Tours & Activities in Kathmandu

Hey Wanderers! 👋

Ready to lace up your walking shoes and embark on a journey of discovery? Book your spot on our Pashupatinath and Boudhanath Walking Tour today and get ready to experience Kathmandu like never before. We can't wait to share this unforgettable adventure with you!
 
Why Walk with Me?

1. Immersive Experience: Step off the beaten path and explore Pashupatinath and Boudhanath on foot. This walking tour allows you to soak up the sights, sounds, and smells of these sacred sites in a way that simply can't be matched. 
    
2. Hidden Gems: My long-term experience of guiding will lead you to the way, you'll uncover hidden gems and secret spots that most tourists miss. From hidden courtyards to tucked-away shrines, every step of our journey holds the promise of discovery.

 3. Go at Your Own Pace: Say goodbye to rigid schedules and hello to flexibility!  I believe in giving walkers the freedom to linger where they please, whether it's snapping photos, chatting with locals, or simply taking in the scenery. This is your tour, your way.

 4. Feel the Energy: 
There's something magical about walking in the footsteps of pilgrims who have traversed these paths for centuries. Feel the pulse of Kathmandu's spiritual heartbeat as you stroll through bustling markets, past ancient temples, and along serene riverbanks.

 Why Walk to Pashupatinath and Boudhanath?

1. Spiritual Splendor: At Pashupatinath, witness the timeless rituals of Hindu worship as devotees pay homage to Lord Shiva, the god of destruction and transformation. Marvel at the intricate architecture of the temple complex and feel the sacred energy that permeates the air. Along the banks of the Bagmati River, observe the solemn yet profound cremation ceremonies that take place, offering a glimpse into the cycle of life and death according to Hindu beliefs.

At Boudhanath, experience the serene beauty of one of the largest stupas in the world, adorned with the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. The tranquil atmosphere invites contemplation and reflection, offering a sanctuary for the soul amidst the hustle and bustle of Kathmandu.

2. Cultural Richness: Explore the vibrant tapestry of Nepalese culture as you wander through the bustling streets surrounding Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Encounter colorful market stalls selling traditional handicrafts, aromatic spices, and delectable street food. Engage with friendly locals and learn about the customs and traditions that have shaped the identity of this fascinating region.

3. Architectural Marvels: Admire the awe-inspiring architecture and exquisite craftsmanship of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. From the intricate carvings of the temple complex to the towering spire of the stupa, each site is a testament to the skill and dedication of the artisans who crafted them. Capture breathtaking views and timeless moments as you explore these iconic landmarks.

4. Insight into Hinduism and Buddhism: Delve deep into the rich tapestry of Hinduism and Buddhism as you visit Pashupatinath and Boudhanath in a single day. Gain a comprehensive understanding of the beliefs, practices, and philosophies that underpin these ancient religions. From the sacred rituals of Hindu worship to the profound symbolism of Buddhist iconography, our walking tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the spiritual heritage of Nepal.

5. Personal Growth: Embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth as you immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Pashupatinath and Boudhanath. Whether you seek solace, enlightenment, or simply a deeper connection with the world around you, these sacred sites offer a transformative experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

#NOTE:
- It takes NRs 500-600 by taxi from meeting point to Pashupatinath Temple.
- The entrance fee in Pashupatinath Temple is NRs 1000. (Free for Indian Citizens)
- We have to walk for approximately 25 minutes to reach Baudhanath stupa, but if you are willing to take a taxi, it costs NRs 200-250.
- The entrance fee is NRs 400 in Baudhanath. (For SAARC -NRs 100)

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 "Visiting Kathmandu for a few days and haven't planned your sightseeing yet? That's perfect! I offer unique tours for short stays, cramming in the best experiences. Imagine this: a thrilling short hike with breathtaking 360-degree mountain views, witnessing a magical sunrise or sunset, and exploring UNESCO heritage sites – all in a comfortable time frame. I can also plan the tours as per your choice! And the best part? As a local guide with my car, I'll handle the transportation so you can relax and enjoy the journey." 

