Kathmandu Heritage Tour - 1 day

Kathmandu Heritage Tour - 1 day


Kathmandu Heritage Tour takes you on a journey of discovery to some of the city’s iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Spend one day in Kathmandu, experiencing its rich cultural heritage. Visit a medieval palace square and ancient spiritual sites that are as old as the city itself. Explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, the royal seat of the Malla dynasty that once ruled over the medieval kingdom of Kathmandu. It is one of the most visited places in Kathmandu. Temples, royal quarters, courtyards, and the house of Kumari, the Living Goddess, dots the royal square. Intricately carved wooden struts, windows, and brass detailing decorate pagoda-roofed temples and royal buildings. These historical monuments showcase Kathmandu’s rich art and architecture. Moreover, the durbar square is an important socio-cultural site of the valley’s Newari community.

Swayambhunath Temple’s origin is closely linked to the creation of Kathmandu Valley. The compassionate eyes of the Buddha watch over the city from the top of the stupa. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, the hilltop temple offers panoramic views of the city. The ancient Hindu temple of Pashupatinath is one of the most important Hindu shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva. ‘Pashupatinath’, means ‘protector of all living beings. The Hindu cremation site of Arya Ghat lies nearby, on the banks of the holy river Bagmati. Hindus believe that the souls of those cremated here find their way straight to heaven. Additionally, during your Kathmandu Heritage Tour, you get to complete a kora (circumambulation) around Boudhanath Stupa, the biggest Buddhist stupa in Nepal. Apart from being an iconic landmark, Boudhanath is an important pilgrimage center for followers of Tibetan Buddhism. The large dome of the stupa sits atop a giant mandala. Discover the valley’s rich cultural treasures by joining this Kathmandu Heritage Tour. 

If you are looking for a longer tour and want to visit all the popular tourist destinations in the country, you can try our Kathmandu Pokhara Chitwan Tour. Some other Nepal adventures you may be interested in - Nepal Multi Adventure Holiday - 11 days, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek - 7 days, Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour - 1 day, and Everest Base Camp Trek - 14 days. For a complete Himalayan cultural tour, visit the cultural gems of both Nepal and Bhutan by booking our popular Nepal and Bhutan Tour - 9 days.

Departure Time

9 AM

Duration:

1 day (6 hours approx.)

Starting & Ending Point

Your hotel

Destination Covered

Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath

Activities

Historical, Cultural, and Religious tour

Trip Highlights

  • Visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites during your Kathmandu Heritage Tour.
  • Stroll around Kathmandu Durbar Square, a medieval palace square
  • Discover exquisite works of art and architecture at the old Kathmandu city
  • Walk to the hilltop shrine Swayambhunath, a temple sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus
  • Complete a loop (kora) around Boudhanath Stupa, one of the biggest Buddhist stupas in the world
  • Visit Pashupatinath Temple - the holiest of Hindu shrines in Nepal and get blessed by dreadlocked sadhus (Hindu ascetics)

 Is this trip suitable for you? 

  • Kathmandu Heritage Tour takes you to historical monuments and religious shrines. 
  • You will spend ample time with your guide exploring old palaces, Hindu temples, and Buddhist stupas.
  • Anybody can do this Kathmandu Heritage Tour. It involves easy walking on even paths. At Swayambhunath, you will have to ascend a flight of stairs to reach the main stupa.

Brief Itinerary

Day Highlights
Day 1 One Day Kathmandu City Tour Activities

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1
One Day Kathmandu City Tour Activities

Sightseeing in Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa and Swayambhunath

Basantapur/Kathmandu Durbar Square

Built by Malla kings during the 15th and 16th centuries, the gems of the palace square include  Kumari Bahal or the House of the Living Goddess, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Mul Chowk, Nasal Chowk, Nau Table Durbar, shrine of Kaal Bhairav, etc. The House of Kumari or the Living Goddess, built by King Jaya Prakash Malla in 1757 AD, lies in the southern part of the durbar square. Worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess Durga, the Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl from the Newari community. Nepalese seek her blessings, believing that the goddess resides in her body. Inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace are courtyards and living quarters of the Malla and Shah kings. One can view artifacts and photographs of the Shah royals and Rana aristocrats at the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum. The pagoda-roofed Taleju Temple, dedicated to Goddess Taleju (patron goddess of Nepalese royals), lies near the old palace.

