Kathmandu Tour in a day

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Visit 4 places in one day sightseeing Package.

‘Enjoy the exciting Kathmandu tour of the impressive country’s landmarks and heritage sites’

Kathmandu Tour of prominent landmarks from the ancient royal palaces, temples, and Buddhist Stupas in a single day with an expert guide and driver.

Highlights of the Kathmandu tour in Nepal, private guided one day sightseeing trip:

“Kathmandu city is the hub for impressive culture of Nepalese ancient heritages. The only place in the world with a blend of Hindu and Buddhist philosophies. Explore Kathmandu’s four beautiful world-heritage sites of the architectural wonders. Touring Kathmandu city is wandering around the glorious history in the age-old heritages. Kathmandu tour showcases famous and iconic landmarks from the old royal palace, temples, and Buddhist Stupas”.

What are included in this during Kathmandu Tour?

All major highlights in Kathmandu, world heritage sites belonging to the UNESCO are included.

Best licensed local guide from Kathmandu, fluent English, is showing you around.

Comfortable vehicles as per the group size.

Best time for Kathmandu Tour

Kathmandu tour is perfect for all seasons. Best of the best is October and November due to Festive mood of the locals.

Kathmandu Tour one day Package

Tour Grade: Leisure to Moderate with short walks.

Areas of Kathmandu tour: Old center of Kathmandu or Patan Durbar Square, Swyambhunath with
 Bouddhanath Stupa, and Pashupatinath Stupa.

Kathmandu Tour duration: A day, of 6-8 hours fully guided tour with short drives.

Age Limit: Minimum age of 3 years to the maximum age of 85 years.

Best Seasons: Spring from March to May and autumn from September to
 November. Also, Can enjoy it during winter times.

Overviews of the Kathmandu tour :

Kathmandu Tour is an exciting combination of the main major cities of Kathmandu and Patan / Lalitpur. A short drive in the comfort of a nice, spacious car, coach, or bus as per the group size.
The Kathmandu tour is guided by a veteran and professional English-speaking guide (for other languages on request). The tour covers all of the interesting, and impressive heritage sites, as well as the country’s landmarks.
Furthermore, Steeped with ancient glorious history, where all the ancient beautiful monuments stand till the present despite the modernization civilizations.
The Kathmandu Tour takes you to the heart of Kathmandu city, visiting places of great architectural wonders. From Kathmandu’s old Durbar Square, Swyambhunath with ancient religious Stupa to exciting Bouddhanath with the world’s largest Stupa. The tour continues to the nearby Patan or Lalitpur, a city renowned for masterpiece arts and crafts.
An interesting place to visit is the old Durbar Square, the ancient palace and royal courtyard of bygone days. After visiting the wonderful heritage sites of Kathmandu and Patan cities. Visitors will gain much knowledge and experience of Nepal’s historical past glory with its immense ancient treasures.

At last, an optional tour during your stay in Kathmandu is a flight to Everest by Helicopter. If you want to read the previous travelers’ experiences, please visit this link.

Detailed Itinerary of Kathmandu one Day Tour :

From 8:30 a.m. to  4 p.m. Includes lunch break. / Flexible time

Kathmandu Durbar Square


The morning after breakfast, by 8 a.m. our guide receives you for a short drive to the center of Kathmandu city. Walk through the exciting streets lined with shops and restaurants. To reach Kathmandu’s old Durbar Square, adorned with uncountable monuments. The traditional resident of the Living Goddess (Kumari Ghar), ferocious Kal Bhairav, are a few interesting sights at the Square. The ancient buildings are the greatest work of achievements of the Malla dynasty from the 7th to 16th Century. The Square teems with local activity around the Kasthamandap Temple, where the name of Kathmandu derived from.
The name Kasthamandap means a wooden pavilion.

The Kathmandu tour takes you to the famous old palace interior and its museum treasures artifacts with idols. From Malla till the late Shah Dynasty, the palace of old Nepali-style pagoda-roofed buildings. Includes buildings of the late Shah period with Victorian-style architecture. Where all past Kings’ coronations were held, painted in white overlooking the busy life and activities around the square.

