Plan a Trip
Travel Time
7-8 Hours
Distance
40km
Vehicle Type
Car
Driver
Included
Group Size
1-14 Pax
Max. Altitude
1400 Metres
Best Season
Spring
Activity
Day Tour
Accommodation
Not Included
Highlights of Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
- Visit Four UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hit up Kathmandu Durbar Square with its crumbling palaces, Swayambhunath (that Monkey Temple on the hill), Boudhanath Stupa, which is big and quiet, and Pashupatinath Temple, where the river runs holy. All in one solid day.
- Time-Efficient 7-Hour Itinerary – See the heavy hitters of Kathmandu’s culture and spirit without running around like a headless chicken.
- Comfortable Private Transportation – Roll in a decent car with a driver who’s been around the block—no breakdowns, no headaches.
- Historical & Spiritual Experience – Wander old royal grounds, huff up to a stupa with history in its bones, and watch Hindu rites by the Bagmati—smoke and all.
- Panoramic Views from Swayambhunath – Catch the valley stretching out below, prayer flags snapping in the wind, and that gold spire glinting up top. Worth it.
- Authentic Cultural Immersion – Spot monks muttering chants, folks flickering butter lamps, and Newari carvings that scream old Nepal.
- Optional Guided Tour for Deeper Insights – Add a guide if you want—he’ll unload the wild tales and history bits you won’t find on a sign-up to you.
Introduction of Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Uncover the soul of Nepal’s capital on a seven-hour Kathmandu sightseeing trip that hits four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
You’ll explore Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its weathered palaces whispering tales of kings, then head to Swayambhunath—aka the Monkey Temple—where monkeys scamper around a hilltop shrine.
Next is Boudhanath, its massive stupa practically humming calmly, and finally, Pashupatinath, a sacred spot alive with Hindu rituals.
A private car and a pro driver keep things smooth, so you’re not sweating the small stuff between stops.
It’s a whirlwind that weaves together the city’s Hindu-Buddhist heartbeat—perfect if you’re short on time or want a solid day of discovery without the fuss.
Itinerary of Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Tour Schedule
10:00 AM – Hotel Pick-up in Kathmandu
- Start the day with a private pick-up from your hotel in a comfortable vehicle. The driver ensures a smooth transfer to the first destination, Kathmandu Durbar Square.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Kathmandu Durbar Square (1.5 Hours)
- Explore the historic royal complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with palaces, temples, and traditional courtyards.
- Kumari Ghar: Glimpse the residence of the Living Goddess.
- Hanuman Dhoka Palace: Admire the former royal palace and its intricate architecture.
- Jagannath Temple & Kal Bhairav Statue: View sacred Hindu shrines and stone sculptures.
12:00 PM – 12:30 PM: Transfer to Swayambhunath Stupa
- Enjoy a 30-minute drive to the famous Monkey Temple, perched on a hill with panoramic city views.
12:30 PM – 1:45 PM: Swayambhunath Stupa (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
- This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s chaos.
- Main Stupa Exploration: Walk around the white dome, spinning prayer wheels beneath the watchful Buddha eyes.Panoramic Views: Capture sweeping views of Kathmandu Valley.
1:45 PM – 2:15 PM: Transfer to Boudhanath Stupa
- A 30-minute drive leads to Boudhanath, one of the world’s largest Buddhist stupas and a Tibetan spiritual hub.
2:15 PM – 2:45 PM: Lunch Break at Boudhanath (30 Minutes)
- Enjoy a traditional meal at a rooftop restaurant offering stunning stupa views. (Lunch at own expense.)
2:45 PM – 4:00 PM: Boudhanath Stupa (1 Hour 15 Minutes)
- Experience the profoundly spiritual energy of Boudhanath.
- Circumambulation: Walk around the massive dome, observing monks and devotees chanting prayers.
- Rooftop View (Optional): If time permits, relax at a cafe for a unique bird’s-eye view of the stupa.
4:00 PM – 4:30 PM: Transfer to Pashupatinath Temple
- A 30-minute drive to Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple complex.
- 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Pashupatinath Temple (30 Minutes – Focused Visit)
- Observe this centuries-old temple and its spiritual rituals along the Bagmati River.
- View the Main Pashupatinath Temple: Observe its golden rooftops and intricate carvings from across the river.
- Cremation Ghats (From a Distance): Respectfully witness traditional Hindu cremation rites.
5:00 PM – Hotel Drop-off in Kathmandu
- The tour ends with a comfortable drop-off at your hotel, completing a memorable Kathmandu sightseeing experience.
Activity: 6 Hours
Max. Altitude: 1400m
Meal: Not Included
Accommodation: Not Included
Includes & Excludes
What is included?
- Private Transportation – Comfortable, air-conditioned sedan, SUV, or van with a professional driver.
