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Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley; capital of Nepal

Trip Overview

Trip Facts

  • Trip Code TMG-SK100
  • Start Point Kathmandu
  • End Point Kathmandu
  • Trip Duration 3 Days
  • Destination Nepal
  • Activity Day Trips
  • Region Other Region
  • Trip Staff Tourist Guide
  • Transportation Private Vehicle
  • Trip Style BB
  • Trip Grade Very Easy
  • Max Elevation 1400 m
  • Group Size 1-12 pax
  • Accomodation Value
  • Trip Type Private Guided Trips
  • Best Time All Season

Trip Highlights

  • City of Temples
  • UNESCO world heritage sites
  • Culinary
  • Cities of Kathmandu Valley
  • Three historical palaces
US$ 250per person

Trip Overview

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing with your local guide.
It is believed that Kathmandu valley used to be a big lake filled with snakes, until the Manjushri cut a gorge at a place called Kashapaal (later called Chobhar) with a sword called Chandrahrasha and drained away from the waters to establish a habitable land, according to ancient myths and stories. Fast forward to the 20th century Kathmandu is the hustling and bustling capital and the most developed and populated place in Nepal. It has at least 130 important monuments, including several pilgrimage sites for Hindus and Buddhists and there are seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Kathmandu Valley has three prominent districts: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur with many things to offer.

Places to visit in Kathmandu:

