Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, is a charming and mystical city with plenty of awe-inspiring attractions. With the mighty Himalayas forming a picturesque background and centuries of rich cultural heritage intricately woven into its fabric, the Kathmandu day tour presents an exuberant feast for the senses. The eclectic metropolis has its unique vibe and energy and enchants visitors of all ages. The densely populated city has a strong Hindu and Buddhist influence, substantiated by an array of elaborate temples and monasteries. Explore the diverse facets of Kathmandu attractions (temples, traditions, cuisine, culture, etc.) with Global Adventure Trekking, an exquisite Kathmandu City Tour.
Our One-Day Kathmandu Tour covers full-day sightseeing in four UNESCO-enlisted World Heritage Sites (WHS) within the valley. These include Kathmandu Durbar Square (the ancient royal palace that once housed the medieval Kathmandu monarchy), Swayambhunath (an ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site), Pashupatinath Temple (an extensive Hindu temple precinct), and Boudhanath (the largest Nepali spherical stupa). A daylong sightseeing tour in Kathmandu is an enthralling journey through the history, spirituality, and culture of this vibrant city. Delve into Kathmandu's rich heritage by booking our highly-demanded Kathmandu Day Tour package. This guide covers detailed information on four UNESCO-enlisted World Heritage Sites to give you more insight into our intriguing Kathmandu sightseeing tour.
Boudha Nath Stupa:
Boudhanath, Nepal’s largest spherical stupa, lies 7.5 kilometers to the east of Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square. Believed to entomb the remains of Kashyap (the Primordial Buddha), the supa is regarded as a wish-fulfilling jewel. The present-day figure of Stupa stands 43.03 meters and stretches over 7,631.06 sq. m. of land. The five different parts of the Boudha Stupa symbolize PanchTatva (the five physical elements forming the basis of cosmic creation).
The angular (Vimshatiskona) plinth symbolizes the earth, whereas the 100-foot-diameter dome symbolizes water. Similarly, the thirteen glided conical steps, the parasol, and the pinion indicate fire, air, and sky, respectively. Four traditional monasteries encircling the stupa include Guru Lhakhang Monastery, Samteling Monastery, Jhamchen Lhakhang, and Dilyak Yevam/1000 Buddha Monastery. Several festivals, like Mamla Jatra, Ropai Jatra, Chechya Puja, Temal Jatra, and Buddha Jayanti, are celebrated in the Bouddhanath.
Pashupatinath Temple:
Pashupatinath is an extensive Shiva temple precinct built on an area of 246 hectares. The main temple dedicated to Pashupati (a form of Shiva) is the oldest Hindu temple in Kathmandu, believed to have been built during the 2nd or 1st Century BC. While the exact date of Pashupati Temple's construction is uncertain, archeological evidence dating back to the 5th century has been found. The current temple stands 23 m 7 cm high (from base to pinnacle) and is constructed in the Nepali pagoda architectural style. The temple consists of two-level roofs made of copper with gold covering, a gold pinnacle, and four silver doors.
The temple's inner sanctum consists of the main idol (a stone Mukhalinga with a silver yoni base), while the outer sanctum has an open corridor-like space. The Pashupati Area is a sprawling assortment of 518 mini-temples, ashrams, images, and inscriptions dating back to the Lichhavi and Malla periods. It hosts several Parisians, including Pashupati Mandir Parisar, Kotilingeshwor Parisar, Aryaghat Parisar, Gaurighat Parisar, Bankali Parisar, Panchadewal Parisar, Guheswori Parisar, Bisworup Mandir Parisar, etc
Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple:
Swayambhu is a popular Buddhist complex consisting of a Swayambhunath stupa, diverse shrines, temples, a Tibetan monastery, a gallery, etc. The highlight of the complex is Swayambhunath Stupa, a mound-like structure painted with the eyes of Buddha looking out over the peaceful valley. Swayambhu (meaning self-sprung in Nepali) has a mythological history. Legend says that during Satya Yug, Bipaswi Buddha planted a lotus in a valley filled with an enormous lake.
The lotus flower held an eternal, self-existent flame and was later transformed into a hill after Bodhisatwo Manjushree drained the water out of the lake and made the valley suitable for human settlement. The stupa is believed to have been built over the eternal flame and holds great significance among Buddhists. Situated atop a hill, Swayambhu offers a 270-degree view of Kathmandu valley with mountain views in the north. On top of being a venerable religious site, Swayambhu also holds significant value for botanists and bird watchers.
Kathmandu Durbar Square:
Nestled in the heart of Kathmandu, a core commercial area, Kathmandu Durbar Square (royal palace) stands as a historically and culturally significant site. The square is a remnant of the Newar Kingdom and consists of a number. of 16th-century temples, palace complexes, open courts, and much more. Kathmandu Durbar (Basantapur Durbar or Hanumandhoka Durbar) was one of three Newar Kingdoms within the valley during the medieval period. Hanumandhoka Durbar, once a regal haven, no longer hosts royalty with the advent of democracy in the country. But, it has preserved the allure and perpetuated the same charisma that draws tourists to this day. The major structures within Kathmandu Durbar Square include Kasthamandap, Maju Dega, Gaddhi Baithak, Bishnu Temple, Sweta Vairab, life stone image of Kaal Bhairava, Degu Taleju Temple, Idol of Hanuman, Nautale Durbar, and Kumari Bahal (residence of Kumari- a young girl worshiped as a living Goddess)
