Kathmandu Valley Private Day Tour

What ever you do when you come to Nepal, be sure to spend time touring the Kathmandu Valley. The entire valley is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site! Prepare yourself for a sensory overload because at every turn you encounter rich culture, hidden temples, colorful bazaars, and the friendliest, warmest of welcomes.

Kathmandu itself has hidden gems.

Be sure and visit Bhaktapur, a medieval town and World Heritage Site, Bhaktapur is traffic free and the ideal place for taking a slow meander through its cobbled streets. There is plenty to see, from the traditional craftsman plying their trade from potters, woodcarvers and weavers to the ancient monuments, temples and courtyards. If you’re already planning a day or overnight trip to Bhaktapur, make the short trip north to the village of Changu Narayan. Not many tourists make it to this village and its highlight, a stunning temple surrounded by stone sculptures, some dating back as early as the 14th century AD.

Or visit Nagarkot, a small community, well known for its fabulous views stretching out towards the horizon. As the sun rises you will be able to hear the peaceful sound of birdsong as you look out and see awe inspiring views of the Himalayan Mountains, from Annapurna to Everest. The town of Panauti sits at the confluence of the Roshi Khola and Pungamati Khola.

A third ‘invisible river’ called the Padmabati is said to join the other two rivers at Panauti, making this a very sacred spot. Panauti was once a major trading centre with its own royal palace but today the small town has a bustling new quarter and a serene old quarter. Most of the town’s few visitors come on day trips, but we recommend staying over and exploring the streets at dawn and dusk, when they are at their most magical.

The Kathmandu valley, lies at the crossroads of many of Asia’s ancient civilizations, and has at least 130 important monuments, including several pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists. There are seven World Heritage Sites within the valley. A visit to Nepal without at least one, day trip to the valley would be like visiting Paris and not seeing the Eifel Tower, or Egypt and not seeing the pyramids.

Let Magical Nepal take you to amazing places with the knowledge and experience that only locals have. The trip is 6 hours.

Kathmandu Valley Cultural Day Tour Itinerary

Hotel to Patan Durbar Square

• Time: 2 hours

Patan known as The City of Beauty is a city standing still in time, immersed in rich cultural history, bustling with the energy of today. A place best explored by foot, with over 600 stupas. See why local people still call it by its original name, Lalitpur – the City of Beauty.

Patan Durbar Square to Bouddhanath

• Time: 1 hours

Bouddhanath Stupa, where thousands of pilgrims gather daily to show their respect and faith.

Bouddhanath to Pashupatinath

• Time: 40 minutes

Along the banks of the Bagmati River is Pashupatinath. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is the most important site for Hindus in Nepal. Cremations and acts of devotion can regularly be seen at this atmospheric place of worship.

Pashupatinath to Swoyambhunath to Hotel

• Time: 1.5 hrs

Climb the steps to Swoyambhunath, high on a hilltop overlooking the city. Both Hindus and Buddhists worship here, and the temple is highly regarded for its many holy (And very cheeky) monkeys!

Includes

Related Trip in Kathmandu

Nagarkot Chisapani Hike