Kathmandu City Tour
The Kathmandu city tour is all about the glamour of Kathmandu – the capital city of Nepal. The city has an amazing spark! As soon as you get into the city, you may feel a bit uneasy owing to the crowded and chaotic streets, traffic, noise, and narrow streets but no sooner do you adhere to it knowing that it’s a life here! It’s all about the environment that the local people are used to. Apart from these, all other aspects of this city are beautiful. It is very rich in art, culture, and history. Additionally, regarded as a city of temples, you will find a temple in every corner of the city wherever you go.
Kathmandu City Tour: The Cave of Heritage Sites
The chart of UNESCO-listed heritage sites acts as evidence of the cultural and historical richness of this place. UNESCO has also recognized the beauty and value of seven heritage sites. Amongst the chart lies the heritage that includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Patan Durbar Square, and Changunarayan Temple.
The Kathmandu City Tour enlightens you on UNESCO-listed heritage sites in Nepal and helps you explore the beauty in art, architecture, culture, and history. In this city tour, you will be taken to heritage sites – Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, and Boudhanath Stupa respectively! The temples, monuments, palaces, paintings, wood crafts, and metal crafts depict the interest of ancient kings in art and architecture.
Additionally, it also enlightens us on the creativity and skills of local people. Furthermore, the Kathmandu City tour gives you some insights into Buddhist and Hindu culture. Mostly Hindu and Buddhist people inhabit Nepal. A visit to the stupa will help you learn the practice of Buddhism. Similarly, a visit to Pashupatinath temple will help you learn about the uniqueness of the Hindu religion. Both cultures are unique and vibrant! As you are around the stupas, you will be able to encounter monks dressed in red clothes. Similarly, the Sandhus in the Pashupatinath temple are the highlights of the tour.
Kathmandu Durbar Square
Located in the heart of Kathmandu city, Kathmandu durbar square is a setting of a beautiful palace built by Malla kings during their reign in Kathmandu. This durbar square is magnificent owning to the art crafts, woodwork, metalwork and spectacular design it possesses. This royal palace dates back to the century. It was built in the 14th century and holds its own historical importance. There is a museum inside the palace that preserves the historical items. During the reign of kings, the place possessed a seat where kings were crowned and their coronations were solemnized. The Durbar square is also popularly known as Hanuman Dhoka as it has a huge statue of Hanuman in its entrance gate. Recognizing the importance of this place, the place was listed in the charts of UNESCO listed heritage sites in 1997.
Swoyambhunath Stupa
Swayambhunath stupa is a legendary Buddhist shrine that is located in a dramatic location and acts as a viewpoint to see the Kathmandu valley. The shrine lies on a hilltop and you have to walk many stars up to get to the shrine. The shrine contains many monkeys therefore also regarded as the monkey temple. So, be careful not to get disturbed with the monkeys as you will find them in abundance. According to the mythology, the stupa sits on the place where Manjushree, the legendary patriarch had found a lotus when the whole Kathamandu valley was nothing but a lake valley. Therefore, the place holds high value amongst the Buddhist pilgrims. The shrine has a huge white painted dome and a glittering golden spire over it. You can see the stupa adorned with prayer flags and revolving chants of prayers. Recognizing the religious importance of this place, the stupa was also listed in the charts of UNESCO listed heritage sites by UNESCO.
Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath temple holds a high value amongst the Hindu pilgrims. It is an ancient temple of Lord Shiva that dates back to 17th century. The temple lies on the bank of Bagmati river with many collection of old temples, ashrams and inscriptions. A non Hindu is prohibited from entering into the premises of the temple, however, one can get a sight of the temple from other side of the Bagmati river through Kirateshwor. One cannot even click a photo inside the premises of the temple and talking on a phone is prohibited. The interior of the temple is very alluring. During the time of daily worship, Lord Shiva is decorated with flowers and gold. On the side of Bagmati river is a cremation area where you can observe the ritual of cremation in Hindu culture. You can also find Sadhus siiting on the other side of Bagmati River which is an interesting thing to observe. Recognizing the religious importance of this place, the temple was also listed in the charts of UNESCO listed heritage sites by UNESCO.
Boudhnath Stupa
Boudhanath stupa is another attraction in Kathmandu city that has been listed in the charts of UNESCO listed heritage sites. It is a beautiful place where one can observe Buddhist culture and beliefs. It is a largest stupa of Nepal that is holiest of the entire Buddhist temple that is built outside Tibet. The stupa has a usual feature of a white dome and golden spire with Buddha eyes on top of it. The stupa in Boudha stands at a height of 36 meters which is it quite unique of all. The three layered pedestal with the shape of Mandala gives Boudhanath stupa a unique and appealing look.
Outline Itinerary
- Day 01: Arrive at Kathmandu
