1-Day Kathmandu City Sightseeing Tour

Kathmandu Valley and its history

Kathmandu is the capital and largest city of Nepal, located in the northwest part of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of about 1,400 meters above sea level. As of 2021, it has a population of approximately 845,767 people living in over 105,000 households within an area of 50.7 km². The city is bordered by municipalities such as Lalitpur to the south across the Bagmati River. Kathmandu is dissected by several rivers, including the Bagmati River, Bishnumati, and Dhobi Khola. 

There is an interesting mythological story of the origin of Kathmandu Valley. The Swayambhu Purana states that the valley was once a big lake named Nagdaha, full of serpents. It is believed that Bodhisatwa Manjushree drained the lake by cutting a gorge at Chobhar with his sword. Later, a demon called Banasur closed the outlet and again turned the valley into a lake. Lord Krishna arrived in Nepal and then killed the demon and drained the water from the valley by cutting the edge of Chobhar Hill with his Sudarshan Chakra. 

Kathmandu grew over the years into a culturally diverse city with a blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and other cultures. The city has been ruled by different dynasties, such as the Kirata, Licchavi, Malla, Rana and Shah dynasties, who left their mark on the history, architecture, art, and cultural heritage that characterize the city today. 

Attractions of the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is considered to be one of the most important heritage sites in Kathmandu and was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1979. It is located near Thamel and was the home of the royal Nepalese families until the 19th century. It is now commonly known as a living museum of art, culture, and architecture where one can find centuries-old temples, courtyards, and wood carvings dated between the 15th and 18th centuries.

Key attractions of the square are Hanuman Dhoka, the entrance of a historic palace that has the statue of Hanuman and Kumari Ghar, which is the house of the living goddess Kumari. The other significant landmarks are Kastamandap, Taleju Temple, Kaal Bhairav, Shiva Parbati Temple, Mahadev Temple, the big bell, the museum, and many others, most of which were destroyed during the 2015 earthquake but are now being restored or have been restored already.

Kathmandu Durbar Square is a bustling cultural hub hosting major festival celebrations such as Indra Jatra, Gaijatra, and Dashain, which attracts residents and tourists all year round.

Pashupatinath Temple

Lying in the eastern part of Kathmandu, the holy Pashupatinath Temple is the greatest Hindu temple of Nepal, where the Hindu god Lord Shiva is the main deity. The temple is constructed in a traditional pagoda style with a golden roof, silver doors, and wood carvings.

The holy place is rich in heritage, with around 15 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva (known as Shivalayas), 12 jyotirlinga shrines, and even some Buddhist deities within the area. Nearby, we can also find the Guhyeshwari Temple, which is regarded as an important Shakti Peeth, though entry is restricted for non-Hindus.

The temple area is located near the sacred Bagmati River, where cremation ceremonies are carried out on designated ghats. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, it is particularly crowded during festivals such as Maha Shivaratri and the sacred month of Shrawan, when thousands of pilgrims gather to worship, including Hindus from India. Hindu devotees are the only ones who are permitted to enter the main temple premises, whereas others can observe it through specified locations.

Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, is one of the oldest and most important religious sites in Kathmandu. It is located on top of a hillock in the northwestern area of the Kathmandu Valley and is estimated to be more than 2,000 years old and one of the most important sites to Buddhist pilgrims. Hindu visitors are also drawn to the area because of the presence of the Haratimata temple, where many parents, alongside their children, visit every Saturday to pray for the protection of their children.

The stupa has a massive central dome, with prayer wheels, shrines, statues, chaityas, and Buddhist and Hindu deities scattered throughout the hillside. A prominent statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is placed on the western side. Visitors can reach the site either by road, which curves around the hill or by climbing 365 stone steps through a forested path.

From the top, Swayambhunath offers panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and is considered a place of peace and harmony. According to legend, a lotus flower once bloomed in an ancient lake and spread across the Kathmandu Valley, which later got its name, Swayambhu. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple is also famous for its monkey population, which has led to its popular nickname, the Monkey Temple.

Boudhanath Stupa

Boudhanath Stupa is one of the best places to visit in Kathmandu. The ancient Bouddhanath Stupa was devastated by the earthquake of April 2015. The renovation is completed now and this new structure is taken as one of the largest Tibetan stupas in Nepal. It is enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site too.

The great Bouddhanath Stupa is located in the northeastern outskirts of the Kathmandu Valley. It is surrounded by Tibetan settlements. The site is popular for the Thanka production as well.

Bouddhanath Stupa looks very beautiful in its spherical structure. The site is also taken as the center point of Tibetan culture in Nepal. Most Buddhist visitors especially from Tibet and China, are used to staying at the hotel nearby this stupa and engaging in meditation activities.

Bouddhanath Stupa is rich in Buddhist symbolism. They are following in chronological order from bottom to top:

• Three Steps
• Mandala
• Two Plinths
• Dome
• Harmika
• Symbol of Nose
• Eight Eyes on the four sides of the Stupa
• Thirteen Steps
• Lotus
• Five different colors of prayer flags cover the stupa from top to bottom
• Umbrella
• Pinnacle

Each of the very symbols represents different meanings relating to the Buddhist religion.

Cuisine

The Kathmandu food scene is varied, with availability of both international and local cuisines. The culinary experience of Kathmandu is diverse, with a variety of cuisines inspired by nearby areas (such as India, Tibet, and China). The city is very diverse in terms of food with popular dishes like dal bhat, momo, sekuwa, and Newari specialties.

Among them, dal bhat tarkari is the most iconic and classic Nepali meal, combining lentil soup, rice, and vegetable curry. It is a daily staple known for being nutritious and balanced. Likewise, momo are a must-try, featuring soft dumplings filled with meat or vegetables and loved for their rich flavor.

For a deeper cultural experience, Newari cuisine offers a variety of unique dishes like choila, bara, Dheedo, Bhutan, aloo sadheko, and chatamari. Overall, Kathmandu city food provides an unforgettable experience, making it a key highlight for travelers visiting Nepal.

Entrance Fees UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu Valley

In order to enter the heritage sites, tourists need to pay certain fees at the entry point. The rates will depend upon the nationality of the tourists. Below are the updated entrance fees for the 7 heritage sites in Kathmandu listed by UNESCO:

Best time to visit Kathmandu

As Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal, every traveler who arrives in Nepal wishes to explore Kathmandu, even if s/he does not have much time on their hands. So the question that arises in the minds of many visitors is, "When is the best time to visit Kathmandu?" 

To put it simply, the autumn season, from late September to November (post-monsoon), is the best season to visit the Kathmandu Valley. As the atmosphere and weather are very pleasant and the rain washes out all the dust from the sky. The temperature is also warmer during this period. With that being said, any time of the year except the monsoon period can be considered a preferable time for Kathmandu sightseeing.

Tips for tourists during Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

• Adhere to local traditions and customs when touring Kathmandu, particularly in temples and monasteries. Wear simple clothes and obey site regulations.
• Do not litter and put waste in appropriate bins to keep heritage sites and streets clean.
• Carry a backpack with essentials such as water, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and snacks to make the tour more comfortable.
• Carry comfortable clothing and footwear since you will do a lot of walking while sightseeing.
• Stay hydrated and be prepared to adjust to changing weather conditions throughout the day.
• Always seek permission to take photos, especially of locals or in religious places.
• Hire a professional guide and follow a planned itinerary to make the most of your Kathmandu sightseeing experience.
• Be respectful at heritage sites like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Stupa by following guidelines and avoiding damage to monuments.