Nepal · UNESCO Heritage Sites

1-Day Kathmandu Heritage Tour with Aarati at Pashupatinath

1 Day Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu and Patan in a single day
  • 02 Explore Swayambhunath, the 2,500-year-old Monkey Temple overlooking Kathmandu Valley
  • 03 Walk clockwise around the holy Boudhanath Stupa with prayer wheels, incense, and bell sounds
  • 04 Discover Kathmandu Durbar Square, home to Kasthamandap, from which the city takes its name
  • 05 See the 17th-century Krishna Temple at Patan Durbar Square and its Newari architecture
  • 06 Experience the sacred evening Aarati at Pashupatinath

Discover Kathmandu Valley's rich cultural and spiritual heritage on a full-day tour through its historic squares and sacred stupas. Explore the Newari architecture and living traditions of Kathmandu and Patan, visit revered Buddhist sites such as Swayambhunath and Boudhanath, and experience the sacred evening Aarati at Pashupatinath. Set in a hill-surrounded valley at 1,324 m, Kathmandu is a diverse city where temples, churches, mosques, and monasteries coexist within the same urban landscape.

The smell of incense and the sound of bells will uplift your spirit.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Not included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Kathmandu, Patan
Languages English, Hindi, Korean, Nepali

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Kathmandu and Patan Heritage Sightseeing

Namaste!

We hope you have finished your breakfast. Ask the reception if our representative, your guide for the day, is waiting to introduce you to the city. Hurry up and hop in! You are going to visit:

  • Swayambhunath - the Monkey Temple, a 2,500-year-old stupa situated on a hillock about 77 m above the Kathmandu Valley. From here, you can capture the view of the west side of Kathmandu. The dome on top, with painted eyes on all four sides, symbolizes the all-seeing eyes of Buddha. This stupa consists of prayer wheels, carved manis, Buddhist-style architecture, and peaceful vibes. If you want some souvenirs, you can get them from here.

After the altitude experience, we will visit the same type of monastery in the bustling city area.

  • Boudhanath Stupa - This is a holy stupa for Tibetan Buddhists. It is located about 11 km northeast of Kathmandu and is believed to have been built in the 5th century. Here, we take a clockwise walk around the stupa, spinning the prayer wheels. The smell of incense and the sound of bells will uplift your spirit.

Then, drive to Thamel for lunch in the afternoon and visit:

  • Kathmandu Durbar Square, known as the Museum of Temples. The preserved art and architecture, history, and culture are noteworthy, as the main temple there, called Kasthamandap, is believed to have been built from the trunk of a single tree. The name of the city, Kathmandu, is derived from this temple.

Then, you will go to see Patan Durbar Square, where you will see the Krishna Temple, dating back to the 17th century. This temple displays the architecture of Newari culture.

In the evening, you will be back at Pashupatinath for the sacred Aarati. Manage to sit there during the worship and meditate - it heals you!

To conclude your sightseeing for the day, you will be driven to your hotel to freshen up and relax. If you wish to see the night streets of Thamel, then you are all good to go. We recommend trying some Nepalese foods and beverages. If you haven't bought any souvenirs, you can get some then. After enjoying the city, get back to your hotel and have dinner. We wish you a very peaceful night!

Swayambhunath hilltop stupa, Boudhanath with prayer wheels, Pashupatinath Temple evening Aarati

Where this trip takes you

Swayambhunath hilltop stupa, Boudhanath with prayer wheels, Pashupatinath Temple evening Aarati

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kathmandu 44600 2 cities · 1 Day

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional English-speaking guide
  • Private transportation (hotel pickup and drop-off)
  • Bottled water

What's Not Included

  • Entrance fees
  • Food
  • Tips

What to bring

Be prepared with comfortable shoes. Wear clothes according to the season and climate, but remember you will be visiting holy sites, so, with respect to the culture, wear respectful clothing suitable for temples.

Know before you go

  • Moderate walking is involved.
  • Respect local customs at religious sites.
  • Best enjoyed year-round, but avoid monsoon season for clearer views.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kathmandu, Nepal
Tour start
Kathmandu 44600, Nepal
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 1 day finishes where it began, in Kathmandu 44600.

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USD 75 /person
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