- Hotel Pick-Up & Drop-Off – Convenient service from your location in Kathmandu.
- Time-Efficient Itinerary – Covers four UNESCO sites in a well-planned 7-hour tour.
- Complimentary Bottled Water – Stay refreshed throughout the journey.
- All Transportation Costs Covered – Fuel, parking fees, and toll charges included.
- Flexible Stops for Photography – Take time to capture scenic views and landmarks.
What is not included?
- Entrance Fees – Pay directly at each site (Kathmandu Durbar Square: NPR 1,000, Swayambhunath: NPR 200, Boudhanath: NPR 400, Pashupatinath: NPR 1,000).
- Meals & Beverages – Lunch and personal snacks (recommendations available for quick, quality dining).
- Optional Licensed Guide – Available for an additional $40 per tour for in-depth cultural insights.
- Personal Expenses – Souvenirs, donations, and any extra purchases.
- Gratuities (Optional) – Tips for the driver or guide at your discretion.
- Travel Insurance – Not included; recommended for international travelers.
Trip Information
Best Seasons for Kathmandu Sightseeing
Autumn (September – November) – The Perfect Season
- Weather: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F) – Dry, calm, and perfect for exploring.
- Himalayan Views: Crystal-clear views from Swayambhunath and surrounding areas.
- Festivals: Dashain & Tihar add cultural vibrance.
- Crowds: Peak season – Expect more tourists.
- Why Visit? Best weather, stunning views, and cultural festivals.
Spring (March-May) – Another Ideal Season
- Weather: 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F) – Warm but comfortable.
- Himalayan Views: Still clear, though occasional haze.
- Nature: Lush greenery and rhododendrons in bloom.
- Festivals: Nepali New Year & Buddha Jayanti.
- Why Visit? Pleasant temperatures, beautiful landscapes, and cultural celebrations.
Good Alternative – Winter (December – February)
- Weather: 2°C to 20°C (36°F to 68°F) – Cool but sunny.
- Crowds: Fewer tourists, meaning a relaxed experience.
- Mountain Views: Can be clear, but foggy mornings may limit visibility.
- Why Visit? Lower costs, peaceful sightseeing, and fewer crowds.
Monsoon/Summer (June – August) – Not Recommended
- Weather: Hot, humid, and frequent rain showers.
- Himalayan Views: Limited visibility due to clouds and mist.
- Travel Conditions: Roads may be muddy; sightseeing can be disrupted.
- Why Avoid? Unpredictable weather, slippery conditions, and limited views.
Entrance Fees for the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour
Standard Entrance Fees for Foreign Nationals
- Kathmandu Durbar Square – NPR 1,000 (Approx. USD 7.50) (Includes entry to the Tribhuvan Museum)
- Swayambhunath Stupa – NPR 200 (Approx. USD 1.50)
- Boudhanath Stupa – NPR 400 (Approx. USD 3)
- Pashupatinath Temple – NPR 1,000 (Approx. USD 7.50 – Only Hindus can enter the central temple courtyard; others can observe from the eastern bank.)
Discounted Entrance Fees for SAARC & Chinese Nationals
- Kathmandu Durbar Square – NPR 500 (SAARC), NPR 1,000 (Chinese Nationals)
- Swayambhunath Stupa – NPR 50 (SAARC), NPR 200 (Chinese Nationals)
- Boudhanath Stupa – NPR 100 (SAARC), NPR 400 (Chinese Nationals)
- Pashupatinath Temple – NPR 1,000 (Same as the standard fee for foreign nationals)
Ticket Purchase
- Tickets are available at the entrance of each site.
- Your driver or guide can assist you with purchasing tickets if needed.
Entrance Fee Inclusions in Tour Package
- Entrance fees are NOT included in the tour package price.
- Fees can be added upon request for convenience.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ’s)
The whole thing runs seven hours, kicking off at 10:00 AM and wrapping up by 5:00 PM. You’ll hit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites with a ride that keeps things moving and gives you enough time to see stuff.
You get a private car, a driver who knows what’s up, pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, gas, parking costs, water bottles, and a plan that doesn’t waste your day.
No, you have to pay:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square: NPR 1,000
- Swayambhunath Stupa: NPR 200
- Boudhanath Stupa: NPR 400
- Pashupatinath Temple: NPR 1,000
Yeah, it’s your call! The tour is flexible—shift things around if something catches your eye. Extra stops are doable but might mess with the clock a bit.
Not by default, but you can snag one for $40. They’re legit—licensed and full of stories about the history and culture if you’re into that.
- Shoes you can walk in without whining
- Sunscreen, shades, maybe a hat.
- Cash (Nepali Rupees) for fees, food, whatever else
- A jacket if you’re going in winter—it gets chilly
Easy—just hit the “Book Now” button on our site. Bam, you’re confirmed, with no fuss.
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