Kathmandu Highlights Day Tour

The Kathmandu Valley has always been a melting pot for various cultures, religions, and arts and crafts.

The valley has enveloped three glorious cities: Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur. They were once independent states ruled by the Malla kings, who ruled the cities from the 12th to the 18th centuries. The kings decorated their individual kingdoms with exotic craftsmanship and palaces. Back then, the mighty Mongol rulers would import craftsmen from the Kathmandu Valley to decorate their empire.

You will visit four UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Pashupatinath
Pashupatinath is the most famous and holiest Hindu temple in Nepal. The temple is situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River. The two-story high temple annually attracts millions of pilgrims. They come to honor Lord Shiva. Shiva is the god of destruction and reconstruction. He is also the god of animals. In addition, the cremation is another important part of the Pashupatinath. In Hinduism, people are burnt openly and cremated at the banks of the holy Bagmati River.

Boudhanath
Boudhanath (Boudha) is the largest Buddhist stupa in Asia. The great white stupa is the sacred heart of a thriving Buddhist community. There is nowhere quite like Boudhanath. Thousands of pilgrims gather daily to make a kora (ritual circumnavigation) of the dome. They do this beneath the watchful eyes of the Buddha, which gaze out from the gilded central tower.

Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath is also a Buddhist stupa, but Hindu devotees visit here as well. The stupa is located on the top of the hill, and from the hilltop you can enjoy a wide panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley. This temple is also known as Monkey Temple.

Durbar Square, Kathmandu
Durbar Square in Kathmandu is one of the three ancient kingdoms of Nepal. The other two ancient kingdoms (Patan and Bhaktapur) can be found just outside of Kathmandu. The old kingdom in Kathmandu is the most famous one, and in the past it was used as a palace. As such, the square remains the traditional heart of the old town and Kathmandu’s most spectacular legacy of traditional architecture. Many temples and monuments can be found on the grounds of the palace. You will also be able to see the temple of the living goddess Kumari.

Note:
In April 2015, Nepal suffered a severe earthquake. The damage to the Durbar Squares in the valley was dramatic. Some temples were destroyed, others damaged. Still, most of its treasures survived the earthquake or are being restored to their old glory. For some temples, restoration work will take years to complete.