Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour | 1- Day Tour in Kathmandu

Overview

Kathmandu Valley is a treasure trove of architecture, culture, art, tradition, religion, and local people. The Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour takes you to the 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Every corner of the city speaks of the influence of Buddhist and Hindu culture. Traditional bazaars (market), an abundance of ancient temples, Newari culture, and prayer flags are worth exploring.

The elevation of Kathmandu is approximately 1,324 meters, and it is 4,344 in terms of feet above sea level. The total area of Kathmandu valley approximately ranges from 1,280m to 1,340m, which is surrounded by hills on all sides and looks like bowl shaped valley. The popular nearby hills in the Kathmandu valley are Shivapuri and Phulchoki.

A remarkable fact is that all seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites are situated within a 25 km radius of the city. Access Nepal Tours and Trekking’s 1-day Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour takes you to 5 major Kathmandu Valley attractions: Swayambhunath, Patan Durbar Square, Bouddha Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple.

The day tour in Kathmandu begins with a pick-up from a local tour guide in a private car. Our first stop is Swayambhunath Temple, a revered stupa located at hilltop. This 2500-year-old stupa is famous for offering panoramic views of Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding hills.

Then the Kathmandu Sightseeing tour takes you to other national gems, Patan Durbar Square, Bouddha Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple, respectively. The tour is comfortable because of the route on the Kathmandu sightseeing map (all stops are clustered close together).

Our seamless itinerary takes you to all the Kathmandu Valley attractions. Our Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour package is a fully guided tour. From popular places to visit in Kathmandu to what to do in Kathmandu, it shows you the beauty of Kathmandu sightseeing places.

There are lots of things to do in Kathmandu. Worldwide recognized Buddhist and Hindu shrines, ancient Newari alleys, 180-degree sunrise views over the city, or just learn about centuries-old local culture and tradition all in one day.

Kathmandu day tour is designed for travellers who are looking for places to visit in Kathmandu with friends, families, or couples, or just want extra memories after returning from a trek. Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour is a group join package or upgrade to a private tour (at least 2 people).

Our Kathmandu sightseeing itinerary is flexible and customizable according to travellers’ preferences. If you want to schedule this trip after another or add more sites, it is also possible also in reasonable Kathmandu Sightseeing cost. The Kathmandu Sightseeing package is operated throughout the year and is perfect to do with friends, families, and partners. Booking for Kathmandu Sightseeing 2026 and 2027 is now exclusively open! So, ready to experience this rich cultural immersion trip.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour Highlights

Visit five UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kathmandu Valley in just one day.
2500 years old Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) is built on a hilltop.
Panoramic sunrise/sunset view over the Kathmandu Valley from the top of Swayambhunath.
Boudhanath (Boudha) Stupa, famous 36-meter white dome with gilded eyes on all four sides.
Pashupatinath Temple, Nepal’s holiest Shiva shrine and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur, ancinet 17th century palace built in Newar architecture.
Krishna Mandir, a three-story Shikhara-style temple (built in 1637) with Mahabharata carvings.
Patan is home to 136 traditional courtyards and 55 major temples.
Drop by Bhaktapur Durbar Square, a living museum that houses the 55-Window Palace, the five-story Nyatapola Temple, and pagoda shrines.
Centuries-old architecture, art, history, culture, tradition, and religions.
Cultural immersion: traditional Nepali arts, wooden and stone carvings, and ancient temples.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour Itinerary

Day 01Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

70 km
1,400m/ 4,600ft
6-8 hrs of tour
1,400m/ 4,600ft

The Kathmandu Sightseeing tour route goes in a circle through the Kathmandu Valley. The tour starts early in the morning after you complete your breakfast. Your tour guide comes to pick you up via private car.

The Kathmandu Sightseeing places are Pashupatinath Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bouddha Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, and Patan Durbar Square. The trip starts and ends in Kathmandu within a day.

Swayambhunath Stupa as a day tour in Kathmandu

The Kathmandu sightseeing officially begins with our first stop being the Swayambhunath Stupa. It’s a 2500-year-old spherical Buddhist stupa built high on the hill towards the west of central Kathmandu. Also called the Monkey Temple, Swayambhunath is famous for its whitewashed dome, gilded golden spire, Buddha’s eyes on four sides, and Kathmandu city views.

At Swayambhu, you can experience Nepal’s religious harmony: Buddhism and Hinduism coexist. To reach the top of the stupa, you have to take 365 stone steps. Along the climb, you will spot lots of playful macaque monkeys, which is also the reason it is called Monkey Temple as well. From the top, enjoy the panoramic view of Kathmandu Valley and the surrounding mountains. As the prayer flags flutters by wind, our hearts also flutter with peace.

Patan Durbar Square in Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour Itinerary

Likewise, we come down and head towards Patan Durbar Square. A short drive south across the Bagamti River, we reach Patan at Lalitpur district (“City of Beauty”). Patan Durbar Square is home to many historically significant 136 bahals (courtyards) and 55 ancient temples from the 17th century. Here, you can witness the beautiful Newari architecture everywhere. Carved stone statues, temples, and the design of the whole square speaks the history.

