Kathmandu Valley Tour

Kathmandu Valley Tour combines exploration of spiritual shrines and UNESCO world heritage sites. By this tour, you can explore the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Kathmandu Valley with this 5 day Kathmandu Valley Tour visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient temples, traditional villages, and serene monasteries.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Kathmandu Durbar Square is an ideal starting point for exploring the Kathmandu Valley. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it boasts numerous temples and monuments that reflect the rich culture, traditions, and religion of the local people. The name “Kathmandu” is derived from the ancient Kasthamandap, a structure believed to be constructed from a single large tree. Significant temples here include Maru Ganesh, Kal Bhairab, Akash Bhairab, Taleju Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Makhan Mahadev Temple, and Krishna Temple, each playing a role in festivals like Indra Jatra. Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, and the former royal palace from the Rana regime, offer historical insights into the valley’s past. The Malla Dynasty’s architectural legacy is evident throughout the area, with Basantapur Dabali serving as a well-known resting spot.

Machhendranath Temple

The Swet Machchhendranath Temple, located in Machchhendra Bahal near Kathmandu Durbar Square, is renowned for its annual Seto Machhendranath festival. During this event, a towering chariot, supported by four large wooden wheels, is constructed to carry the statue of Seto Machhendranath. Locals pull this chariot through the valley using large ropes, celebrating this significant festival.

Akash Bhairab Temple

Situated in the heart of Indra Chowk, the Akash Bhairab Temple is a stunning three-story structure. During the Indra Jatra festival, the statue of Akash Bhairab is displayed outside for about a week, marking the celebration of one of Kathmandu Valley’s prominent festivals.

Hanuman Dhoka Durbar

Hanuman Dhoka Durbar, the ancient royal palace of Nepal’s kings, showcases temples and palaces that embody the region’s religious, traditional, and cultural heritage. Notable sites within the complex include Taleju Temple, the statue of Kal Bhairav, the Nine-Storeyed Durbar, the Historical Museum of Nepalese Kings, Gaddi Baithak, and the Big Bell. The statue of Swet Bhairab, hidden behind a netted wooden block, is revealed only during Indra Jatra. Photography is prohibited inside the museums and Nasal Chowk, which are closed on Tuesdays and government holidays.

Kumari Ghar

Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, is located near Hanuman Dhoka Palace. Built in 1757 and renovated in 1966, this three-story brick building features ornate wood-carved windows and divine sculptures. During Indra Jatra, Kumari is paraded in a chariot around Kathmandu Durbar Square. Photography inside Kumari Ghar is not permitted, but photographs of Kumari and the building can be purchased outside.

Kasthamandap

Kasthamandap, constructed by King Laxmi Narsingha Malla of the Malla Dynasty, is located near Kumari Ghar. It is believed to have been built from a single tree, and the city of Kathmandu derives its name from this temple.

Ashok Vinayak

Ashok Vinayak Temple, located behind Kasthamandap, is also known as Maru Ganesh due to its lack of a steeple. This small but significant temple holds great importance.

Jaishi Dewal

A short distance from Kasthamandap, the Jaishi Dewal Shiva Temple is known for its erotic carvings and plays a key role in festivals like Indra Jatra and Gai Jatra.

Swayambhu Nath Temple

Dedicated to Manjusri or Saraswati, the goddess of learning, Swayambhu Nath Temple is a prominent site for observing religious harmony in Nepal. This ancient stupa is one of the oldest in the region and is surrounded by monasteries with large prayer wheels, Buddhist paintings, and butter lamps. The temple offers panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley and is accessible via a steep climb or a road that approaches the stupa’s base.

Boudhanath

Located about 5 km east of downtown Kathmandu, the Boudhanath Stupa is one of the world’s largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monuments outside Tibet. It is a focal point for pilgrims, especially during the full moon and new moon days when rituals and ceremonies are held.

