Kathmandu Half Day Tour

Kathmandu Half Day Tour is a selective choice tour for travelers to explore multiple heritage sites inside Kathmandu Valley. Moreover, this half day tour is mostly favorable for travelers with a very short window of time while still in the capital city of Nepal. The trip will thus quickly help the visitors to explore the historic culture and traditions of ancient city Kathmandu. Additionally, the package also features an experienced Tour Guide with Hotel Pick Up and Drop by a private vehicle. Moreover, the travelers can choose from any one of the four available options given below.

Available Tour Time & Trip options:

  a. 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM

  b. 10:00 AM – 01:00 PM

  c. 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM

  d. 03:00 PM – 06:00 PM

Option 1: Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath (The Monkey Temple)

Option 1 for Kathmandu Half Day Tour includes Kathmandu Durbar Square & Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. Moreover, Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the valley that are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Although the construction of the square happened in the third century, the major structures within it were added in later periods. Additionally, the outer complex consists of a number of 16th-century temples built during the reign of Malla kings. These buildings are adorned with meticulously carved facades characteristic to Newari architecture.

The central square is surrounded by palace complexes built during the Malla and Shah periods. Furthermore, the most well-known among them is the Nautale Durbar. It is a nine-story palace built by Prithvi Narayan Shah to commemorate the Unification of Nepal. Additionally, a three-story temple called Kumari Chowk or Kumari Bahal is located at the southern edge of the Durbar square. This Malla-era temple is used as the residence of the Kumari, a young girl worshiped as a living embodiment of the Hindu Goddess Durga.

The second halt for this option will now be at Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple. Moreover, Swayambhunath features a large Stupa known as the Mahachaitya. The Tibetan name for the site means Sublime Trees, for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. However, Shingun may be of Nepal Bhasa name for the complex, Swayambhu, meaning self-sprung. Additionally, for Buddhist Newars, Swayambhu occupies a central position and is probably the most sacred among Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Moreover, for Tibetans and followers of Tibetan Buddhism, it is second only to Boudha. Additionally, the hilltop also offers you a 360 degree view of the valley.

Option 2: Pashupatinath Temple and Boudhanath Stupa

The second option for Kathmandu Half Day Tour features Pashupatinath Temple & BoudhanathStupa. Pashupatinath is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus. Moreover, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated on the banks of holy river Bagmati. This temple was classified as a World Heritage Site in 1979. Furthermore, this extensive Hindu temple precinct is a sprawling collection of temples, ashrams, images and inscriptions raised over the centuries.

Moreover, the temple is built on an area of 246 hectares and includes 518 mini-temples and a main pagoda house. The exact date of the temple’s construction is uncertain, but the current form of the temple was constructed in 1692 CE. According to Gopalraj Aalok Bhatta, the temple was built by Prachanda Deva, a Licchavi king. However, the existence of the temple is recorded as early as 400 CE.

The next halt for this option will be at Boudhanath Stupa. Boudhanath Stupa is a Buddhist Stupa with the largest mandala. Additionally, the stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha. It is located on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner and continues to the ancient and smaller stupa of Chabahil named Charumati Stupa, often called Little Boudhanath.

Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers at Boudha Stupa for many centuries. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, a large number of the Tibetan refugees migrated to Nepal and settled down around Boudhanath. Moreover, the influx of the Tibetan refugees has seen the construction of over 50 gompas (Budhhist Monasteries) around Boudha. As of 1979, Boudha Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Option 3: Patan Durbar Square and Kathmandu Durbar Square

The third option for Kathmandu Half Day Tour features Patan Durbar Square & Kathmandu Durbar Square. Patan Durbar Square is situated at the center of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. Moreover, 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 medieval royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided.

The Durbar Square is a marvel of Newar architecture. The square floor is tiled with red bricks. Additionally, there are many temples and statues in the area. The main temples are aligned opposite of the western face of the palace. The entrance of the temples faces east, towards the palace. Furthermore, there is also a bell situated in the alignment beside the main temples. The Square also holds old Newari residential houses. A center of both Hinduism and Buddhism, Patan Durbar Square has 136 Bahals (courtyards) and 55 major temples.

The second halt for this option will be at Kathmandu Durbar Square. Please refer to Option 1 for more details on Kathmandu Durbar Square.

Option 4: Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Option 4 features only Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Bhaktapur is an ancient city that is both the smallest district and the biggest Durbar Square of Nepal. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes four other smaller Durbar Squares within. Here, Dattatreya Square is the oldest square among the four and is situated a little separated from the Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Additionally, another square known as Pottery Square is famous for its name as the place is occupied by the potters mostly. Moreover, the view of live pottery here is a sight to sore eyes. You might as well try it for yourself. Also, Nyatapola Temple is another main attraction here for being the tallest five storied temple all over Nepal. It lies within the Durbar Square itself.

Tour Highlights

Highlights of Kathmandu Half-Day Tour:

1. Selective 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites inside Kathmandu Valley
2. Get an insight of the enigmatic capital of Nepal
3. Explore Newari cultures and traditions
4. Visit many of the ancient temples and monasteries inside the valley as per your choice
5. Chance to sight living goddess Kumari
6. Private Vehicles with Tour Guide