The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu city surrounded by beautiful greenery hills offers you a unique blend of culture, traditions, heritages, ancient history, lifestyle, food, and religious places. Kathmandu Day tour offers you a chain of attractions. Basantapur Durbar Square, Boudhanath Stupa, and Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple are famous tourist places in Kathmandu listed in UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A day Kathmandu Sightseeing tour is the perfect way to explore the arts and culture of Kathmandu which carries historical significance.
Kathmandu sightseeing covers four major attractions;
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Kathmandu Durbar Square also known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square is the ancient royal palace built in the 15th century by Malla Kings. It is among the famous tourist places in Kathmandu city. It is the center of the cultural and historical core of Kathmandu Valley. Several temples, shrines, courtyards, and museums inside Durbar Square reflect the art and architecture of the medieval time. Inside the premises of Durbar Square, there is Kumari Ghar, which serves as the residence for the Living Goddess known as “Kumari”. Hanumandhoka, Maju Dega, Basantapur Tower, Kalbhairav, Taleju Temple, and Kumari Bahal are some of the remarkable structures in the Durbar Square premises. Many cultural and religious events are performed in this Durbar Square. It takes around 2 hours to visit Kathmandu Durbar Square.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is one of the oldest and holiest Hindu temples in the world. Built in the fifth century on the banks of the Bagmati river, Pashupatinath is most vital religious sites for devotees of Lord Shiva. The biggest temple complex in Nepal stretches across both sides of the Bagmati River. This temple offers you a wonderful spiritual experience and a sense of holiness. Hindu traditions related to life, death, and reincarnation are performed beside the Bagmati River. Jay Bageshowri, Gaurighat(Holy Bath), Deupatan, Kutumbahal. Gaushala, Pingalasthan, and Sleshmantak forests are some other holy areas of Pashupati. Surrounded by around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas (shrines of Lord Shiva), and 12 Jyotirlinga(phallic shrines) the temple is filled with religious vibes once you enter its premises. It may take approximately 2 hours to finish the Pashupatinath Temple Tour.
Boudhanath Stupa
Boudhanath is one of the standout tourist places in Kathmandu City where you can see the culture and tradition of Buddhist people. It is considered as one of the largest stupas in South Asia. The main attraction of this place is the 36 m high Stupa surrounded by various monasteries, Tibetan food, Buddhist culture, ancient Buddhist philosophy, historical values, and lifestyle. Boudhanath is surrounded by a circular market, known as Boudha market which is filled with shops, restaurants, and guesthouses. Also, you can walk around the stupa in a clockwise direction, spinning the prayer wheels as they go. The total time spent at this place will be around one and a half hours.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath, also known as Monkey Temple is one of the holiest Buddhist Chaityas in Nepal. A large population of monkeys resides in this area, which has given rise to the nickname “Monkey Temple”. As it is located at the top of the hill, it offers a stunning view of Kathmandu city. If fortunate you may even catch a glimpse of the distant mountain ranges. The temple complex consists of a large white stupa, shrines, temples, and monasteries. The stupa is believed to have been built in the 5th century and is adorned with Buddha’s eyes and eyebrows painted on each of its four sides. Climbing the stairs to the top of the hill, exploring the temple complex, and observing the daily rituals and practices of the local Buddhist community. It takes around two hours to cover almost every part of Swayambhunath Temple.