Kathmandu is an ancient city with incredible cultural and religious landmarks. The medieval town is one of the most historically significant places on the planet. This capital city is rich in traditions, heritage, and culture. There are age-old temples, palaces, and historical monuments in Kathmandu valley.
These cities of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur attract thousands of tourists and travelers. There are Durbar Squares in each of these cities that date back to more than a century. You can pass through the mystical narrow alleyways of the city. Kathmandu is an ideal sightseeing destination for a short half-day tour.
On this tour, you will visit the majestic UNESCO-listed World heritage sites. These Malla era heritages are an open museum of sorts. Besides that, you can also observe the “Newar” settlements around durbar square. You can taste the local people’s exotic cuisine. This includes delicious meat dishes and local fermented alcohol.
This half-day sightseeing in Kathmandu lets you experience these landmarks up closely. The lifestyle, traditions, and overall artistic vibe of the place will enchant you. You can go on a beautiful walking tour of the city to experience its lovely culture. We will explore these beautiful areas in a short amount of time.
Moreover, this outstanding trip is available at a reasonable cost. Read on for a detailed itinerary of this Kathmandu half-day tour.
Highlights of Half day Sightseeing in Kathmandu
- Exploring the UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Experience the rich cultural heritage, tradition and, lifestyle of Kathmandu
- Historical exploration of the durbar squares
- Tasting the exotic “Newari” cuisine
- Breathtaking views of the entire city from Swayambhunath Hilltop
- Religious pilgrimage of various temples in and around Kathmandu
Best Time for Half Day Sightseeing in Kathmandu
This half-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu is ideal in all seasons. Weather conditions are not unpredictable as it does not lie at a very high altitude. However, to enjoy the beautiful atmosphere, you should take this Spring or Autumn trip.
The Spring season is wonderful, with a tranquil atmosphere all around. Therefore, this incredible trip to Kathmandu Valley’s beautiful landscapes is ideal in Spring. The weather is neither hot nor too cold, and the temperatures remain moderate. Weather remains stable with less rainfall and clear skies. It is ideal for a walking tour to observe the beautiful heritage of the region.
Autumn is another peak season for travel as it has stable weather and climate. There is minimal precipitation in the region. You can observe the beautiful Himalayas from various points. Autumn is also a cultural time as there are many festivals in the city. Therefore you can observe any cultural atmosphere along with the locals.
Winter and Monsoon are off-seasons for this tour of sightseeing in Kathmandu. The weather remains colder and chilly in winters. Monsoon season heavy rainfall and muddy streets. The weather remains challenging but not as much as the higher altitude Himalayan foothills.
However, if you want to travel during these off seasons, you can do that as well. You will even find these various services at a bargain cost in off-seasons. There are many places to visit in the city that you cannot cover within half a day. Therefore you can take this tour any time based on your preference.
Half-day Sightseeing in Kathmandu - Detailed Itinerary
10:00: Pick you up from the hotel for the tour
Our staff in the city will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the sightseeing spot. There are many incredible sightseeing spots in Kathmandu. Therefore, you cannot visit them all on a half-day tour. Hence, you should select the place in advance.
10:15-13:00: A beautiful tour of sightseeing spots in Kathmandu
We will then go on a complete tour of the beautiful city and its incredible sightseeing points. You can choose to travel to the various durbar squares of Basantapur, Patan, and Bhaktapur. You can also visit the beautiful religious pilgrimages sites. These religious sites include Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Syawambhunath, and others.
You can also travel around the streets of Thamel and observe the vibrant atmosphere. These UNESCO-listed world heritage sites of the city are of scenic beauty. There are other beautiful settlements of the "Newar" community around these durbar squares. You can observe the ancient settlements and architecture. You can watch people busy in their lifestyle.
Their delicious and exotic cuisine is the prime attraction of this tour. Moreover, you will have a great time in a short duration of time. People are friendly and welcoming in the local areas. They provide the hospitality that will enchant you throughout your tour.
13:00: Trip concludes
After touring beautiful cultural heritage, our half day sightseeing in Kathmandu end. You can then proceed towards your next destination.
Trip Cost US$ 60 Per person
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Can we Choose the Destinations for Day Sightseeing Tour?
Since it is only a half-day tour, you can only visit a few selected places during your trip. This includes various UNESCO World heritage sites in Kathmandu and other essential points. Some of the famous places you can see in Kathmandu are as follows; you can choose up to 3 places for half-day tour.
