Embark on our comprehensive one-day Kathmandu Valley Tour Package, designed to encompass the four famous UNESCO World Heritage sites. Obviously, this Kathmandu culture tour package grants you access to the revered Pashupatinath Temple, known for its religious significance to Hindus. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to explore the enchanting city of Patan, where you will be transported back in time through its remarkable fusion of Hindu and Buddhist monuments. Not to be missed are the iconic sites of Swayambhunath, the center of Tibetan Buddhism, and Boudhanath. This package provides a captivating journey into the history, culture, and traditions of Nepal, delving into the essence of two of the most influential religions in the region.
Now, let’s delve into the details of the sites included in our Kathmandu Packages
Situated 3 km west of Kathmandu, Swayambhunath holds a significant place of reverence among Buddhists. Perched atop a hillock, its base is encircled by prayer wheels and adorned with sacred deities. The name “Swayambhu” translates to “self-sprung,” as it is believed that the stupa emerged on its own, resembling a lotus, from a vast lake that once occupied the area of present-day Kathmandu. The stupa complex encompasses various shrines and monasteries, contributing to its spiritual ambiance.
To reach the hilltop Swayambhu Stupa, there are two routes available. Besides, One involves navigating a challenging ascent on steep stone steps leading to the shrine, while the other follows a motor road that brings you near the summit.
Upon reaching the pinnacle, a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley unfolds before your eyes. Swayambhu attracts a constant flow of visitors throughout the day, predominantly Buddhist devotees. Moreover, the stupa’s environs have become home to a population of local monkeys, earning it the moniker of “Monkey Temple.”
During your visit to Swayambhu, you will encounter several notable monuments, including the immense gold-plated Vajra located on the eastern side of the stupa. On the western side, a Buddha statue stands, while a Sleeping Buddha figure can also be found. The Dewa Dharma Monastery is renowned for its bronze Buddha icon and traditional Tibetan paintings. Another significant structure is the Harati temple, dedicated to the goddess of children, believed to have transformed from an ogress after being enlightened by Lord Buddha.
Patan, also known as “Lalitpur,” is a captivating city situated 5 km southeast of Kathmandu. Nestled within this city lies the illustrious Patan Durbar Square, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and regarded as the oldest city in Nepal. Furthermore, It’s one of the prominent temples within the square is the Krishna Temple, a remarkable structure entirely crafted from stone.
The intricate carvings and architectural intricacies of this temple are truly enchanting. The architectural pinnacle of Nepali craftsmanship, the pagoda temples, grace the entirety of Patan Durbar Square. As you wander through the streets of Patan, you’ll be immersed in its old-world charm, with narrow pathways and vibrant brick houses. The city exudes a harmonious blend of Hindu and Buddhist cultures, transporting you to a bygone era.
Notable sites in Patan with historical and cultural significance include the Golden Temple, also known as Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, located at the heart of Patan Durbar Square. This exquisite pagoda temple is renowned for its resplendent golden hue. Another must-visit is the Patan Museum, housed within a three-story palace that was once a royal residence. The museum offers a captivating journey through Nepal’s religious art history spanning 13 centuries, providing a profound glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. The Krishna Temple, showcasing exemplary Shikara-style architecture, stands as a remarkable monument worth exploring. Additionally, in Patan, you have the opportunity to visit the living goddess “Kumari” and capture a photograph with her, a privilege not easily accessible at Kathmandu Durbar Square, where a lengthy wait is often required.
Boudhanath Stupa, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu Valley, is an ancient Buddhist stupa of great significance. Renowned as one of the largest spherical stupas globally, it holds the distinction of being a UNESCO World Heritage site and a cherished destination for both tourists and devoted Buddhists. According to Tibetan scriptures, Boudhanath Stupa was constructed in the 5th century, although the people of Kathmandu attribute its creation to the early Licchavi King era.
Surrounding the stupa, numerous monasteries can be found, with Kopan and Fulhari being the most renowned. These monasteries are esteemed for their teachings in the Tibetan language and meditation practices. The area around the stupa buzzes with activity, with street vendors offering traditional Buddhist art and souvenirs to visitors. Moreover, the locale is famous for its rooftop restaurants, where one can relish a variety of cuisines while soaking in the tranquil ambiance and panoramic views of Boudhanath.
