has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises.
There are two routes to the hilltop Swayambhu Stupa. One is a steep stone step leading up to the shrine, and another is a motor road going almost to the top. The steep stairs are quite a challenge.
From the top, you can see the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. A large number of people visit Swayambhu throughout the day. Most of them are Buddhist devotees. Also, many local monkeys have made their home around the stupa. Some people also call the site "Monkey Temple".
Here are the most important monuments you will see while visiting the stupa:
Patan, also known as "Lalitpur," is a city that lies 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Patan Durbar Square, which lies in the heart of this city, is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also considered the oldest city in Nepal. Krishna Temple, one of the temples in Durbar Square, is entirely made up of stones. The carvings and the architectural details of this temple are mesmerizing. Pagoda temples are the pinnacle of Nepali architecture. They envelop the entirety of Patan Durbar Square. The streets of Patan have an old charm with narrow paths and vibrant brick houses. A beautiful harmony of Hindu and Buddhist cultures envelops this city. The atmosphere here will take you back in time.
Major Places in Patan with Historical and Cultural Significance:
Boudhanath Stupa is an ancient Buddhist stupa on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley. It is one of the largest spherical stupas in the world. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site and a popular destination for tourists and Buddhist devotees. According to Tibetan texts, Boudhanath Stupa was built in the 5th century. However, the people of Kathmandu believe that the stupa was built during the period of the early Licchavi King. There are a lot of monasteries around the stupa. The most popular of them are Kopan and Fulhari. They are famous for learning Tibetan and meditation purposes. The area around the stupa is full of street vendors selling traditional Buddhist art and souvenirs. Also, the place is famous for rooftop restaurants, as you can enjoy the tranquil view of Boudhanath while indulging in various cuisines.
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the most important holy pilgrimage sites for Hindu devotees worldwide. It is among the largest and oldest Hindu temples in the world. Its existence is recorded as early as 400 CE. The temple is also one of Nepal's seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. It lies along the banks of the sacred Bagmati river. The temple is dedicated to Lord Pasupati - an incarnation of the Hindu God Shiva as "lord of the animals". According to a legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati once took the form of antelope in the forest near the Bagmati River. He broke a horn there, and now it is worshiped as a divine linga at Pashupatinath. The whole site includes 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house. Some sacred temples like Guhyeshwari Temple and Gorakhnath Temple lie near Pashupatinath. Every year millions of visitors arrive during Shiva-Ratri-considered the most important festival for Shiva devotees.
After having breakfast at your hotel, we will start the trip at 9 in the morning. We will pick you up at our hotel in our private vehicle with our trusted guide. First, we will head to Swayambhunath Temple, which will take us about 30 minutes from our hotel. You can take the steep stairs or the motor road that will take you almost up to the top. The stairs path is quite challenging but worthwhile. We will enjoy the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley from the viewpoint. The stupa is a sight to behold, and the surrounding prayer wheels have a vibrant tone. Our guide will provide you with the details of every monastery and shrine in that area. After clicking some pictures and exploring the stupa in and out, we will head for our second destination for the day - Patan.
It will take us about an hour to reach Patan, depending on the traffic. We will start exploring Patan Durbar Square and its many temples. The whole of durbar square is filled with pagoda-style temples and shikhara-style temples, two of Nepal's most prominent architectural styles. We will also visit the Patan Museum and explore the arts dating back to the thirteenth century. The museum was once a royal palace, and the building itself is a sight to behold. Afterward, we may indulge in some Newari cuisines along the streets of Patan and prepare for our next destination- Pashupatinath Temple.
The Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest and largest temples in the world. It is mandatory to take off your shoes before entering the holy temple. Our guide will happily inform you of the temples and their religious significance along the way. The temple is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture and inside is covered with silver sheets with four doors. Exploring the whole Pashupati area may take a while.
After that, we will head for Boudhanath Stupa. Depending on the traffic, it may take 15-20 mins or more to reach there. The streets of Bouddha are lively and bustling. Buddhist devotees can be seen praying and patrolling around the stupa. The stupa is very captivating to look at. The eyes, prayer flags, and serene atmosphere of Boudhanath at dawn are mesmerizing. You can have lunch at one of the rooftop restaurants and enjoy the view from the top. After enjoying the streets and famous monasteries, we will head back to our hotel in our vehicle, looking back at our adventure.
Want to make your own customized trip ? Click Here
No. of pax | Pricing (per person) |
Solo Traveler | USD 80 |
2-3 | USD 40 |
4-6 | USD35 |
7-11 | USD 30 |
12- 15 | USD 25 |
Destination | Permit Fee |
Pashupatinath | NPR 1000 |
Swoyambhunath (Monkey Temple) | NPR 200 |
Patan Durbar Square | NPR 1000 |
Boudhanath Stupa | NPR 400 |
The weather in Kathmandu is typically warm from April to October. During this time, the average temperature is 26 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). In Kathmandu, January is the coldest month while June is the warmest. The coldest months are October through February, when the average high temperature is 65 degrees Fahrenheit and the lowest temperature is 38 degrees. Traveling to Kathmandu is most enjoyable between September through November. This is a period of clear sky, dry weather, and a plethora of cultural activities. This is the busiest time of day in the temple city. Since the weather in Kathmandu is so pleasant compared to other parts of Nepal, it's a smart idea to visit the city at any time of year.
To enter Nepal, all foreign nationals—aside from citizens of India—must get a visa.When arriving at Tribhuvan International Airport, visitors can apply for a visa. At the Central Immigration Office, they can also extend their visa.Please visit www.immigration.gov.np for further details.At Tribhuvan International Airport, the current visa charge is USD 50 for a 30-day stay, and payment in cash is required. However, a free visa is available to nationals of China and the SAARC nations. You will need a passport-size photo and a passport that is valid for at least six months in order to apply for a visa.
Accessible Adventures has been a reputable tour operator providing treks and excursions throughout Nepal for over 10 years. We are dependable and will meet all of your requirements. In addition, Accessible Adventures has a hotel in Kathmandu where we can give you accommodations specifically catered to your needs. Our team of experienced tour guides has undergone rigorous training programs, honing their skills in navigation, local topography, and route planning. Their extensive preparation and practice ensure a seamless journey for you. Drawing from our experiences in various regions, we excel at customizing excursions, adding a warm and intimate touch to your trip. At Accessible Adventures, we treat each customer like a member of our own family, providing the utmost professional service. Our aim is to create unforgettable adventures while prioritizing your comfort and satisfaction.