To come to Nepal and not visit Kathmandu's many historical charms and UNESCO-listed sites is to leave without doing justice to all that the country has to offer. Kathmandu city tour is very important to know the history and presents of the entire city. A mid-morning departure by car or van, depending on group size, will take you on a full tour of the four major points of interest in the city, with a professional tour guide at your disposal throughout.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu’s Durbar Square is located at the center of the valley and is also known as Hanuman Dhoka, so-called in honor of the monkey god Hanuman, long held to be the powerful protector of the region. Though the unique Malla dynasty architecture was damaged by the 2015 earthquake that devastated so much of the country, the square still retains its mystique and sense of history and remains a popular destination for visitors.
Swayambhunath Temple (Monkey Temple)
The famed Monkey Temple lies four kilometers to the west of Kathmandu, with a couple of options to explore the site. A long series of steps lead to the temple for the intrepid or the curious, while a road makes for an easier passage to the top. Sacred to both Hindus and Buddhists, Swayambhunath and its magnificent and ancient stupa, reputed to be 2,500 years old, represents the perfect example of harmony between faiths.
Pashupatinath Temple
Situated five kilometers to the east of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath serves as a temple to the Hindu god Shiva, and while entrance to the inner sanctum is forbidden to non-Hindus, the temple’s beautiful surrounds are well worth a visit, not least the riverside ghats where worshippers can be seen daily bathing in the holy waters of the Bagmati River. With appropriate deference and respect to the occasion, a visitor may also witness a pyre at the cremation ghat.
Boudhanath
The extraordinary stupa at Boudhanath, to the east of Kathmandu, is one of the largest in Asia. Built in the 5th century, it has long been a major pilgrimage for the devout, many of whom flock to the area each year during the Losar festival when the area is bedecked with new prayer flags and blessings given with fresh juniper incense. Boudhanath is home to a large Tibetan community that fled to Nepal after the Chinese annexation of their homeland and, as such, has a very strong and unique cultural flavor that seems more Tibetan than modern Tibet itself.
You can also go on a Nagarkot Day Hike, a Chandragiri Day Hike, a 3-Day Chisapani Nagarkot Trek, a Nagarjun Day Tour, and many other exciting excursions.
Note: The above outline is just a guideline and can be customized to suit your requirements upon request.
