Duration
1/2` Days
DIFFICULTY
Easy
GROUP SIZE
1 - 12
MAX. ALTITUDE
1350
Best Season
whole year
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch
Walking per day
2 hours
Overview
The half-day tour in Kathmandu offers a sightseeing experience in the Kathmandu valley for tourists with limited time to spend in Nepal. If travelers have leisure time before their departure to the airport, they can enjoy a three-hour sightseeing tour in Kathmandu or visit the world heritage sites located within the city. For those with a shorter timeframe, it is possible to explore one or two significant sightseeing locations in Kathmandu that are recognized as world heritage sites or other notable attractions. All sightseeing destinations in Kathmandu are valuable and beautiful, showcasing cultural, religious, architectural, and educational perspectives. Most of these attractions are conveniently located near the airport or along the route to the airport. If you need to head to the airport, you can simply place your backpack in your vehicle and proceed with your sightseeing. Your backpack will remain secure in your car. For this sightseeing tour, tourists can choose to visit one or two of the following locations:
1. Kathmandu Durbar Square: Kathmandu Durbar Square is the historic royal palace where the Nepali royal family resided during the monarchy in Nepal. The nine-storied royal palace is particularly famous and significant, along with the Jaggannath Temple, which is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is well-known for its erotic carvings. The Kumari, a living goddess in Nepal, serves as the protective deity for the royal family and the people of Kathmandu. She is chosen from a goldsmith family at the age of 3 to 6 years and begins her reign as a Kumari. Her tenure ends when she experiences her first menstruation or falls ill. After her retirement, she has the option to return to her family or remain in the Kumari house for the rest of her life. The choice is hers. Kathmandu Durbar Square is recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site.
2. Swyambhunath Stupa: The Swyambhunath Stupa is a significant Buddhist monument renowned for its beauty. It is located approximately a 30-minute walk from Thamel. Perched atop a hill, it offers stunning views of the sunrise and the surrounding mountains in the early morning. This stupa has existed for over 2500 years and has undergone renovations over time. It is constructed in honor of Buddhist deities and enlightened teachers.
3. Bouddhanath Stupa: The Bouddhanath Stupa is a prominent Buddhist monument that dates back to the 5th century. It is the largest stupa in the world in terms of height and size. This stupa attracts many Buddhists who aspire to visit it at least once in their lifetime. In the mornings and evenings, crowds of devotees circumambulate the stupa, expressing their devotion in hopes of achieving enlightenment and a better life in the next existence. Enjoying tea or coffee from a rooftop restaurant while viewing this stupa is truly a remarkable experience.
4. Pashupatinath Temple: The Pashupatinath Temple is a revered Hindu monument, highly regarded by Hindus worldwide who wish to visit it during their lifetime. This temple, constructed in the 4th century BC, has been renovated periodically and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on the banks of the Bagmati River, it is conveniently located near Nepal’s International Airport. The temple features a pagoda style of architecture and is dedicated to Lord Shiva, the supreme deity in Hinduism. Along the riverbank, there is a cremation ground where deceased individuals are cremated.
Patan City: Patan is a significant sightseeing destination in the Kathmandu Valley, particularly noted for its art and architecture. It is recognized as the city of fine arts. The population predominantly practices Buddhism, making it a Buddhist city as well. There are over thirteen hundred Buddhist monuments, along with numerous Bihars, which serve as places for prayer and the study of Buddhism. These Bihars are akin to Buddhist monasteries. Among the notable sites are the Krishna Temple and the Golden Temple, both esteemed for their architectural beauty. Additionally, Patan Durbar Square is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Bhaktapur City: Bhaktapur is one of the oldest cities in the Kathmandu Valley, located 14 kilometers from Kathmandu, and it takes approximately 30 minutes to drive from Thamel or your accommodation. Bhaktapur is also a traditional Newari city, renowned for the Nyatapola Temple, the Golden Temple, the 55-Window Palace, and its pottery. Bhaktapur is likewise recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Highlights of a half-day tour or sightseeing in the Kathmandu Valley
1.Discover the magnificent Kathmandu Durbar Square, which features a variety of temples where hippie tourists sunbathed in the 1970s, including the Living Goddess, Kumari.
2.Visit the Swayambhunath Stupa, which is linked to the origins of Kathmandu’s civilization.
3.Explore Bouddhanath Stupa, recognized as the largest stupa in the world.
4. Experience Patan City, a highly regarded and significant tourist destination known for its art and architecture.
5.Visit Pashupatinath Temple, the largest Hindu temple, renowned for its pagoda design, sadhus, and cremation grounds.
6.Discover Bhaktapur City, celebrated for its 55-Window Royal Palace and Golden Gate, as well as the architecture of the Nyatpole Temple.
From: $65
Cost Includes
- Pick up and drop transport as mentioned in the itinerary
- Tour guide
- Sightseeing in Kathmandu as mentioned in the itinerary
Cost Excludes
- International air ticket, airport tax and Nepal visa fees
- All kinds of drink during trekking and travel stay with us
- Travel insurance and cost of medical services of tourists
- All kinds of cloth and personal trekking equipment
- Other personal expenses and tips
- Charted helicopter, plane and other transports in case of emergency
What to Expect?
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