Hanuman Dhoka (Durbar or Old Palace Square)

The large square is a historic seat of Malla and Shah royalties. The square, with old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Near the Hanuman Dhoka is a place with a figure of the Hindu Monkey God Hanuman. Regarded for his strength and power as a Superman, who guards the entrance of the palace interiors. Next to the palace stands the Taleju Temple, built by King Mahindra Malla in 1,549 A.D. The gigantic figure of Kal Bhairav, the God of Destruction. Basantapur Durbar, or Nautale Durbar (nine-storied), was built by King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Coronation Palace aka Gaddi Baithak has an open courtyard for the public audience. The Royal Throne, coronation platform, statue of King Pratap Malla, big bell, big drums, and Jagannath Temple are other highlights in the premises of the Durbar Square. Kathmandu tour focuses on all the major temples so take your time to explore a bunch of monuments.

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Swayambhunath Mahachaitya is one of the most interesting and ancient landmarks of Kathmandu Valley. It is popularly called the Monkey Temple, as it is a dwelling for hundreds of monkeys of the Rhesus species. The Buddhist temple and Stupa area surrounded by a green forest make the perfect habitat for the monkeys.

The Swyambhunath is considered one of the oldest monuments in Nepal, dating back to 2,500 years. Located west of Kathmandu city rims, it stands atop a hillock facing the panoramic views of Kathmandu city and the valley. On a clear day, one can enjoy views of the Himalayan ranges of peaks in north direction. The whole area around the Stupa is a mosaic of small Chaityas and pagoda temples possessing the great five Mahayana (Lamaism). Includes a Hinayana (Therabadist) sect of early Buddhist temples and shrines, and further, towards the hind hill.

Another important Buddhist shrine called Manjushree is considered as the Chinese Buddha. The holy saint of knowledge, Manjushree, created the Kathmandu valley by draining the lake as per the legend.

The monument’s name- Swyambhunath means a self-arisen, as derived from ancient tales of wisdom. But for the historian, the Stupa was built by King Manadeva in 460 AD. Nevertheless, the history of Swyambhunath is still a myth and legend.

It is also mentioned that this holy monument was raised out of a lotus flower. It bloomed in the middle of a lake that Kathmandu Valley once was a big lake. Swyambhunath was listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1979 as an important landmark of Nepal. It is a hub as a pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers and all religions alike, and it offers a unique harmony of blissfulness once you enter the premises of the holy Swyambhunath Stupa. Kathmandu tour offers the best day excursion to enjoy this place.

Boudhanath Stupa

The charms and attractions of Kathmandu city are the large dome-shaped Buddhist Stupa of Bouddhanath. This area is called Little Tibet due to the large number of Tibet-origin people who reside around Bouddhanath. Along with a similar culture to the Tibetan predecessors, with Tibetan-style roofed houses and the market encircling the Stupa, it is regarded as the largest Buddhist monument in the subcontinent and probably in the world. The ancient colossal dome-shaped, called Chorten in Tibetan Buddhism, was built in the 6th century A.D. by King Mandev.

Boudhanath stands on a series of three terraces relevant to the shapes of a lotus flower. The base of the Stupa is surrounded by a circular market, which forms part of mini Tibet. The Stupa, with the mystical seeing eyes of Lord Buddha, faces around four cardinal directions.

The Stupa embraces an authentic philosophy of the Mahayana faith of Buddhism, known as Lamaism. It is also called Tibetan Buddhism which largely spreads in the Himalayas of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, and regions of India like Sikkim, Darjeeling, Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh.

Bouddhanath Stupa, located northeast of Kathmandu city, with beautiful monasteries of each tribal group’s followers of Buddhism. It is revered as one of the most sacred sites, inspiring Buddhist belief for hundreds of years.

The huge dome of the Stupa towers over the surrounding town as a giant mandala of peace and beauty overlooking the mystical eyes of Lord Buddha, watching over the daily life of the Nepalese people from wrongdoing. Hundreds of pilgrims pay homage to prayers and worship nearly every day from all over Nepal as well as from the world who have faith in Buddhism. The Kathmandu tour is the best option to learn about this monument and monastic village.

Pashupatinath Temple

The holy Pashupatinath Temple is located in the eastern part of Kathmandu city, close to the International and domestic airports.

Pashupatinath Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, a temple of magnificent pagoda architecture. Adorned with a gold gilded roof and silver carved doors on four cardinal sides. This temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The holy site is situated on the bank of the Baghmati River. Revered as the most sacred temple for Hindus, it is the nerve center of pilgrimage on the day of the Shiva-Ratri festival, an auspicious day of Shiva’s birth anniversary in February following the Hindu Lunar calendar. The temple is believed to have existed since 400 AD according to an inscription discovered inside the premises.