Swayambhunath Temple

Drive to the base of a green hill and climb the steps to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). According to a popular legend, Kathmandu was once a huge lake. Boddhisattva Manjushri built Swayambhu after draining this lake. Several Buddhist and Hindu shrines surround the large white dome of the stupa. Dotting the temple complex are shrines of Harati Mai (the goddess of children and smallpox), Saraswati (the goddess of learning), and Shantipur (the resting place of a Tantric guru).  A Buddhist Monastery and a museum also lie in the temple precint.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath tour takes you to one of the holiest sites for devotees of Lord Shiva. Lying beside the sacred Bagmati River, the gilded pagoda-roofed temple dates back to 400AD. The Pashupatinath temple was renovated in the seventeenth century after termites destroyed the original structure. A large bronze statue of Nandi the ‘Bull,’ the sacred vahana(vehicle) of Lord Shiva, guards the entrance. According to legend, Lord Shiva is the protector of cattle, especially cows; his vehicle is ‘Nandi,’ the Bull. Nandi is also worshipped, and he grants boons and fulfills the wishes of his devotees.  Several smaller temples and ashrams surround the main temple. The Hindu cremation site of Arya Ghat lies below the temple. Hindus believe that cremating the dead at Arya Ghat helps the dead attain salvation. 

Offer prayers at the main shrine if you are a Hindu. Non-Hindus can view the pagoda-roofed temple and the cremation site of Arya Ghat from the eastern bank of the Bagmati River. Ponder about the impermanence of life while observing the cremation rites. The temple is also home to several ash-smeared sadhus in colorful garb. Seek their blessings and take pictures with them. During the devastating 2015 earthquake, Pashupatinath Temple was the only world heritage site in Kathmandu that did no damage. While many of the ancient heritage sites suffered significant damages, this Hindu temple stood firm and tall. Hindus believe it was because of divine intervention. The importance of this holy site has increased since then. 

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the sacred sites for Buddhists. According to local legend, the remains of Kasyapa Buddha, an incarnation of Lord Buddha, lie beneath the stupa. Walk around the white stupa in a clockwise direction spinning the prayer wheels (147 in total). Light a butter lamp and say a little prayer. Step on the giant mandala and take pictures beneath the fluttering prayer wheels. Here you will come across many Tibetan pilgrims as this is an important center of Tibetan Buddhism. Curio shops, restaurants, and a Buddhist monastery surround the stupa.



What's Included

  • All ground transportation by comfortable private vehicle as per the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing tour as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Professional English-speaking, government licensed local tour guide for sightseeing
  • All Local and Government taxes, administrative charges

What's not Included

  • Monument entry fees during Sightseeing tour

Detailed Itinerary

Basantapur/Kathmandu Durbar Square

Built by Malla kings during the 15th and 16th centuries, the gems of the palace square include  Kumari Bahal or the House of the Living Goddess, Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, Taleju Temple, Mul Chowk, Nasal Chowk, Nau Taale Durbar, shrine of Kaal Bhairav etc. The House of Kumari or the Living Goddess, built by King Jaya Prakash Malla in 1757 AD, lie in the southern part of the durbar square. Worshipped as the manifestation of Goddess Durga, the Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl from the Newari community. Nepalese seek her blessings believing that the goddess resides in her body. Inside the Hanuman Dhoka Palace are courtyards and living quarters of the Malla and Shah kings. One can view artifacts and photographs of the Shah royals and Rana aristocrats at the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum. The pogoda-roofed Taleju Temple, dedicated to Goddess Taleju (patron goddess of Nepalese royals) lies near the old palace.

