2 Day Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour

Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour:

The capital and most popular travel destination of Nepal, Kathmandu is spread across its eponymous valley and encircled by the Himalayan Mountains. It is home to several historical temples, golden pagodas, picturesque landscapes, and intriguing settlements. Kathmandu is located at an elevation of 4,344 feet, where the Bagmati and Vishnumati rivers converge. This region offers fantastic sightseeing opportunities among the highest peaks on Earth, breathtaking Indo-Tibetan and Newari handicrafts, UNESCO-listed historical sites, and mouthwatering cuisine.

The starting point for discovering Nepal’s soul is Kathmandu. The 1627-constructed Durbar Square, in the middle of the ancient city’s lanes, is the scene of local revelries during the Indra Jatra masked dance festival. Other notable sacred sites are Boudha Stupa, Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhunath Stupa, and Monkey Temple.

From hobbit-sized workshops, bustling bazaars, rickshaws, Thukpa and Everest beer, to courtyards of drying rice and chilies, incense wafting out of shrines, national museums, and contemporary Nepali art galleries, Kathmandu offers something special for every traveler, devotee, backpacker, history buff, foodie, and shopaholic.

Kathmandu City Tour Highlights:

Exploring the five sites listed as World Heritage by UNESCO.

Being aware of the extensive heritage of Nepalese culture.

Visits to Kathmandu Durbar Square, where one can catch a glimpse of the living goddess of Nepal, Kumari; historical museums, and local artifact stores.

There are many religious temples, statues, and monuments from the ancient past.

See the Thanka Art School at Bouddhanath Stupa.

Take in the many patterns of Nepal’s woodwork arts.

Participate in the ongoing religious rites around Pashupatinath Temple.

Soar above lush landscapes in a cable car for breathtaking Himalayan views.

Enjoy a thrilling downhill hike from Chandragiri Hill.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Places:

Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)

Kathmandu has some sightseeing spots that you shouldn’t miss. One of them is the Swayambhunath, also known as the Monkey Temple. Situated on a hill this temple offers a spiritual experience. It is believed to be the stupa, in Nepal standing tall for over 2000 years. The surrounding area is lush with forests. Is home to monkeys giving the temple its unique name.

To reach the top of this location visitors need to climb steep steps. There they are greeted by a view of the stupa. The area around it is adorned with sculptures, temples, murals, and prayer wheels that exude an air of antiquity. Historical manuscripts found here offer insights into the past.

Many locals also utilize this space, for meditation and relaxation. Perched on a hillside Swayambhunath provides a view of Kathmandu Valley—an experience that should not be missed when exploring this remarkable place.

Kathmandu Durbar Square:

Kathmandu Durbar Square, one of the three Durbar Squares, in the Kathmandu Valley, has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic and religious landmark showcases the history of Nepal during the Malla and Shah eras. The square is surrounded by temples, sculptures, monuments, and courtyards that hold significance. A highlight of the Kathmandu City Tour is a visit to the Hanuman Dhoka Palace Complex, one of the palaces built during the Malla and Shah dynasties. It is here that you can witness the presence of Kumari, the Nepalese Living Goddess who is considered a reincarnation of Mother Goddess Adi Shakti. During Indra Jatra festivities Kumari graces Durbar Square on a chariot alongside deities in form while bestowing blessings through flower offerings. This celebration attracts thousands of residents and visitors who come to seek blessings from Kumari and revel in the atmosphere. Kathmandu Durbar Square is renowned for its woodcarvings, sculptures, and architecture—a must-visit destination for tourists. Additionally within its premises lies the Tribhuvan Museum which houses cherished artefacts, from Shah Kings.

Akash Bhairab Temple:

Situated in the market of Indra Chowk is a three-story temple that is sometimes referred to as Blue Bhairab. During the Indra Jatra festival, a revered image of Akash Bhairab is brought inside the temple for a week. This festival honors Indra, the God of Rain and King of Heaven.

Hanuman Dhoka:

Hanuman Dhoka holds significance as it served as the royal residence primarily associated with the Malla dynasty. Today it is part of the Durbar Square, a designated World Heritage Site. The ancient palaces and temples, within this complex beautifully represent the religious way of life cherished by the people.

Temple of Kumari:

The Temple of Kumari consists of both a quadrangle and a temple which together serve as the abode for the Chaste Virgin Living Goddess named Kumari. In its midst stands a Buddhist stupa.

Kastha Mandap:

Adjacent, to the Kumari Temple lies Kastha Mandap, a temple also known as Maru Satal. It was constructed by King Laxmi Narsingh Malla in 1596 A.D. using a tree’s worth of wood for its construction. Interestingly it is believed that this very “Kastha Mandap” gave rise to Kathmandu’s name well. Currently, it houses Gorakh Nath, a Hindu deity.

Pashupatinath Temple:

The Bagmati River banks hold a place for Hindus as it is home, to the revered Pashupatinath temple. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism’s deities this temple has been standing since the century and is considered one of Asia’s four major Lord Shiva pilgrimage sites. The temple itself takes the shape of a pagoda adorned with carvings of deities and features four silver-plated side entrances and a gold-plated top section.

Surrounding the temple are intricately crafted stone and wooden temples. Additionally, several ashrams have been established in the vicinity to provide accommodation for gurus, homeless individuals, seniors, and tantric practitioners. This sacred site serves as a point for Hindu rituals where people visit to perform ceremonies and offer prayers to Lord Shiva for blessings on their family dynamics and health.