Originally the temple was built of wood and then took the present shape since 800 AD. Then King Supusapa Deva built the five-storied structure over the temple out of wood.

The eastern part opposite of the Bagmati River is covered in a dense, serene forest. The extension of temples of reaches to Ghuheswori temple dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva. One of the major highlights of this heritage is the funeral ritual with cremation platforms. Here, Hindu dead bodies are cremated on the wooden pyres. The dead bodies are laid on top of the woods and logs, the Hindu priest chants prayers. The eldest member of the family or elder son does the justice of lighting the fire.

At the end, ashes go to the river, believing that finally meet the holy river Ganges, another sacred Hindu river. Kathmandu tour has included this unique cultural center to learn the Hindu culture of funeral, 13 days rituals and memory day rituals.

If you want an alternative to Kathmandu Durbar square we would suggest Patan Durbar Square.

Patan Durbar Square

Another lovely charm around Kathmandu Valley is the city of Patan, located in the district of Lalitpur. The name Lalitpur refers to its masterpiece work of arts and crafts on metal, wood, and stone works. Patan is a mere distance south of Kathmandu bounded by a bridge above Bagmati River.
Once you enter the Lalitpur city and the old Patan Durbar Square, it drags you to the medieval era. The Patan Durbar Square treasures ancient Newari architecture with three main courtyards in the palaces of interest.

The Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav Narayan Chowk.
Mul Chowk, the oldest one at the center of Patan Durbar Square, includes several multi-sized and ancient-styled temples situated on the western part of the complex of Durbar Square. Sundari Chowk presents the masterpiece of medieval excellence on wood and stone work. Keshav Narayan temple enshrines statue of Vishnu, the protector God in Hinduism.

Krishna Temple

Dedicated to Hindu God Krishna; it was built in the 17th century. Regarded as the first Shikhara architecture ever built in Nepal, the structure borrowed from Northern India. The other temples are the gems of Durbar Square; Krishna Temple is a masterpiece of stone works. From the bottom to the top of the temple is built of stone. In front of the temples stands a beautiful pillar of Garuda, the vehicle of Lord Vishnu in the form of Krishna.

Kumbheshwor

A little further at the western rim of Durbar Square stands the five-storied pagoda temple of Lord Shiva. Built by King Jayasthiti Malla, inside the temple premises, a natural spring is its source is believed from the holy glacial Gosainkunda pond around Langtang mountain in Rasuwa district. The golden structure on the temple was added in 1422 A.D. On the festival of Janai Purnima (month of August), ritual bathing and fairs take place here.

Jagat Narayan Temple:

Jagat Narayan temple, a tall Shikhara-style temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, red bricks are used for the construction. The temple holds a fine metal statue of Garuda, Ganesh, and Hanuman, all related to the Hindu religion and mythology.

Major FAQ for Kathmandu tour

When is the best time for Kathmandu tour?

Kathmandu is best for all time but still highly recommended October and November for Autumn season and then Spring March till May. Thee months have blue sky and nice temperatures.

Is Kathmandu tour safe for tourists ?

Kathmandu is a safe for tourists. But still be careful in crowed places.

what are the dress code for Kathmandu tour?

Wear long and Comfortable dress as per the season. Winter time need light jackets, and in summer regular t-shirts are good enough.

Do we need to book Kathmandu tour in advance?

Kathmandu tour is available even in last minute booking. Private tours are best to explore Kathmandu valley. Advance booking is best idea to have best guide and car.

One day tour activities from Kathmandu

Bhaktapur and Nagarkot Day Tour Form Kathmandu : Cost USD 190, Duration 8 hours

Bungee Jump Last Resort tour: cost USD 400, Duration 12 hours

Chandragiri Champadevi Hiking: Cost USD 300, Duration 12 hours

Chandragiri Sightseeing Tour: Cost USD 199 , Duration 8 hours

Chisa pani Hiking tour: cost USD 299, Duration 9 hours

Dhulikhel Namobuddha Day Tour: Cost USD 199, Duration 9 hours

Everest base camp Helicopter tour from Kathmandu : Cost USD 6000, Duration 5 hours

