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Kathmandu UNESCO sites

Our most recommended Kathmandu UNESCO sites

Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

1. Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

See the sights of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal on a 6-hour tour of an area that covers 218 square miles (350 kilometers). Kathmandu Valley contains 3 fabulous cities of great historic, religious, and cultural interest: Kathmandu (Kantipur), Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhadgaon (Bhaktapur). The Kathmandu Valley has often been described as an open-air art gallery with thousands of sacred shrines in brick, stone, metal, and wood scattered throughout it. On your tour, you will not be able to see the entire valley, but you will be taken to some of the most important and monumental sites. Many of these are squares or temples that are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Kathmandu Durbar Square This square is home to a house full of woodcarvings of different gods and goddesses. In this 3-story palace you will also find the living Goddess Kumari. Both Hindus and Buddhists venerate her, and she serves as an illustration of the harmony between the Hindu and Buddhist people. One of the popular temples of Kathmandu Durbar Square is Kashamandap, locally known as Maru Sattal. It is believed that the name of Kathmandu City is derived from the name of this temple, and it is said that this temple is built by one single Sal (sorea robusta) tree. At the center of this temple, one can see the statue of a Hindu god Gorakhnath and in the 4 corners of the temple one can see Ganesh statues. The most visited temple of Kathmandu is Maru Ganesh. The people of Kathmandu Valley believe that the 4 Ganesh statues in the 4 corners of Kathmandu Valley protect the people living in Kathmandu. Every day people go to worship this temple, and especially on Tuesdays, you can see a long line of people waiting for hours to worship. Other interesting things to see here are Mahadev Temple, Shiva Parvati Temple, Bhagwati Temple, Old Palace, Saraswoti Temple, Krishna Octangular Temple, Big Drums, Kal Bhairav, Jagannath Temple, and Tal. Swayambhunath/Monkey Temple Swayambhunath / Monkey Temple is a 2,500-year-old Stupa situated overlooking Kathmandu Valley. Its name comes from the holy monkey living in part of the complex. The painted eyes on 4 sides symbolize the all-seeing eyes of Buddha, and the site is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Pashupatinath Temple Pashupatinath is a temple of Lord Shiva and the most sacred of the 275 Shiva temples worldwide. It is also the oldest temple in Kathmandu. The Bagmati River runs alongside the temple, and is the site not only of pilgrims who bathe in the river, but also contains a special area where members of the royal family are cremated. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also one of the biggest in the world. It is the most important pilgrimage site for Tibetan Buddhists, who come here by the thousands during the winter festival to pay their respect. Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square is home to the former Patan Royal Family. The most photographed of Kathmandu’s 3 Durbar Squares, it features a remarkable display of Newari architecture. Its main attractions include the Krishna Temple, with its 21 golden pinnacles, Rudra Varna Mahavihar, a Buddhist Monastery that houses local treasures, and the central courtyard of Mul Chowk.

Kathmandu: 2 Nights 3 Days Nagarkot Trek to/from Kathmandu

2. Kathmandu: 2 Nights 3 Days Nagarkot Trek to/from Kathmandu

Day 1: Drive to Sundarijal (1,460 meters) and Chisapani (2,165 meters) You'll begin by being met at your hotel, from where you will drive for an hour to your trek's starting point of Sundarijal. From Sundarijal, your trek begins uphill following a large water pipe coming down from the Sundarijal Reservoir. Following that you will enter the Shivapuri National Park from where you will proceed further to reach the Mulkharka Village. The trail then passes through Tamang Village befire reaching Chisapani, from where you can spot great views of Langtang Lirung, Annapurna, Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Everest. In the evening you'll witness beautiful sunset views over the mountains, before spending the night at a lodge. Day 2: Chisapani to Nagarkot (2,175 meters) Following breakfast, the trek continues by ascending through a lush forest before descending down to Jhule and Chauki Bhanjyang. The trail then crosses some villages and terraced fields before reaching Kattike Bhanjyang. You will be required to ascend up to reach Nagarkot from Kattike Bhanjyang, which will offer great views of Kanchenjunga in the east, Dhaulagiri in the west, and Everest. Day 3: Nagarkot to Changu Narayan (1541m) & drive back to Kathmandu 4 hrs Your final day will begin with an early-morning wake-up to observe the beautiful sunrise over the Himalayas. Following breakfast you will hike to Changu Narayan, where the trail descends downwards via Telkot. En-route you will encounter a bird’s eye-view of both Bhaktapur and Kathmandu, before encountering the 323-A.D. Temple of Changu Narayan. Once at Changu you will meet with your vehicle before driving back to Kathmandu to be dropped off at your hotel.

Kathmandu: UNESCO world heritage sites tour - 6 Hours

3. Kathmandu: UNESCO world heritage sites tour - 6 Hours

Explore the best of Kathmandu on a private sightseeing tour that takes you to four of the city's most iconic sites. Start at Pashupati Nath Temple, where you'll experience the spiritual heart of Nepal and witness ancient Hindu rituals. Next, head to Boudha Nath Stupa, a UNESCO World Heritage site that's one of the largest stupas in the world, where you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and observe the Tibetan Buddhist culture. Afterward, make your way to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a complex of palaces, temples, and courtyards that offer a glimpse into the city's rich history and architecture. Finally, visit Swyambhu Nath Stupa, also known as the Monkey Temple, which sits atop a hill and offers stunning views of the city. Throughout the tour, you'll have a knowledgeable guide who will provide insights into the history and culture of each site. You'll also have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your preferences and pace. Don't miss the opportunity to see the best of Kathmandu on this private tour.