  • Swayambhunath temple: Watching over the capital from its hilltop vantage point, Swayambhunath Temple stands proudly as one of the nation’s most popular tourist and religious sites. Featuring a white dome topped with an iconic golden spire, the World Heritage-listed temple likely dates back to before the 5th century, when it was already a vital pilgrimage destination. The structure endured the devastation of the 2015 earthquake, its prayer flags continuing to flutter in the breeze. Step inside to see a fusion of Hindu and Buddhist iconography, or try spinning the prayer wheels yourself. The Swayambhunath Stupa (meaning the ‘self-created’ stupa, aka the Monkey Temple) is found on a hilltop to the west of Kathmandu. Second in importance only to the Boudhanath Stupa, the Swayambhunath complex, founded by King Manadeva during the fifth century, contains a stupa, temples, shrines, Tibetan monastery, museum, and library. The Stupa, re-gilded with 20 kilograms of gold in 2010, has a large white dome at its base, above which are painted four sets of Buddha’s eyes and eyebrow; further up the Stupa are found four pentagonal Toran (gateways) and thirteen tiers leading to the Stupa’s golden spire.
  • Pashupatinath temple: Built-in 1696 on the orders of King Bhupendra Malla, Pashupatinath is Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. Constructed in the pagoda style of architecture, Pashupatinath stands on the banks of the Bagmati river, has a distinctive gilded rooftop, intricately carved rafters (featuring members of Shiva’s family) and four silver-plated main doors surrounded by statues of deities. Pashupatinath is presided over by priests called Bhattas and a chief priest called Mool Bhatt or Raval. Non-Hindus are not allowed inside the temple, though a glimpse of Shiva’s bull, Nandi, can be caught from outside the western entrance. The temple’s exterior and its surrounding buildings are worth a look. Sadhus (Hindu holy men) watch the world go by. Traders hawk marigolds, incense and conch shells. And the riverbanks of the Bagmati river are a popular place for cremations. Whilst the ‘ghats’ in front of the temple were reserved for the cremation of royalty, four other ghats to the south of the nearby bridges are in regular use. There is often a cremation in progress, with a shrouded body lifted on top of a log fire with surprisingly little ceremony. Cremations are followed by ritual bathing in the river.
  • Kathmandu durbar square: The construction of royal palaces at this site dates back to as early as the Licchavi period in the third century. Kathmandu Durbar Square (Basantapur Durbar Kshetra) in front of the old royal palace of the former Kathmandu Kingdom is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Durbar Square was surrounded by spectacular architecture and vividly showcases the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. The Royal Palace was originally at Dattaraya square and was later moved to the Durbar square. The Kathmandu Durbar Square held the palaces of the Malla and Shah kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles, revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.
  • Boudhanath: The ancient Boudhanath Stupa is one of the largest in the world. This Bauddha stupa was built shortly after the death of Lord Buddha and is the largest single Chhorten in the world. Over 50 Tibetan Gompas (Monasteries) are built around Boudhanath by the Tibetan Refugees. As of 1979, Boudhanath is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with Swayambhunath, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in the Kathmandu area. The Stupa is on the ancient trade route from Tibet which enters the Kathmandu Valley by the village of Sankhu in the northeast corner. It then turns directly south, heading over the Bagmati river to Patan – thus bypassing the main city of Kathmandu (which was a later foundation). Tibetan merchants have rested and offered prayers here for many centuries. When refugees entered Nepal from Tibet in the 1950s, many decided to live around Boudhanath. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha.
  • Bhaktapur Durbar Square: Bhaktapur, a small town about 10 kilometers from Kathmandu, is famous for its many varied temples. The most impressive is the five-storey Nyatapola Temple on Taumadhi Tole (pictured), the tallest temple in Nepal built-in 1702 during the reign of King Bhupatindra Malla. Bhaktapur, which became an independent city-state under King Ananda Malla in the 12th century, also has its own Durbar Square (replete with several temples, including one featuring erotic cows, camels, and elephants!). The northern section of the square is home to the Royal Palace, with visitors able to access the Golden Gate, intricately carved and set into a bright red gatehouse, and the National Art Gallery, with an extensive collection of Tantric cloth paintings. But the town also has a timeless air, with visitors able to see grain laid out to dry in the sun, potters at work in Potters’ square, locals weaving baskets, drying laundry or collecting water, and children playing. Keep an eye out for exquisite architecture as you wander the streets: many buildings feature intricately carved woodwork (such as the famous Peacock window, on an alley leading south-east from the Tachupal Tole).
  • Nagarkot and Dhulikhel:
  • The tiny settlement of Nagarkot clings to a hilltop 32 km east of Kathmandu at an altitude of 2195m. / 7200 ft. It is one of the best points in the valley to view the peaks – from the Annapurna and Ganesh Himal. The sunset and sunrise view over the Himalayan panorama from Nagarkot is a memory of a lifetime for many. It is also possible to do a day hike from Nagarkot to Dhulikhel along the valley rim.
  • 30 km east of Kathmandu lies the old town of Dhulikhel set on a hilltop, enveloped in copper soiled terraces with magnificent views of the central Himalayan peaks. Dhulikhel has one of the best resorts and an old town similar to the Bhaktapur durbar square. Dhulikhel is well known for its sunrise views and several days trail lead along the north ridge of the town.
  • Namo Buddha:
  • The pilgrimage site of Namo Buddha is about forty kilometers from the Boudhanath Stupa. Located on slightly elevated land, it is a pleasant and out-of-the-way place. The landscape below resembles an eight-petaled lotus, and the sky above has the form of a wheel with nine spokes. In this wide panorama, some mountains glisten white like a conch shell or a crystal. On other mountains, the groves of trees seem to gleam with emerald and turquoise jewels. In the summertime, southern winds bring coolness; in wintertime, the warm, gentle sun is like the clear and radiant face of youth. The flowers bloom bright and multicolored. In the blue vault of the sky, clouds gently gather and turn all shades of red at daybreak; they are beautiful in wondrous hues that fill space with their canopies and banners. Like a heap of white silk scarves, mists drift slowly from place to place. From the clouds, the drums of thunder resonate; lightning flashes like a slim dancer’s quick movement; and fine showers fall in brightness. In sum, all the harmonious conditions needed to practice samadhi are present at this sacred site. Merely coming here inspires one’s faith; renunciation and weariness with samsara naturally arise. As it is said, “In the supreme place of a solitary mountain retreat, any activity is virtuous.” In brief, Namo Buddha is a place of pilgrimage highly esteemed by people from all over the world, East and West.
  • Patan durbar square: Patan Durbar Square is situated in 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.
  • Durbar Square is a marvel of Newa architecture. The Square floor is tiled with red bricks. There are many temples and idols in the area. The main temples are aligned opposite the western face of the palace. The entrance of the temples faces east, towards the palace. There is also a bell situated in the alignment beside the main temples. The Square also holds old Newari residential houses. There are various other temples and structures in and around Patan Durbar Square built by the Newa People.
  • Kopan Monastery:
  • The Kopan Monastery is a gated community of Buddhist monks found on a hilltop north of Boudhanath. Founded by Lamas Thubten Yeshe and Zopa Rinpoche in the early 1970s, the Monastery houses 360 monks in grounds which include an enormous Bodhi tree, the Chenrezig gompa (temple), statues, prayer wheels, prayer flags (at the top of Kopan Hill) and the colorful Thousand Buddha Relic Stupa. The Monastery is twinned with the nearby Khachoe Ghakyil Nunnery. Those visiting should expect to replace the hubbub of central Kathmandu with morning chanting, an evening pooja/puja ceremony (involving pageantry and traditional Tibetan music made from cymbals and large horns), study, silence, peace, and love. The Monastery also offers daily and longer courses in meditation and yoga provide panoramic views over the Kathmandu valley, has an immaculately kept garden and great gift shop and café. Just beware of the monkeys.
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Itinerary & Maps