Everest mountain flight by plane from Kathmandu: Cost USD 300, Duration 1 hour

Kakani Day tour: Cost USD 199, Duration 9 hours

Nagarjun Hiking tour: Cost USD 120, Duration 7 Hours

Nagarkot Changunarayan day tour with hike: Cost USD 199, Duration 8 hours

Nagarkot Day tour: Cost USD 299, Duration 8 hours

Namobuddha Panauti day tour: Cost USD 299, Duration 9 hours

Philchoki day tour: Cost USD 200, Duration 9 hours

Rock Climbing tour in Hattiban: C0st USD 300 , Duration 9 hours

Sankhu Bajrayogini Hiking day tour: cost USD 300, Duration 8 hours

Wall Climbing in Thamel: Cost USD 100, Duration 5 hours

Best time to Visit for Kathmandu tour

Autumn, Winter and Spring time is best to do Kathmandu tour.

Passport and Visa : On arrival visa is available for 15 days and 30 Days, Make sure your passport expiry date is more than 6 months.

Getting around and Transportation : Easy with private car, ans also we have taxi service, online taxi called Pathao and Indrive.

The start time and end times are flexible for the Kathmandu tour.  You can start this tour anytime; in the morning or afternoon.

The starting point and ending point are also flexible. So choose any of your hotels or even the Kathmandu Airport for the tour.

List of places to visit during the Kathmandu tour.

Day one

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Swyambhunath Stupa

Bouddhanath Stupa

Pashupatinath Temple

Day two

Patan Durbar Square, Museum, Golden temple

Bhaktapur Durbar square, Nyatapola Temple, Pottery Square, Dattatraya square.

Optional tours –  Chandragiri cable car.

The Kathmandu tour takes 6-7 hours to complete so you can start at any time. Please feel free to ask any questions.

Q.1

Can you see Mt Everest from Kathmandu?

We need to take flight by Plane or Helicopter from Kathmandu to see Everest better. Everest is visible in the far distance on a clear day only from nearby hill stations.

Q.2

How far is it from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp?

It is a one-hour flight distance by plane or 5 hours trip by helicopter. Everest is 160 miles far from Kathmandu.

Q.3

How can I respect local customs and traditions?

Eat Local foods, and do as locals do during the Kathmandu tour.

Q.4

Can I get spanish speaking, French speaking, German speaking, russian speaking guide for kathamdnu tour ?

Yes, we provide a language-speaking tour guide during the Kathmandu tour. It costs some extra money for extra language-speaking.

Q.5

Where is Kathmandu?

Kathmandu, the capital city, is located in the central part of the Republic of Nepal. It’s at an altitude of 4500 feet above sea level, with the GPS coordinates of 27° 42′ 2.7684” N and 85° 18′ 0.5040” E.

Q.6

What is Kathmandu known for?

Being a melting pot of Hinduism and Buddhism, Kathmandu is a heritage valley. The rich ancient and medieval history, art, and distinctive architecture of this living cultural city enhance its heritage sites and surroundings. People, their spirituality, and delicacy add extra flavor to it from time immemorial. It’s the gateway to the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest and the sacred Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha.

Q.7

What’s the best time to visit Kathmandu?

Kathmandu can be visited throughout the year. Peak tourist seasons are autumn (September- November) and spring (March-May). However, the rest of the months are too wise to pick to get rid of the crowd of the busy seasons.

Q.8

What mode of transportation is offered during the Kathmandu tour?

We offer comfortable air-conditioned private vehicles with experienced drivers during the tour. The size of the vehicle varies as per the number of travelers in your group.

Q.9

Is Kathmandu safe to travel?

Nepal is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the world. Once you are on our trips, our team takes care of your well-being as you are our family member.

Q.10

Who will be guiding me on the Kathmandu tour?

One of the best tour guides in the town will be guiding you in Kathmandu. The guides are licensed and approved by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and they have been working in the industry at least for a decade. Our team is fluent in English and is an expert in the related field.

Q.11

Do I get a lunch/ coffee break during the tour?

Yes, you will have a lunch/ coffee break to fuel your Kathmandu experience. There are nice terrace restaurants at the heritage sites with hygienic and mouth-watering delicacies. The restaurants serve local, Indo- Tibetan as well as continental food varieties.

Q.12

What are the local foods to try in Kathmandu?