Pashupatinath Temple holds immense significance as a revered pilgrimage site for Hindu devotees worldwide. It ranks among the largest and most ancient Hindu temples globally, with historical records dating its existence back to 400 CE. Likewise, This temple is among Nepal’s seven UNESCO World Heritage sites and is situated alongside the sacred Bagmati River. Dedicated to Lord Pasupati, an incarnation of the Hindu deity Shiva known as the “lord of the animals,” Pashupatinath Temple carries deep spiritual importance.
According to legend, Lord Shiva and Parvati once assumed the form of antelopes in the forest near the banks of the Bagmati River. During their time there, Lord Shiva broke one of his horns, which is now venerated as a divine linga at Pashupatinath. The temple complex encompasses not only the main pagoda structure but also 518 smaller temples. Nearby, sacred temples such as Guhyeshwari Temple and Gorakhnath Temple add to the spiritual aura surrounding Pashupatinath.
Every year, millions of visitors flock to Pashupatinath during Shiva-Ratri, which is considered the most significant festival for Shiva devotees. This auspicious occasion attracts devotees from far and wide, further enhancing the temple’s religious prominence.
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at your hotel, our private tour will commence at 9:00 in the morning. Our trusted guide and comfortable vehicle will pick you up directly from your accommodation. Our first stop will be the renowned Swayambhunath Temple, a journey of approximately 30 minutes from your hotel. You can choose to ascend via the challenging yet rewarding steep stairs or opt for the motor road that leads almost to the top.
The panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley from the viewpoint is truly awe-inspiring. The stupa itself is a magnificent sight, and the vibrant prayer wheels surrounding it add to the enchanting atmosphere. Our knowledgeable guide will provide detailed information about the monasteries and shrines in the area. After capturing memorable photographs and exploring the intricacies of the stupa, we will proceed to our second destination of the day: Patan.
The drive to Patan will take approximately one hour, depending on the traffic conditions. Upon arrival, we will begin our exploration of Patan Durbar Square and its plethora of temples. The square is adorned with pagoda-style and shikhara-style temples, representing two prominent architectural styles of Nepal. We will also visit the Patan Museum, which houses exquisite art dating back to the thirteenth century. The museum itself, once a royal palace, is a sight to behold. Following our exploration, we can indulge in some delectable Newari cuisine along the charming streets of Patan, preparing ourselves for our next destination: Pashupatinath Temple.
Pashupatinath Temple, one of the oldest and largest temples globally, will be our next stop. Before entering the sacred temple, it is customary to remove your shoes. Our guide will provide fascinating insights into the temple and its religious significance as we make our way through the premises. However, the temple is considered a masterpiece of Hindu architecture, adorned with silver sheets and featuring four entrances. Exploring the entire Pashupati area may take some time due to its vastness and spiritual allure.
Similarly, our final destination for the day will be Boudhanath Stupa, a journey that may take approximately 15-20 minutes or longer, depending on traffic conditions. The streets of Bouddha are vibrant and bustling, with devout Buddhists engaging in prayer and circumambulating the stupa. The stupa itself is a captivating sight, with its captivating eyes, fluttering prayer flags, and serene atmosphere, especially at dawn.
Lastly, you can enjoy a delightful lunch at one of the rooftop restaurants while savoring the panoramic view from above. After immersing ourselves in the vibrant streets and visiting famous monasteries, we will conclude our adventure and return to your hotel in our comfortable vehicle, reflecting on the memorable experiences of the day
Entrance fee for foreigners: NPR 200
Entrance fee for Indian nationals: NPR 50
Entrance fee for foreigners: NPR 400
Entrance fee for Indian nationals: NPR 100
Entrance fee for foreigners: NPR 1000
No entrance fee for Indian nationals
Entrance fee for foreigners: NPR 1000
Entrance fee for Indian nationals: NPR 250
Nepal High Trek & Expedition has been leading the diverse culture tour around Nepal. We have multi-day departures for Pokhara, Chitwan, Lumbini, Bandipur, and east Nepal Tours too.
We’ll drive from your hotel to Swyambhunath Stupa. This stupa is the oldest of its kind in Nepal and has numerous shrines and monasteries on its premises. Swayambhu literally means “self-existent one”. Believed to date back to 460 A.D., it was built by King Manadeva, and by the 13th century, it had become an important center of Buddhism.
After completing the Swayambhunath we’ll drive to Patan Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square is situated at the center of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. It is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One of its attractions is the ancient royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided.
Pashupatinath Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal. This temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979. When Pashupatinath Temple visits there the holiest temple of all Hindu Culture (Hindu People from all over the world come here to get a blessing here). After visiting the Pashupati temple return back to your hotel by private vehicle.