Itinerary & Maps

Below is an existing itinerary; this is a standard itinerary of ours, but you can customize the itinerary to meet your specific needs. You can prepare the itinerary that is going to work best for you. Your itinerary should be based on your interest. You can make your itinerary unique by adding fun to it. Travel Max Guide gives the topmost value to your customized itinerary because it has experienced trekking guides to make your itinerary better as well as make it easier for you to travel and have a good time in Nepal.

Welcome to the Land of Himalayas, a birthplace of Lord Buddha; known as “The Light of Asia” and also the City Of Temples- Kathmandu Valley. To receive you, our staff will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport. You can notice him, holding company signboard. After that, will transfer you to the hotel. If you have some spare time, you can walk to the street of Thamel. A company representative will meet you and explain to you about your trip in detail.

  • Accomodation

    Value

  • Types of room

    Twin sharing

  • Meals provided

    Breakfast

  • Transportation

    Private Vehicle

  • Optional Services

    WIFI, Hot Shower

The sightseeing that you are going to do, today, comprises of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and they can be categorized as Stupas, Temples, and Palaces. The sightseeing can be personalized, according to your interest, and all the effective route planning for the sightseeing will be done by the city guide of TMG, focusing on all the values of your satisfaction like how much time you want to spend, the mode of transportation you want to choose, such as rickshaw, private car, cycle, motorbike and it also takes walking distance into account. This price includes rickshaw, private car, cycle only. If you like to drive motorbike you need to pay extra USD 25 per person. 

Kathmandu Durbar Square

From the hotel where you are staying, nothing is near the Kathmandu Durbar Square. It was a ceremonial site; it was a palace where the would-be kings used to be coronated in the past, now it is a palace cum museum, and to be there is to experience how the royals spend their life. Stand among the monuments, temples, and statues that back to the 17th and 18th centuries. 

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Be well prepared in advance because this stupa is located at quite an altitude and is more than 2,000 years old. This is the most important of all the Buddhist Stupas in Nepal and has a fascinating face of Lord Buddha on every side, and its base has the stonework of 5 Dhyani Buddhas – Vairocana, Ratnasambhava, Amitabha, Amoghasiddhi, and Aksobhya, and each of these represents the wisdom of Lord Buddha. People flock to this stupa to see the birds-eye view of Kathmandu.

Pashupatinath 

Pashupatinath is as old as the hills, but the Hindu Committees of Nepal, looks after it, such as renovation and maintenance, and there are new adds on in and around the temple. Pashupatinath is the most important temple of Lord Shiva and located not far away from the heart of Kathmandu. Only Hindus are permitted to enter from the main gate to Pashupatinath Temple. As a visitor, you will enjoy the rich combination of architecture from a distance. If you are lucky, then you might see the Hindu Cremation taking place.

Bouddhanath 

Bouddhanath is also a stupa. It is one of the holiest pilgrimages of the Buddhists. It has a white doom just like Swayambhunath, whatever the myth is, it contains the bones of Kasyapa Buddha (Buddha incarnation), while others say it contains the bone of Lord Buddha. Around the base of the stupa are 108 small images of the Dhyani Buddha Amitabha. Go anytime to enjoy these images.

  • Accomodation

    Value

  • Types of room

    Twin sharing

  • Meals provided

    Breakfast

  • Transportation

    Private Vehicle

  • Optional Services

    WIFI, Hot Shower

Before 3 hours of your departure time, company representative will drop you to the airport in a private vehicle.

  • Meals provided

    Breakfast

  • Transportation

    Private Vehicle

Cost and Dates

Cost & Dates

The price below is per person. If you have more than 8 people, then please feel free to ask for a discount. Those who love to do a single trip or a special trip with family, friends, and yourself, you can fill up the private journey or a tailor-made journey. According to your requirements, we will send you the price. TMG is happy to serve you very much.

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Standard Price
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp
USD 250 pp

If you want to spend your trips on your way or with your near and dear ones, you can choose the date of the private tour, and TMG organizes this tour at your convenience.

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TMG helps you to make or adjust to meet your needs during your trips. Please tell us more about your requirements below.