We recommend the traditional local delicacy- Nepali Thali. It includes Daal- Bhat, curries, pickles, and so on. Momo, the dumplings are very popular here which are filled with minced meat or veggies; and served with sauce or dipping soup. Lassi is a curd-based refreshing drink, Masala tea, organic local coffee, and Juju Dhau- the royal yogurt as dessert is the additional stuff to try. If you are an adventurous foodie, the Newari Khaja set is recommended as a tribal dish. Nepali craft beers and Raksi- a local spirit are the drinks to name some liquors.

Q.13

What time does my Kathmandu tour begin?

The ideal time to start the tour is after your breakfast. However, we are flexible to be compatible with your timing- starting the tour early morning to the afternoon.

Q.14

What are the best souvenirs to buy in Kathmandu?

Kathmandu offers a variety of souvenirs to take home. Traditional Thanka paintings and Pashmina shawls are very handy and lightweight souvenirs. Healing bowls, handmade jewelry, and wood carvings are widely recommended.

Q.15

Can I book other tours on the completion of the Kathmandu tour?

Of course, yes! Our team will recommend a bunch of other places as per your interest. You can continue to those places with our team.

Q.16

What is the other best experience I can have in a day from Kathmandu?

The best shortest experience in Nepal is the Mount Everest Base Camp Helicopter tour. It starts at your Kathmandu hotel in the morning and ends at the same in the afternoon. We have daily private and group-sharing flights.

Q.17

What are the other additional places to visit around Kathmandu?

We would recommend the following tours, in and around the valley

Day 2: Patan Durbar Square- the oldest town in the valley with the excellence of medieval craftsmanship, Bhaktapur- the city of devotees
Day 3: Chandragiri Cable Car, Kirtipur Newari Village
Day 4: Nagarkot to Changunarayan Hike
Day 5: Pharping, Bungmati and Khokana tour
Day 6: Namobuddha tour via Dhulikhel and Panauti
Day 7: Narayanhiti Palace Museum, The Garden of Dreams, National Museum

Q.18

Can I use foreign currency in Kathmandu?

Hotels, most of the shops, and eateries accept foreign currencies and credit cards. Yet, it is better to carry Nepalese Rupees for heritage monuments fees. Money exchange and ATM lounges are available in the town.

Q.19

How are the local people in Kathmandu?

The local people in Kathmandu are smiling, friendly, welcoming, helpful, and curious as well. They believe in ‘Atithi devo bhava’ which means- guests are our gods.

Q.20

How do I greet people in Kathmandu?

Nepalese people love to greet. Smile back to them and reply to their greetings saying Namaste.

Q.21

Does Kathmanduite speak English?

Nepal is a multilingual country; home to 131 spoken languages. Nepali is the official language here. English is spoken as a foreign or second language here. Urban dwellers, people working in the tourism industry and most of the younger generation speak English.

Q.22

Do I get airport shuttle service for Kathmandu tour?

The airport shuttle is extra and available on request. Please inform us of flight details while booking.

Q.23

How do I get entry permit at heritage sites?

Heritage site permits are available at the entrance of each site. Please carry local currency for it.

Q.24

Can I take pictures during the Kathmandu tour?

Feel free to take pictures of the monuments. There are certain ‘No Photo’ zones, your guide will inform you in advance. Holy men and senior citizens expect some small money for their photos. Your guides are more than happy to take your photos and facilitate whenever necessary.

Q.25

How can I get Nepal Visa?

Nepal Visa is easily available on arrival in Kathmandu airport. One can apply online 10 days before hte arrival date in this link.

Food tour in Kathmandu is about 3-4 hours, we can try local Nepali and Newari dishes. Local dishes are known as Dal bhat, Pani puri, Yomari, bara, chhoyala etc. We will do walking food tour in Kathmandu central areas.

1- Kathmandu Durbar square

2- Garden of dreams

3- Thamel

4- Asan local market

5- Indra Chowk

6- Swyambhuant stupa / the monkey temple

7- Bouddhanath stupa

8- Pashupatinath the open public cremation

1- Seven UNESCO world heritage sights in one day private tour

2- Four cultural sights in Kathmandu on a day trip

3- One day Rafting from Kathmandu

4- Mountain flight from Kathmandu in a day- Half day trip

5- Private sightseeing tours in Kathmandu valley

Kathmandu day tours packages varies by number of pax joining and places to visit. For the best cost please contact us now.