Pashupatinath Temple

Pashupatinath is the holiest pilgrimage site in Nepal, featuring a complex with linga images of Shiva, statues, shrines, and temples dedicated to various deities. The current temple, built by King Bhupatindra Malla in 1697, is adorned with a gold-plated roof, silver doors, and exquisite wood carvings. Other significant sites within the complex include Guheswari Temple, Rajeswari Temple, Kailas with ancient lingas, Goraknath Temple, and the Arya Ghat cremation grounds. Photography of cremations and bereaved families is strictly prohibited, and the main courtyard is restricted to Hindus.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a stunning example of pagoda and shikhara-style architecture, surrounds the fifty-five-window palace. Key highlights include:

• The Lion Gate: Built in 1696 AD, flanked by statues of lions and figures of Bhairav and Ugrachandi.

• The Golden Gate: Considered the most beautifully crafted gate, adorned with intricate deities and mythical creatures, and leading to the Palace of Fifty-five Windows.

• The Palace of Fifty-five Windows: Constructed in 1427 AD by King Yakshya Malla and remodeled in the seventeenth century, it features a balcony with fifty-five windows.

• The National Art Gallery: Houses ancient Hindu and Buddhist paintings and is open daily except Tuesdays.

• The Statue of King Bhupatindra Malla: This statue, depicting the king in worship, is among the most magnificent in Nepal.

• The Stone Temple of Batsala Devi: Known for its intricate carvings and “bell of barking dogs.”

• Nyatapola Temple: A five-story pagoda built in 1702 AD by King Bhupatindra Malla, famous for its massive structure and detailed craftsmanship.

• Bhairavnath Temple: Originally a one-storey pagoda, expanded to a three-storey temple in 1718 AD, dedicated to Lord Bhairav.

• Dattatraya Temple: Built in 1427 AD from a single tree trunk, with a nearby monastery featuring exquisite peacock windows.

Patan Durbar Square

Patan, the second largest city in the Kathmandu Valley, is known for its Hindu temples and Buddhist monuments, with intricate bronze gateways and guardian deities. Key attractions include:

• Krishna Mandir: A seventeenth-century temple dedicated to Lord Krishna, notable for its Shikhara-style architecture and stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu epics.

• Mahabouddha Temple: A fourteenth-century Buddhist temple constructed from clay bricks, adorned with thousands of Buddha images.

• Kumbheshwor Temple: A five-roofed temple of Lord Shiva, built during King Jayasthiti Malla’s reign, with a fair held on Janai Poornima.

• Jagatnarayan Temple: A tall red-brick temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, with artistic stone and metal statues.

• Varna Mahavihar: A unique Buddhist monastery with an impressive collection of metal, stone, and wood statues, where ancient coronations took place.

• Temples of Machchhendra Nath and Min Nath: Red Machchhendra Nath’s pagoda, built in 1408 AD, and the older Min Nath temple in Tengal.

Kathmandu Valley

The Kathmandu Valley, encompassing Kathmandu, Lalitpur (Patan), and Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), is located at an altitude of 1336 meters and covers 218 square miles. Major attractions include:

• Tundikhel: A large green field with landmarks like the Dharahara tower, built by Prime Minister Bhimsen Thapa in 1832 AD, and the Sundhara fountains.

• Martyr’s Memorial Gate: Featuring statues of King Tribhuvan Bir Bikram Shah and four martyrs.

• Bhadrakali Temple: An important Shakta temple near Tundikhel.

• Singha Durbar: An imposing neo-classical palace, once the residence of Rana Prime Ministers and now the Secretariat.

• Narayanhity Durbar: The current Royal Palace, with the historic Narayanhity waterspout.

• Kaisar Library: Located within the Ministry of Education, housing rare books and manuscripts.

• Budhanilkantha: A colossal fifth-century statue of Lord Vishnu, reclining on a bed of snakes, situated in a pond.

• Balaju Water Garden: Featuring 22 crocodile-headed water spouts and a swimming pool.

• Natural History Museum: Located west of Kathmandu, showcasing a diverse collection of fossils and specimens.

Outine Itinerary

Day 01: Kathmandu Durbar Square, Boudhanath, Pashupatinath Temple, and Swayambhu Nath Temple
Day 02: Full Day in Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Day 03: Bungmati, Khokana, and Patan Durbar Square
Day 04: Dakshinkali, Kirtipur, and Pharping Monastery
Day 05: Godavari Botanical Garden and Narayanthan Sleeping Vishnu Temple