Swayambhunath Temple

Drive to the base of a green hill and climb the steps to Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple). According to a popular legend Kathmandu was once a huge lake. Boddhisattva Manjushri built Swayambhu after draining this lake. Several Buddhist and Hindu shrines surround the large white dome of the stupa. Dotting the temple complex are shrines of Harati Mai (the goddess of children and smallpox), Saraswati (the goddess of learning) and Shantipur (the resting place of a Tantric guru).  A Buddhist Monastery and a museum also lie in the temple precint.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath tour takes you to one of the holiest sites for devotees of Lord Shiva. Lying beside the sacred Bagmati River, the gilded pagoda-roofed temple dates back to 400AD. The Pashupatinath temple was renovated in the seventeenth century after the original structure was destroyed by termites. A large bronze statue of Nandi the ‘Bull’, the sacred vahana(vehicle) of Lord Shiva guards the entrance. According to legend as Lord Shiva is the protector of cattle, especially cows, his vehicle is ‘Nandi’, the Bull. Nandi is also worshipped and he grants boons and fulfill wishes of his devotees.  Several smaller temples and ashrams surround the main temple. The Hindu cremation site of Arya Ghat lies below the temple. Hindus believe that cremating the dead at Arya Ghat helps the dead attain salvation. 

Offer prayers at the main shrine if you are a Hindu. Non-Hindus can view the pagoda-roofed temple and the cremation site of Arya Ghat from the eastern bank of Bagmati River. Ponder about the impermanence of life while observing the cremation rites. The temple is also home to several ash-smeared sadhus in colourful garb. Seek their blessings and take pictures with them. During the devastating 2015 earthquake, Pashupatinath Temple was the only world heritage site in Kathmandu which did not suffer any damage. While many of the ancient heritage sites suffered significant damages, this Hindu temple stood firm and tall. Hindus believe it was because of divine intervention. The importance of this holy site has increased since then. 

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the sacred sites for Buddhists. According to local legend the remains of Kasyapa Buddha; an incarnation of Lord Buddha; lie beneath the stupa. Walk around the white stupa in a clockwise direction spinning the prayer wheels (147 in total). Light a butter lamp and say a little prayer. Step on the giant mandala and take pictures beneath the fluttering prayer wheels. Here you will come across a lot of Tibetan pilgrims as this is an important centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Curio shops, restaurants and a Buddhist monastery surround the stupa.

Route Map

routemap

How will you be traveling?

solo
couple
family
group







100%
Based on 9 reviews
Price From
Instant Booking
USD23 per person

SAVE USD 1 IN YOUR NEXT BOOKING
No. of People Price per person
1 - 1   USD 100
2 - 5   USD 67
6 - 12   USD 34
13 +   USD 23
No of traveller
1
USD 100 x 1 pax
Total: USD 100


Latest Trip Reviews

Travel experiences of our clients who recently returned from their trips.

Sonal Jamalhadin
flagsIndia
Mar 06, 2020

Awesome cultural experience of Kathmandu Valley

I felt lucky to experience the vivid culture of Kathmandu in real. We toured these highlights of Nepal with Deapa. She was an excellent tour guide, very punctual, friendly, kind, informative, sociable and she took us to a lot of extra spots for shopping and for food that were all great experiences. We saw a live cremation ceremony, got to see the living goddess Kumari and even decided to add a second tour the next day because we really enjoyed her company and how accommodating and patient she was with us even though we took extra time shopping and doing other things not scheduled. She definitely went with the flow and catered to our needs!
Armo Kujala
flagsFinland
Jan 10, 2020

Amazing cultural experience in Kathmandu

It was very well spent day in Kathmandu valley touring around the historical and cultural monuments. We visited Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Monkey temple, Bouddhanath and Pashupatinath. Our guide Dipesh was highly experienced and friendly, I enjoyed his company throughout the day. As a solo traveller it is very important for me to feel safe. In this tour I definitely did. Thank you Third Rock Adventures for organizing such a wonderful tour in Kathmandu. Namaste.
Joe Day
flagsUnited States of America
Dec 21, 2019

A well spent day in Kathmandu

A well well spent day in Kathmandu. I had to take a break from my monotonous life and wanted to visit Nepal since long back. And this year I finally did it, bought a camera, two lenses and a go-pro for capturing awesome shots! I inquired to a few travel agencies in Nepal, and Third Rock got my vote! They called me, asked me what I wanted to ask and got my answers. Kathmandu is literally insane, with choas and corners brimming with temples and stupa. Got chance to stroll around famous UNESCO World Heritage sites, a lifetime opportunity-at least for me! I am back to my country with images and videos my friend cannot afford to have :D Thanks TRA for your awesome service
I had a day for my long-waited break.
The temples and stupas.
if you ever wished to take a break, a short break, choose Kathmandu and Nepal for your destination
Mehar Anand
flagsIndia
Dec 06, 2019

