The Kathmandu valley day tour is a full day sightseeing tour of different cultural heritages site, ancient monuments and relics of Nepal. The day tour is suitable for all age group and includes sightseeing of the awe inspiring ancient architectural marvel. Drive around the city in a private vehicle and visit the important UNESCO world heritage site including Boudhanath, Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath and Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Kathmandu the city of temples, a cultural hub with diverse ethnic, cultural and religious background from all over Nepal living in peace and harmony. Kathmandu being the capital city with a population of 3 million seems overcrowded however you can find tranquillity within the valle while exploring the city and it labrinth of alley ways. Travelling across the city you can find various temples, stupas and deity of Hindu and Buddhist religion. In this 1-day tour we visit 5 of the most culturally renowned sites within the city.
The city of Kathmandu, Lalitpur and Bhaktapur make up the Kathmandu valley known as “Nepa Valley” by the locals. The Newari people are the native inhabitants of the Nepa valley. Practising their ancient custom and traditions you will get to see the lively culture, food, artistic display and festivals celebrated various time in a year.
The best time of the year is Spring and Monsoon as the weather is not too hot nor cold. During these seasons it is favourable to stroll around the valley. Keep in mind that during monsoon the heavy rainfall can cause slippery road which needs caution while travelling.
As you walk down the entrance of the Square you can see the Basantapur Dabali a historic square primally used during festivals, the local have also used this square to set up shop displaying the exquisite handmade products. You can shop for souvenirs here.
Just a few steps from the square right across the historical Gaddi Baithak Hall visit the famous Kumari Temple. Built in 1757 by the King Jaya Prakash Malla. The Kumari ghar is a great example of Nepal’s magnificent architecture with its intricate wood carvings of gods and various symbols. This is the place where the living Goddess resides if you are lucky, you may get a glimpse of Kumari. However, clicking picture of the Kumari is forbidden. If you are visiting around late August or early September, then be sure to be a part of the biggest and most vibrant festival in Kathmandu called Indra Jatra, where the Kumari, is paraded across the city, in her golden palanquin. Besides the Temple is huge gate where the festive chariot is parked. You may get to see the glimpse of the chariot from the gate.
Our next destination is “Kasthamandap” meaning “Wooden Pavilion”. Legends has it that the entire structure was built from a single tree during the 12th century. Though, after the 2015 earthquake the archaeological finding have dated the structure much older i.e. 7th century. Here you can find the statue of Guru Goraknath a revered Hindu saint. Nowadays you can see the structure used for public gathering and festive occasion. You can find the idol of Indra tied during “Indra Jatra”, this festival is celebrated during late August and early September every year.
A few steps from Kastamandap you can see “Ashok Vinayak Mandir” a shrine dedicated to God Ganesh. Throughout the day you can see worshippers in the temple praying for luck and prosperity. Next, we head towards “Maju Dega: Temple” dedicated to the Lord Shiva. Built by the temple was built by Riddhi Lakshmi, the Queen mother of Bhupendra Malla in 1692.
Our next stop is the statue of Kal Bhairav, the lord of destruction. This fearsome 10 foot tall high- relief image is said to have been sculptured from a single stone. Atop his wide- eyed face is a crown decorated with human skulls and on his back is a human skin. The structure was erected somewhere in 17th-18th century. The statue was used as a lie detector for someone suspected of a crime. The mere threat of being brought before Kal Bhairav was terrifying enough to get a confession. Nowadays you can see devotees lining up for worshipping and putting up offering.
Walking further you can see the huge elaborate temple of Taleju located behind the wall of Human Dhoka, this massive temple is only open to Hindu once a year during Dashain. It is by far the largest temple in the Durbar Square area. Its three glided roof and ornate spire glimmer in the sun and bell that hang from each of the three roofs can be heard when the wind blows.
You can see the inner structure of the temple from the nearby roof top restaurants.
After resting in the rooftops, you head straight towards the main road of Indrachowk you can see small shrines and old design houses. Upon reaching the main road on the left side you can see a huge masked figure of Akash Bhairav. The temple of Akash Bhairav is said to have placed by the first Kirati King, Yalambar around 3100-3500 years ago. The head of Aakash Bhairav was discovered several hundred years ago in Kathmandu. The masked figurine is shown to the public once every year during “Yenya festival” (Indra Jatra) and is blessed by the living Goddess, Kumari.
After your historic insightful tour of Kathmandu Durbar square you heard towards the ancient temple of Swyambhunath also known as ‘Monkey Temple’. A religious temple situated atop a hill west of Kathmandu city.
According to the ancient Buddhist Scripture, Kathmandu valley was a vast lake. Manjushri had a vision of a lotus blooming at Swayambhu and travelled there to worship it. Recognizing the valley’s potential as a favourable settlement and aiming to make it more accessible for pilgrims, he cut a gorge at Chovar. This caused the lake to drain, resulting in the formation of the valley where Kathmandu now stands. The Lotus then turned into a hill and the flower was transformed into a stupa. This ancient structure consists of the main Stupa a big Vajra and various shrines and temples. There are also local shop and restaurants nearby, where you can shop for souvenirs and eat with a 360 view of Kathmandu valley. Head down the thousand step staircase and drive to your next destination.
Now you take a drive to Boudhanath Stupa another Buddhist temple located northeastern outskirts of Kathmandu, its massive mandala makes it one of the largest spherical stupas in Nepal and Asia. The third eye which looks like a shape of a question mark, symbolizes the third eye, unity of all things as well as the one way to reach enlightenment—through the Buddha’s teachings. It is also said to represent, number ‘One’ in Nepali (Devanagari) scripture. Around the Stupa you can see the colourful Buddhist prayer flag fluttering along the wind said to have carried prayers and mantras towards the heaven. The Blue color represents the spirit of universal compassion. Yellow symbolizes beauty and wealth. Red symbolizes love and compassion. White symbolizes purity and liberation. Orange symbolizes Wisdom. The Stupa is said to have remained of Kassapa Buddha. The last Buddha before the historical Gautam Buddha. After the 1959 Tibetan uprising a large number of Tibetan refugees migrated to Nepal and settled around the area. While participating circumambulation around the Stupa you can see the many Gumbas, shrines and shops. Experience the ancient ritual and the rich culture of the people. Alongside Swayambhunath, it is the most popular tourist side in Kathmandu.
Take an optional trip to Kapan Gumba which about 10-15 minutes’ drive from Boudhanath. The name was derived from the hill where it was built. The monastery is famous for the teaching of Buddhism to Westerners. Kopan Monastery has increasingly become a favoured spot for both locals and tourists in Kathmandu. It typically welcomes hundreds of visitors every Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, but remains closed to the public on other days of the week. From atop this hill you can see the panoramic view of the valley.
Descend downhill and head over to our next destination which is the historic Hindu Temple of Pashupatinath. Located along the sacred banks of Bagmati. The temple is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites for Hindus. The temples existence dates as early as 400 CE. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva which houses the lingam of Shiva. Every day you can see thousands of devotees in the premises to worship Lord Shiva. Besides the temple along the banks, you can see the open cremations of people. Here you can learn the experiences of the people which teaches of the life and death. If you stay till evening, you can see the “Arati” which is a ritual performed by the temple priest every day. You can see the magical display of performance and feel the positive energy radiating along with hundreds of devotees.