Pashupatinath temple
The Pashupatinath is a sacred temple in Hinduism. This Temple is a great pilgrimage to Lord Shiva, and thousands of pilgrims flock to this Temple. This abode of Lord Shiva is one of the oldest temples in the world. Located just 5km in the center of Kathmandu, this religious landmark is one of the city's major sightseeing points. This incredible Temple remains situated on the holy Bagmati river banks and houses many sadhus and saints.
The pagoda-style Temple has an elegant architecture with gilded roofs and stunning wood crafts. Moreover, this Temple remains covered in silver from all sides. While non-Hindu followers are not allowed inside the Temple, you can still roam around the Pashupatinath temple area.
Moreover, there are small temples and scenic viewpoints opposite of the Temple. The evening aarti is quite a popular ritual that happens daily in the temple premises. However, you should be careful that clicking pictures is not allowed inside the main Temple.
Boudhanath
Boudhanath is a large Buddhist stupa revered by Buddhists all over the world. This enormous white dome is in the shape of a Mandala. This 36 m high Stupa is around 11 km from the main center of Kathmandu. It is quite popular among local and international travelers.
The Stupa area is also known as "Little Tibet," as many Tibetan refugees reside there. You can light butter lamps and say your prayers in the Stupa and the monastery. There you can also find many devotees circumambulating the Stupa while chanting prayers. Overall the area around the place is quite relaxing. There are many restaurants, guesthouses, and Thanka galleries around the region as well.
Swayambhunath
Swayambhunath, located at a beautiful Hill Top, is another attraction point of Kathmandu. This pilgrimage site is sacred to both Hindus and Buddhist followers. Located just around 3 km away in the city's main center, this Stupa is also known as the "Monkey temple."
The UNESCO site is the oldest stupas of Nepal. You can hike your way up through staircases after arriving at the entrance. The majestic view of the entire Kathmandu Valley from the viewpoint in swayambhunath is awe-inspiring.
Basantapur Durbar Square
Basantapur Durbar Square is the primary attraction of Kathmandu. This Malla-era palace area has many temples and religious landmarks built by Newari artists. Hanuman Dhoka, Kumari Chowk, Taleju Temple are some of the area's religious and cultural heritage.
Many souvenir shops sell handicrafts, pashmina, and other items that you can gift your family back home. You can pay your pilgrimage to the living goddess "Kumari" in the Kumari Ghar. The architecture of old temples and various arts and artifacts are the prime attraction of this trip.
Patan Durbar Square
Patan Durbar Square is one of Kathmandu Valley's most culturally significant heritage sites. This UNESCO heritage site of Nepal has many landmarks of the Malla kings. Moreover, there are various stupas and viharas in these durbar squares.
Krishna Mandir, Taleju Bhawani Mandir, Char Narayan Mandir., Bhimsen Mandir, and others are significant city temples. You can also explore beautiful local settlements and alleyways that will transport you to a different era. The modern restaurants, cafes alongside the ancient temples and palaces will enthrall you.
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Located about 13 km from Kathmandu, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is another excellent heritage. After the drive for one and a half hours, you will arrive at Bhaktapur Durbar Square from Kathmandu. Dattatreya Square, Taumadhi Square, and Pottery Square are some of the significant landmarks. There are various temples, including the Vatsala Temple, 55 window palace, Golden Gate.
Besides that there are Nyatapola Temple, Bhairavnath Temple, Lion's Gate, and others. Moreover, Traditional arts, historical monuments, and other architectures will enchant you. Some Newari artists make pottery and various wood carvings. The Newar community is an indigenous community with rich cultural significance. Travelers can eat sumptuous local cuisine, including "Juju Dhau" in Bhaktapur.
Thamel
Thamel is a hub of tourists with a vibrant atmosphere. There are many cafes, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and others in this town. You can find tourists as well as locals roaming around the streets of Thamel. Most tourists make Thamel their accommodation spot during their vacation. This place is generally known for its excellent and vibrant nightlife. You can also get souvenirs for your family back home from various shops in this area.
The Final Say
The incredible half-day sightseeing tour in Kathmandu is short but exciting. This tour takes travelers to the beautiful cultural landscapes of the Kathmandu valley. Travelers can experience cultural, historical, and religiously significant temples, palaces, and monuments.
You will pass through the mystical alleyways to observe the artistic beauty. You can also enjoy the tasty, delicious cuisine of the local people. There are many sightseeing beauties in Kathmandu that cannot get covered in a day. Therefore you should choose wisely where you want to go during this trip. We hope you learned about Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu in detail. Happy Travelling!
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