Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Kathmandu on this comprehensive 1-Day Group/Private Tour. Witness the spiritual resonance of Buddhist Stupas, observe the profound Hindu rituals of live cremation, admire the ancient artistry of traditional temples, and behold the regal splendour of the Durbar Squares, the former royal palaces – all enriched by a lavish traditional Nepali lunch served during your enriching afternoon.
Itinerary:
08:00 AM: Tour begins, drive (15-minutes) to Kathmandu Durbar Square
The tour commences at 08:00 AM with hotel pickup. Our first destination is Kathmandu Durbar Square, a significant former royal palace complex. Within its courtyards resides the Kumari, the living goddess.
09:00 AM: Drive (15-minutes) to the Monkey Temple
The journey continues uphill to Swayambhunath, the ancient Monkey Temple. This deeply spiritual complex, believed to date back to the 4th century AD, gains a unique charm from the playful monkeys that inhabit its grounds.
10:00 AM: Drive (20-minutes) to Patan Durbar Square
We now arrive at Patan Durbar Square, the former royal seat of the Malla Kings of Lalitpur. This remarkable square is a treasure trove of temples, courtyards, and statues, each echoing Patan's significant past as a flourishing centre for trade, art, and faith.
11:20 AM: Drive (45-minutes) to Bhaktapur Durbar Square
This remarkably preserved former royal palace complex of the Malla kingdom offers a captivating immersion into Nepal's rich artistic, architectural, and cultural heritage, showcased through prominent highlights such as the iconic 55-Window Palace, the exquisite Golden Gate, the towering Nyatapola Temple, and the regal Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla.
01:30 PM: Lunch Break
At approximately 12:30 PM, a delightful midday break will feature a lavish and traditional Nepali meal at a renowned local restaurant.
02:30 PM: Drive (15-minutes) to Changu Narayan Temple
The journey continues to the revered Changu Narayan Temple. Perched atop a scenic high hilltop, this sacred heritage site is an ancient Hindu temple, with origins tracing back to the 5th century AD.
03:15 PM: Drive (30-minutes) to Boudhanth Stupa
The journey then proceeds to Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal's largest spherical stupas and a vital centre of Tibetan Buddhism in Kathmandu. The area surrounding this magnificent stupa is often called Little Tibet.
04:45 PM: Drive (15-minutes) to Pashupatinath Temple
Your tour culminates at Pashupatinath Temple, a sacred Hindu pilgrimage site for Lord Shiva dating back to at least the 5th century CE. Here, you can witness Hindu cremation ceremonies on the holy Bagmati River and optionally observe the evening arati.
06:00 PM: Drive (20-30 minutes) back to your hotel
Following your tour, you will be comfortably transferred back to your Kathmandu hotel. Please note that the return time is flexible, allowing you to tailor the duration of your visit at each heritage site according to your preferences.
