Embark on a thrilling UNESCO World Heritage tour in Kathmandu, exploring seven iconic locations in just one day. Discover ancient architecture and spirituality in Nepal’s finest sites.
Embark on a thrilling UNESCO World Heritage tour in Kathmandu, exploring seven iconic locations in just one day. Discover ancient architecture and spirituality in Nepal’s finest sites.
- Swayambhunath - Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as “The Monkey Temple,” is perched atop Kathmandu. It features 365 steps leading to the summit, offering a stunning view of the city. Along the way, visitors will encounter numerous small shrines and souvenir shops, with monkeys freely roaming the area. Photography is encouraged, and some monkeys may…
- Swayambhunath - Swayambhunath Stupa, also known as “The Monkey Temple,” is perched atop Kathmandu. It features 365 steps leading to the summit, offering a stunning view of the city. Along the way, visitors will encounter numerous small shrines and souvenir shops, with monkeys freely roaming the area. Photography is encouraged, and some monkeys may even pose for pictures. At the top, a large gold-plated thunderbolt (Vajra) is a notable monument. Nearby is a large white dome with a cubical top, and prayer wheels of various sizes are found throughout Swayambhunath.
- Swayambhunath Temple - Visitors can circle the stupa, spinning prayer wheels, and observe many Hindu temples and deities coexisting harmoniously at this Buddhist site. Along the path, there are numerous shrines, stupas, gravestones, and offering places. Heading towards the western boundary of Swayambhunath, a sacred pond filled with coins attracts people trying to toss coins into its center. Vendors offer Thanka art and beautiful souvenirs. On the western side, large Buddha statues are visible. Walking around the hill, visitors will find prayer wheels of various sizes throughout the area.
- Amideva Buddha Park - At the conclusion of the Swayambhunath Tour, visitors will find themselves on the opposite side of the hill. Three large Buddha statues are captivating at first sight. Many people miss visiting Buddha Park, making it a significant opportunity to admire the gleaming golden statues of Shakyamuni Buddha.
- Kathmandu Durbar Square - In Kathmandu Durbar Square, many historical and religious sites and architectural structures are under reconstruction. However, there are still many sites to explore. A massive statue of “Kal Bhairav,” the figure of “Hanuman” at Hanuman Dhoka, and a miniature model of the Pashupatinath temple are notable. Visitors can explore the Kumari Ghar, home to Nepal’s living goddesses. The area is lively with locals and vendors selling artistic items and Thanka materials.
- Kumari Chowk - Visit the sacred Kumari Chowk, a courtyard within a red-brick, three-story building that once housed Kumari, a girl chosen to be the town’s living goddess until she reaches puberty.
- Patan Durbar Square - Patan Durbar Square, the courtyard of the old Malla palace in Lalitpur, is rich in Newari architecture and the local Newar community. The square is paved with red bricks. There are three courtyards to visit: Sundari Chowk, filled with statues and stone architecture; Mul Chowk, a guarded area due to past thefts; and Keshav Narayan Chowk, home to the Durbar Square museum, showcasing historical Eastern civilization and artistic details.
- Durbar (Central) Square - In the main square, visitors will be amazed by the stone artistry of the Krishna Temple, made entirely of stone. The temple features 21 shrines and carvings related to the Ramayana and Mahabharat. Nearby, a large bell and the Shankar Narayan Temple with kneeling elephant statues are notable. Large animal sculptures, like lions, guard the entrance gates. Other important structures include Mahaboudha, Rudravarna Mahavihar, and Machhendranath Temple.
- Golden Temple (Hiranya Varna Mahavihar) - The Golden Temple, or Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, is a 12th-century pagoda-style temple with bronze statues and silver and gold decorations. It features a golden image of Lord Buddha and a large prayer wheel. At the end of the tour, visitors will be returned to their hotel or a predetermined destination.
- Patan Museum - In Keshav Narayan Chowk, the Patan Museum offers insights into tradition, history, and ancient Japanese civilization. It is a peaceful place to relax, featuring Buddhist, Tantric, and Hindu artifacts, with comfortable surroundings.