Wonderful heritage tour of Kathmandu

I am a frequent traveler but these days it is hard to find such helpful..nicely behaved and extremely professional tour operators like Third Rock Adventures. It was beyond my expectations that too in Nepal. They take care of every travel need of yours even if it's trivial with a smiling face. My guide was very much experienced, professional and easy-going. I have already planned to get back to Nepal for other trips and use the same company for my future trips. Thank you everyone involved in my tour.
Samuel Martin
flagsCanada
Nov 06, 2019

An experience of different culture in Kathmandu

One of the best experience in Nepal is to to understand its culture. We had an absolutely amazing time with our guide Deepa! She was so welcoming and kind and showed us everything we wanted to see and great explanations. Deepa also joined us to the Holi festival of colors and guided us through the crowds. It was an absolutely unforgettable experience. We enjoyed it so much we asked for another tour the next day to Nagarkot! Highly highly recommend the tour organized byThird Rock Adventures.
Finn Weber
flagsGermany
Sep 08, 2019

Beautiful day in Kathmandu with vibrant culture

We had a great tour with Deepa, a very friendly and well informed female tour guide. She has a good knowledge and answered all our questions. After all there’s so much to see and she taught us also a lot about culture and the life in Kathmandu and Nepal. When we got tired she changed the tour a little so we were able to see everything, she’s very caring. We enjoyed our day very much and would definitely recommend this tour.
Wong Leung
flagsHong Kong, China
May 08, 2019

Kathmandu Walking Tour

I joined a one-day city tour, and Dipesh was my guide. He proved himself to be very knowledgeable and professional. He guided us to walk from a local market in Thamel (I highly recommend this morning walk in the winter) to the Monkey Temple with enormous patience. My father is 81 years old, and he cannot walk fast. The tour was supposed to be ended at 1 p.m. but at last we finished at around 4-ish. Dipesh kept reminding us not to rush. After the tour, Dipesh even offered us lots of follow-up services, such as helping me to get the packaging materials. Dipesh is one of the best guides during my stay in Kathmandu. I enjoyed the trip, and Dipesh's guidance and helpfulness, for sure, made it even more wonderful.
Raven Johnson
flagsUnited States of America
Apr 30, 2019

Kathmandu City Tour

Since I had a few days extra, I decided to go on a day tour of heritage sites of Kathmandu. After a bit of research, I decided upon Kathmandu heritage site tour by Third Rock Adventures. My emails were responded quickly and they answered my queries with care. My guide Ishwor was pleasant, informative and intelligent. Not to forget the driver was very skilled and drove us through the chaotic city. We explored UNESCO World Heritage sites of Kathmandu; visited Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath and Pashupati temple. I am really happy with their service and I will be planning trips with them on my next visit!!!
Yes
I enjoyed the mystical aura of these heritage sites have and you need to visit to understand what I mean!
Don’t miss out on these wonderful sites of Kathmandu; it’s worth a visit!
Seema G
flagsUnited States of America
Jul 01, 2018

Five Star service end-to-end

We got introduced to Third Rock Adventures through my best friend and I can't recommend them high enough! We were two ladies travelling alone and one of us was elderly. TRA came up with the perfect itinerary for us for sightseeing in Kathmandu. They were very responsive to emails and planning the trip was a breeze. Everything was stress free and we were well taken care of and felt totally safe. Our guide Mr Mukesh was well knowledgeable about the area and was ever so pleasing and helpful. We met Mr Pranaya on our last day who provided some delightful insights into Buddhism and local traditions. Overall it was a lovely experience and we wholeheartedly thank the entire TRA team for making it so. TRA would be my first choice for tours if at all I am in that part of the world again...
Best Destination,Good Value,I like itinerary,Recommended by Friend,Best and Selected Tours,
Recommended this trip
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