Krishna Mandir, built in 1637, is the heart of this square. This stone temple is built in the Granthakuta (Shikhara) style, decorated with carvings of deities and scenes from the Mahabharata. On the other side, there is the gilded Taleju Temple and the lion-guarded courtyards of the old palace. Closely explore the temples and palaces, the detailed woodcarving of windows and struts (known as jhenkas). We will also visit the Patan Museum here to see a collection of religious art, paintings, and historical things.

Boudhanath Stupa History and Location

Our next stop of Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour is Boudhanath Stupa. We drive towards the northeast from Patan. The stupa of Buddha is 36 meters high and considered one of the largest in the world. Its giant white dome and a golden spire topped by Buddha’s all-seeing eyes in four cardinal directions are key features.

Home to many Tibetan Buddhist communities, it is home to many Tibetan shops of thangka paintings, prayer wheels, and traditional carpets, and rooftop cafes. Here, we do kora (circumambulation) clockwise, spinning prayer wheels alongside monks and devotees. The scent of incense and butter lamps filling the air, monks murmur, chanting gives you a spiritual peace. We take a brief lunch break before heading to our next destination of Kathmandu sightseeing itinerary.

Bhaktapur Durbar Square in One day sightseeing in Kathmandu

The drive heads towards Bhaktapur Durbar Square, another cultural gem that carries so much history of Nepal. Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a beautiful palace located in a Newar city. Local people here still follow the age-old traditions.

Major highlights of this palaace is five-story Nyatapola Temple built in 1702. It is also home to a 55-Window Palace known for its wooden balconies. You can do sightseeing of nearby area and watch local potters making clay pots in Taumadhi Square. Still flourishing culture, traditional craft, brick, and woodwork make it more special.

Pashupatinath Temple end spots on Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

The tour continues to Pashupatinath Temple, which is also our final destination of the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour. By the time we arrive at Pashupatinath Temple, it will be afternoon. Driving along the eastern bank of the Bagmati River, we reach Pashupatinath Temple.

Pashupatinath Temple is one of the holiest and most revered temple among Hindu religion. Abode of Lord Shiva, the temple is well-known for having a golden roof. It is a 246-hectare site which houses 518 smaller temples and ashrams.

Another thing to see here is a Hindu cremation site (world famous) on the bank of the Holy Bagmati River, where people perform funeral rites. You can also watch the pilgrims praying and performing rituals.

In the evening, priests do aarati where hundreds of people come to watch it. If you have time, you can also watch the aarati along with singing bhajan and breathing sandalwood-scented air. It provides a very new and authentic experience of Nepali culture, religion, and beliefs.

After the Pashupatinath visit, your Kathmandu Sightseeing tour ends. Your tour guide will drive you back to your Kathmandu hotel. You will reach by early evening, around 6 to 7 PM. However, it depends on the traffic.

Included: Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour guide and private car.

Trip Includes

Hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Private car with air conditioning.
Professional, licensed, and local tour guide.

Trip Excludes

Tourist Visa and Insurance.
Personal expenses, meals, and accommodation in Kathmandu.
Tips and monument entry fees.
Additional trip or days.

Fixed Departure

Our groups are small with maximum 14 people. We create groups of independent travelers, friends and families which maintains close interpersonal connection, engage more and get into depth of the journey. Choose a date from the calendar to reserve your spot.

Year :

No avaliable date for this month.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour Route Map

Useful Information

Pickup and Drop for Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

The Kathmandu Sightseeing package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off within Kathmandu, accompanied by a tour guide. The transportation is a private car with air conditioning. After your breakfast, they will come to pick you up early in the morning. Once the tour ends, they will drop you off at your hotel.

Please inform us about your pickup points or hotel details a day before departure.

Departure Dates and Starting Time

Our day tour in Kathmandu runs throughout the year because it’s a short excursion and not weather-dependent. You can choose any date according to your convenience and preference.

The Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour starts early in the morning after breakfast aroud 8:30 or 9:00 AM. You can also choose your preferred start time.

Best Time to Go on Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour

The best times to do the Kathmandu Sightseeing tour are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The weather and temperature of Kathmandu are comfortable for outdoor activities.

Similarly, if you visit during spring and autumn, you will get to experience local festivals like Dashain, Tihar, Holi, Bisket Jatra, and many more. Spring and Autumn are also peak trekking season, so we suggest you make arrangemnet of accommodation, food, and other expenses in advance. Traveling during peak season, you might experience limited seating and high prices.

However, if you prefer travelling in a peaceful enviroment summer and winter are suitable.

Highlights You Won’t Forget during Day Tour in Kathmandu

Kathmandu Sightseeing tour covers 5 major Kathmandu Valley attractions.
All of these Kathmandu Sightseeing places are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Swayambhunath Stupa, a 2,500-year-old ancient Temple.
360° valley views from Swayambhunath.
Boudhanath Stupa, a popular white-domed Tibetan Buddhist shrine dating to the 5th century.
The sacred Pashupatinath Temple and the Bagmati River.
Ancient royal courtyard with temples, carved wooden palaces, and some masterpieces of Newari architecture
Bhaktapur Durbar Square, home to the 55-window palace and Nyatapola Temple.
Kathmandu sightseeing places represent the rich history, art, and religious diversity of Nepal.
Cultural immersion.