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square - Bhaktapur City, known as “the City of Devotees,” retains many old-style houses and structures. Visitors will find intriguing and artistic buildings throughout. This historic town is home to a large Newari community. The area is known for its artistic pillars, statues of ancient kings, decorative gates, the 55-window palace, and Nyatapola temple in the central Royal Square. Regional delicacies and curd are a must-try before leaving.
- Nyatapola Temple - Nyatapola Temple is a five-tiered pagoda-style temple, one of the tallest of its kind, showcasing high artistry. The temple stands over thirty meters high and is reached by a flight of steps lined with statues.
- Dattatreya Temple - Located in Dattatreya Square, Bhaktapur, the Dattatreya Temple is believed to be built from a single tree. Instead of a single figure with three heads, it features three idols of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. A large tree stands behind these idols.
- 55 Window Palace - The Palace of Fifty-Five Windows is a stunning structure in Durbar Square, named for its 55 architecturally beautiful windows. Originally featuring 99 courtyards, only nine remain today. The palace’s main entrance, “The Golden Gate,” is a notable feature.
- Siddha Pokhari - Siddha Pokhari is a beautiful man-made pond near Bhaktapur’s first town gate. It is 171 meters long and three meters deep, a popular hangout spot. After Bhaktapur Durbar Square, visitors can explore another famous square in the Kathmandu valley.
- Changu Narayan - The Changu Narayan Temple, dating back to the Licchavi period, features beautiful stone and wood carvings in traditional Nepali style. Surrounded by Champak trees, the temple is adorned with statues of Lord Vishnu and other deities. The four entrances are guarded by life-sized beasts, and the carvings on struts and doors reflect ancient Nepalese art and architecture.
- Pashupatinath Temple - Pashupatinath Temple is one of Nepal’s largest temple complexes, housing over 500 temples and shrines. Covering 0.64 hectares, it is primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, with other deities’ temples nearby. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The central pagoda-style temple features beautiful wood carvings and gold-covered roofs. A large bronze bull statue faces the main entrance. Sadhus perform daily rites by the river, and visitors can observe Hindu cremation ceremonies on the banks of the Bagmati River.
- Boudhanath Stupa - Boudhanath Stupa, one of the largest mandalas, stands 36 meters tall with over 50 gompas around it. It is a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site for spiritual and tourism purposes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The stupa features a large dome with fluttering prayer flags and the scent of incense. During prayer times, the atmosphere is filled with chimes and prayer sounds. Buddha images and prayer wheels surround the stupa, and the area offers many eateries and souvenir shops.

- Private vehicle transportation
- Proficient English-speaking guide
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Included entry fees to seven heritage sites
- Private vehicle transportation
- Proficient English-speaking guide
- Convenient hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Included entry fees to seven heritage sites
- Lunch in Bhaktapur (your choice of many great eateries are available)
- Tips & Gratuities
- Lunch in Bhaktapur (your choice of many great eateries are available)
- Tips & Gratuities
The Kathmandu Valley is home to seven breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a history spanning over 2000 years, these sites are celebrated for their exceptional architecture and spiritual significance in Nepal. While visiting all of them might seem challenging when time is limited, Himalayan Advisor offers a solution. As the first company in…
The Kathmandu Valley is home to seven breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With a history spanning over 2000 years, these sites are celebrated for their exceptional architecture and spiritual significance in Nepal. While visiting all of them might seem challenging when time is limited, Himalayan Advisor offers a solution. As the first company in Nepal to create a one-day tour of all seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, they provide an informative and enriching experience.
The tour lasts approximately 12 hours, but can be adjusted to fit your schedule. Travel is by private car, ensuring the quickest journey between sites. This tour covers all seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites within the Kathmandu Valley:
- Swoyambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple)
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Patan Durbar Square
- Bhaktapur Durbar Square
- Changu Narayan Temple
- Bouddhanath Stupa
- Pashupatinath Stupa
- Dress code is smart casual
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.