Add dates

KathmanduCulture & history

Our most recommended Kathmandu Culture & history

Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

1. Kathmandu: Private 7 UNESCO Heritage Sites Day Tour

Kathmandu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains 7 monuments and historic sites that have been recognized by UNESCO. These monument zones are the Durbar squares of the three cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and the religious temples of Swayambhu, Bouddha, Pashupati, & Changu Narayan. Pashupatinath Temple As one of the must visit legendary Hindu temple, this site welcomes millions of visitors every year. The temple is located on the bank of sacred Bagmati River, which runs down to the Ganges. Here, you get a chance to witness open public crematorium with all the rites and rituals being performed. You come to see even the holy men posing for pictures with painted face, dreadlocked hair & ash-applied body. Swayambhunath Temple Swayambhunath is approx. 2600 years old Buddhist Stupa, looking over the entire Kathmandu valley. It is often referred to as the Monkey Temple due to the hundreds of monkeys- the local dwellers. The main Stupa, ancient sculptures, temple of child protector goddess, monasteries, etc are the main attractions here. Boudhanath Bouddhanath is considered as one of the largest Stupas in the world, constructed back in the 4th century. The shrine itself resembles a Tibetan village since the locale comprises Tibetan monasteries. Besides this, there are a no. of painting schools with Lamas painting Thanka, the best souvenirs from Nepal. Patan Durbar Square Located about 5 km away from the capital city in the district of Lalitpur. It is a fusion of two influential religions, Buddhism and Hinduism. The town of patan perfectly showcased the genuine art, architecture, culture, religion and heritage. The classic architectural design displayed on the houses, fine handwork on the doors & windows represents the aesthetic ancient beauty. Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square is a historic site situated in the heart of old Kathmandu city. The durbar square is surrounded by palaces, courtyards and temples. It is a pleasant place to visit due to its historical significance, magnificent Newari architecture, & bustling bazaars. Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur Durbar Square located in Bhaktapur, a city in the Kathmandu Valley showcases the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. It is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, temples, palaces, & intricate artwork. It is filled with numerous other shrines, statues, and courtyards, each displaying remarkable architectural and artistic craftsmanship. Changunarayan Temple Changunarayan Temple, one of the oldest temples in Nepal, is located on a hilltop in the village of Changu Narayan, near Bhaktapur. It is believed to have been built in the 4th century during the Lichhavi dynasty, making it one of the oldest surviving wooden structures in Nepal. Outline Itinerary: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your pick up point and your guided sightseeing tour starts. You will have a lunch break between the tour and you will be escorted to your hotel in the late afternoon.

From Kathmandu: 3-Day Meditation and Yoga Mountain Retreat

2. From Kathmandu: 3-Day Meditation and Yoga Mountain Retreat

Outline Itinerary Day 1: 11:30 am Pick up from your hotel or location and transfer to Retreat center 12:00 pm welcome in retreat center, check in and briefing about the program 02:30 Kundalini Meditation and Reiki healing for the emotional well-being 4:30 – 20:00 – Evening meditation celebration. 20:00 - Dinner Day 2 07:00 - 8:00 Wake up, Dynamic meditation 8:00 - 09:00 Kriya Yoga 09:00 - 10:00 Hatha Yoga Breakfast 11:30 - 13:00 Philosophy and Meditation 13:00 – Lunch Relaxation and Karma Yoga 15:30 – 16:15 Reiki Healing session 16:30 – 17:30 Kundalini meditation 18:45 - 20:00 Evening Meditation celebration 20:00 Dinner time 21:00 Bedtime (light off) Day 3 07:00 - 07:30 Wake up, yogic cleanse, herbal tea 08:30 - 09:00 Prayer, warm up, yoga asana 09:00 Breakfast and transfer to your hotel or location at 12 PM

Pokhara Private Day Tour

3. Pokhara Private Day Tour

"Discover the Essence of Pokhara with Our Guided Tour! Embark on a captivating journey through Pokhara's finest attractions with the ultimate comfort of a private AC car and an expert guide by your side. 🚗 Private AC Car: Your tour begins with a plush, clean, and comfortable private AC car to whisk you to each destination in style. 🏞️ Fewa Lake: Start by immersing yourself in the serene beauty of Fewa Lake. Enjoy a boat ride or simply soak in the tranquil ambiance. 🏛️ International Mountain Museum: Dive into the history and adventure of the Himalayas at the International Mountain Museum. Explore exhibits that showcase the region's mountaineering legacy. 💧 David's Fall: Witness the mesmerizing cascade of David's Fall, a natural wonder that's sure to leave you in awe. 🌄 Gupteswor Cave: Venture into the mystical depths of Gupteswor Cave, where legends and natural formations collide. 🌸 World Peace Pagoda: Finally, ascend to the iconic World Peace Pagoda. Revel in its spiritual ambiance and soak in panoramic views of the Himalayan range and Pokhara Valley. 🤝 Experienced Guide: Throughout your journey, our experienced guide will share insights, stories, and local knowledge, enhancing your understanding and appreciation of each site. This comprehensive tour ensures you don't miss a thing in Pokhara while offering the comfort and expertise that make your experience truly unforgettable. Book your Pokhara Guided Tour today and let the adventure begin!"

Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour

4. Kathmandu: Chandragiri Cable Car and Monkey Temple Tour

This tour begins with a pick up from your hotel in Kathmandu, to the Chandragiri’s ‘Gondola Base Station’ located at Chandragiri Municipality. Opened in 2016, the 2.4 km ‘Cable Car’ ride takes you on a 10 minute thrilling trip to the Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple at the top of the hill. The viewpoint in the hill offers you a beautiful panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley along with the mesmerizing view of Ganesh Himal, Mt. Manaslu and Langtang range. The hill station also offers you with a wide range of intercontinental cuisines and accommodation on a five star hotel for those seeking an stay overnight. In addition to your tour to Chandragiri, you will now head towards Swayambhunath, the monkey temple. Swayambhunath, an ancient religious complex atop a hill in the Kathmandu Valley, is a sacred religious site to both Hindus and Buddhists. Here you will be exploring the ancient complex consisting of a stupa, a variety of shrines and temples, some dating back to the Licchavi period. A Tibetan monastery, museum and library are more recent additions.

Kathmandu : 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour

5. Kathmandu : 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour

The Seven World Heritage Sites private day tour takes the visitors to a full 8 hours day tour inside this frenetic and enigmatic capital. They include Boudhanth Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, a highly esteemed pilgrimage site for Hindus, Changunarayan Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Mahachaitya, the famous Monkey Temple and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Outline Itinerary : 08:00 am: Tour begins from your hotel The tour begins at 08:00 AM in the morning from your hotel and will take you to a full 8 hours day tour inside the historical and enigmatic valley of Kathmandu. 08:30 am: Boudhanath Stupa The first halt of the seven heritage sites will be at Boudhanath, the Stupa with the largest mandala. The stupa is said to entomb the remains of Kassapa Buddha. 09:30 am: Pashupatinath Temple You will then board the private vehicle to move towards Pashupatinath, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites of Hindus. The temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, and is located in Kathmandu, Nepal near the Bagmati River. 10:30 am: Changunarayan Temple Changunarayan is an ancient Hindu temple, located on a high hilltop that is also known as Changu or Dolagiri in Changunarayan Municipality of Bhaktapur District, Nepal. Moreover, the temple is considered to be one of the oldest temples in Nepal. 11:30 am: Bhaktapur Durbar Square Bhaktapur is an ancient city that is both the smallest district and the biggest Durbar Square of Nepal, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. It is also a Unesco World Heritage Site that includes four other smaller Durbar Squares within. 01:00 am: Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square is situated at the center of the city of Lalitpur in Nepal. Moreover, it is one of the three Durbar Squares in the Kathmandu Valley, all of which are Unesco World Heritage Sites. One of its attractions is the medieval royal palace where the Malla Kings of Lalitpur resided. 02:30 am: Swayambhunath Stupa The tour then moves towards Swayambhunath, the Monkey Temple that features a large Stupa known as the Mahachaitya. The Tibetan name for the site means Sublime Trees, for the many varieties of trees found on the hill. However, Shingun may be of Nepal Bhasa name for the complex, Swayambhu, meaning self-sprung. 03:30 am: Kathmandu Durbar Square Kathmandu Durbar Square is one of the three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the valley that are Unesco World Heritage Sites. Although the construction of the square began in the third century, the major structures within it were added in later periods. The outer complex consists of a number of 16th-century temples built during the reign of Malla kings. These buildings are adorned with meticulously carved facades characteristic to Newari architecture. 04:00 am: Drop back to your hotel After the successful completion of your tour, you will be dropped off back to your hotel or your specified location in Kathmandu.

Kathmandu Valley Private 6-Hour Tour

6. 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: Private One Day Nagarkot Sunrise and Hiking Trip

7. Kathmandu: Private One Day Nagarkot Sunrise and Hiking Trip

Nagarkot is located 25 miles east of Kathmandu, Nepal. It is on the northeastern rim of the Kathmandu Valley at an elevation of 2200m 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. Enjoy the nice hiking passing through local villages and green forests towards the ancient Hindu temple of Changu Narayan. 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.