Accommodation during Kathmandu Sightseeing Places

In Kathmandu, you will get varieties of accommodation options. You can choose from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses and homestays in central areas like Thamel, Durbar Square, and Boudha.
Hotels in Kathmandu mostly offer free Wi-Fi and breakfast.

If you are having trouble finding or choosing a hotel, Access Nepal Tours and Trekking can help you recommend or arrange reasonable options for you.

Tip: Book in advance if you are visiting during peak season. Hotels fill up quickly and limited options will be available.

Food and Meals

Hugely influenced by many cultures and diversity, in Kathmandu, there are plenty of food options to eat. You can eat any cuisine on your own schedule. We will have a lunch break around noon or 1 pm, where you can go for lunch at a local restaurant or cafe.

Some of the popular food travellers must try are mo: mo (steamed or fried dumplings), dal bhat, lentil soup with rice and vegetables, and various Newari specialties like fried lentil bara, spicy choila, rice pancake chaatamari.

As the Kathmandu Sightseeing map takes you through many culturally diverse areas, you can also try Tibetan bread, Nepali thukpa noodle soup, or even international dishes. Another option is to get a recommendation from a guide. Small stalls do not usually accept cash. Therefore, it is best to carry some extra Nepalese rupees in cash for food and drinks.

Booking Procedure for Kathmandu Sightseeing

To book the Kathmandu Sightseeing package, you have to pay 10% of the total trip cost before the trek to reserve your seat. The remaining amount should be paid during or after the tour.

Once the booking is made, you’ll get confirmation and pickup instructions. The Kathmandu sightseeing cost is set per person for group departures. Likewise, for private or small group tours, it is often customizable. For example, if the base price is about US$80 for one traveler, it is possible to drop to $25 per person for groups of 5 to 6 travelers.

If you have any preferences, you can inform us during the booking so we can tailor it accordingly.

What to Bring / Packing Checklist

Comfortable walking shoes
Hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
Breathable clothes
Light jacket
Refillable water bottle and some energy snacks (bars, nuts)
Camera or smartphone
Personal ID and cash
Respectful attire – keep shoulders and knees covered when visiting temples (shorts are discouraged inside sacred sites)

Make sure to pack smartly but lightly taht are easy to carry for the day. If you prefer to plan a route, you can also bring a Kathmandu sightseeing map or guidebook.

Entrance Fees and Tickets for Kathmandu Sightseeing Monuments

To visit these major temples and squares, you have to buy entrance fees. To purchase a monument fee, your guide will help you assist at each site. Below are the entrance fee but they might fluctuate depending on the time:

Patan Durbar Square: NPR 1000 (per person)
Bhaktapur Durbar Square: US$18 (NPR 1800) for foreign visitors
Swayambhunath: NPR 200
Boudhanath Stupa: NPR 400
Pashupatinath Temple: NPR 1000 (per entry)

Children under 10 typically have free entry. Carry a cash and some extra as price may have change.

Customizable and Flexible Kathmandu Sightseeing Itinerary

Besides the mentioned fixed list of landmarks, the itinerary can be customized, and it is very flexible. If you are doing a Kathmandu Sightseeing tour in private, you can add more unique Kathmandu sightseeing places to visit in Nepal according to your preferences.

In our standard Kathmandu Sightseeing tour, we do allow some extra time at your favorite sights. However, in a private Kathmandu tour, you can go at your own pace and do not follow a fixed schedule. If you want to add more stops or Kathmandu Sightseeing places, just inform us. To plan a Kathmandu Sightseeing itinerary, you can look at the Kathmandu sightseeing map and choose some of the Kathmandu Valley attractions.

Difficulty Level

The Kathmandu Sightseeing places tour is easy level trk. The primary activity of this package is primarily walking and driving. Everyone with a basic fitness level can do this tour. Only at Swayambhunath, where you have to climb stair on uphill, will be a little bit energy draining. Otherwise, it’s a very easy and beginner-friendly tour.

Children and seniors can also do the Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour without any problems.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is not mandatory for Kathmandu Sightseeing. However, we still recommend it for all travelers. If you have insurance, it can back you up when issues arise like illness, theft, or minor accidents. Having insurance gives you peace of mind while travelling.

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour FAQs

Kathmandu Sightseeing Tour General Questions

What to do in Kathmandu in one day?

Kathmandu Valley is one of the richest cultural destinations in the world. The Kathmandu Sightseeing tour is a perfect choice to spend a day in Kathmandu. It takes you to some of the beautiful and historically significant Kathmandu Sightseeing places, some being 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Swayambhunath Temple, Patan Durbar Square, Bouddha Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square, and Pashupatinath Temple.