- Explore the famous landmarks and beautiful sights such as Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Ascend the stairs of Swyambhunath to enjoy the picturesque view over Kathmandu.
- Visit the Patan Durbar Square to dig deep into the Nepalese history and culture. Walk through the courtyards and narrow alleys to glimpse stunning Newari architecture.
- Navigate the old streets of Kathmandu to experience the local culture and get a sight of traditional architecture. Visit the bustling markets of Boudhanath to watch Nepalese handicrafts like Thanka or buy souvenirs for family and friends.
As one of the most sprawling cities in South Asia, Kathmandu is never out of options. There are so many iconic sights and underrated wonders here that a day is barely enough to amuse yourself.
Still, you can make the most of your Kathmandu Day Tour with a good travel itinerary and proper plans. The One Day Kathmandu Tour is a mix of cultural and historical explorations, which are tremendously popular. Many of the crowd-pullers on the list will enlighten you through Nepalese history.
On this trip, you’ll visit the iconic Monkey Temple (Swayambhunath) and immerse yourself in the Buddhist culture. Of course, you’ll run a circuit of the stupa and watch the golden sunrise from the hilltop. After cherishing the marvelous view, you’ll venture off to Patan to watch a beautiful display of Newari architecture.
You’ll get a guided tour of the Patan Durbar Square with a brief narration of its origin. You’ll explore the palace and watch the stunning collection of stone statues and temples including Krishna Mandir and Bhimsen Temple.
No trip to Kathmandu Valley is complete without a visit to Pashputinath, so you’ll stop by the temple. You’ll take a walk around the premises and watch exquisite Pagoda-style temples with marvelous architecture.
After lunch, you’ll head off to Boudhanath Stupa, one of Nepal’s famous Buddhist pilgrimages. During your visit, you’ll explore the stupa, circumscribe prayer wheels, and watch monks chanting mantras. You’ll feel the spiritual ambiance and the presence of the divine in Boudhanath.
You’ll conclude the day by visiting another royal palace, the Kathmandu Durbar Square, and checking out its ancient shrines and monuments. You’ll take a walk through the picturesque courtyards while setting your sights on the architectural beauty of the square.
Kathmandu Valley Attractions
Here is the list of iconic sights you will visit during your Kathmandu day tour.
1. Swayambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath Stupa, nicknamed the Monkey Temple, is the holiest Buddhist pilgrimage, perched on a hilltop west of Kathmandu. It serves as a cultural magnet and a spiritual center for all pilgrims but mostly Buddhists.
The origin of Swayambhunath can be traced back to the fifth century CE in the early rulings of King Vrsadeva. It’s believed that Emperor Ashoka himself had paid a visit to the stupa before it suffered a huge destruction.
After the complete reconstruction of 2010 and renovation from the 2015 earthquake, Swayambhunath now looms large as a crown jewel of Kathmandu. The present structure of the stupa is as impressive as it can get with a white-coated dome that sits beneath the glided spire which has the face of Buddha in it.
Atop it is a thirteen-tier tower, representing the thirteen stages of nirvana, while its squiggle-looking nose indicates unity and enlightenment. A prayer wheel encircles the bottom of the stupa, each inscribed with the sacred mantra ‘Om mani padme hum’.
2. Bouddhanath Stupa
Bouddha also known as Boudhanath or Khasti Chaitya is a spiritual core of Tibetan Buddhism and the Nepalese Tamang community who calls it a home. It’s one of the cultural and architectural masterpieces that brings out the best of both Nepal and Tibet.
There are many stories about the origin of Boudhanath. While the Tibetan links the construction of Boudhanath with emperor Trisong Detsen, the Nepalese chronicle suggests that it was built by the 14th-century Lichhavi king who supposedly killed his father.
According to hearsay, the king built the stupa to repent his sin which was later destroyed by Mughal invaders. The stupa was reconstructed following the 2015 earthquake which sustained massive casualties.
