Home » Package » Cultural Tours » UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu – Day Tour

A full day UNESCO World Heritage Sites Tour is a fully guided 6-hour tour of different UNESCO listed world heritage sites of Kathmandu. This tour starts from sightseeing of Pashupatinath Temple area. Since Pashupatinath is the biggest Hindu Temple, it has been visited by many pilgrims every year. The temple is situated at the bank of Bagmati River which is considered as the holy river for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple premises are quite close to Tribhuvan International Airport of Kathmandu. Besides this, the other sites include Bouddhanath and Swayambhunath. Both of them are Buddhist Stupas.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Kathmandu Valley

Pashupatinath Temple

A scene of the eastern side of Pashupatinath Temple during ritual thread festival (Janai Purnima)

Pashupatinath is the biggest temple premises of Kathmandu Valley. It includes several temples squares and Cremation sites. Situated at the bank of the Bagmati river, it lies at the minimum proximity from International Airport. One must visit Pashupatinath Area to complete sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley. This main temple of Pashupatinath is the holy deity of the Hindu. Most of the time ongoing, funeral and cremation process of Hindu people at the western bank of Bagmati River could be a new experience for you. People believe that the experience of the “Jyotirlinga” resemblance of Lord Shiva ignites one’s spirituality and purity. The architecture, visitors themselves, Hindu rituals are other attractions of the site. Your guide will narrate you about the Historical, architectural, cultural and traditional aspects of the sites.

Bouddhanath Stupa

day tours in Kathmandu

Bouddhanath situates approximately 7 kilometers away from the main city of Kathmandu at the northern side of Pashupatinath temple. It is a Buddhist Shrine which is very famous in Tibet. It has a special connection with Tibet since the beginning of religion in Tibet. As it occurred by the side of trail connecting Kathmandu with Tibet, the stupa area has always been a rest point for the Tibetan people visiting Nepal.
It is home to one of the most important stupas of Nepal. It was built in the 5th century and is the largest of its kind. Architecturally, the stupa is very important and beautiful. Bouddhanath Stupa is the holy destination of the Buddhist followers; however, the unique design and the décor of the temple make this place the famous site to visit for every person. The prayer flags, incense, and prayer candles lit up the temple magnificently.

Swayambhunath Stupa

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Finally, you will be visiting another most important Buddhist site. Almost all the tourist visiting Nepal plans to roam around Swayambhunath during their stay in Nepal. Monkey Temple is another name for Swayambhunath Stupa due to the abundant number of monkeys found in its surroundings. The premises of Swayambhunath includes several monuments and temples due to which, it is the symbol of religious harmony. The Hindus and Buddhists equally worshipped by both followers.

The majestic Stupa lies at the hilltop from where you can see the picturesque view of Kathmandu in a 360-degree angle. Based on the local story and Buddhist mythological literature, the existence of the temple area is older than the valley itself. According to Swayambhu Purana, the temple emerged automatically once Manjushree diverted the water from the valley. We recommend visiting Swayambhunath in the evening to experience the sunset view from there.
A private car with an English speaking government licensed Tour Guide will serve you for this tour.

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Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Visit UNESCO Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley.
Day 01: Visit Patan, Changunarayan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square

Day 01: Visit UNESCO Heritage sites of Kathmandu Valley.
A private vehicle picks up you from your hotel in Kathmandu. You will be accompanied by your guide. A well experienced licensed guide takes you all the sites of Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath, Swayambhunath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. He/She will be briefing you will the information and significance of each and every temple, stupa, structure, and monuments.
After completing the sightseeing program, you will be dropped off at your hotel.
Day 01: Visit Patan, Changunarayan and Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur Durbar Square
Bhaktapur is an important Newari town and the third-largest city in the Kathmandu Valley. It was the capital of Nepal during the great Malla Kingdom. The kingdom lasted until the second half of the 15th century.
Down the hill of Changunarayan lays the former kingdom of Bhaktapur. The city is famous for its Durbar Square well restored: the Palace of 55 Windows, the Taleju Temple, and the Royal Bath.
Bhaktapur is also the land of the Nyatapola Temple. Nyatapole, a five-pagoda temple of 35 meters high, one of the most beautiful examples of Nepalese architecture is an icon of Bhaktapur. The city is known for its famous pottery art being practised for centuries.
Bhaktapur is famous as a heritage city. It has well-preserved the ancient city and is home to traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and crafts, pottery and weaving industries. The town has successfully preserved its rich local culture, festivals, and mystical music traditions.
Nepalese potter crafting a vase on the street in Bhaktapur , Nepal
You will admire the temple’s magnificent artworks created in metal and wood. The sacred site of Changu Narayan was established in the 5th century A.D. It is one of the finest examples of Nepalese architecture. The first epigraphic evidence of Nepalese history found in the temple dates to the reign of the first historical king of Nepal, Licchavi King Mandeva in 464 A.D.
Changu Narayan Temple
It takes approximately 45-minute time by a private vehicle to reach the ancient hilltop temple of Changu Narayan from the center of Kathmandu. The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and thought to be the oldest temple in Nepal, based on the evidence. The temple is notably famous for the woodcarvings which decorate the two pagodas. From Changunarayan one can see a large panorama on the Himalayan Range if the weather is clean. Changu Narayan Sightseeing tour is the best program to experience the essence of historical sites of Nepal.
Patan Durbar Square