Let’s Discover the basic beliefs and lifestyle of Nepalese People 

Nepal is predominant a Hindu country with more than eighty percent following Hinduism , nine percent Buddhism and remaining Christianity, Islam, Sikhs, Jain and others. However, the intrinsic belief of normal Nepalese comprises the values from both Hinduism and Buddhism practices and worships deities from both pantheons. A running joke is that – an average Nepalese is 60 percent Hindu and 60 percent Buddhist, because they are seen celebrating and worshiping in every occasion, making it more than a hundred.

Every day is a festival in Nepal – we just don’t happen to know, because of the multiple ethnic groups and their own culture & traditions, something is always happening somewhere. Despite the popular everybody’s festivals, every ethnic group – more than 125 speaking their own language – have their own distinct style of worship to a variety of deities, following with a ceremony or rituals accordingly.

We will be walking from Paknajol to Swayambunath Stupa, around 2.2 km, for 35 minutes total (one way).
We will stop at two different temples - Indrayani Temple and Shobha Bhagwati Temple before arriving at Swayambunath Stupa. 

To enter Swayambunath Stupa – travelers need to pay Rs 200 as entry fee. All the other attractions are free to enter, although you can make a small donation for the temple if you like. 
Please note:
- Meals and transportation are not provided in this tour. 

Kathmandu Heritage Tour with Living Goddess "Kumari" and Local Market includes a visit to Kathmandu Durbar Square through the tourism hub of Thamel Kathmandu.
The walk is easy and interesting as we can observe the local market of Thamel Bazar and Ashon. It is the greatest market in Nepal, especially for tourists. Whereas Ashon is the major market for locals where one can find everything they want at an affordable price.
Kathmandu Durbar Square is 30 minutes from Thamel the old royal palace of Nepal famous by the name Hanuman Dhoka Durbar. It is an ancient archeological remain that is a unique architect and is a ruling palace for the ancient king of Nepal. There are many historical temples having historical significance in the Basantapur area. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major attraction of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kal Bhairav, Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, Hanuman Statue, Shiva Parbati Temple, Kumari Ghar, Basantapur Durbar, Ashok Vinayak, Talajeu Temple, and many more.
Similarly, Swyambhunath is a beautiful Stupa at the top of Swyambhu hill which is near Thamel. This is a famous Buddhist Pilgrimage site listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also called Monkey Temple. There are many Stupas and Gumbas around Swyambhunath. Prayer flags and Prayer Wheels are seen everywhere.

These approximately 3 hours walk around World Heritage Site gives you the lifetime memory with an expert tour guide.

Please note:
- The entrance fee of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Approximately USD 9
- Swyambhunath Temple is Approximately USD 2.
- If you feel like taking a rickshaw or car from Thamel Approx USD 10 is needed whereas 
- you have to manage the money for your coffee and other necessities yourself.

There is a buzz around the place as devotees from all walks of life gather on the banks of the Bagmati. 

As We reach the banks of the river opposite to the temple, the Bhatta (priest) is preparing for the Aarati. On the other side of the river, another priest is placing wood and getting ready for a cremation to take place. we are not the only one who are here to witness this, there are people young and old, local and foreign.

Everyone who is present here wants to indulge in the spiritual journey. One that they will remember for years to come.

There is something pacifying about Pashupatinath. Standing on the banks of the holy Bagmati, the temple is one of the most important Hindu shrines in the world. Devotees from all across the globe come visit the temple which has also been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built around the 5th century, this holy pilgrimage is said to have existed from the beginning of the millennium when a Shiva lingam was discovered here.

Tourists (non-Hindus) are forbidden from the temple itself; however, they can visit the exteriors, the ghats, river and most importantly the aarati area opposite to the Pashupatinath Temple.

This evening aarati is an event worth watching. Three priests line up on the bank of Bagmati from where they can get a direct view of Pashupatinath Temple. Aarati is a ritual of worship in which light from wicks soaked in ghee (purified butter) is offered to God. The Pashupatinath aarati follows three priests conducting the custom with oil lamps, lanterns and other religious elements by chanting sacred mantras.

The aarati starts with worship with coal incense that is burned with vegetable oil and different kinds of wood. As that is happening, a group of devotees start lighting up three large structures with fifty-four diyos (small oil-lamp) which is raised to Lord Shiva. The priests first dip the lights four times on the bottom; circle it seven times on the top in perfectly coordinated motions.

Free walking tour in Kathmandu!

Free walking tour in Kathmandu is a unique tour package for a steady walk through the streets of Kathmandu.

