Whether you’re unsure about the best places to visit in Kathmandu or looking for a side trip after a long trekking experience, you’ve made the right choice by landing on our Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour.
If you search the internet, you’ll be presented with a plethora of options. And why wouldn’t that be? Kathmandu is a city rich in history, heritage, tradition, and overall, it stands as the cultural hub of Nepal.
The capital city truly has so much to offer. But among all the attractions, there are certain places that UNESCO recognizes as top destinations. These are known as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and there are a total of four located in the Kathmandu district alone.
With that said, the best places to immerse yourself in while visiting Kathmandu are undoubtedly these heritage sites. And Altitude Himalaya offers the ideal trip to explore them within the limited time you may have.
Before diving into the itinerary, let’s take a look at what each of these remarkable places in Kathmandu has to offer.
Witness Sacred Rituals at Pashupatinath Temple
Pashupatinath Temple is a site that holds great religious and cultural significance. The spiritual experiences you’ll encounter after visiting this sacred place are truly beyond our words.
It’s not just about the stunning pagoda-style architecture or the four-faced Shiva Lingam housed within. The temple premises include around 492 temples, 15 Shivalayas, and 12 Jyotirlingas.
While it’s literally impossible to explore every corner of this vast complex in just two hours, we at Altitude Himalaya are committed to showing you the very best of Pashupatinath.
You’ll have the opportunity to visit the holiest areas such as Deupatan, Jaya Bageshwori, Gaurighat (Holy Bath), Kutumbahal, Gaushala, Pingalasthan, Sleshmantak forest, and the Bagmati River, where traditional cremation rituals take place.
Walk the Kora at Boudhanath Stupa
After Pashupatinath, the next experience is circling the 36-meter-high Boudhanath Stupa in a clockwise direction. This sacred ritual is known as the ‘kora walk’, a meditative practice deeply rooted in Buddhist tradition.
If you feel like it, complete as many rounds as you wish. As you walk, you can also spin the prayer wheels, which are believed to enhance your ‘siddhis’ (spiritual powers).
Along the way, your eyes will be drawn to the vibrant Buddhist market that stretches the entire area. Don’t forget to stop by and browse through artifacts, traditional crafts, and souvenirs.
This two-hour journey in Boudhanath reminds you that even amidst the noise and crowds, you can always find peace within yourself. Take a moment to observe the surroundings and the smiling faces of those lost in deep spiritual immersion.
Rise Above the Capital City at Swayambhunath Stupa
Along with Kathmandu’s spiritual and religious journey, this package from Altitude Himalaya also takes you to the hilltop of Swayambhunath, from where the entire city is seen.
But keep in mind that the spot is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kathmandu Valley. The mythological stories of Swayambhunath Stupa are bound to make you curious about its existence.
Why we’re saying this is because the name of Swayambhunath itself means ‘self-existent one’, believed to have evolved spontaneously during the creation of the Kathmandu Valley. And the monkeys you see roaming around the region were like that came out of Manjushree’s head.
These monkeys quickly became a popular attraction of Swayambhu and have led to the name ‘Monkey Temple’ becoming popular among tourists.
Note the word ‘temple’. Whether you call Swayambhu a temple or stupa, it doesn’t really matter because it reflects how co-existently Hindus and Buddhists live in Nepal.
Walk Through Royal History at Kathmandu Durbar Square
Did you know that the Kathmandu Durbar Square area houses over 50 temples? That’s the reason it’s called the ‘museum of temples’, a perfect testament to Kathmandu, which is known as the ‘city of temples’.
So, when the tour guide takes you here, be sure to ask him to roam around the entire Basantapur area.
First, visit the main Hanuman Dhoka Palace Museum, which gives you an insight into the country’s past kings. Then, get to the nearby Taleju, Kumari, Jagannath, Swet Bhairav, and Kal Bhairav temples.
You could even take a stroll around the Basantapur street, with local vendors selling rare antiques and unique handicrafts.
Along with learning Nepal’s history, this region of Kathmandu lets you interact with the local residents (especially the youths who love it here).
40 Km