10 Days Nepal Adventure Tour from Kathmandu

4. 10 Days Nepal Adventure Tour from Kathmandu

The trip begins with cultural sightseeing of heritage monuments in Kathmandu. On the following days, you experience exciting whitewater rafting in Trishuli River, a jungle safari in Chitwan National Park, and soft trekking/ hiking to Ghandruk village inside the Annapurna conservation area with stunning views of the Himalayan range, mountain people, culture, and lifestyle. It ends with the taste of Nepalese cuisine with a show of folk dances and music. Nepal Adventure Tour Itinerary Day 1 Upon arrival in Kathmandu airport. Meet our representative. Transfer to the hotel. Orientation of the tour program. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 2 Sightseeing tour of Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, and Swoyambhunath. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 3 Drive to Chitwan National Park. On the way rafting in the Trishuli River. Arrive at Chitwan National Park late afternoon. Briefing of jungle activities by Nature Guide. Evening cultural show of local people. Overnight at a hotel in Chitwan National Park. Day 4 Full-day jungle activities inside the national park (elephant ride, canoe ride in the Rapti River, jungle walk, bird watching, elephant bathing etc.). Overnight at a hotel in Chitwan National Park. Day 5 Morning drive to Pokhara. Sightseeing tour of Davis Falls, Shiva cave, and Tibetan Refugee Camp. Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Day 6 Morning drive to Nayapul (1 hr). Start hiking/ trekking to Ghandruk. Overnight at a mountain lodge in Ghandruk. Day 7 Hiking from Ghandruk to Pothana. Overnight at a mountain lodge in Pothana. Day 8 Hiking from Pothana to Phedi via Dhampus. Drive back to Pokhara (1/2 hour). Overnight at a hotel in Pokhara. Day 9 Morning drive back to Kathmandu (6 hrs). Rest at the hotel. Evening farewell dinner at a typical Nepalese Restaurant with cultural dance and music. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu. Day 10 Preparation for your departure. Transfer to Kathmandu International airport for your onward journey.

Kathmandu: 1-Day Private UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour

5. Kathmandu: 1-Day Private UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour

Discover 4 different UNESCO-listed World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley including the Pashupathinath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa, Swyambhunath Stupa, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Learn the history from an English-speaking guide and embark on a 6-hour sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu Durbar Square Begin the tour at Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the royal palaces and known as one of the cultural and political hubs of Nepal. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kathmandu Durbar Square is also one of three Durbar Squares in Kathmandu Valley. Though a few buildings collapsed after the devastating earthquake on April 25th, 2015, you can observe the spectacular art and architecture of the ancient Malla and Shah dynasties. Swayambhunath Temple Continue the tour and head to the Swayambhunath Temple, also known as the “Monkey temple”. Situated on a small hillock on the west of Kathmandu city, it is a sacred place for Buddhist pilgrimages from all over the world. The painted eyes on the 4 sides of the main stupa represent wisdom and compassion. One can still observe the art and architecture at Swayambhunath which is believed to date back to the beginning of the 5th century. Boudhanath Stupa Boudhanath Stupa is one of the biggest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world and a sacred site for Buddhist pilgrimages. Boudhanath is located on the ancient trade route between Nepal and Tibet. The Stupa is said to entomb the remains of the Kassapa Buddha. Pashupatinath Temple On the last stop of the tour, you will visit the Pashupatinath Temple. The sacred Hindu shrine Pashupatinath is located on the bank of the Bagmati River on the eastern side of Kathmandu. The main temple of Pashupatinath was built using Pagoda-style architecture with four main doors. Though some of the buildings in the Pashupati area were damaged, the main building remained intact during the 2015 earthquake.

Nagarkot Sunrise With Trip To Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur

6. Nagarkot Sunrise With Trip To Changu Narayan and Bhaktapur

Nagarkot is located 25 miles east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 6,800 feet above sea level. Here you can stop at the most scenic spots in the region, renowned for sunrise views of the Himalayas. You can see Mount Everest with its snow-topped peaks from an observation tower. Move on to the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan, located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu. This shrine is dedicated to lord Visnu and held in special reverence by the Hindu people. This temple is considered to be the oldest temple in the history of Nepal. Bhaktapur is a living representation of how the entire Kathmandu Valley would have looked like during the medieval period. Admire the former glorious architecture, sky-high temples built in pagoda style, fine clay pottery, and massive royal courtyards whose existence dates back to the 12th Century.