Boudhanath is a symbol in itself. The nine tiers of this stupa symbolize Buddha’s path to enlightenment, where the dome signifies water, the tower denotes fire and the spire is air. Likewise, the umbrella represents a void, while the lotus beneath it signifies purity and self-growth.
Boudhanath is said to contain the remains of Buddha. Some believe that the stupa holds the relics of Kashayapa, others assert that it houses the remnant of Siddhartha Gautama. Whatever the chronicle is, it’s certain that the stupa is a hallmark of Buddhism.
3. Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the few places you can always count on to learn about Nepalese royal history and art. It’s a national treasure and cultural emblem of Nepal, whose architectural style is influenced by different religions, mostly Hindus and Buddhists.
As history suggests, Kathmandu Durbar Square was established during the reign of Lichhavi King, Gunakamadev. Several constructions such as temples, statues, and courtyards were made to the square later.
For years, Kathmandu Durbar Square was an imperial estate for royals. It witnessed several historical events and royal ceremonies, including the coronation of Nepalese monarchs.
Today, the square is an open museum, hosting visitors from all across the globe and giving them a taste of Nepalese culture. It introduces them to the unique architectural style and historic structures of Nepal, which are still intact after all these years.
A step into the square will see you surrounded by a beautiful Taleju Bhawani temple and a Narsingha statue. Another historical complex that stands out with its pagoda-style complex and intricate woodwork is Hanuman Dhoka.
Kathmandu Durbar Square has many temples, including Jagannath Temple, Kal Bhairav Temple, and Swet Bhairav. Among the notable attractions is the Kumari Temple, the home of a living goddess in Nepal.
4. Pashupatinath Temple
In the thick of the chaos of Kathmandu, Pashupatinath stands as a serene sanctuary. It’s a place of tranquility, whose spiritual ambiance attracts visitors worldwide. Built in 1692 CE, Pashupatinath is not only the most prominent pilgrimage for Hindus and Buddhists but also a cultural symbol of Nepal.
The temple is an artistic marvel of Newari architecture with a pagoda-style complex on a square platform. The entire layout of Pashupatinath is a work of art. It’s a testament to Newari craftsmen whose intricate woodwork embellish the pilgrimage.
The temple has two-tiered roofs crowned with a golden spire and adorned with a shiny silver door on four fronts. Inside it is a four-headed idol of lord Shiva, known as the lingam. It is forbidden to touch the idol except for the head of priests; mostly Bhatta and Rajbhandaris who perform the daily rituals.
Surrounding the main temple is a large courtyard with several smaller statues and temples of Hindu deities. There are many other pilgrimages within the premises of Pashupatinath, which foreigners are allowed to enter. However, they are confined from visiting the main temple, which is continuously guarded by Nandi, Shiva’s mount.
One of the most revered temples, Pashupatinath is observed every day. While most pilgrims visit the temple to purify their souls and seek salvation; other comes to perform the funeral service and cremate their loved ones on the bank of the Bagmati River.
5. Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is another historical gem that combines the grandeur of Nepalese history with fine art and architecture. It provides the visitor a glimpse of the timeless Newari craftsmanship and their work of genius.
Located in the heart of Kathmandu, Patan Durbar Square is a centuries-old royal palace built in the Lichhavi period. Although the history remains unclear, the royal square is suggested to have been built during the rule of the Malla Kings.
Its shining example is the architectural landscapes of Patan, which feature Newari architecture and craftsmanship. The complex boasts several pagoda-style temples with exquisite woodwork and intricate carvings, which adds to the beauty of Patan Durbar Square.
The square is surrounded by large courtyards with beautiful stone statues and temples. One of its major highlights is the Krishna Mandir, a three-storied temple with stone statues and golden pinnacles. Among other notable attractions are Bhimsen Temple, Taleju Bhawani Temple, Keshav Narayan Chowk, and Mul Chowk.
