Private Half-Day Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square and Swayambhunath Temple
Description
On this 4-hour private tour, visit two of the cities most well-known attractions. Kathmandu Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases spectacular architecture and the skills of the Newar artists and craftsmen over several centuries. Swayambhunath Temple is the oldest Buddhist shrine and is the best place to observe religious harmony between Nepalese Buddhists and Hindus. The stupa is atop a hill, and requires considerable walk but from here, you will see beautiful views of Kathmandu Valley,
Tour Options
Itinerary
Kathmandu Durbar Square or Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, the plaza in front of the old royal palace of the then Kathmandu Kingdom. It is one of three Durbar (royal palace) Squares in the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The royal palace was originally at Dattaraya square and was later moved to the Durbar square location. The Kathmandu Durbar Square holds the palaces of the Malla and Shah Kings who ruled over the city. Along with these palaces, the square surrounds quadrangles revealing courtyards and temples. It is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace.
Swayambhunath Temple, colloquially known as the 'monkey temple' because of the large tribe of roving monkeys who guard the temple. Situated on the top of a hill, it provides an excellent view of the Kahmandu Valley. It is said to have evolved spontaneously when the valley was created out of a primordial lake more than 2,000 years ago. The stupa is one of the most ancient in this part of the world and its worshipers come from diverse ethical backgrounds. Huge prayer wheels and fine Buddhist paintings are displayed in the monasteries, as well as the largest Buddha statue in the country. After visiting the temple, you will be dropped off at the airport or back to your hotel in Kathmandu.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Any hotel in Kathmandu but preferred which is located in Thamel. You can give us your pick up address like your hotel or Kathmandu airport( If airport need name of the airlines and flight number) at least one day before the tour day.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Adult pricing applies to all other travelers
Reviews(11)
This was a fantastic tour. Our guide was very informative and wonderful. I highly recommend them and would do it again the next time I’m in Kathmandu.
It was a good tour, we liked that it was private and could change the tour to what we wanted. Our tour guide was very informative.
Thank you so much for the review. We look forward to serve you again.
We had a group of 13 people and we had a great experience on our tour! This is a great way to see Kathmandu from a local prospective.
A trip well worth the adventures ! ancient stupa and monuments showing the spread of Buddhism .The influence of Buddhism in the region is well shown by the existence of these religious structures.
Thank you
My guide's name was Bishnu, who is a Nepali national, and grew up in Kathmandu. The tour was separated into two parts: Durbar Square and Swayambunath Stupa. Bishnu picked me up in my hotel, and we started our way to Durbar, which was only about 20 mins away. The Durbar square unfortunately experienced a lot of destruction since the earthquake of 2015. Many of the old temples have been badly damaged. The Nepali government has only recently started making repairs. Bishnu told me of the history behind most of the monuments. Even though there were quite badly damaged, they were still quite beautiful. We walked throughout the square and saw all of the interesting architecture. There was a small museum setup to display some of the artifacts found during the excavation after the earthquake. We also saw the Kumari's palace, and Bishnu told me of the history. We then went off to see the Swayambunath temple. Although this is considered a Buddhist temple, there are several small temples dedicated to Hindu gods interspersed throughout the complex. The view from the top is simply spectacular. An almost 360 degree view of all of Kathmandu valley is visible. To reach the top, be prepared to climb up several flights of stairs. There are some nice souvenir shops at the top. I asked Bishnu to help me select a singing bowl, and he explained the differences between the cheap ones found in Thamel vs a handmade bowl. Overall I was very pleased, would highly recommend. Great way to get an overview of Nepali culture and history in one afternoon.
<p>This was an excellent way to see Kathmandu! As a solo traveler only in Kathmandu for 2 days, having a guided tour really helped me to make the most of the city in a short amount of time. My guide was really kind and knowledgeable and we had a driver that took us around to multiple locations in Kathmandu. Highly recommended.</p>
I was not able to make the time because of the flight delay (Pokhara->kathmandu). Moreover, I was not able to make any call becasue I did not apply for global roaming service. However, I sent an email in the airport and the agent contacted guide. so we were able to meet at the airport. During the tour, guide was really kind and he explained the tour nicely. The history of Nepal, and the current of its country. I will not hesitate to recomend this tour to others. Thanks to Mr. Bishnu Bhattara
Namaste Thank you so much for the review. Min Kc
I have traveled many time usually in the morning, i love visiting this place every time, its absolutely outstanding place t visit
<p>This is a tour for people who really want to learn about history, hidden gems/ places/statues/buildings of interest that are not so much visited by tourists because they just don't know the places exist. Professional, knowledgeble, fun and entertaining tour guide. Tell the guide ahead of time if you would like to climb all the steps on your way up the Swayambhunath Temple. There are many of them but the climb is very manageable unless it's a really hot day. If you choose to climb from the very bottom, you get to see a few artifacts more on your way up and of course the view is awesome. Your other choice is to be dropped off at another entry point, more than half-way up so much less climbing.</p>
<p>What an amazing city Kathmandu is. Frontier town still resonates with me, especially with the ravages of the 2014 earthquake, but the beauty still shines through. The highlight has to be a fleeting blessing from the Kumari goddess.</p>
