tour Highlights

Full day tour of Kathmandu City Swayambhunath Stupa and Patan City
Approx 5-6 hours (split in two sessions)
Morning: Walking tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square through (Ason) spice Market/vegetable markets
Evening: Visit Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square

Basantapur, photographed by Sworup Ranjit

TOUR DETAILS

Morning (Kathmandu Durbar Square)

The historic Kathmandu Durbar is a unique area that appeals to all travelers. It really hasn't changed much since the Malla kings, who ruled Kathmandu between the 12th and 15th centuries built it. The old market, comprised of many narrow by-lanes, temples and local shops holds many interesting sights for the visitor. Those interested in shopping for quirky souvenirs will find good deals in this area. This is where the locals of the valley do their daily shopping. As a result, this area is always very crowded.

Kathmandu Durbar Square

Sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square, with its old temples and palaces, epitomizes the religious and cultural life of the people. Here, the kings of Nepal were crowned and solemnized. Interesting things for visitors to see are Taleju temple, gigantic figure of Kalbhairav (the god of destruction), Basantapur Durbar, and Temple of Kumari (living goddess).

Then drive to Swoyambhu, visit the worldís most glorious Buddhist Chaityas, Swoyambhunath Stupa.

Swoyambhunath Stupa

Swoyambhunath Stupa, built 2000 years ago situated on a hillock about 77 m above the level of the Kathmandu valley. Visitors will also have a grand view of the valley from this spot. The Stupa is also connected to the legend that surrounds the birth of Kathmandu. It is said that when the ancient lake was drained out to form the Kathmandu valley, the shining sunlight became Swoyambhunath Stupa. On a regular day, you will find various groups of Buddhist monks, dressed in maroon, circling the complex. Every one of them will have the sacred prayer wheels in their hand unless they have not caught the fancies of scores of monkeys that inhabit the area. These irrelevant groups of monkeys play prank with tourists and monk and thus this shrine has been re-christened, Monkey Temple.

Evening (Visit Patan Durbar Square Patan Durbar Square)

Patan Durbar Square boasts of many famous sites and unique architecture. Krishna Mandir in this Square was built to honor an incarnation of Vishnu. One of the best examples of stone architecture in the world, scenes from Mahabharat, Asia's greatest mythological war, are carved on the temple's walls. Home to traditional artists and sculptors, one can find more temples dedicated to Ganesh (the elephant-headed god), Shiva, Narsingha, Taleju, and others are located at Patan Durbar Square.