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.

Join an experienced chef who will lead a cooking class to prepare a traditional Nepali meal while also learning about the food culture of the region. This activity also includes a visit to a local market to pick up the ingredients needed to cook your meal.  After your prick up from your hotel, visit a typical local market of Kathmandu-Ason on a rickshaw to have an authentic experience. Meet local merchants and see the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping hub in Kathmandu. After the market visit, it is time to start the cooking class. Learn about various local delicacies of Nepal and how they are cooked and what type of ingredients are used. You will make beloved and traditional foods like momo, varieties of yummy curries, a unique bread that includes roti and the absolute favorite Sel roti which is slightly similar to American donuts. Have fun as you listen to Nepalese folk music during your class and at mealtime and also learn some Nepalese phrases as well.

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.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Bhaktapur, known for its rich culture, temples, and wood, metal and stone artworks. Meet the local Newari community and learn about their culture and customs. Admire the incredible architecture of the palaces and temples around Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Get picked up form your accommodation in Kathmandu and drive for about an hour to Bhaktapur. Discover Bhaktapur Durbar Square with your experienced guide, who will tell you the history of the 30 meter tall Naytpola Temple, the 55 Window Palace, and more of what you see in the old city. Admire the 55 Window Palace with its unique architectural design and beautiful details on the handcrafted wooden windows and doors. Meet the Newar community living here and learn about their culture and traditions.

Kirtipur, located on a hill to the southwest of central Kathmandu is one of several ancient kingdoms in the Kathmandu Valley that were once independent, but now make up part of greater Kathmandu. Kirtipur is thought to be one of the oldest settlements in the valley. It’s a prime destination to learn about the Newar people, who are one of Nepal’s many distinct ethnic groups and the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley. Come to Kirtipur for exquisite architecture, hilltop temples, and sweeping city views. Wandering around its winding streets feels like walking through a traditional Nepali village, yet Kirtipur also offers some of the finest views of sprawling Kathmandu and the hills and mountains beyond. It’s full of cobblestone streets, old brick houses with elaborately carved door and window frames, and multitiered pagodas. During this tour, you will visit Bagh Bhairab temple, Chilancho Stupa shrine, Uma Maheshwar temple, and a Theravada Buddhist monastery. Enjoy a Newari lunch, before you return to your hotel.

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.

On this full day trip from Kathmandu, explore the city of Bhaktapur and the village of Panauti. The tour begins with sightseeing at Panauti village, a historical Newari town which is around 32 kilometers southeast of Kathmandu on the confluence of the Rosi and Punyamati rivers. In Nepali society, such rivers are considered to be sacred. Panauti, once a major trading center with its own royal palace, today consists of a variety of Buddhist and Hindu religious monuments, and is considered to be one of the area's most important medieval sites. Panauti is one of the oldest towns in Nepal, with many temples dating back to the 15th Century or earlier. Visit the Indreshwar Temple, one of the largest and tallest pagoda style temples in Nepal dating back to 13 century. Next, visit Brahmayani Temple, another important monument constructed in the 17th century to honor Brahmayani, the goddess of the town. Stroll around the complex and admire the beauty of the historic architecture, and watch the locals paying respect to their idols. Finally, visit Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a museum of medieval art and architecture with many examples of sculptures, woodcarvings and colossal pagoda temples consecrated to different gods and goddesses. Witness a unique culture here, and admire some of the finest displays of craftsmanship. Bhaktapur is the only place in Nepal that has remained untouched by western culture. 

From Chandragiri Hill, enjoy the beautiful Kathmandu Valley along with the spectacular views of Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu, and Langtang range that makes anyone feel like seeing the entirety of Nepal. Get to the top of Chandragiri Hill the shortest way possible and with ease via cable car. This Cable car is also the closest one to Kathmandu. Your driver will take you to Chandragiri Hill and cable car ride by private transportation which is 7km away from Thankot. Visit and explore Chandragiri Hill (2540M) and enjoy majestic views of Ganesh Himal, Manaslu, and Langtang range and the picturesque view of Kathmandu valley, before a comfortable drive back to your hotel.

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.

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.