Kathmandu Day Tour

The Kathmandu Day Trip is a perfect way of enjoying the traditional heritage of the city, historical places, and sacred places of such a lively country as Nepal. Kathmandu is a city where there are not only a lot of ancient temples, stupas, and palaces, but also vigorous local markets and streets which tell us thousands of stories and cultures of the country. Whether you are the history freak, the spiritual person, or even someone who simply wants to immerse in the local culture, you will get your own share of the experience during this one-day tour.

Proposed Kathmandu Day Tour Itinerary: 1. Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
Time: 1 hour
Highlights:
At first light, make your way to Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple of Kathmandu. This ancient stupa is situated on a hill and provides an aerial view of the Kathmandu Valley. The stupa is the hallmark of a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as an important site of pilgrimage for both Buddhists and Hindus. While the monkeys surrounding the site are causing trouble, you may stroll around the area where you can observe the colorfully decorated rocks; you can also find the monastic residents and the Buddhists' abode. On a clear day, the viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the Himalayas.
The stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most revered pilgrimage sites for both Buddhists and Hindus. Explore the colorful prayer flags, monastic shrines, and Buddhist carvings while observing the mischievous monkeys that roam the site.On a bright day, this observation deck presents amazing panoramas of the Himalayas.

2. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Time: 1.5-2 hours
Highlights:
Stroll over to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a place with so much history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square accommodates the royal palaces, temples, and museums as the abundance of the ancient architecture is brought back to mind. Take a walk through Kasthamandap, the wooden pavilion, and check out the detailed carvings that decorate the Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Come and see the goddess who is alive. You may be one of those lucky persons to see her when she comes. to the balcony. The square is also a place with a lot of shops, cafes, and street vendors working, thus allowing you to have a rest and enjoy the scene of people passing by.
Head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a historical hub and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The square is home to royal palaces, temples, and museums that reflect the grandeur of ancient Nepalese architecture.Explore Kasthamandap, the ancient wooden pavilion, and admire the intricate carvings of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace.
Visit the Kumari Ghar, the residence of the living goddess Kumari. You might get a chance to see her appear on the balcony during certain times.The square is surrounded by shops, cafes, and street vendors, making it a great spot to relax and people-watch.

3. Pashupatinath Temple
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Highlights:
To begin with, Pashupatinath is yet another predominant point of interest. The temple is one of the most sacred Hindu places in Nepal and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built for Lord Shiva, the temple is located on the Bagmati River's riverside. The Pashupatinath Ghats, which also is the place where the Hindus do their cremations in the traditional method, are where one can visualize these cremation rituals. The precincts of the temple are filled with an ample amount of shrines, statues, and monasteries where one could study Hindu spirituality. The place receives lots of sadhus (holy men) and pilgrims. Foreigners can only look at the temple from the other side of the river, which is also an excellent location for shooting photos.

4. Boudhanath Stupa
Time: 1 hour
Highlights:
After Pashupatinath, walk to the Boudhanath Stupa, which is one of the most massive Buddhist stupas in Nepal and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stupa is a principal place of pilgrimage for Buddhists and is enclosed by monasteries, Tibetan shops, and prayer wheels. Take a walk circling the stupa on the kora path (a circular pilgrimage route), and spin the prayer wheels as you walk. The quiet environment and the presence of Buddha's eyes watching over the stupa are what
After Pashupatinath, go to the Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist stupas in Nepal and the other UNESCO World Heritage Site. This stupa is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and is surrounded by monasteries, Tibetan shops, and prayer wheels.
Walk around the stupa on the kora path (a circular pilgrimage route), spinning the prayer wheels as you go. The serene atmosphere and the eyes of Buddha looking over the stupa make this an incredibly peaceful experience.

5. Patan Durbar Square (Optional)
Time: 1-1.5 hours (if time allows)
Highlights:
Suppose you have a little time, go to Patan Durbar Square, just a few kilometers from Kathmandu. The square not only has stunning Newar architecture but it also has a few temples, palaces, and museums. The Mahaboudha Temple is a striking sight with its shape identical to that of a mini Boudhanath Stupa. The square is a good place to buy souvenirs such as locally crafted items and craftsmen's work. Apart from that, the Patan Museum, with its assorted Nepali art, primarily Buddhist and Hindu, is also a good place to explore.
Suppose you have a little time, go to Patan Durbar Square, just a few kilometers from Kathmandu. The square not only has stunning Newar architecture but it also has a few temples, palaces, and museums.
The Mahaboudha Temple is a striking sight with its shape identical to that of a mini Boudhanath Stupa. The square is a good place to buy souvenirs such as locally crafted items and craftsmen's work.
From here, you can also have the opportunity to visit the Patan Museum which is the home of various Nepali arts, especially those within the context of Buddhism and Hinduism.

Tours and Activities: Thamel Area: Conclude your trip by paying a visit to Thamel, the bustling tourist center of Kathmandu, where not only there are lots of shops and restaurants but also the streets are vibrant. You can collect these souvenirs from here. Plus it’s also the best place to taste the local food in Nepal.
Local Markets: At that time, if you can, go to the local markets for shopping where you can get such items as handmade crafts, jewelry, and religious items.

The Trip Consists Of The Following: Private transportation (car, van, or similar) is provided and is set for the entire day.Well-mannered and experienced tour guide (English speaking is available, and many other languages on offer).There is going to be a car arriving at your hotel to pick you up and another car to drop you off after the tour.Admission charges for every main attraction are already included. Guests are given a choice of a bottle of water and a can of soda to be served during the tour.

Ideal Time to Take a Day Tour in Kathmandu: Good weather and fewer tourists make the choice clear. Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) are the best times to tour Kathmandu as it is sunny, not particularly hot, and the probability of rainfall is low.The other favorable season is the Winter (December-February) if you prefer to have some cold weather and few crowds in the city. Besides average temperatures, Monsoon (June-August) also brings heavy rains causing the ground to be slippery and the streets to be uninhabitable. However, there are many indoor places still accessible for visits.

Things to Know About a Day Tour in Kathmandu: While you are exploring temples and other religious sites, make sure that you are dressed modestly. It is highly recommended that you have your body properly covered and that you remain barefoot when entering the temples. A camera is a wonderful choice to capture the architectural beauty and the hustle and bustle of the streets that are so full of life. As you will be spending considerable time outdoors, remember to drink water and apply sunblock. Due to the traffic in Kathmandu, it is recommended that you prepare for congestion, especially during peak hours. Use Nepali rupees to pay the entrance fees or for tips and local purchases.

A Kathmandu Day Tour is an excellent way to get the feeling of the historical, cultural, and spiritual core of Nepal. If you are visiting age-old temples, participating in local customs, or clicking lovely pictures of the Kathmandu Valley, it is quite an exciting trip indeed.