We’ll start our tour from the Garden of dreams near Narayanhiti museum (previous Royal palace), Thamel, Chhetrapati (local market), different local temples, an open cremation place on the banks of the holy river Bishnumati and finally at Swayambhunath. It is also known as a monkey temple as there are a lot of monkeys but the proper name is Swayambhu or Swayambhunath. Tour starts from the Garden of dreams and will complete at Swayambhunath.

Travel to the Namo Buddha monastery and discover one of the most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Nepal. An unforgettable excursion from Kathmandu!

Embark on an enthralling walking journey through the heart of Kathmandu with the Asan Local Market and Kathmandu Durbar Square Tour, seamlessly transitioning into an exploration of the iconic Swayambhunath Stupa.

The experience commences in Asan, the city's oldest market, where a myriad of shops entice with local products, handicrafts, culinary delights, and aromatic spices. The vibrant market offers a vivid snapshot of local life, with bustling stalls nestled in narrow alleyways filled with the rich essence of Nepalese culture.

From Asan, the journey unfolds towards the historic Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Immerse yourself in the marvels of ancient architecture, intricately carved wooden structures, and the captivating living history that envelops this cultural nucleus. Engage in tales of opulence and spirituality, gaining profound insights into the city's heritage.

The tour then meanders to the renowned Swayambhunath Stupa, affectionately known as the Monkey Temple, presenting sweeping panoramas of the Kathmandu Valley. Explore this ancient religious sanctuary adorned with prayer flags and ornate carvings, soaking in the spiritual aura that saturates the surroundings.

This distinctive fusion of vibrant local market life, historical opulence, and spiritual tranquility crafts an indelible experience, providing profound insights into Kathmandu's diverse tapestry.

Note:

Kathmandu Durbar Square Entrance Fee: Rs 1000 per person
Swayambhunath Entrance Fee: Rs 200 per person

We will use a taxi for the journey from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Swayambhunath, with an approximate cost of Rs 500. 

Thamel is a tourist hub of Kathmandu city. This walking tour will start from Thamel by walking to the old market and we explore one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This is one of the historical and cultural places of Nepalese kingdoms in the Malla, Shah, and Rana Periods of Nepal. This walking tour includes two different places "Kathmandu Durbar Squire" and "Swayembhunath Stupa". This tour about 3 hours walk around World Heritage Site gives you a lifetime memory with a Guided tour. 
  

Walking Through Local Market. 

We will be starting this tour from Thamel and walking through the Local market on Ashan and Indra Chock. This is one of the famous local market in Kathmandu valley. Exploring the local market we will going to Kathmandu Durbar Squire. 

Kathmandu Durbar Squire 

Kathmandu Durbar Squire, also known as Basantapur Durbar Squire and Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Squire. Kathmandu Durbar Squire is the oldest durbar in Kathmandu city. This is a Royal King palace. It builds between time periods of the 10th Century AD to the 18th Century AD. It represents the art of Malla, Shah, and Rana period. The main attraction of Durbar Squire is given below: 

• KUMARI(The Living God) 
• Tribhuban Museum 
• Different Art of Malla period, 
• Shah Period and Rana Period.
• Different monuments of this areas. 
• Walking Through Local Markets.  

Swayembhunath Stupa 

Swayembhunath Stupa is an ancient religious place atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, west of Kathmandu city. This is 2 km far from Thamel. The Tibetan name for the site means 'Sublime Trees' for the many varieties of trees found on the hill.  Soyambhumath Stupa is related to Newari Culture. The Buddhist Newars, in whose mythological history and origin myth as well as day-to-day religious practice Swayambhu occupies a central location.  It is maybe the most blessed among Buddhist pilgrimage places. The major attraction of this Stupa is given below: 

• Swayambhunath Stupa 
• World Largest Brajra 
• Monkeys 
• Visit Thanka Art School 
• Five Forms of Lord Buddha  
• And many more               
• Harati Temple (God of Children)       

NOTE: 

• The entrance fee of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Approximately USD 9 
• Swyambhunath Temple is Approximately USD 2. 
• If you feel like taking a rickshaw or car from Thamel or from Durbar Squire to Monkey temple Approx USD 10 is needed whereas 
• You have to manage the money for your coffee and other personal shopping.