Kathmandu: Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour

7. Kathmandu: Full-Day City Sightseeing Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley on this guided tour. After getting picked up from your hotel, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square. Here, marvel at the architecture of the Royal Palace and admire several other buildings of religious and cultural importance including 3rd-century temples and courtyards. Continue your tour with a visit to Swyambunath Stupa. Here, get up close and personal with the site's resident monkeys and admire a range of shrines and temples before heading to your next stop, Bouddhanath Stupa. At Bouddhanath, pay your respects at the temple, which is considered to be the holiest temple in the world outside of Tibet, and marvel at the architecture at one of the world's largest stupas. Finally, visit Pashupatinath temple, which is one of the biggest Hindus temples in Nepal and believed to be the oldest in the country. Here, immerse yourself in Hindu traditions and learn more about why this temple is frequented by up to 7,000,000 devotees each year on the day of the Mahashivratri Festival. Get dropped off back at your hotel at the end of the day.

Kathmandu: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

8. Kathmandu: Full-Day Guided Sightseeing Tour

In the morning you’ll be picked up from your hotel for a full-day sightseeing tour of Kathmandu, the “city of glory.”  First stop is Durbar (Palace) Square, the epicenter of religious and cultural life. The square is full of temples and old buildings in the Newari architectural style, such as the Hanuman Dhoka and Taleju Temple.  Afterwards, you’ll visit Swoyambhunath Stupa. Said to be one of the oldest Buddhist shrines in the world, it is set high on a hill overlooking the Kathmandu Valley.  Next stop is Pashupatinath Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This massive temple complex sits alongside the banks of the holy Bagmati River.  Finally visit Boudhanath, a Buddhist shrine said to be one of the largest in the world. This massive structure stands tall with four pairs of eyes, each facing the four cardinal directions.  At the end of the day you’ll be dropped back to your hotel in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Walking Tour

9. Kathmandu Walking Tour

Start your tour by walking from your hotel to the nearby busy Ason, the oldest market place in Kathmandu, where you can witness the daily lives of the locals. As you walk, pass along busy streets, shops, squares, and ancient temples. Next, head to Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historical and religious location where many temples, palaces, shrines are located. Take a trip to the nearby famous Freak Street, the most popular junction during the Hippy era. Afterward continue to the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located at the top of a hill that will give you the most spectacular panoramic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley. Then, walk back to Thamel or alternatively, you can take a taxi from Swayambhunath to Thamel.

From Kathmandu: 3-Day Tour to Lumbini with 3* Hotel

10. From Kathmandu: 3-Day Tour to Lumbini with 3* Hotel

Lumbini is one of the most popular sites for Buddhist pilgrimage in Nepal, being considered the birthplace of Buddha. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1997. In this tour you will discover different temples and monasteries of Lumbini and stay at a three star hotel.  Itinerary: Day 1: Pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu and drive 8 hours to Lumbini (Bhairahawa). Check into your room at the Hotel Sarashree and stay overnight.  Day 2:  After an early breakfast at your hotel, visit the Lumbini Garden, then drive to Tilaurakot, also known as Kapilvastu. Visit major shrines and monuments such as Gotihawa, Niglihawa, the temple and pond of Mayadevi. Explore the legendary Pillar of Ashoka with its 9-meter sandstone shaft, Korean, Lotus and German Temple, the World Peace Pagoda and many other religious, historical and architectural artsy attractions. Overnight at the Hotel Sarashree. Day 3: Breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Kathmandu. Visit Ramgram on the way to Kathmandu.

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Frequently asked questions about Kathmandu

What are the best day trips and excursions from Kathmandu?

The best day trips and excursions from Kathmandu are:

Bhaktapur

Other Sightseeing Options in Kathmandu

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What people are saying about Kathmandu

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 36 reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed this very informative tour. The professional and friendly tour guide spoke good English and shared a wealth of knowledge about the objects of visit, and the overall culture and history of Nepal, and also answered any questions that I had. Just as described in the activity description I also had time to explore on my own which made the tour also relaxed. Hotel pick up and drop off happened timely and car was comfortable. As a solo traveller I found that this tour gave me the opportunity to see important landmarks comfortably and gain of insight about Kathmandu and Nepal. Highly recommended.

What a wonderful experience! The journey from Day 1 to Day 3 was just majestic. Ramesh is an incredible and knowledgeable guide. He provided with me helpful information and guidance. The tour company is very lucky to have someone like Ramesh. I still had my own time and privacy for the 3 day adventure. I’ve made good friends, ate good food and saw amazing sights. I’m so glad to I did this activity. If you don’t have enough time, I recommend doing this, but for sure come back to Nepal to do more activities. Thank you Anu and Ramesh.

We had a great day tour of Kathmandu with Kapil as our guide. We were promptly picked up from our hotel in a comfortable car with a/c. We spent 6 hours exploring Kathmandu’s main attractions, and loved seeing everything! Kapil has a great amount of knowledge, and is very personable and friendly - we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the tour company and in particular Kapil.

I highly recommend this trip especially with the best guide Kapil. We had a wonderful time and it was knowledgeable and the guide was so flexible with us especially with our 3 years daughter where he adjusted the plan so she can enjoy it too.

Super competent and friendly guide, I enjoyed the tour, learning a lot of new facts about Kathmandu, the religions in Nepal and the daily life. Pick up on time and he also dropped me off at the hotel. Highly recommend