It is also interesting to note that at this location one can witness both the beginning and end stages of life – an essential cycle we all experience. Furthermore, Pashupati attracts thousands of devotees from Nepal and India during festivals such, as Shrawn and Teej who gather here to partake in the festivities while seeking fulfillment amidst this heavenly setting.

Bouddhanath Stupa:

Constructed by Siva Deca in 590–604 BCE, this site holds religious and historical significance for numerous visitors and Buddhist pilgrims. referenced as a Tibetan Buddhist center in Nepal. It is perched atop three terraces, and when viewed from above, it resembles a lotus blossom, which is still revered as a sacred symbol by all devoted Buddhists worldwide.

The stupa’s construction and design are akin to a “Mandala,” with its several portions symbolizing the various facets of Buddhism. This visit is more religious and spiritual due to the hundreds of prayer-imprinted wheels at the stupa’s base, the vibrant prayer flags hanging above the structure, the pleasant aroma of Buddhist incense sticks, and the serene chanting of Buddhist monks.

The Great Stupa is surrounded by lovely rooftop hotels, cafes, stores selling local products, and monasteries. The greatest places to see the beautiful Boudhanath Stupa are from the rooftop cafés and hotels. Remember tasting the famed “Khapse” appetizers and Buddhist butter milk tea in Boudha.

Patan Durbar Square:

Situated south of Kathmandu on the opposite side of the Bagmati River, Patan, also known as Lalitpur City, is a neighboring city and a historical and cultural center with old royal structures and creative courtyards.  After spending a fascinating time in Patan, which features an old palace area with a courtyard (Durbar), tall terracotta buildings, impressive intricate window carvings, and a massive stone Krishna Temple in front of a pillar representing Garuda, a vehicle of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna, take a drive to Kathmandu Valley.

This medieval city was once the capital of the country during the Malla period, which spanned the 12th to the 15th century. The primary points of interest are the buildings that make up the Durbar Square complex in the heart of Patan, which is home to the erstwhile Patan Royal Family’s palace.  A good specimen of old Newari architecture may be found in the square and its environs.  The palaces have Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and Keshav

Narayan Chowk as its three principal courtyards.  The oldest is Mul Chowk, which is located in the middle of Patan Square.  The western portion of the complex is divided into many multi-sized and multi-styled temples.  The Krishna Temple, the Bhimsen Temple, and the Golden Temple of Hiranya are the most notable of them.

Krishna Temple:

Built in the seventeenth century, this red-stone temple honours the Hindu deity, Krishna.  The temple is regarded as the first example of Shikara architecture.  Its position in Durbar Square is dominating due to its quality.  One of Durbar Square’s treasures is the graceful temple in the Shikhara architecture. The temple is compared to the holy Mount Meru, which Hindu scriptures state is the home of the deity Shiva.

Mahaboudha:

Located east of Durbar Square is the brick-built Buddhist temple Mahaboudha.  The bricks have hundreds of pictures of Buddha carved on them.  Notable for its exquisite Terra-Cotta artwork is the temple.

Kumbashwor:

King Jayasthiti Malla built this five-story Lord Siva temple in the manner of a pagoda. There is a natural spring inside the temple that is thought to have its origins in the well-known glacial lake Gosainkunda. In 1422 A.D., the Golden Work has added afterwards. Ritual bathing and a fair are held during the Janai Purnima festival.

Jagat Narayan Temple:

Devoted to Lord Vishnu, Jagatnarayan Temple is a towering Shikhara-style temple.  The temple’s structure is done with red bricks.  A magnificent metal statue of Hanuman, Ganesh, and Garuda—all figures from Hindu mythology and religion—is also housed in the temple.

Rudra Varna Mahavihar:

This Buddhist monastery is home to an incredible collection of wooden, stone, and metal idols.  There is a legend that states this monastery was used to crown ancient kings. Even now, many of the items that the people have contributed are visible here.

The Ashoka Stupas:

When the Indian Emperor Ashoka came to Nepal in 250 B.C., he built four historic stupas in Patan’s four corners.  The four stupas may be found in the following locations: Teta (the route to Sano Gaon), Lagankhel, Ebahi, and Pulchowk.

Chandragiri Hills

Chandragiri is a recently well-known hill station in Kathmandu that is readily accessible by cable car or a quick hike from Thankot or Mathatirtha which is around 2550 meters above sea level. The Chandragiri Hills are among the best spots to see the Kathmandu Valley from above due to their natural beauty. Major mountains including Langtang Lirung, Mount Manaslu, and Ganesh Himal are also visible.

If the weather is clear and you have your binoculars, you may explore to the east of Everest and the west of Annapurna. Adjacent to the scenic vista is the renowned Bhaleshwor Mahadev Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.  Himvatakhanda scriptures state that Bhaleshwor Mahadev manifested at the location where Satidevi’s “Bhala,” or forehead, detached itself from her corpse. Hindu believers think that when people travel to Chandragiri Hills to pay their respects to Mahadev, he grants them one request.

According to history, Prithvi Narayan Shah first glimpsed Kathmandu from this location and became inspired to conquer it. Shah’s dream was realized with the grace of Bhaleshwor Mahadev. According to local legend, farmers who hiked to Bhaleshwor Mahadev during the driest season were met with torrential downpours before they reached their homes.

A trip to Bhaleshwor Mahadev is no longer difficult because of the cable car. The cable car journey is as magnificent as it is reasonably priced, and it is as captivating and exhilarating. The cherry red cable car, which takes around 9 to 13 minutes to reach a spectacular 2,551 meters from 1,550 meters above sea level, is a great attraction in and of itself for tourists to Chandragiri Hills. Passengers may enjoy views of the snow-capped Himalayas, the rolling emerald hills, and the valley below during this brief trip.