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What's Included

What's Included

Cost Includes

  • Standard hotel accommodation in Bed and Breakfast plan (BB Plan) in Kathmandu

  • Pickup from the airport and a hotel as well as drop off in a private vehicle
  • Sightseeing in a private vehicle

  • Breakfast in Kathmandu

  • Nepal Government certified English speaking local tourist guide

  • Entry fees and monuments fees
  • Official paper documents Government taxes and local fees

Cost Excludes

  • International flights tickets

  • Travel and rescue insurance

  • Nepal entry visa
  • Personal trekking equipment and expenses like water, laundry, phone and bar bills
  • Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, early return from your trip (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary. Expenses due to unavoidable events, like flight cancellation, strikes, and others
  • Tips to your guide, porter, and driver
  • Any other expenses that are not mentioned in the “cost include” section

Additional Info

Additional Info

When you confirm your trip with us, we, Travel Max Guide need some information about you because we have to do this, according to the rules and regulations, and we send this information to the tourism board because you are traveling in Nepal, and the same goes if you are traveling to Tibet and Bhutan through our agents. The information that you provide us will not be leaked, and it will be confidential because we know you also love to keep the matter within yourself as far as possible. Your privacy is our privacy. Please do provide us the following information so that we can build a good relationship with you not only for the present but also in the future.

  • We need the type of document that confirms your identity.
  • We need your name, address, mobile no, postal code, and email address.
  • Scan and send a copy of your passport.
If you have any questions on the above-mentioned, then please do send it to us because we want to have the information for your sake, for our sake, and the sake of your family.

TMG Adventure is not just a tour operator in Nepal but also a contributor for a good cause to our communities and the Himalayas people especially working on behalf of children where are abundant from education. Company work through FAN (First Act Nepal) It's a team that works purely for our children. Support for their well being through education providing child sponsorship programs. Assisting them in school uniforms, stationery, and school fees. TMG Adventure donates a certain amount of its income to FAN annually, and the amount that it donates varies from year to year because the income that it earns also varies from year to year. Sometimes the income of TMG Adventure is high, and sometimes, it is low. Accordingly, the donation is made. TMG Adventure also has a volunteering program, and if you are interested, then you can help these children through this program. For more, you can contact us via email, make a call or visit our office. You can also be a part of encouragement by engaging and sharing your ideas in our project.

Quick Inquiry

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Client Reviews

Client Reviews

  • First step in the Everest Base Camp

    I was in Nepal for the Everest Base Camp Trek. Outstanding sceneries and good hospitality. On the way to the base camp, I got an opportunity to visit the Buddhist monastery as well as got some information about Buddhism. That was great. Our guide and porter were awesome. Very kind and helpful. Thank you, TMG.

    Henry United Kingdom
  • Annapurna Circuit Trek

    Trekking with Travel Max Guide was an amazing experience. My selection of trip and the company were excellent and of the right decision. In each moment of my walk, I came across adventure and discovered something new. I remember my first step on the Everest Base Camp. The view was spectacular. Passing through the Sherpa communities and staying in Namche Bazaar is unforgettable. I miss the trip very much. Anyway, thank you so much for your service while I was in Nepal. See you next time for the Annapurna Circuit Trek.

    Angelo Barcelona
  • Everest Trekking in Nepal

    Originally from the United State of America from the city of Los Angeles where life is busy and rush. I made a trip with TMG. It’s a new experience than I excepted. I found Nepalese people really welcoming. They really love tourists. While trekking in the Everest region, I got time to spend with nature, gained plenty of ideas of culture and tradition from the Himalayas. The trip was totally mind-blowing. TMG has a good team spirit and is dedicated to serving guest and trekkers.

    Herald New York
  • Visit Nepal

    Hi! it’s me, Anna from Central London, I am a landscape photographer, love to take pictures of landscapes and portraits all around the world. My trip to Nepal was awesome with the TMG guys. TMG managed well during my trip. Plus point is TMG members are also photographers. I worked with the team for 5 weeks on video and photography projects. I highly recommend the TMG team if you want to know beautiful Nepal.

    Anna London
  • Everest Trek

    Last year in 2018, I was in Nepal for 14 days for the Everest Base Camp Trek. It was mind-blowing. I loved the trek and the time spend with TMG. The team is great, really caring and have great knowledge about the trip. Guys, keep ongoing.

    Sophia Hawaii
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  • Let's share our experiences in the Himalayas of Nepal.
  • We are flexible as you are.
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