2 Night 3 days Kalinchowk Trek from Kathmandu

8. 2 Night 3 days Kalinchowk Trek from Kathmandu

The trail passes through lush rhododendron and oak forests, charming villages, terraced fields, and cascading waterfalls, providing an enchanting experience of rural Nepalese life. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to interact with friendly locals and learn about their unique traditions and culture. The highlight of the Kalinchowk Trek is reaching the Kalinchowk Bhagwati Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali. The temple is perched on a hilltop, offering awe-inspiring views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks, including Gauri Shankar, Langtang, and Ganesh Himal ranges. It is a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists alike. The trek is suitable for those with a moderate level of fitness, as it involves uphill climbs and some steep sections. It is recommended to undertake the trek during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is generally clear and the views are at their best. Overall, the Kalinchowk Trek provides a fulfilling adventure, combining natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual significance, making it a memorable experience for trekkers in Nepal. Itinerary Day 1: Kathmandu to Kuri Village Our journey start from Kathmandu early in the morning. Drive from Kathmandu to makaibari, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. From makaibari, we will hike up to Kuri Village, Once you reach Kuri Village, you can rest and explore the surroundings. Kuri is a small village with basic guesthouses and teahouses. Day 2: Kuri Village to Kalinchowk Temple and back Start your trek early in the morning to catch the sunrise at the Kalinchowk Temple, the main highlight of the trek. The trail from Kuri to Kalinchowk Temple is steep and takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach the top. Once you reach the temple, enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Langtang, Gauri Shankar, and Everest on a clear day. Spend some time exploring the temple and its religious significance. Afterward, trek back to Charikot, which takes around 4-5 hours. Overnight stay at Charikot. Day 3: Charikot to Kathmandu After breakfast in Charikot, start our journey back to Kathmandu. From Charikot, continue your drive to Kathmandu, which takes approximately 5-6 hours. Arrive in Kathmandu by late afternoon or evening, completing our 2-night, 3-day Kalinchowk Trek.

From Kathmandu: Nagarkot Panoramic Day Hike with Lunch

9. From Kathmandu: Nagarkot Panoramic Day Hike with Lunch

Your guide will pick up from your hotel (downtown) by a private car and drive (1:30 hr) to Nagarkot view point. Enjoy the view of Himalayan panorama including Mt. Everest, Gauri Shanker, Dorje Lakpa, Langtang, Ganesh Himal and many more. Continue driving (25m) and start hiking (3 hr approx) to Changu Narayan temple (Unesco World Heritage site). On the way you will see rural life of Nepal, seasonal farming, goat grazing farmers and locally alcohol making. The trail will be flat walking in the begining and hike up and again flat and little down at the end. You will visit a Hindu temple on the way. While arriving to Changu village, you will have a lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit Changu Narayan temple. The temple has some master piece of Nepalese stone carvings, wood carvings and master piece of God and Goddess icons. After exploring the temple, drive back to your hotel and end the tour.

Kathmandu: Private Full-Day Tour

10. Kathmandu: Private Full-Day Tour

After breakfast at your hotel, get picked up by your guide and head out on your guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu. See some of the major historical, cultural and religious centers in the Kathmandu Valley, including Kathmandu Durbar Square, where you can admire temples dating back as far as the third century. Then, head to the Boudhanath Stupa, which is the largest stupa in South Asia. Your next stop is one of the most sacred Hindu temples in Nepal, Pashupatinath Temple. From here, move to the Swayambhunath Stupa, and get the chance to play with the monkeys who gave this stupa the nickname of Monkey Temple. Your tour guide will explain to you the cultural, historical and religious significance of these places during this tour. Get dropped off at your hotel in the evening after a full day of sightseeing.

145 activities found
Sort by:
Page 1 of 10

Unmissable attractions

Immersive experiences

Frequently asked questions about Kathmandu Culture & history

What are other things to do than Culture & history that are worth visiting in Kathmandu?

The other unmissable things to do in Kathmandu are:

Which Kathmandu Culture & history are taking additional COVID-19 precautions?

Other Sightseeing Options in Kathmandu

Want to discover all there is to do in Kathmandu? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Kathmandu

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 49 reviews

The guide was excellent, and so was the driver. The guide was flexible, nice, and very knowledgeable. I liked the tour because it covered the main sites but the extra time - doing it over a full day vs. A half-day tour - meant that I had more time to enjoy each site and time to explore the city a bit more - walking from one site to the next to explore off the beaten track, seeing a temple that was not in the itinerary, etc.

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 had such a great time on this tour. My guide was so knowledgeable and friendly, answering every question I had. There was no need for rushing and I had plenty of time to see everything. It was definitely a pleasant and fun experience! 10/10 would recommend!

Had a great time learning about the various temples and religious sites around Kathmandu. Bhim, my guide, is very knowledgeable and generous with sharing more information of Kathmandu, together with suggestions on what else to do/visit around town.

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